Things To Do
in New Orleans
New Orleans is a cultural mosaic where French, African, Caribbean, and Southern influences fuse to create a city of music, cuisine, and color. From the ornate balconies of the French Quarter to the verdant avenues of the Garden District, the city pulses with life and history. Jazz spills from street corners, second-line parades roll through the neighborhoods, and culinary traditions—from Creole to Cajun—shape every meal.
Festivals like Mardi Gras add a constant carnival vibe, inviting visitors to celebrate, explore, and soak up the unique spirit of the Big Easy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café du Monde, indulging in their famous beignets and chicory coffee. Wander through the historic streets, admiring the stunning architecture and vibrant colors of the buildings. Don’t miss Jackson Square, where local artists often display their work, providing a perfect backdrop for an early morning stroll.
Visit the historic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. After absorbing the cathedral’s beauty, explore the nearby shops and galleries on Royal Street, known for its antiques and local art. Wrap up the afternoon with lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Creole cuisine with dishes like gumbo or jambalaya.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, famous for its nightlife. Enjoy live jazz performances in one of the many bars, where you can sip on a classic Hurricane cocktail. For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at a renowned restaurant, indulging in a blend of Southern flavors and unique New Orleans dishes.
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in the Garden District, enjoying a Southern-style meal. Afterward, take a walking tour of the area, admiring the grand mansions and lush gardens that showcase the architectural beauty of New Orleans. Make sure to stop by Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where you can learn about the city’s famous above-ground burial practices.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the historic Magazine Street, filled with eclectic shops and boutiques. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, where you can enjoy a po'boy sandwich, a New Orleans classic. Afterward, visit the historic Tulane University campus to appreciate its beautiful architecture and gardens.
As the evening approaches, head to a local jazz club for a taste of authentic New Orleans music. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the Garden District, where you can find a mix of Creole and contemporary cuisine. End your night with a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, soaking in the charming ambiance under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-6 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-250 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $8-22 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich musical heritage and world-class cuisine
- Walkable core areas with rich architecture and vibrant street life
- Hot, humid summers and potential hurricane risk
- Tourist crowds can make popular areas busy and pricey during peak seasons
Places to Visit in New Orleans
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic central plaza framed by St. Louis Cathedral, wrought-iron balconies, and lively street life, perfect for daytime and golden-hour photography.
Tree-lined streets with stately mansions and ornate ironwork provide classic architectural photography.
expansive green space with ancient oaks, lagoons, and art installations—great for wide-angle and nature shots.
A dramatic profile against the Mississippi with reflections along the water and lively river activity nearby.
Scenic views of the river and city skyline at dusk, with boats and ferries passing by.
Vibrant murals and Louisiana vernacular architecture along narrow, charming streets ideal for street photography.
Food in New Orleans
New Orleans Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deeply flavored roux-based soup or stew with OKRA and seafood, chicken, or sausage, usually served over rice.
Must-Try!
A hearty rice dish cooked with meat (often sausage and chicken) or seafood, and the holy trinity of vegetables.
A crusty French bread sandwich stuffed with fried seafood or roast beef and toppings.
A rich, soothed dish with shellfish in a thick sauce, folded with the Cajun/Creole roux and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables.
Fluffy square pastries dusted with powdered sugar, best enjoyed with chicory coffee.
A large Italian-style round loaf filled with olive salad and cured meats, iconic at Central Grocery and similar spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering seafood, Cajun specialties, pastries, and regional snacks—great for tasting street foods and picking up gifts.
Modern market with a curated mix of local vendors offering small plates, fresh produce, and drinks.
Beignets, get-your-beads fried items, and pop-up crawfish boils appear around festival times and along riverfront routes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello or bonjour in French-influenced areas is appreciated; tipping is customary in service industries. Ask before photographing people in private settings.
Embrace the spirit of celebration, but be respectful in sacred spaces and residential neighborhoods.
Support local musicians by tipping and avoiding crowding in one spot; be mindful of noise and share sidewalks during live performances.
Safety
Tipping in New Orleans
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tip 15–20% of the bill before tax. For bartenders, servers in casual venues, and hotel staff, common tips are 1–2 dollars per drink, 1–5 dollars for bag handlers, and per-visit tips for housekeeping.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and street vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in restaurants and shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings. Hurricane season runs June–November, so monitor forecasts during travel.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for exploring outdoor neighborhoods and enjoying festivals like the end-of-year parades and music events.
Mild to cool with occasional chilly days; great for walking tours and museum visits without the daytime heat.
Warm and vibrant with festival activity; expect rain showers and blooming landscapes in parks and along the riverfront.
New Orleans at Night
Hiking in New Orleans
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Boardwalk trails through wetlands with abundant wildlife and marsh scenery near the city.
Flat, scenic trails and birdwatching opportunities not far from urban areas.
Lush forest environments and swamp scenery suitable for day trips from New Orleans.
Airports
How to reach New Orleans by plane.
Main international airport about 15–25 miles from downtown; access via car, rideshares, or airport shuttles.
Public-use airport close to downtown primarily serving general aviation and private flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major cultural influence on music, cuisine, and local traditions.
Diverse neighborhoods range from historic districts to newer developments.
A growing presence contributing to cuisine, markets, and festivals.
Smaller but active communities enriching cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home games in the Caesars Superdome bring a vibrant, festive atmosphere with tailgating and crowds in purple and gold.
Basketball games at the Smoothie King Center with energetic fan involvement and local pride.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Orleans.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Creole and Cajun dishes can be adapted. Look for vegetable-heavy options like stuffed peppers, red beans (without sausage), gumbo without meat, and salads. When in doubt, ask for dishes prepared without meat stock or seafood for stock-based sauces.