With the lively music, rich Creole flavors and scenic river views, it can be hard to difficult what to do in New Orleans when you visit for the first time. There is so much history, culture and incredible food on offer.
To save you the headache, we’ve narrowed down 12 classic experiences that capture the soul of the city, they will give you a little taste of everything. Choose what excites you most, or squeeze them all into one unforgettable trip. Either way, don’t miss some of the best things to do in New Orleans.
Highlight Activities In New Orleans
Ride the Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River
Roll back to the 1800s aboard the Steamboat Natchez, the last authentic steamboat still churning along the Mississippi River. Watch the red paddlewheel splash through muddy waters as you float past the French Quarter’s historic skyline.
The two-hour daytime cruise shows off the working port while a jazz band plays in the background. Or pick the dinner cruise to taste enjoy the flavors of New Orleans while the sun sets over the river. The boat’s steam calliope pipes out tunes you can hear all along the riverfront before each departure.
You want to grab spots on the outdoor deck for the best views and photos. The guides will point out landmarks and share stories like riverboat racing and Mark Twain’s days on the Mississippi. Something interesting (especially for engineering geeks) to check out onboard is the massive engine room where giant pistons are powering the paddlewheel.
River tips: Grab seats on the right side of the boat heading downriver for the best French Quarter views. The weekend jazz cruise sells out fast, try to reserve as early as possible.
Take a Swamp Tour
Want to see alligators up close? Book a swamp tour through the mysterious bayous around New Orleans. These 2-4 hour boat rides take you deep into cypress swamps where gators sun themselves on logs and herons wade through murky waters.
Small airboats zip through narrow channels while a trip on bigger pontoon boats offer a smoother ride. The guides know exactly where to spot wildlife and share stories about life on the bayou that’s pretty fascinating.
Tours run year-round, but spring and fall have the best weather and most active wildlife. Summer gets sticky hot but that’s when baby alligators hatch. Winter means fewer mosquitoes and clearer views through the bare trees.
When to go: Book a morning tour for the best wildlife viewing – animals are most active before the day heats up. Pack bug spray, sunscreen, and water. Wear shoes that can handle mud if you’re doing a small-boat tour.
Enjoy Creole and Cajun Cuisine
New Orleans’ food scene is pretty famous and for good reason. Creole and cajun cuisine are almost like the most versatile comfort food. And there’s a variety so you can take your pick based on your craving.
Food finder tip: Skip tourist spots and follow the locals. Ask your hotel staff, cab drivers, or shop owners where they eat – they’ll point you to hidden gems serving authentic Creole and Cajun dishes. The best meals often come from tiny corner joints with handwritten menus.
A few spots that I don’t think you can go wrong with – try the po’ boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, the fried chickens at Willie Mae’s (The Scotch House outlet is temp closed at the moment), and seafood at Clesi’s.
Alternatively, hop on a food tour and sample multiple dishes all at one go. I always recommend doing this early on your trip so you can revisit favorite spots, or try out different places for the same dishes you enjoyed.
Explore The Voodoo of New Orleans
Amongst all the things that New Orleans is known for, one of the most infamous and interesting aspect of the city is its spooky history. With the centuries-old buildings, misty cemeteries, and dark history of voodoo, pirates, and unsolved mysteries, it comes as no surprise that ghost stories are a “highlight” here.
Locals talk about spirits that never left, hidden courtyards with eerie pasts, and hotels where guests report strange sights and sounds. The French Quarter, in particular, is packed with haunted spots, from old mansions with dark secrets to bars where ghostly figures have been spotted long after closing time.
If you want to experience the eerie side of the city, a haunted walking tour is definitely the way to go. You’ll hear real stories of ghosts, vampires, witchcraft, and voodoo while exploring the city’s most haunted corners.
