Top 10 Things To Do in New Orleans, LA

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What do you get when you mix The Big Apple and The Big Easy?

A mystically charming and, even at times, spooky adventure. New Orleans (aka The Big Easy) is a city parish located on the Mississippi River in the state of Louisiana in the U.S. Known for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, and unique celebrations, there is never a shortage of to-do’s when building a New Orleans travel itinerary.

When I planned my first trip to New Orleans, I was excited but also… overwhelmed. How would I tackle all that The Big Easy had to offer in a mere two days?

The walking tours, the haunted adventures, the architecture, the beignets… So much to see – and eat – in what has been aptly coined NOLA, The Paris of the South, and even Crawfish Town! But, ever the travel optimist, I was ready for the challenge.

With the sun shining, my sneakers tied, and not a moment to lose, I jetted from the airport to the jazz-filled cobblestone streets of one of America’s oldest, most vibrant (and possibly most haunted) cities.

Got your walking shoes? Great. Let’s hit the streets as I walk you through the top 10 things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana.

#1: Grab Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

Now, we couldn’t possibly start our adventure without fueling up on beignets and chicory roast at the oldest shop in NOLA, could we? No, readers, we could not. Let’s head to Cafe Du Monde.

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this riverside cafe is always full (and I mean full) of tourists, Louisianan natives, and foodies alike as they sip on chicory blend coffee and wait for a bite of the classic beignets. What, you might wonder, is a beignet?

These puffy, deep-fried pastries are topped with powdered sugar and are eaten by New Orleans residents for breakfast, lunch, dessert, or even a snack! Beignets are suitable for any meal or occasion, so it’s truly no wonder why Cafe Du Monde is always packed with friendly foodies.

Cafe Du Monde has been in business at the New Orleans French Market since 1862 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you head to The Big Easy and don’t stop by for a bite, you’ve done it all wrong.

Click to learn more about Cafe Du Monde

#2: Marvel at Mansions in The Garden District

While the French Quarter gets most of the attention for its charm, cuisine, and nightlife, there is a lot more to explore outside of “The Old Square”.

For those looking for more of a peacefully enchanting destination, I highly recommend hopping on the New Orleans City Sightseeing Tour Bus (a must for anyone who hopes to see as much of NOLA as possible!) for a 15-minute ride to The Garden District.

Originally developed between 1832 and 1900, the Garden District is a magnificently well-preserved residential neighborhood. Once a span of French plantations, the land was later sold off to Americans who wanted to escape the French Quarter.

The area was originally developed with a few houses per block, each surrounded by enormous gardens, hence its name – The Garden District.

While the plantations are long gone, wanderers can stroll up and down the endlessly charming streets, covered with overhanging Magnolia branches and moss, as they take in the splendor of some of America’s oldest and most well-preserved mansions.

Fun Fact: For any Anne Rice enthusiasts, you can stop by and gawk at THE Anne Rice House, where the bestselling author wrote classics including The Witching Hour and Interview with the Vampire.

Click to learn more about The Garden District

#3: Walk Through Historic Jackson Square

If you’re spending the day in the French Quarter, you couldn’t possibly walk past Jackson Square without stopping by to take in the view. This park is a National Historic Landmark and is a popular site for film and TV sets, weddings, photoshoots, and more.

The park features a large statue of its namesake – Andrew Jackson, our nation’s 7th President – at the center of the foliage.

With its backdrop of the Mississippi River on one end, and St. Louis Cathedral on the other (more on this later!), it’s easy to imagine spending several hours reading, wandering, or taking in the sights on this historically grassy knoll.

Fun Fact: For the history buffs – Jackson Square is the site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase!

Click to learn more about Jackson Square

#4: Take in Classic French Architecture on Royal Street

When wandering through the French Quarter, you might find yourself drawn to the boutiques, shops, and architectural delights of a certain street. If you glance at the street signs, you might find yourself surprised to end up on Royal Street with every turn.

This happened to me several times during my NOLA adventure. After many zig-zags, I decided to give in to my impulse and stroll up and down Royal Street. And readers, I was mesmerized.

Royal Street is one of the original streets of New Orleans, with its origins dating back to the early 18th century. By the early 19th century, Royal was a hotpot for business and commerce. Today, Royal Street is known for its quirky shops, antique stores, art galleries, and breathtakingly historic homes and hotels.

If the second-story Gothic balconies adorning each corner aren’t enough to pique your interest, the array of shops will certainly keep you occupied.

Fun Bonus: Every afternoon, three blocks of Royal Street close for traffic, allowing pedestrians to stroll the streets freely. Musicians set up shop on street corners, filling each intersection and side street with New Orleans’ distinct Creole-jazz delights.

