My Top 13 Favorite Things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans
Eating a fabulous lunch at Butcher near the WWII Museum

 

For those of you who are familiar with New Orleans please understand that this is our first time and we have a lot to learn about this very unique city.  We tried our best to dabble here and there to get a flavor for what the city can offer. 

Go easy on me about the Big Easy! Like any big city you can have a different experience every time you go. I feel like we made a substantial first pass at New Orleans and absolutely need to go back, maybe in the spring time. 

 I really want to encourage all of you to go and see it for yourself! It is truly one of the most remarkable places in the U.S. that I have ever visited and shame on me for not going sooner!


Visit New Orleans to Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

things to do in New Orleans

A visit to New Orleans has been on our destination “to do” list for quite a while and we had actually planned a trip for this time last year, but had to change our plans.

We wanted to go on this vacation with our longtime college friends, Jon and Angela because not one of us had ever been!

Jon and Angela, who are also empty nesters, are big adventurers and choose to travel to some very interesting places like last year on their “iTrip” to Iceland and Ireland. Next spring Angela has planned an exciting tour of Japan and a six-day hike along the Nakasendo Trail, several days in Kyoto and Tokyo and then finishing in Maui! Can’t wait to hear about that trip.

Truthfully, Craig and I do not travel with friends that often, but we were super lucky to travel with great communicators like them, as well as fun, enthusiastic, knowledgable travelers. Angela did the restaurant research and we ate at some fab-u-lous restaurants and each day we all discussed the days activities to determine what we all wanted to do and in what order. Seamlessly we moved from one activity to another, and had an absolute blast.

13 things to do in New Orleans
New Orleans architecture

 

Before I left for the trip, I asked my Facebook friends for suggestions for our trip to the Big Easy. I was curious what their top things to do in New Orleans would be. What I learned was that people are passionate and have strong opinions about their favorites in this unique city.

Our biggest dilemma was that there just wasn’t time to enjoy every single suggestion! I decided to make it simple and just give you my highlights. So if you ever get a chance to travel there you can use this as a guide for you to add to and/or edit as you wish.

My primary suggestion is to put this incredible city on your list to visit! There is something for everyone.

Here are my top 13 things to do in New Orleans ~

1. A three-hour small group bus tour including Katrina and the 9th ward

The city is quite large and we wanted to get our bearings so we chose to take a small group tour which was led by an energetic, knowledgable Cajun man named John, who was a hoot! His southern sense of humor and Cajun style has us in stitches the entire time. In addition to the famous cemeteries, parks, neighborhoods, architectural beauty and other typical New Orleans tourist sites, we traveled through the hardest hit areas destroyed by Katrina. What a sobering reminder and call to action. A lot has been accomplished, but you cannot believe how much is still left to do . Cajun Encounters

things to do in New Orleans
St Louis Cemetery
things to do in New Orleans
Part of Musician’s Row where affordable houses were built so that musicians could stay in New Orleans after Katrina.

 

2. John Besh – Lüke

Not only is James Beard Award Winner Chef John Besh a cutie, he owns many crazy great restaurants in New Orleans. He was born in the South and is dedicated to the culinary riches of southern Louisiana. “In his restaurants, entrepreneurial pursuits, and public activities, he preserves and promotes ingredients, techniques, and heritage one dish at a time.” The menu at Lüke pays homage to the grand old Franco-German brassieres that once reigned in New Orleans. Truly delicious. I could do a post about the whole meal and the outstanding service!

things to do in New Orleans
Fried Oyster Salad

 

things to do in New Orleans
Bread pudding and four spoons please! This was gobbled up in a minute.

 

3. The National WWII Museum and lunch at Butcher

Everyone raved about the WWII Museum and they were so right. It is spectacular, informative and captivating as well. Since we were not born during this era, there is always more to learn. I cannot stress enough that every American needs to visit this museum. The National WWII Museum

things to do in New Orleans
At the WWII Museum

things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

Nearby the museum is a happening neighborhood restaurant called Butcher. It is the little brother restaurant of Cochon. When we arrived it was lively and packed for lunch. Just order your lunch and find a table in the bar area. Lots of photos ops here!  Butcher

things to do In New Orleans
Pork Slider and Muffaletta Sandwich at Butcher in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

4. Magazine St

After the museum, we walked off our lunch on Magazine St. Magazine is a very long (about 6 mile) shopping district in a charming neighborhood lined with trees and adorable homes. The shops are built inside very old buildings which just enhances the experience. With lots of great bars like the Red Dog (we loved it) and places for lunch and snacks. Additionally, we were blown away by the uniqueness of the boutiques and quality of the products. Many of the shops were filled with personally designed merchandise that was super cool and not typical tourist junk. #Greatfinds

things to do in New Orleans
This is Leah, the owner of Century Girl and her sweet dog. She carries really beautiful, clean, well-priced vintage clothing. Go visit and/or check out her website. CenturyGirlVintage.com
things to do in New Orleans
Vibrant and friendly architecture on Magazine St

5. Garden District

One of the highlights of my trip. Just strolling through this charming historical neighborhood made me smile. Check out my post to read all of the details.

Door to a home in the New Orleans Garden District

6. Ride the Street Car

These historic street cars are not only perfectly preserved but a fun and inexpensive way to see the city. At only $1.25/ride and .25 transfers, $3.00 all day – It is a bargain and lots of fun!

