Five Cool Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city unlike any other in America. Steeped in history, brimming with culture, and filled with vibrant energy, the Crescent City offers an experience that’s both unique and unforgettable.

Whether you’re drawn to its world-famous cuisine, legendary music scene, or rich history, New Orleans has something for every traveler. Here are five cool things you absolutely must do when visiting this extraordinary city.

Explore the French Quarter

The French Quarter is the beating heart of New Orleans, a place where history and modernity collide in the most fascinating ways. As the oldest neighborhood in the city, the French Quarter is a treasure trove of architectural gems, with its narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, ornate balconies, and lush courtyards. Begin your exploration on Royal Street, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and street performers. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the city’s creative spirit while browsing for unique souvenirs.

Don’t miss a visit to Jackson Square, a historic park framed by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States. The square is alive with artists, musicians, and fortune-tellers, offering a vibrant snapshot of New Orleans’ eclectic culture. Just steps away, you’ll find the bustling French Market, where you can sample local delicacies like beignets from Café du Monde and shop for handmade crafts.

For those interested in history, the Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street offers an insightful look into the city’s past, with exhibits covering everything from colonial times to modern-day New Orleans. Walking through the French Quarter, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, with every corner revealing another layer of the city’s rich and storied history.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

New Orleans is a paradise for food lovers, with a culinary scene that’s as diverse as it is delicious. The city is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisines, which combine French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences to create bold and flavorful dishes. No visit to New Orleans is complete without trying some of the city’s signature foods.

Start your culinary journey with a po’ boy, a classic New Orleans sandwich typically filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef, and served on crispy French bread. For a truly authentic experience, head to Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a local favorite that’s been serving up po’ boys since 1911.

Next, dive into a bowl of gumbo, a rich stew made with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, sausage, okra, and a deep, dark roux. Gumbo is a dish that varies from kitchen to kitchen, so it’s worth trying it in several different restaurants to experience the full range of flavors. One of the best places to sample gumbo is Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, an iconic establishment that has been at the heart of New Orleans’ culinary and cultural scene for decades.

Don’t forget to try beignets, the city’s beloved deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Café du Monde is the most famous spot to indulge in these sweet treats, but for a less touristy experience, head to Café Beignet, where you can enjoy your beignets with a cup of chicory coffee in a charming courtyard setting.

Experience the Music Scene

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and music is woven into the very fabric of the city. From the lively sounds of street performers in the French Quarter to world-class live music venues, the city offers a musical experience like no other.

One of the best places to catch live music is Frenchmen Street, located just outside the French Quarter. This vibrant street is lined with bars and clubs that feature live performances every night of the week. Check out The Spotted Cat Music Club or d.b.a., both of which offer intimate settings where you can listen to some of the best local jazz, blues, and funk bands.

For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Preservation Hall, an iconic venue dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz. Located in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall hosts nightly concerts in an intimate, no-frills setting that allows the music to take center stage. The hall’s history dates back to the 1960s, and it remains one of the best places in the city to experience the raw, authentic sounds of New Orleans jazz.

If you’re in town during festival season, don’t miss the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest. Held every spring, this legendary event brings together some of the biggest names in music across multiple genres, along with local acts, food vendors, and artisans. It’s a celebration of everything that makes New Orleans special, from its music and food to its unique cultural heritage.

Take a Ghost Tour

Free Halloween Clown photo and picture

New Orleans is a city with a long and colorful history, and it’s no surprise that it’s also considered one of the most haunted cities in America. For a spine-tingling adventure, take a ghost tour and explore the darker side of the city’s past.

Several companies offer ghost tours in New Orleans, each with its own unique twist. One of the most popular is the French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tour, which takes you through the historic streets of the French Quarter while recounting tales of haunted houses, voodoo queens, and mysterious murders. Another highly recommended tour is the Haunted History Tour, which delves into the legends and lore of the city, including the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, said to be one of the most haunted places in America.

If you’re interested in the city’s voodoo history, consider taking a tour that focuses on this mystical tradition. Voodoo tours typically include a visit to the tomb of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, as well as stops at voodoo shops and historic sites.

Ghost tours in New Orleans are not only entertaining but also offer a unique way to learn about the city’s history and the people who have called it home over the centuries. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, you’ll find these tours to be a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Cruise the Mississippi River

Free Mississippi Bridge photo and picture

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. The river has played a crucial role in the city’s history and development, and a cruise offers a relaxing way to see New Orleans from a different perspective.

One of the most iconic ways to experience the Mississippi is aboard a paddlewheel steamboat. The Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen are two of the most popular options, both offering daytime and evening cruises. During the cruise, you can enjoy live jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, and breathtaking views of the city skyline and the river.

For a more immersive experience, consider taking a historical tour cruise, which includes narration about the history of the Mississippi River and its significance to New Orleans. You’ll learn about the river’s role in the city’s commerce, its impact on the local culture, and the efforts to control its powerful currents.

Evening cruises are particularly magical, as the city lights up against the backdrop of the river, creating a picturesque scene that’s perfect for a romantic evening or a special night out with friends. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or simply looking for a relaxing way to end your day, a cruise on the Mississippi River is a must-do in New Orleans.

 

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