Best Things to Do in New Orleans

It’s literally Mardi Gras year-round in here. So no matter when you’re visiting New Orleans, you can experience the annual party (minus the revelers) by exploring this warehouse that’s filled with lavish props and floats.

Book a guided tour and visit sites throughout the city including hotels, restaurants and cemeteries to hear stories about their haunted pasts. Since it’s a popular tourist activity, there are plenty of tour operators to choose from.

Poke around in this mysterious apothecary, located in the historic French Quarter, and gaze at the treasure trove of spiritual and religious tchotchkes including tribal masks, talismans, charms and, of course, voodoo dolls. Plus, psychic and spiritual readings are on offer.

Around for over 200 years, the French Market, located in Jackson Square, has been through a lot, but its joie de vivre remains. This is where you can shop for souvenirs (some cheesy, some cool) and grab authentic grub like pralines, gumbo, jambalaya and beignets at the iconic Café du Monde at the edge of the market.

Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, this museum explores the history of jazz in the place it was born — New Orleans.

One of the city’s newest and most popular attractions, this military history museum includes immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories.

In true New Orleans style, you can combine a history lesson with some imbibing at this establishment. It’s reputed to be the oldest structure in the U.S. to be used as a bar and is named after the Lafitte Brothers, who reportedly used the place for a smuggling operation.

Originally opened in 1927, this historic hotel was closed for a brief period and reopened in 2016 with luxe modern amenities while still maintaining its old-school charm. Plus, it’s adjacent to a streetcar route.

Like most of the buildings in New Orleans, Hotel Peter & Paul contains an interesting past. The former Catholic church and school were restored and repurposed for new “congregants” who can stay in European-inspired rooms, some with claw-foot bathtubs.

Located in the Warehouse District, this boutique property combines features that the Ace Hotel brand is known for, like Smeg refrigerators and turntables, with authentic elements, such as rich jewel tones and woodwork.

Known for revitalizing Creole and Acadian cuisine, chef Frank Brigtsen serves up authentic dishes like catfish with grits and King Cake bread pudding.

Prepare to leave here covered in a light dusting of powdered sugar, thanks to the hefty pile that sits atop each serving of the cafe’s warm, pillowy beignets, which should be accompanied by a cafe au lait.

Grab treats and housemade breads at the bakery counter up front or take a seat in the dining room for some Southern-inspired dishes like fluffy biscuits topped with fried chicken and Tabasco honey; BBQ shrimp and cheesy grits; and pimento cheese dip.

While these traditional New Orleans sandwiches (usually made with roast beef or fried seafood) are available all around the town, this shop offers an updated spin on the classic, such as roasted cauliflower, pecan butter and jelly and BBQ chicken confit.

At the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in Hotel Monteleone, it’s the whimsical merry-go-round bar (and maybe the cocktails too) that will make your head spin — in a good way. Sip on a Sazerac as you take a spin on the city’s only revolving bar.

Found on the outskirts of the city, this casual Bywater watering hole boasts a big backyard where you can grab food, sip some wine and listen to live music.

As the name would suggest, this classic drinking establishment, located inside Arnaud’s restaurant, serves up a long list of custom cocktails, including the French 75, which is made with Courvoisier VS, sugar, lemon juice, and Moët & Chandon.

This historic music venue, located in the French Quarter, hosts acoustic jazz concerts almost every single night of the year.

Known by locals as simply “The Cat,” this club showcases New Orleans music, including traditional and modern jazz, blues, funk, klezmer and more.

The city’s most famous neighborhood, the French Quarter encapsulates the culture of New Orleans with a mix of historic sites, jazz clubs, iconic restaurants and rowdy nightlife.

Known for its raucous partiers and syrupy cocktails, Bourbon St., which is located within the French Quarter, really comes alive during Mardi Gras. Fun fact: The “go cup” was invented here.

You can hop aboard the city’s classic streetcars via several routes, but the St. Charles line has been rumbling along for more than 150 years, and its green car is a symbol of New Orleans.

This major thoroughfare follows the Mississippi River, traveling from the city’s Central Business District and the Warehouse Arts District through the Garden District and Uptown. Cafes, restaurants and shops mingle with charming homes along this street, making it the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

This stretch within the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood is where you’ll find some of the most popular music joints in New Orleans, including Snug Harbor, The Spotted Cat, d.b.a  and Blue Nile.