New Orleans. Love it or hate it, it is a city that tugs at emotions from deep within no matter what your final verdict is.
It is alive, pulsating and breathing like you and me. Its energy is all-consuming. It absorbs and it reacts; it is not afraid of change. Instead, the city is cultivated by the people around it. Just as they are of it.
From the very beginning, New Orleans embraced the essence of individuality and diversity. Native American Indians were accepted instead of suppressed, Europeans and West Africans commingled in the New World, Creole intertwined with Cajun, and French and Spanish equally impacted the spirit of the city.
You can feel its life force, its vitality, its soul. A stroll through its expansive architecture ranging from grand mansions to charming cottages takes you through its past and present. Its eclectic neighborhoods scream charisma and fervor. It will transport you to a different period and mindset yet you’ll feel as relevant as ever.
Like a person, it has evolved over time but never strayed too far from its core. Each unexpected encounter and unique experience has shaped its existence and continues to do so.
Nothing can break this city. It has had its hardships and challenges, but it is stronger because of them. Each occurrence parting with an awakening and an emerging appreciation. Appreciation for the city, its culture, its expressive nature, its people, and its significance.
Today, it is still an environment of acceptance. It encourages a sense of freedom to be anyone you want to be or live the life you were meant to live. The city invokes intrigue and romance. It summons the question of who you are and where you are going.
There’s just something about the place that speaks to my heart. To me, New Orleans is perfectly imperfect. I hope you feel the same way!
Tips for Your First Visit to New Orleans
Questions we often hear are – Is New Orleans safe to visit? What should I avoid in New Orleans? New Orleans is definitely not shielded from crime but generally, it is considered safe for travelers.
Here are some precautions and tips for your visit.
- Stay aware of your surroundings especially at night. Look for well-lit areas.
- Keep track of your purse and/or wallet. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket or bring a big purse.
- Be aware of scams: people approaching you asking questions like where did you get your shoes or helping you with directions. Also, know if you take a picture of or with any of the ‘entertainers’ on the streets they will expect and/or ask for a tip.
- It’s always smart to travel in twos especially when a lot of drinking is involved.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes because the best way to see the city is on foot.
- Bring some cash, many of the bars have minimums on credit card purchases and/or are cash-only establishments.
Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are through affiliate partnerships. We may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase through our links.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Luxury
- Hotel Monteleone – Providing first-class amenities to its patrons since 1886. Check out the latest prices and more details.
- The Roosevelt – Rich history at the elegant and classy hotel. Look at pictures and see prices.
Mid-Range
- Grenoble House – Apartment-style suites with outdoor terrace and pool. Check out the latest prices and pictures.
- Jazz Quarters – Charming hotel with Creole cottages and suites. Reserve your room.
- Hotel Mazarin – Upscale boutique hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Budget
- Frenchmen Hotel – Get the real feel of NOLA.
- The Lookout Inn – Quirky and eccentric with themed rooms.
- Hotel Villa Convento – Perfect location in French Quarter.
- French Market Inn – Situated in the French Quarter with a whimsical garden, outdoor pool, and views of the Mississippi River.
Disclosure: The above links included are affiliate links, if you book through any we will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
In no particular order, here are the best things to do in New Orleans French Quarter and more for any first-time visitor:
1. Soak in the French Quarter Architecture
What is the number one attraction in New Orleans? No one can deny the beating heart of the city is in the historic French Quarter.
Make sure to carve out ample time to wander the streets and soak it all in.
A few do-not-miss places include:
- Royal Street
- St. Louis Cathedral
- Jackson Square
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (which should be added to your pub crawl below since it’s the oldest structure in the U.S. used as a bar)
- Pontalba Buildings at 500 St. Peters Street
2. Create your Own Pub Crawl
You can’t come to New Orleans without experiencing the most famous street in America.
Enjoy Bourbon Street at its best, a few hours before and after sunset. You’ll get to drink in – literally – the beautiful outdoor patios during the day and the infamous neon lights at night.
Do not miss Old Absinthe House, Maison Bourbon, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar, the patio at Pat O’Brien’s, Beach on Bourbon, and the Cat’s Meow.
What to Drink: Hurricane from Pat O’s, Hand Grenade from Tropical Isles, Bloody Mary from the Gazebo Cafe or Molly’s at the Market, and Pimm’s Cup from Napoleon House.