7. Frenchmen Street

Ah… Frenchmen Street, this is where the locals go and the tourists who are lucky enough to have friends who recommend it. Wear your jeans, flat shoes and best attitude, because it will be crowded. This unique area is sprinkled with small yummy restaurants, cool bars and lots of live music.

things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

8. Trinity

This restaurant is within a few blocks of Frenchmen St, so it is the perfect place for dinner. It is only nine months old, and the food is really terrific. After extensive (and gorgeous) renovations they are trying to compete in this very restaurant competitive city. Check out all of the small plates, we loved them all. I highly recommend it. Trinity

things to do in New Orleans

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9. Carousel Bar

In the French Quarter, this unusual bar is made of a Carousel with decorative chairs, music, lights and all. As you walk through the Quarter, stop in for a drink or just to see it and take a photo. It actually slowly revolves around the bar. So fun!

things to do in New Orleans

 

10. Preservation Hall

“New Orleans’ Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture.

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition.”

It was almost a religious experience. Captivating and emotional, what a pleasure it was to watch these great musicians. No recording, no photos!

11. Bourbon St

You have probably already heard of this famous street located in the French Quarter, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. It is a spirited street full of partiers, music, clubs and large crowds. You must visit and see for yourself. This area is in the heart of the French Quarter. Rich with history, the music is stimulating and the scene can be very provocative. This type of rowdy atmosphere may totally appeal to you (or not) but make sure you spend a little time there.

12. Exchange Place

Exchange Place (Alley) is one of the most famous pedestrian walkways in the French Quarter, a little alley steeped in history. It was also home to some of the best bars in the city, including the original Sazerac Coffee House, arguably where America’s first cocktail was invented. It is a perfect place to grab a coffee, cocktail and take seat in the this peaceful little slice of heaven. Artists also line the street quietly painting as well as sharing their work.

things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

13. Cafe du Monde

Last but not least in the slightest, is a must visit to Cafe du Monde. Every single person I asked recommended a sojourn to this New Orleans tradition. Cafe du Monde was opened in the French Market in 1862, it is open 24 hours and serves delicious, dark roasted coffee with chicory and warm, puffy, beignets. They are piled high with powdered sugar and it makes for some fun eating. You end up wearing a good deal of sugar, your face gets messy and try not to laugh, the powder goes everywhere! Cafe du Monde.

things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

things to do in New Orleans

We planned an itinerary, we ate, we drank, we laughed, we learned some history, met extremely friendly people, we smiled, we walked some more and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Big Easy. Stay tuned for more posts from our activity-packed trip to New Orleans.


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39 thoughts on “My Top 13 Favorite Things to do in New Orleans”

  1. I am going to tag along with Marc on a business trip to New Orleans in early December! I haven’t been since 1987! Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. You did a great job. I’ll be following your travel tips to a T!

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    • Oh Barbara – I am envious! You and Marc will have a blast. This was a beefy post and yet there is still more to see! I am thrilled you found it helpful. 🙂

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  2. Nola is on our wish list! Small world–We Know Jon Light! Joel and he are in Pro visors together and I know him as a fellow lawyer!

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  3. So glad that you saw the WWII Museum! We spent every night in Frenchmen Street area, loved it all. But, because we spent every day at the Jazz Festival, didn’t get to the WWII Museum. And we do try to visit every one we can… This one is supposed to be tops. Looks like a PERFECT VISIT!!

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  4. I’ve been to New Orleans at least 5 times, but always with a primary reason other than tourism, i.e. conferences or to start a cruise. Consequently, I think you did more on your first trip than I have in 5. I absolutely agree that the World War II Museum is definitely worth a visit. I see no one warned you against wearing dark clothes while eating beignets. 😉

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    • Sounds like it it time for another trip Suzanne. Eating powdered sugar and beignets was very funny especially at the end of the night when you are tired and have had a cocktail!

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  5. Looks like eating and drinking is a highlight when visiting New Orleans :-). And we can’t believe it either, but we’ve never been to New Orleans! We’ll definitely put Frenchmen Street (for the live music bars!) on our list when we do visit :-).

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    • I am feeling a little better that many of my esteemed travel blogger friends either haven’t been to New Orleans in a while or have never been. Hope you plan a trip soon Noel!

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  6. I fell in love with NOLA a few years ago and am dying to go back. Thanks for great suggestions– especially for food and drink. Love your photos– especially one of The Carousel Bar!

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  7. Definitely one of our top cities in America. Glad to see Musician’s Village represented. It has been one of our favorite charities for years. Looks like you found plenty of good spots and learned that food is a huge part of experiencing New Orleans. We would have to add Central Grocer to the must visit list. A muffuletta there (the original) is the ultimate sandwich.

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  8. I love NOLA! We were there quite a number of years ago (before I was blogging) on a culinary tour and I loved it. We ate and drank SO well. Would love to return and continue the discovery. Thx for sharing your experiences.

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    • Thank you for reading Doreen. It is certainly a delicious city. I still have so much more I need to eat, see and drink of New Orleans!

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    • Thank you Irene! It was sure difficult to come up with only 13 favorites! The post was getting longer and longer. So true, we loved experiencing this city with dear friends. Thanks for your comments.

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  9. How fun to have friends from college to travel with. I try and take a major trip with my BFF from college every year. Such a great way to stay connected. New Orleans has been n our wish list for quite some time. I’ll definitely bookmark your post for the future. Thanks.

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    • Thank you Alison! We did have such a great time. We rarely travel with anyone and it was great to be with people who liked the same things and communicate so well. I hope you go!

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  10. Oh, you make me want to jump on a flight for NOLO right now! Such a fun and tasty destination. Two things I’m adding to my must-do list next time I’m there Lukes’s, French & German is my favorite and the Carousel Bar – can’t believe I still haven’t been there what a miss!

    Reply

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