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If you want to visit a city that’s known for its delicious food, lively jazz music, and colorful streets, New Orleans should be at the top of your list! From wandering around the French Quarter to trying beignets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. 

I recently visited New Orleans and hit some of the biggest attractions! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’re coming back for more, here are 15 of the best things to do in New Orleans! 

1. Wander the French Quarter

The French Quarter is one of the top New Orleans attractions — and for good reason! It’s one of the best places to visit to experience the city’s culture.

Take a stroll through the heart of New Orleans and wander the streets of the French Quarter, where you’ll find some of the city’s most colorful buildings and charming architecture. You’ll find street music, artists, and more in one of NOLA’s most vibrant, bustling areas.

If this is your first trip to New Orleans, you might consider booking a French Quarter Sights & Stories Walking Tour to learn more about the city! 

2. Listen to Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street 

New Orleans is famous for its jazz music. Frenchmen Street is one of the best places to experience live jazz music in the city. Step into a cozy jazz club and enjoy the atmosphere! The Spotted Cat is one of the best jazz clubs in New Orleans.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in the city, adding live jazz to your New Orleans itinerary is a must! It’s truly one of the top things to do in NOLA!

3. Indulge in Beignets 

It’s one thing to hear about New Orleans beignets — it’s another to try them! No trip to the city is complete without indulging in a warm, fluffy beignet covered in powdered sugar! I’m not going to lie: this is one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans. These soft, decadent treats are sort of like a doughnut and a funnel cake all in one!

There are two places in NOLA that are famous for their beignets: Café du Monde and Café Beignet. While I didn’t get the chance to visit Café du Monde during my trip to New Orleans, the beignets at Café Beignet were amazing!

You won’t want to miss out on trying beignets during your New Orleans vacation. Just be prepared to get a little powdered sugar everywhere, so don’t wear black! 

4. Take a New Orleans Alligator Tour

Get out of the city and experience the wild side of Louisiana with a New Orleans swamp tour! Cruise through the swamp, keep an eye out for alligators, and take in the beauty of the Louisiana bayou with a swamp tour. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you might even take a New Orleans airboat alligator tour.

Even though I’m not a big fan of alligators, I have to admit that this is one of my absolute favorite things to do in New Orleans and the highlight of my trip! Read more about my New Orleans Alligator Tour experience and some tips on what to expect during your own swamp tour HERE!

Ready to book your New Orleans alligator tour? Book now! 

5. Visit Jackson Square 

Jackson Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of New Orleans. Admire the Andrew Jackson Statue, take in the gorgeous views of St. Louis Cathedral, and watch local artists and street performers bring the square to life! 

Whether you’re sightseeing, taking photos, or simply enjoying the historical atmosphere, this is one of the New Orleans attractions you won’t want to miss out on. 

6. Relax on a Mississippi River Cruise 

If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy the Mississippi River, look no further than a cruise! Sit back, relax, and see New Orleans from a whole new perspective. Cruise down the river while taking in views of the historic waterfront and city skyline. This was one of my favorite New Orleans excursions. I took a NOLA steamboat jazz sunset cruise and couldn’t get over how stunning the city looked at night! 

Whether you choose a sightseeing cruise or a classic steamboat cruise, it’s a memorable addition to any New Orleans itinerary and one of the best things to do in NOLA! Book your Mississippi River Cruise here! 

7. Stroll Through the Garden District  

Take a break from the NOLA hustle and bustle and wander through the beautiful Garden District in New Orleans. Known for its gorgeous gardens, tree-lined streets, and historic mansions, this charming neighborhood is a popular New Orleans attraction.

It’s one of the best places to visit in New Orleans if you want to get a sense of the city’s Southern charm! 

8. Try Authentic New Orleans Food 

One of the best things to do in New Orleans is eating your way through the city! From gumbo and jambalaya to crispy po’boys and crawfish boils, there’s no shortage of authentic New Orleans foods! For breakfast, be sure to try shrimp and grits. If you’re daring, you’ll want to try gator or turtle soup during your New Orleans vacation.