If you don’t want to create a DIY crawl, hop on a fun Haunted Pub Crawl where you’ll experience all the haunted bars in the city with a seasoned local guide and other visitors.
READ NEXT: NEW ORLEANS BEYOND BOURBON STREET
3. Take a Cemetery Tour
One of the most hauntingly beautiful places in NOLA is the above-ground cemeteries.
Witches Brew Tours is a highly rated ghost and cemetery tour that includes St. Louis Cemetery No 1. *The inside is currently closed to visitors, but the tour does take you to the surrounding area.”
Established in 1789, Cemetery No 1 is the oldest in the city and is the final resting place for many colorful native characters such as Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. And another popular site is the future tomb of actor Nicholas Cage.
One of the unique things to do in New Orleans at night is to take a Haunted Cemetery and City Tour.
This two-hour spooky tour takes you to see the Coven House from American Horror Story and two cemeteries where you’ll learn all about voodoo history and hear chilling tales from beyond the grave.
Get Your Guide is a great company that offers discounted tours and tickets to the best New Orleans attractions. If you book through our site, at no additional cost to you, you’ll help us support the blog since we receive a small commission.
Other fun tours they offer:
4. Try Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
Even if there is a line, it is worth the wait for these light fluffy treats that will melt in your mouth.
Café Du Monde began as a coffee stand in 1862 and it is still pounding out those French donuts called beignets (pronounced ben-yays).
A trip to NOLA is not complete without trying one… Or three.
5. Have Drinks at the Famous Carousel Bar
Spinning inside the Monteleone Hotel for 65 years now, the Carousel Bar & Lounge has a colorful Merry Go Round with bartenders in the middle serving up creative cocktails.
Open all day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, make sure to swing by and go for a ride.
You can’t go wrong with ordering one of the classics: Pimm’s Cup, Sazerac, Old Fashioned, or a Manhattan.
If you’re looking for things to do in New Orleans for couples, check out my suggested Charming and Romantic Restaurants in NOLA next.
6. Eat a Muffuletta from the Central Grocery and Deli
Serving muffuletta sandwiches for over 100 years, the first owner of the old-fashioned grocery store is known as the creator of the famous meat, cheese, and olive spread concoction.
Go hungry because the sandwiches are about the size of your head!
7. Hop on a Streetcar
Take a ride on the cheap and historic streetcar along St. Charles Avenue.
You’ll glide under ancient oak trees and past antebellum mansions on the forty-minute ride from the edge of the French Quarter.
Fun Fact: The dark green streetcar on the St. Charles line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.
8. Walk through the Lower Garden District of New Orleans
If you don’t mind walking a few miles, take the St. Charles streetcar to the end of the line, then head back but get off at Louisiana Avenue.
Head over to Magazine Street and check out all the shops and restaurants.
Atchafalaya is well-known for its build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar and The Bulldog has a great local craft beer selection.
GET A TASTE OF MARDI GRAS WORLD YEAR-ROUND WITH THIS TOUR IN NEW ORLEANS
9. Listen to Live Music
Whether you bar hop along Frenchman Street or hit Preservation Hall, you must spend at least one night jamming out to live music.
You’ll also catch some entertaining and talented folks on the streets. Just make sure to watch your phones and wallets when crowds start to form. It’s a prime spot for pickpocketing.
10. Devour a Po’ Boy
Po’ Boys are a traditional sandwich served all over Louisiana. It is said that they originated in New Orleans to be exact. You can order meat like Roast Beef slathered in gravy or seafood like fried shrimp or crawfish.
Two favorites are Johnny’s Po-Boys or Killer PoBoys in the French Quarter.
11. Shop at the French Market
Located in the French Quarter taking up six blocks, the French Market is the oldest of its kind in the United States.
Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, it is a place to eat, drink, and shop. Don’t forget to stop in any of the praline shops for some free samples!
12. Check out Harrah’s Casino
Even if you are not a gambler, Harrah’s Casino is worth a look. The décor is over-the-top and if you are a gambler, make sure to take advantage of the free drinks!
Other Ideas for your New Orleans Vacation
- National WWII Museum: For history buffs, the WWII Museum is a must-do. It has a five-star rating and is considered America’s official museum on the subject. Check ticket prices here.
