20 Things to Do in New Orleans: A Local’s Guide
Hey there, fellow travelers! As someone who’s called the Big Easy home for years, I’m pumped to share my insider’s guide to this one-of-a-kind city. From jazz-filled streets to spooky cemeteries, New Orleans is a feast for all your senses. So grab a go-cup (yeah, we drink on the streets here), and let’s dive into the 20 best things to do in the Crescent City!
1. Get Lost in the French Quarter

Alright, let’s kick things off with the heart and soul of New Orleans – the French Quarter. This ain’t just any neighborhood; it’s where the city was born back in 1718. Here’s what you gotta do:
- Stroll down Royal Street for some window shopping and street performances.
- Hit up Preservation Hall for a taste of traditional New Orleans jazz.
- Snap a pic of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.
- Grab a coffee and beignet at Café du Monde (tourist trap? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely).
Pro tip: The Quarter is magical at night, but keep your wits about you. Stick to well-lit areas and trust your gut.
2. Ride a Streetcar

Forget Uber, the best way to see New Orleans is on one of our historic streetcars. For just $1.25, you can ride these beauties all over town. My fave routes:
- St. Charles Line: The oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. It’ll take you through the Garden District and Uptown.
- Canal Street Line: Runs from the Mississippi River to City Park.
Pro tip: Grab a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides. It’s a steal if you’re planning to explore a lot.
3. Explore the Garden District

If the French Quarter is New Orleans’ wild child, the Garden District is its elegant older sister. This neighborhood is all about stunning mansions, ancient oak trees, and celebrity homes. Here’s what to do:
- Take a stroll down Magazine Street for some boutique shopping.
- Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 for a dose of New Orleans’ famous above-ground tombs.
- Grab lunch at Commander’s Palace, a NOLA institution (and yes, they have 25-cent martinis at lunch!).
Fun fact: Anne Rice’s old house is here. Vampire fans, keep your eyes peeled!
4. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

Y’all, New Orleans is old, and with age comes… ghosts. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, ghost tours are a fun way to learn about the city’s darker history. Some spooky spots:
- The LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter (made famous by American Horror Story).
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where voodoo queen Marie Laveau is supposedly buried.
- The Hotel Monteleone, said to be one of the most haunted hotels in America.
Pro tip: Book a tour with a reputable company like Ghost City Tours or French Quarter Phantoms.
5. Jazz It Up on Frenchmen Street

Forget Bourbon Street (well, don’t forget it entirely, but we’ll get to that later). For the real New Orleans music scene, head to Frenchmen Street. It’s just a few blocks long, but it’s packed with live music venues. Some of my faves:
- The Spotted Cat for intimate jazz shows.
- d.b.a. for a mix of jazz, funk, and brass bands.
- Blue Nile for a bit of everything.
Pro tip: Most venues don’t have a cover, but do buy a drink or two to support the musicians.
6. Feast on Cajun and Creole Cuisine

Okay, let’s talk food. New Orleans cuisine is a melting pot of French, African, and American flavors. You can’t leave without trying:
- Gumbo at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
- Po-boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern
- Chargrilled oysters at Drago’s
- Jambalaya at Coop’s Place
And for the adventurous eaters, give alligator a try. It tastes like… well, you’ll see!
7. Take a Swamp Tour

Just outside the city, you’ll find Louisiana’s famous swamps and bayous. Taking a swamp tour is a great way to see gators, snakes, and all sorts of wildlife up close. Plus, you’ll learn about the unique ecosystem of the Mississippi Delta.
Pro tip: Go with a smaller operator like Cajun Encounters for a more personal experience.
8. Party on Bourbon Street

Love it or hate it, you can’t come to New Orleans without experiencing Bourbon Street. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s a bit ridiculous – but it’s also a whole lot of fun. Some Bourbon Street must-dos:
- Grab a giant Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle (careful, they’re stronger than they taste!).
- Sing along with the dueling pianos at Pat O’Brien’s.
- Watch the sunset from the balcony at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in America.
Remember, you can drink on the street here, so feel free to bar hop with a go-cup!
9. Visit the National WWII Museum

Need a break from the party scene? The National WWII Museum is consistently rated one of the best museums in the country. It’s massive, so plan to spend at least half a day here.
Don’t miss the 4D movie “Beyond All Boundaries,” narrated by Tom Hanks. It’s an extra cost, but totally worth it.
10. Check Out a Festival