If you’re visiting around Mardi Gras, you’ll want to try King Cake (though some of the locals told me Chantilly cake is a better choice). Creole bread pudding is another popular dessert.

Consider hopping over to Brennan’s, the restaurant that invented Bananas Foster — a delicious dessert you won’t want to miss out on! The restaurant is one of the city’s icons and worth adding to your New Orleans itinerary! 

When it comes to alcohol, consider trying a Sazerac, which was created in New Orleans. Made with rye whiskey or cognac, bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse, it’s authentically a taste of Louisiana. A Hurricane is also a popular NOLA cocktail. 

9. Visit the National WWII Museum 

Step back in time at the National WWII Museum, one of the most popular New Orleans attractions. It features a variety of immersive exhibits, personal stories, artifacts, and so much more. You’ll learn so much about World War II. 

Whether you’re a history buff or looking for one of the most interesting places to visit in New Orleans, the National WWII Museum is worth a visit. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, because the museum is bigger than you might expect!

Book your National WWII Museum tickets now!

10. Experience Bourbon Street at Night 

Not only is Bourbon Street one of the most famous parts of New Orleans nightlife, but it’s also one of the most popular “party streets” in America! Featuring lively bars, live music, and colorful neon lights, there’s always something happening on Bourbon Street. If you’re looking for fun things to do in New Orleans, Bourbon Street is a must!

(Keep in mind that the area is known for pickpocketing, so be sure to exercise caution when visiting Bourbon Street). 

11. Spook Yourself With a Haunted Tour 

New Orleans is known for all things haunted. There are voodoo tours, vampire tours, and ghost tours. The best haunted tours in New Orleans offer a combination of these types of spooky! If you’re into haunted stuff, you won’t want to miss out on one! 

Book a guided haunted tour in NOLA now!

If you love spooky stuff, consider some of the other top things to do in NOLA for anyone who loves the paranormal. Head to the New Orleans voodoo shops (and maybe even purchase a voodoo doll of your own), get a tarot reading, or book an appointment with a psychic medium while you’re at it! 

12. Go on a Plantation Tour 

If you’re a history buff who’s looking for things to do in New Orleans, you probably already know that NOLA is famous for its historical plantations.

Oak Alley Plantation, which is known for its picturesque canopy of old oak trees leading to the historical mansion, is one of the most popular plantations in New Orleans. Whitney Plantation focuses primarily on the history and experiences of slaves. These are both top attractions in the city.

Book a guided plantation tour now!

13. Check out the Cemeteries 

If you love to explore old cemeteries, there’s no better place to do so than New Orleans! Everyone from Anne Rice to Louis Prima can be found in New Orleans cemeteries. Nicholas Cage even has a pyramid-shaped tomb at St. Louis Cemetery #1, the most famous cemetery in New Orleans. History buffs will go crazy for this top NOLA attraction!

Ready to take a cemetery tour in New Orleans? Book now!

14. Go on a Carriage Ride 

For a classic way to experience the French Quarter, consider taking a carriage ride! Although you will get the traditional horse and buggy experience, you’ll get so much more during your ride! Most guides will teach you about the city’s history, architecture, and famous residents. It’s such a fun way to learn more about the city during your New Orleans vacation. 

Book a New Orleans French Quarter carriage ride now!

15. Visit Mardi Gras World 

Mardi Gras World is one of the most unique things to do in NOLA! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at where artists design, build, paint, and decorate floats for Mardi Gras. 

The best part about this NOLA attraction? You don’t have to visit during Mardi Gras! This attraction gives you a look at floats and allows you to watch artists as they work on upcoming floats year-round!

A tour or group tour is one of the best ways to experience Mardi Gras World! Book a tour now! 

Book Your New Orleans Vacation Now

There’s no doubt that there are so many things to do in New Orleans! Are you ready to book your trip? There are so many great hotels to choose from!

I recommend staying at the Hotel Monteleone.

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