- City Park: If you are looking to get outside the French Quarter, head over to City Park, one of the largest and oldest urban parks in the United States. With 1,300 acres of old oak trees and beautiful walking paths, it’s a lovely place for a stroll. Also inside you’ll find other fantastic New Orleans attractions like the Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, Storyland – a themed playground, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
- Looking for free things to do in New Orleans? Enjoy street music, walk along the Woldenberg Riverfront Park, catch a sunrise at Algiers Point, walk around a cemetery (only Saint Louis Cemetery #1 restricts visitors), check out Louis Armstrong Park, or look at all the mansions on St. Charles Avenue.
There are so many fun things to do in New Orleans, I hope we narrowed down the best ones for a great first time visit!
Have you been? What were your favorite New Orleans things to do? Any suggestions for a first-time visitor?
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Elizabeth Mejia-Salinas
Husband and I went for our 1st wedding anniversary. I loved it I had never been there before but my husband has. So we will be going back again next year in February 2020 for our 4year anniversary. See what we didn’t get to see on our first trip. Too much to do and see ❤️
Dang Travelers
Oh nice! February is a great time of year as far as weather goes. Will you be there around Mardi Gras?
Emily
We are going for our first wedding anniversary February 2021. Neither of us have been, we are excited. Do you have any recommendations for us?
Dang Travelers
Oh fun! Happy Anniversary! How long are you going for? If you have time, you can also work in a few things on our other list of off-the-beaten places. https://www.dangtravelers.com/new-orleans-off-the-beaten-path/
Emily
Thank you! It’s going to be a short trip! Sunday to Wednesday! Wanting to do maybe a special dinner (not sure where tho) the night of our anniversary and then open to other ideas!
Dang Travelers
I heard Cafe Amelie has good food and a romantic vibe. We’ve never been though, but it’s on my list! If you do go, let me know how it is.
Gina
This is a great web site. However I have a group of students 15( Sophmores and Seniors) that I’m bringing to New Orleans and I would love to have any ideas from hotels, tours and eating wise, they are on a budget we are going there for some history, music and culture. We will be arriving March 13-18. Don’t mind doing tours that’s on a budget, they wanted to visit cemataries and possibly a paddleboat ride. Any information for us first time visitors. Is there like a check list of great designations to visit, kinda lika a stamp book/punch card type of thing?
Dang Travelers
Hi Gina! Thanks for reaching out. I’ll email you directly with some info.
Kate
Love this site, thanks for the tips! Any suggestions as to what to do with (5) teenagers over spring break? We are worried there won’t be enough for them to do. Thinking a ghost tour, cemetery tour, garden district tour would be good. Do you have other fun suggestions? Thank you so much!
Dang Travelers
Here are a few of my suggestions with links.
Cemetery Tour – I would suggest either the Voodoo & Cemetery Tour or for a more budget-friendly tour grab a Groupon for the Witches Tours there are two to choose from.
Mardi Gras WorldMardi Gras World is pretty cool with all the floats they use during Mardi Gras – really unique to New Orleans.
If you are looking for history, I heard the World War II Museum is the best in the country. I have not been yet so I can’t speak from personal experience but I’ve heard A LOT of people say so.
In my post on how to get off the beaten path in NOLA, I recommend Audobon Park – it has a sculpture park, zoo, and the HUGE tree of life (can skip the zoo if the kids think those are lame at that age). Might be a fun stop for you guys otherwise plus a cheap ride on the trolley to get there. I have all the info on how to get there etc. in my post.
I would say Preservation Hall for music since it’s all ages and all different show times.
If you have time and want to do a plantation tour, Oak Alley is absolutely stunning with its tree lined pathway and you learn about slavery on the tour. It’s outside of New Orleans so it would take away at least half a day though.
Becky
I recommend going to the New Orleans Lakefront and eating at the Blue Crab. Going to City Park for family fun. Visiting Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium. If you have younger children, visit the LA Children’s Museum at City Park. It is very interactive.
Marc Becker
Great ideas, but need to add another: New Orleans is the ONLY place you can see The National WWII Museum, the nation’s most popular museum. And please add the Higgins Hotel Curio to your list of places to stay, next door to the Museum!
Dang Travelers
Thanks Marc! I have heard great things about that museum, but haven’t gotten to it yet. Once we get a firsthand look, we’ll probably agree and add it to one of our New Orleans articles.
Zephainah
Hi i have family who’ll be attending in November. During this pandemic its hard but they’ll need to be cautious to enjoy themselves. Wgat would food for them to do in thanksgiving weekend.