We’ve got a saying here: “New Orleans is always ready to throw a party.” Seriously, we have festivals for everything. Some of the big ones:
- Mardi Gras (February/March): The granddaddy of them all. If you’ve never experienced it, you need to add it to your bucket list.
- Jazz Fest (April/May): Two weekends of music, food, and culture.
- French Quarter Fest (April): Like a locals’ version of Jazz Fest, and it’s free!
Pro tip: Book accommodations way in advance for these big festivals. Prices skyrocket and places fill up fast.
11. Cruise the Mississippi

The Mighty Mississippi is the reason New Orleans exists, so you gotta get out on the water. Options include:
- A dinner jazz cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.
- A quick ferry ride to Algiers Point for great skyline views.
- Kayaking on the river (yes, it’s a thing, and it’s awesome).
Fun fact: The Mississippi River is actually pretty dirty, so maybe don’t swim in it. Just saying.
12. Get Artsy in the Bywater

The Bywater is New Orleans’ hipster haven, full of colorful houses, street art, and quirky bars. Here’s what to check out:
- Studio Be, a massive warehouse turned art gallery.
- Bacchanal, a wine shop with a killer backyard for live music.
- The Music Box Village, an interactive musical sculpture garden.
Pro tip: Rent a Blue Bike (our bike-share program) to explore this neighborhood. It’s flat and bike-friendly.
13. Visit a Plantation

This one’s a bit heavy, but important. The plantations along River Road offer a sobering look at Louisiana’s slave-owning past. Whitney Plantation focuses specifically on telling the stories of enslaved people and is a powerful, educational experience.
14. Get Wild at the Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo is consistently rated one of the best in the country. Some highlights:
- The Louisiana Swamp exhibit, complete with white alligators.
- The Jaguar Jungle, where you can see jaguars, howler monkeys, and more.
- The Cool Zoo, a water park that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Pro tip: Combine your zoo visit with a trip to Audubon Park. It’s a great place for a picnic or a jog.
15. Brunch Like a Local

Brunch isn’t just a meal in New Orleans – it’s an event. Some top spots:
- Brennan’s for their famous Bananas Foster (invented here!).
- Elizabeth’s for praline bacon (trust me on this one).
- Atchafalaya for live music and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
Remember, calories don’t count on vacation. At least that’s what I tell myself.
16. Shop at the French Market

The French Market has been around since 1791, making it the oldest public market in the country. Today, it’s a mix of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to browse and sample local treats.
Don’t miss the Farmers Market Pavilion for some seriously good eats.
17. Take a Cooking Class

Want to bring a taste of New Orleans home with you? Take a cooking class! Several places offer them, but I’m partial to the New Orleans School of Cooking. You’ll learn to make classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines.
Bonus: You get to eat what you cook!
18. Visit Mardi Gras World

Can’t make it for actual Mardi Gras? No worries! Mardi Gras World gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous floats are made. You can even try on some costumes and eat king cake.
Pro tip: They offer a free shuttle from several French Quarter locations.
19. Relax in City Park

City Park is huge – like, 50% bigger than Central Park huge. There’s tons to do here:
- Stroll through the Sculpture Garden (it’s free!).
- Rent a paddleboat on the lake.
- Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art.
- Get lost in the world’s largest stand of mature live oaks.
In the fall, check out Voodoo Fest, a massive music festival held in the park.
20. Second Line in a Parade

Last but not least, you gotta experience a second line parade. These brass band parades happen most Sundays in the Tremé neighborhood. Just follow the music, grab a drink, and dance in the street with the locals.
Pro tip: Check WWOZ’s website for the weekly parade schedule.
Wrapping It Up
Whew! That was a lot, but honestly, we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the awesome things to do in New Orleans. From our incredible food to our non-stop music scene, there’s a reason why they call us the Big Easy.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in NOLA. Remember to pace yourself (the city can be overwhelming), stay hydrated (especially if you’re drinking), and don’t be afraid to talk to locals – we love sharing our city with visitors!
And hey, if you fall in love with New Orleans (and trust me, you probably will), who knows? Maybe you’ll end up calling it home someday too. Stranger things have happened in this magical city!
Laissez les bon temps rouler, y’all, and enjoy your stay in the one and only New Orleans!