New Orleans Travel Guide
New Orleans is a city of jazz music, historic architecture, vibrant street life, and bold flavors. Located along the Mississippi River, New Orleans blends French, Spanish, African, and American influences into a culture unlike anywhere else in the United States. From colorful balconies in the French Quarter to live music on every corner, New Orleans offers a rich and immersive travel experience. This New Orleans travel guide will help you discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to explore the city beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, New Orleans always feels soulful and alive.
Best Things To Do in New Orleans
New Orleans combines history, music, architecture, and nightlife. The best things to do in New Orleans reflect its unique cultural energy.
1) Explore French Quarter
The historic heart of the city, filled with colorful buildings, iron balconies, jazz clubs, and lively streets.
2) Walk Down Bourbon Street
Famous for nightlife and live music, Bourbon Street is especially lively after dark.
3) Visit Jackson Square
A historic park surrounded by artists, street performers, and iconic buildings.
4) See St. Louis Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, located in Jackson Square.
5) Ride the St. Charles Streetcar
One of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the world, passing historic homes and oak-lined streets.
6) Explore the Garden District
Known for grand mansions, historic architecture, and peaceful streets.
7) Visit the National WWII Museum
One of the most highly rated museums in the U.S., offering immersive exhibits.
8) Take a Mississippi River Steamboat Cruise
Experience the river aboard a traditional paddlewheel boat.
9) Visit the Preservation Hall
An intimate venue dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz.
10) Join a Swamp Tour
Explore Louisiana’s wetlands and see wildlife such as alligators.
Local Tip
New Orleans is compact and walkable in the French Quarter, but neighborhoods like the Garden District require public transport or rideshare.
Hidden Gems in New Orleans
Beyond the main attractions, New Orleans offers quieter neighborhoods and authentic local culture.
1) Explore Frenchmen Street
Known for live music venues and a more local atmosphere than Bourbon Street.
2) Visit City Park
A large urban park with oak trees, walking paths, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
3) Discover Bywater
A colorful and artistic neighborhood filled with murals and local cafés.
4) Visit the Pharmacy Museum
A small museum showcasing 19th-century medical history.
5) Explore Treme
One of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the U.S., rich in musical history.
6) Visit Audubon Park
A scenic park popular with locals for jogging and relaxing.
7) Discover the Music Box Village
An interactive musical art installation.
8) Visit Congo Square
A historic gathering place significant to the development of jazz and cultural traditions.
Local Insight
Music is everywhere in New Orleans. Even outside famous venues, you’ll find spontaneous performances and street musicians. The city’s rhythm defines its identity.
What to Eat in New Orleans
1) Gumbo
A flavorful stew combining seafood or meat with spices and rice.
2) Jambalaya
A rice dish with sausage, chicken, or seafood.
3) Beignets
Powdered sugar-covered fried dough, famously served at Café du Monde.
4) Po’ Boy
A traditional sandwich filled with fried seafood or roast beef.
5) Crawfish
Seasonal boiled crawfish is a local favorite.
6) Étouffée
A rich, flavorful seafood stew served over rice.
7) Muffuletta
A large sandwich layered with meats, cheese, and olive salad.
8) Hurricanes (Cocktail)
A famous fruity cocktail associated with Bourbon Street.
Local Tip
Avoid dining directly on Bourbon Street if you want better quality and value. Explore Frenchmen Street or side streets in the French Quarter for more authentic experiences.