Whether you’re a believer or just love a good creepy tale, it’s a fun (and chilling) way to see New Orleans after dark. Just be warned—some places have a reputation for making visitors feel like they’re not alone :p
Take a Streetcar Ride on the St. Charles Line
Hop aboard one of New Orleans’ gorgeous green streetcars for a ride back in time. Rolling down St. Charles Avenue since 1835, these historic cars offer the perfect way to see the city without wearing out your feet.
Grab a window seat and watch grand mansions and century-old oak trees pass by as you cruise through the Garden District. The wooden seats and brass fittings make you feel like you’ve stepped into old New Orleans, complete with windows you can slide open to catch the breeze.
For just over a dollar, you get to travel past Loyola and Tulane Universities, Audubon Park, and countless beautiful architecture homes. Better yet, grab a Jazzy Pass and ride all day explore different neighborhoods.
Local tip: Avoid rush hour (8-9 AM and 4-6 PM) for the most relaxed ride. The best seats are by the windows near the middle of the car. Have exact change ready – drivers can’t break big bills.
Experience Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
Want real New Orleans jazz? Skip Bourbon and head straight to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. This three-block stretch comes alive after dark with the sweet sounds of brass and piano spilling onto the sidewalks.
The Spotted Cat Music Club packs in crowds nightly for an intimate setting. Musicians play just feet away from the audience, and there’s usually no cover charge – just grab a drink and soak in the tunes. The tiny space fills up fast, so show up early to snag a good spot near the band.
DBA offers a bigger venue with comfy booths and an impressive whiskey selection. The music varies from traditional jazz to funk and brass bands. The sound quality here is fantastic, and they post their monthly schedule online so you can plan ahead.
Local wisdom: Hit Frenchmen Street between 8-10 PM when bands are warming up but spots are still available. Duck into Blue Nile if you hear something good – their upstairs balcony gives a great view of the street scene below.
Top Attractions In New Orleans
St Louis No.1 Cemetery
No, this is not a mistake. You might be surprised that a cemetery is a key attraction, but this is not that uncommon. From the Recoleta cemetery in Buenos Aires to the in La Paz, these cemeteries has really given me a different appreciation of a city’s history.
With above-ground tombs, winding pathways, and centuries of history, New Orleans’ cemeteries feel more like eerie, beautiful cities of the dead. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most famous of them all—home to legendary figures, mysterious voodoo queens, and some seriously haunting stories.
One of the most well-known residents? Marie Laveau, the city’s legendary voodoo queen, whose grave still draws visitors leaving offerings in hopes of a little good luck. The cemetery is also full of stunning old tombs, some crumbling with age, others still carefully maintained by families after generations.
Since you can’t just wander in on your own, you can only explore it on a guided tour. Spots are limited so you want to book early. You’ll hear the fascinating stories behind the graves, learn about the city’s unique burial traditions, and maybe even pick up on some of the ghostly energy people swear lingers here (ok I’m kidding on that last one, you probably don’t want that)
National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum ranks as one of the popular attractions in New Orleans, taking you through America’s role in the war. Located in the Warehouse District, this massive space brings history to life with real aircraft, tanks, and personal items from soldiers.
Start in the “Road to War” exhibit, where you’ll learn how the U.S. got pulled into the conflict. Then catch “Beyond All Boundaries,” a 4D movie produced by Tom Hanks that puts you right in the middle of key battles. The rumbling seats and special effects make it feel super real.
The highlight? The Boeing Center, where actual warplanes hang from the ceiling. Look up to see a B-17 bomber that flew missions over Germany. The interactive submarine experience lets you try your hand at operating torpedo controls.
Time-saving tip: Book tickets online to skip the morning lines. Show up when doors open at 9 AM to beat the crowds.
Mardi Gras World
Want to peek behind the curtain of New Orleans’ biggest party? Head to Mardi Gras World where artists craft the massive floats year-round. Giant props and colorful characters fill this working warehouse on the riverfront – perfect for amazing photos.