Click to learn more about Royal Street

#5: Ride the Mighty Mississippi on a Jazz Riverboat Cruise

Craving more jazz? Or, perhaps riverside adventures are more your style? Never fear, readers, NOLA has tourist attractions by land and sea. Well, river, that is.

If you’ve ever seen one of those flashy, old-world riverboats with the giant red wheels and found yourself thinking, “That looks like fun!” this is your big chance.

Climb aboard the Steamboat Natchez (or any of New Orleans’ many steamboat cruise options) and take in the wonders of the Mississippi River while sipping on assorted beverages, taking in live music from New Orleans’ finest, and enjoying riverside Creole cuisine… Talk about service!

Steam Natchez cruises run year-round and feature options including Jazz Brunch, Dinner Jazz, and even Weddings!

Click to learn more about Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Cruises

#6: Step Inside St. Louis Cathedral

For those looking for some history with a splash of Roman-Catholic-slash-French-architecture thrown in, this is a must-see. The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France – also known as St. Louis Cathedral – is the oldest continually active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States!

Originally built in 1724, and later rebuilt TWICE after a hurricane and a fire, the Cathedral is a modern wonder and reminder of the earliest days of New Orleans settlement. The Cathedral is open 9 am to 4 pm daily and opens directly into Jackson Square.

It is also a very popular venue for weddings – If you’re exploring one of the nearby streets, you might get lucky and see a traditional New Orleans wedding parade!

Click to learn more about St. Louis Cathedral

#7: Visit the New Orleans Voodoo Museum (If You Dare!)

Here we go again, readers. I know what you’re thinking – Why does Aurie always try to lead us on spooky adventures on her travels? Because, readers, America is full of rich history, which, of course, extends to the paranormal!

New Orleans is well known for its Voodoo history, so would this truly be a comprehensive NOLA adventure if we didn’t dabble – at least a little – in the unknown?

Brief History Lesson: It is said that enslaved Africans brought Voodoo to New Orleans in the early 1700s, which was later strengthened after the 1791 slave revolt in Haiti. The Voodoo traditions of West Africa were later merged with those of the local Catholic population. Thus, New Orleans Voodoo was born!

For a tourist-friendly peek into New Orleans’ somewhat spooky history, stop into the New Orleans Voodoo Museum. Just don’t touch any of the Voodoo dolls!

Click to learn more about New Orleans Voodoo Museum

#8: Try Bananas Foster at Brennan’s

Calling all decadent dessert lovers! We must head to Brennan’s Restaurant. Since its opening on Royal Street in 1946, Brennan’s has been a NOLA staple for its ingenious mix of Spanish, French, and traditional Creole cuisine.

From brunch to dinner, happy hour, and everything in between, there is no shortage of culinary niceties to be had at this historic gem.

Fun Fact: Brennan’s is the home of the ORIGINAL Bananas Foster! In the early 1950s, Owen Brennan (founder/owner) decided to create and name a dessert after his friend, Richard Foster.

Owen’s younger brother was running a company that had a surplus of bananas, so Owen decided to use that surplus to his advantage. The result was Bananas Foster, which is served as an upscale dessert around the globe!

Click to learn more about Brennan’s Restaurant

#9: Wander Through St. Louis Cemetery

Okay, yes, this does sound like another one of my spooky antics, but readers, stick with me. While this seems like it would have paranormal undertones, an afternoon at St. Louis Cemetery is for history enthusiasts, not ghost hunters.

Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest extant cemetery in the city of New Orleans. Take in the wonder of above-ground burial structures, and learn about the unique burial traditions of NOLA, as well as some of St. Louis Cemetery’s most famous residents.

Not in the mood to explore on your own? Never fear, readers, check out this guided tour!

Click to learn more about St. Louis Cemetery

#10: Take a Nightlife Stroll Down Bourbon Street

What better way to wrap up an eventful New Orleans trip than to take in the nightlife on NOLA’s most popular after-hours spot – Bourbon Street.

Named after New Orleans’ ruling family upon its founding in 1718, this historic street in the heart of the French Quarter extends 12 blocks – Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue – and is filled to the brim (pun intended) with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Live street performers, jazz music, and the smell of Creole bites fill the air as the streets are packed with wanderers, celebrators, or New Orleans residents making their way home. The city has put up blockades, deterring and preventing traffic, so the streets are free and clear to fill with excited walker-bys.

Spend an entire evening (or just a few minutes) strolling up and down Bourbon Street, where you will find yourself overstimulated in the very best way imaginable.

Click to learn more about Bourbon Street

Final Thoughts

Well, readers, this Big Apple girl left The Big Easy feeling refreshed, exhausted, and stuffed with more Creole cuisine than I thought I could handle.

I enjoyed every bit of my trip through New Orleans, and my recommendation to any potential NOLA wanderer is this – Try to do, see, and EAT everything in your path. New Orleans is waiting for you, when you’re ready!

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