New Orleans Cool Things To Do – “If it weren’t for New Orleans, America would be a bunch of free men dying of boredom.”
Whether you call it the Crescent City, The Big Easy, NOLA or New Orleans, once you visit you’ll never want to leave. Unfortunately, some visitors think the entire city revolves around Bourbon Street, the ubiquitous daiquiri shops and “big-ass beer” stands.
New Orleans Cool Things To Do
In fact, New Orleans locals rarely set foot on Bourbon Street. They spend their time eating decadent Creole cuisine in old-school diners, sipping sazeracs in high-end hotel bars, and listening to jazz in small music venues you might pass by if you don’t know which door to look for.
Top Things To Do In New Orleans (besides Mardi Gras)
After living in NOLA for four years and returning for dozens of visits over the years, I have had the opportunity to experience the best this city has to offer. And I’ve rounded up all of my favorite things to do in the city, from the most worthwhile tourist activities to the best-kept hidden gems, to help you plan your trip.
So, if you’re wondering what to do in New Orleans, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out about my favorite sights, sounds, drinks and food in New Orleans!
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The Top 15 Things To Do In New Orleans
If you want to be in the middle of the action, check out the Hotel Bourbon Orleans. It is located halfway down Bourbon Street and 2 blocks from Jackson Square. The real selling point is the peaceful courtyard pool, tucked away from the craziness of the French Quarter.
TheAce Hotelis New Orleans newest hot spot! Bringing the same bad-chic hipster style that launched the brand in Portland, their New Orleans hotel features a stunning rooftop bar, an award-winning restaurant (Josephine Estelle), Stumptown Coffee Roasters and an oyster bar.
Looking for a cool hotel room that won’t break the bank? Old number one is hard to beat. 77 Hotels and Chandleries. Located in the warehouse district, it’s the perfect location to explore the French Quarter and Garden District.
Best Things To Do In The French Quarter Of New Orleans
65 Things to Do in New Orleans (Excluding Bourbon Street) Getting Around in New Orleans 1. Watch street performers in Jackson Square
Jackson Square is the heart and soul of the French Quarter. Here you will find artists and street performers vying for your attention. You can listen to a brass band, buy unique art or read your palm – all against the backdrop of St. Petersburg. Louis is an amazing historical figure. It’s the perfect place to start your New Orleans vacation (and a great starting point for a walking tour of the French Quarter).
Be sure to take the New Orleans Streetcar along St. Peter’s. Beautiful Charles Avenue, through the Park District and up into New Orleans. There’s something hypnotic about watching a giant Spanish oak pass by while hearing the regular clicks of trams. This is one specialty of New Orleans that you cannot miss.
Exploring The Crescent City: Top Things To Do In New Orleans
A ride costs $1.25, but you need exact change, so buy quarters. Don’t even think of calling it a “trolley” in San Francisco.
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“When I was a child, among my friends in our village on the west bank of the Mississippi River, there was only one eternal ambition. That is, to become a steamer. “
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A steamboat cruise down the mighty Mississippi River is on many people’s bucket lists after reading stories about the Old South and America’s westward expansion. Steamboat Natchez still sails in New Orleans and you’re in luck because they offer daily departures.
If you choose a day trip, you’ll be treated to stories about the history of New Orleans. Or you can opt for an evening cruise that includes a live jazz band on board!
Book your cruise here: Steamboat Cruises in Mississippi. It’s one of the best things to do in New Orleans.
Amazing Things To Do In New Orleans For First Timers!
Founded almost 300 years ago, in 1718, New Orleans has more deaths and intrigue. Whether it’s Shanghainese sailors, mysterious vampires or unsolved murders, New Orleans has a long and sordid history. One of the best ways to learn the history of the French Quarter is on a spooky (and delightful) ghost tour!
Voodoo has long been a part of New Orleans’ religious tapestry. It is a combination of Catholic, African, and Haitian beliefs followed by part of the enslaved population of New Orleans and the surrounding countryside in the 18th century.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Voodoo in New Orleans, free walking tours are available. Be sure to tip your driver at the end of the tour. Unfortunately, it did not reach the famous grave of Marie Laveau in the cemetery of St. Petersburg. Louis no. 1, so if you want to include that stop, you need to sign up for avoodoo and the cemetery tour.
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St. LOUIS CEMETERY NO. 1 is the oldest in New Orleans and one block from the French Quarter. It has several famous historical figures, including New Orleans voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Unfortunately, the cemetery closed its doors to the public in 2015 to prevent vandalism. So to visit, you must sign up for a cemetery tour. It is more interesting if there is a local guide who tells the story of the people in the cemetery.
You will be amused by the story of how bodies were buried underground and bodies resurfaced and floated on the road due to floods.
St. Louis Cemetery no. 2 is still open to the public and only three blocks from St. John’s Cemetery. Louis no. 1. It contains several famous musicians and historical figures. If you have a car, you’ll want to check out the Metairie Cemetery – it’s home to some of the most ornate graves and funerary statues, including the famous “Weeping Angel” statue in the Hyams family mausoleum.
Fun Things To Do In New Orleans!
Even if you’re not in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday, you can still catch a glimpse of the magic of Mardi Gras at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. It’s a huge warehouse where artists work year-round to create and assemble massive themed floats and costumes for the crew.
You will be treated to an interesting tour of the various construction projects currently underway. The best part is the end when you are free to wander around the store, watch the artists at work and take pictures to your heart’s content. Plus you get a free piece of king cake… Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Located on the edge of the French Quarter, America’s Audubon Aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals. The highlight is walking through a 30-foot underwater tunnel. You’ll see sharks, piranhas, sea turtles, anacondas, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an albino crocodile!
Top Things To Do In New Orleans, Usa Travel Tips • Dreams Become Wings
Tip: If you plan to visit Audubon’s multiple attractions (ie Aquarium, Zoo and Butterfly Garden), you should book a combo ticket in advance to save money.
While most walking tours stick to the French Quarter, a good option is to walk to the Garden District. It is more peaceful and everything is the same. You’ll walk among the magnificent homes of celebrities such as Anne Rice, Archie Manning and John Goodman. You can walk through Lafayette Cemetery, a beautiful old cemetery on Washington Avenue across the street from the Commander’s Palace.
It’s easy to take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of the Park District with a little research online, or you can book a guided tour here. Either way, it’s an unusual New Orleans alternative to a booze-filled French Quarter tour.
Fun And Unique Things You Can Only Do In New Orleans
Audubon Park is a 350-acre park located in Uptown New Orleans, just outside of downtown St. Petersburg. Charles Avenue from the prestigious Tulane University. If you ride the tram along St. Charles, a great place to get off and stretch your legs. The Audubon Zoo is also located in Audubon Park and is a great place to spend an afternoon if you have kids with you.
Tip: If you want to visit the aquarium and the zoo, you should book a combo ticket to save around $15.
One of New Orleans’ best kept secrets is the “New Orleans Pass.” It offers free admission to more than 25 tours and attractions around New Orleans. Which is great if you want to see a lot of sights. Here are some highlights:
Things To Do In New Orleans %
What better place to learn about the history of jazz than its birthplace, New Orleans. Exhibits include some jazz memorabilia, including Louis Armstrong’s first cornet. As an added bonus, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is housed in the historic Old United States Mint.
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