The behind-the-scene tour walks you through float-making from start to finish. Watch artists sculpt larger-than-life figures and paint intricate details on next year’s parade stars. You’ll learn about Mardi Gras traditions while exploring rooms packed with props like massive jesters and mythical creatures.
Best part? They let you try on authentic Mardi Gras costumes for fun photo ops. The tour ends with a slice of king cake, giving you a taste of carnival season any time of year.
Float fan tips: Book the first tour at 9 AM to catch artists at work. Grab seats by the window in their shuttle – it picks up from downtown hotels and shows you parts of the warehouse district along the way. The gift shop stocks unique carnival masks you won’t find on Bourbon Street.
Districts And Places To Visit In New Orleans
Explore the French Quarter
I recommend starting your French Quarter adventure at Jackson Square; this is like the beating heart of old New Orleans. It’s common to see street artists painting and musicians playing jazz tunes here. You can easily spend an hour soaking in the atmosphere and snapping photos of performers.
The stunning St. Louis Cathedral is the landmark here, and you can pop inside between 9 AM and 5 PM to check out the gorgeous stained glass windows and peaceful interior. The cathedral dates back to 1720 and still holds mass today (so make sure you’re not intruding before going in)
Then head down Royal Street, where you’ll find quirky art galleries tucked into historic buildings. Look out for local artists displaying their work and vintage shops packed with treasures, great spot for window shopping even if you’re not buying anything.
When night falls, Bourbon Street comes alive with music oozing from every door. While it can get rowdy later into the night, early evening lets you experience the energy without the wild crowds. Live jazz and blues echo from century-old bars – just follow your ears to find the best spots.
Pro tip: French quarter is the most iconic niegborhoods in New Orleans imo. This is great place to join a guided tour either on foot or on horse carriage that helps you really appreciate the stories behind this district.
Tour the Garden District
The Garden District is where you will find massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss lining the streets, and some of the most stunning mansions in the South stand tall. I recommend starting at Washington Avenue and Prytania Street. It’s the perfect spot to see a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture that gives this neighborhood its charm.
Another famous spot is the Buckner Mansion, built in 1856, with its grand white columns and wraparound porch. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was featured in American Horror Story: Coven. Just a few blocks away, you’ll also find the Wedding Cake House, a bright pink mansion with intricate trim that gives it the nickname.
If you want to dive deeper into the history and stories behind these homes, a historic walking tour is a great option. You’ll get all the details on the district’s past, its famous residents, and even a few hidden gems you might otherwise miss!
Insider tip: There’s a good photo in the morning between 8-10 AM when the light filters through the oak trees, giving a more serene feel.
Explore the Tremé Neighborhood
Step into America’s oldest African American neighborhood, where jazz took root and culture runs deep. Start at Louis Armstrong Park’s ornate iron gates, which open up to 32 acres of peaceful walking paths and bubbling fountains beneath live oak trees. The park stays open from sunrise to sunset – morning visits offer the best chance to watch local musicians practice by the duck pond.
At the heart of the park lies Congo Square, where enslaved people gathered on Sundays to make music, dance, and trade goods in the 1800s. This sacred spot still hosts drum circles and cultural events that keep those traditions alive. Time your visit for Sunday afternoons when drummers often show up to play.
Check out the Backstreet Cultural Museum nearby to see stunning Mardi Gras Indian costumes and learn about the neighborhood’s unique traditions. The tiny museum packs in tons of history about second line parades and jazz funerals.
Local wisdom: Visit during the daytime hours and bring cash for museum entry.
More Useful Info For a Trip to New Orleans
If you’re starting with what to do, this is a good place to be. But we’ve also got a full 3-day itinerary to help you map it out, tips on the best areas to stay with the cool hotels to check out. Find out what are the kid friendly activities, as well as popular tours and worthy day trips if you’ve got extra time.
- Famous Landmarks in New Orleans
- Classic Things New Orleans is Known For
- Tasty Dishes To Try In New Orleans
- Fun Facts About New Orleans
