New Orleans, Louisiana: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. The music, the food, the history, the way people sit on their porches and actually talk to their neighbors—it all feels a little bit magical. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in New Orleans, this guide will walk you through 10 fun, easy-to-enjoy things to do in and around the city. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, you’ll find something new to love.

1. Stroll (Don’t Rush) Through the French Quarter

If you only do one thing in New Orleans, make it a slow walk through the French Quarter. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. But it’s also the heartbeat of the city. You’ll find:
  • Colorful balconies covered with ferns and ironwork
  • Street performers playing jazz on nearly every corner
  • Small art galleries and quirky shops
  • Cafés and bars where the doors are always open
Try this simple route:
  • Start around Jackson Square
  • Walk along Decatur Street toward the river
  • Wander back up Royal Street for art and antiques
Tip: Go in the morning if you want it calmer, or late afternoon if you enjoy a bit of lively energy without the late-night wildness.

2. Sip Chicory Coffee & Eat Beignets at Café du Monde

Right by Jackson Square, you’ll smell it before you see it: Café du Monde, one of the most iconic places to eat in New Orleans. Order:
  • Beignets – square French-style doughnuts buried in powdered sugar
  • Café au lait – coffee blended with chicory and hot milk
You will get sugar all over your clothes. That’s basically a New Orleans souvenir. If there’s a long line, don’t panic. It usually moves faster than it looks. And if you’re an early bird, heading there around sunrise is a peaceful way to start your day by the Mississippi River.

3. Explore the Garden District & Its Mansion-Lined Streets

Just a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter, the Garden District feels like a different world. Wide streets, huge oak trees, and some of the most beautiful homes you’ll ever see. What to do:
  • Walk along Magazine Street for shops and cafés
  • Wander through side streets like First Street and Second Street to see historic mansions
  • Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (check current access and tours before you go)
I like to grab an iced coffee on Magazine Street and just wander. No big plan, no rush—just letting the neighborhood unfold block by block.

4. Take a Streetcar Ride (Because Getting There Is Half the Fun)

Riding a New Orleans streetcar is more than transportation; it’s an experience. For a few dollars, you get a rolling city tour. The most popular line:
  • St. Charles Avenue Streetcar – runs from downtown through the Garden District and Uptown
Why it’s worth it:
  • You pass huge oak trees and historic homes
  • You see colleges like Tulane and Loyola
  • You can hop off anywhere that catches your eye
Sit by the window, lean back, and let New Orleans roll by at streetcar speed—which is pleasantly slow.

5. Enjoy Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street

When people think of New Orleans music, they usually picture Bourbon Street. But if you really love live music, be sure to wander over to Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. What you’ll find:
  • Small clubs with live jazz, blues, and brass bands
  • Street-side artist markets at night
  • A more relaxed, music-focused vibe than Bourbon Street
Popular spots include:
  • The Spotted Cat Music Club
  • Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
  • d.b.a.
Many places have a small cover charge or drink minimum, so bring some cash or a card and be ready to tip the band if you enjoy the show.

6. Cruise the Mississippi River on a Steamboat

Want a different view of New Orleans? Get out on the Mississippi River. Several companies run riverboat cruises, including classic-style paddlewheel boats. Some offer:
  • Daytime sightseeing cruises
  • Evening jazz cruises with dinner
On board, you can:
  • Stand on deck and watch the city skyline drift by
  • Listen to live jazz (on many evening cruises)
  • Learn a bit about the river’s history and how it shaped New Orleans
If you’re traveling as a couple or with family, this is one of those “everyone’s happy” activities—scenery, music, food, and bathrooms all in one place.

7. Taste Your Way Through Classic New Orleans Food

Honestly, you could plan an entire trip to New Orleans just around the food. From tiny corner spots to famous restaurants, it’s hard to go wrong. Look out for these must-try dishes:
  • Gumbo – a rich stew with meat or seafood, usually served over rice
  • Jambalaya – a rice dish cooked with sausage, chicken, and sometimes shrimp
  • Po’boys – sandwiches on French bread, often stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef
  • Red beans and rice – a classic Monday meal in New Orleans
  • Bananas Foster – bananas sautéed in butter, sugar, and rum, usually with ice cream
You can try:
  • Casual spots along Decatur Street and Magazine Street
  • Family-run places a bit off the main tourist drag
  • Food tours that let you sample several dishes in one afternoon
If you’re visiting from elsewhere in the USA, you might find the flavors deeper and a bit spicier than you’re used to—but not in a painful way, more in a “wow, I need another bite” way.

8. Visit the National WWII Museum

If you want a break from the party side of the city, head to the National WWII Museum, located in the Warehouse District near downtown New Orleans. Why it’s worth your time:
  • It’s one of the top-rated museums in the United States
  • The exhibits use photos, films, and personal stories, not just charts and timelines
  • It offers a powerful, emotional look at World War II from both the battlefield and home-front perspective
Plan on at least half a day. Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a lot of walking, and there’s a lot to take in. This is a great activity for families with teens, history fans, or anyone who loves well-done museums.

9. Take a Swamp or Bayou Tour Just Outside the City

One of the coolest things about New Orleans is how quickly you can get from city streets to wild wetlands. Within a short drive from town, you can join a guided swamp tour through Louisiana’s bayous. On a typical tour, you might:
  • Ride an airboat or larger covered boat through cypress swamps
  • See alligators, turtles, and plenty of birds
  • Learn about Cajun culture and life along the bayou
Many tour companies offer hotel pick-up from New Orleans, so you don’t even need a rental car. It’s an easy way to see another side of Louisiana beyond the city lights.

10. Experience a Second Line or Local Festival (If You Can)

If your timing is right, you might catch a second line parade—a moving street celebration with a brass band, dancers, and neighbors following along. These often happen for weddings, funerals, and community events. Beyond second lines, New Orleans is packed with festivals:
  • Mardi Gras – parades, beads, costumes, and weeks of celebration
  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – huge music festival with local and international artists
  • French Quarter Festival – live music on multiple stages, mostly free to attend
Even if you’re not visiting during a major event, ask locals or your hotel if there are any smaller neighborhood happenings. In New Orleans, there’s almost always something going on—a block party, a street fair, or music in a nearby park.

Final Tips for Visiting New Orleans

To make the most of your trip to New Orleans and the surrounding Orleans Parish area, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Hydrate and slow down – the heat and humidity can sneak up on you, especially in summer.
  • Wear good walking shoes – the streets, especially in the French Quarter, can be uneven.
  • Stay aware at night – like any big city, stick to well-lit areas and use common sense.
  • Talk to locals – New Orleanians are usually happy to share their favorite spots.
New Orleans is more than a party town. It’s a place where history, culture, and everyday life are all tangled together—sometimes messy, often beautiful, and always memorable.

What Would You Add To This New Orleans Bucket List?

Have you been to New Orleans or the nearby bayous? Did I miss one of your favorite things to do in New Orleans?
  • Which of these 10 experiences are you most excited to try?
  • Do you have a go-to spot for gumbo, live jazz, or beignets?
Share your tips and stories in the comments—your experience could help someone plan their first (or next) New Orleans adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are thinking about a trip to New Orleans. The more people fall in love with this city, the better.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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