Latavia Boykin
Can anyone tell me when is the best time to go for Mardi Gras? And is it canceled for 2021??
Dang Travelers
I know their Halloween parade was canceled so I can only assume Mardi Gras would be too but its probably too soon to know for sure.
Meeka Monique
Me and my girls are going 2/25-3/1 any ideas as to what to do? And is it any atv or ziplining available?
Dang Travelers
Is it your first time? I’d definitely check out a cemetery tour or pub crawl, hit all the iconic bars on Bourbon – Pat O’Brian has a nice outdoor patio, and take the streetcar ride up and down St Charles.
Tia Hamby
Any age restrictions to be aware of? My kiddos are 14 and 11.
Darlene Fiorillo
Really want to do a swamp tour.Is it better to do an airboat or pontoon boat. Don’t want to be real crowded and would like transportation from the area of Harrahs.
Dang Travelers
As far as being crowded, I’d suggest the airboat tour. They are smaller in general and open-air plus, they are currently limiting the number of guests.
Here’s a popular one – https://www.getyourguide.com/new-orleans-l370/new-orleans-high-speed-6-9-passenger-airboat-t145611/?partner_id=1454D5I&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=dangtravelers%40gmail.com&placement=%22other%22
As far as I know, none of the companies pick up right from Harrah’s but you could take an Uber to the pickup location. Have fun Darlene!
Dang Travelers
Is it your first time? I’d definitely check out a cemetery tour or pub crawl, hit all the iconic bars on Bourbon – Pat O’Brian has a nice outdoor patio, and take the streetcar ride up and down St Charles.
Tamika M Wilson
Yes first time! We really wanna zip line!! Do you know if its open around this time or was it just in a movie lol.
Dang Travelers
LOL The one on Bourbon Street is just in the movie, there isn’t really one. That would be fun though! A zip line company was supposed to open this summer (over a swampland) but I don’t think it opened with COVID.
lawanda Conner
any suggestions on where to stay going 2/12/21 thru 2/14/21. Are there a lot of restrictions due to pandemic
Dang Travelers
Rules are changing frequently. We have a “Where to Stay” section above for recommended hotels and B&Bs. Have fun!
Shirley Boggs
We are going to New Orleans for the first time the end of April – the first week of May.
Our 53 anniversary. Best reasonable place to stay?? Things to do ?? Things not to miss ??
Dang Travelers
Hi Shirley, I touch on all of these topics in the article. It has all my recommendations for a first-time visit. The only other places I would add since it’s your anniversary would be Cafe Amelie (heard it is romantic but haven’t been yet – on our list though) and a special lunch or dinner at the historic Commander’s Palace in the beautiful Garden District.
Jill Anthony
Hi Jill! Thanks for reaching out.
We will visit may 16 for one day, leaving May 17. I am recovering from foot surgery and can’t walk to far without putting my foot up. Any suggestions for us? We are staying at Intercontinental Hotel.
Dang Travelers
Here’s a New Orleans Hop-On & Off Tour that could work to get a feel for the city and provide transportation so you don’t have to walk a lot.
Stephen Caldecott
Hi
My wife and I are visiting next March on a cruise ship. We will only be there for 2 days .what would you suggest we shouldn’t miss in such a short trip?
We thought padleboat trip and music somewhere?
Thanks Steve
Dang Travelers
Hi Steve, Thanks for reaching out. I just sent you an email with some info. Have a great trip!
Fahreen
Hello Dang Travelers! We are a family of 4 with two teens in tow. My son will be touring LSU and Tulane in April. It is Spring Break week and we are trying to book, only to realize how sold out NOLA is! Any tips for family things to do; we are first timers there. Any further tips or thoughts on hotels is appreciated too! We are crossing out airbnb just because we want a nice pool and pool service 🙂 Thank you in advance!
Dang Travelers
Hi Fahreen! Thanks for reaching out. How exciting for your son to be college touring!
As far as New Orleans goes for teens, Mardi Gras World is a neat option to see the floats. It’s inside so I’d plan to go on a not so nice day if you have one. An airboat & swamp tour would be fun for them too. Also, I think they’d like a ghost /voodoo tour. Otherwise, I’d say to take the streetcar to City Park and see the sculpture park and on the way back walk through the Garden District. Let me get back to you on the hotel when I get a chance to check some things.