Introduction
New Orleans is a very unique city, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t know what to do. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide to the best ways to spend your time in New Orleans.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is the place to go if you’re looking for a party. Within the strip of bars and clubs, you’ll find live music, drinks and dancing all night long. Bourbon Street is known for its raucous behavior; this isn’t a street where you want to wander around alone at night. Be sure to check out the various attractions along Bourbon Street as well, such as Mardi Gras World or Madame John’s Legacy Museum.
To get around New Orleans, you can use Uber or Lyft (or even walk). But if you don’t have access to these services or your phone battery dies before your return trip home from Bourbon Street, then I recommend taking City Park/N Rampart Bus toward Canal St (#100). This bus will take you in the direction of Canal St., where most hotels are located in New Orleans (including mine!). If possible, it’s best not to drive yourself around town because there are so many one-way streets that make it difficult for those unfamiliar with the area
French Quarter
The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré (pronounced “voo kwahr”), is the oldest part of New Orleans and a National Historic Landmark District. It was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and his brother, Pierre Le Moyne de Chateauguay. The French Quarter is home to many historic buildings that were built during the colonial period (1700-1800s), including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square Park. Many people come to New Orleans just for its famous cuisine, which includes dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, beignets (a fried pastry) and po’boys (a sandwich on a long roll).
The French Quarter has an interesting history because it was once occupied by the Spanish before being taken over by the French again in 1763 when they gained control back over Louisiana after losing it during their defeat against Great Britain during the Seven Years War (1756-1763).
Jackson Square
The second-largest public square in New Orleans after Duncan Plaza, Jackson Square has been a central part of the city for centuries. Named for Andrew Jackson, it’s home to one of his statues and surrounded by historic buildings like St. Louis Cathedral and Cabildo (the former seat of government).
One thing that makes Jackson Square so special is its location: It’s right at the beginning of Bourbon Street, so there’s no better spot to begin your night on the town than here!
Riverwalk Marketplace
The Riverwalk Marketplace is a shopping mall located in the CBD, with many shops and restaurants. It also houses a large movie theater and other entertainment options. This is an excellent place to visit with family; there are plenty of activities for everyone!
Beignets and Cafe au Lait at Cafe du Monde
Cafe du Monde is a popular French Quarter restaurant that serves beignets and cafe au lait. Beignets are a New Orleans specialty, which are basically deep-fried dough that taste like heaven. Cafe au lait is another New Orleans specialty, which is basically coffee with milk.
Garden District
The Garden District is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in New Orleans. It’s a great place to see historical landmarks, amazing architecture, and live music.
Located on St. Charles Avenue, you’ll find several mansions that have been converted into museums for tourists. The homes are so impressive that if you’re not careful, you might forget that the city was hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005! Don’t worry: the area was rebuilt after being damaged by flooding from levee breaches caused by Hurricane Katrina. As you walk down St. Charles Avenue (which is lined with oak trees), you’ll be able to see some of these beautiful mansions along with other notable sites like Antoine’s Restaurant/Bakery & Bar where Mardi Gras Indians gather during Carnival season each year for their annual parade; Commander’s Palace Restaurant (partially owned by actor Brad Pitt); Willie Black’s Chicken Shack where musicians like John Mayer sometimes perform; Pontchartrain Park (another popular spot among locals) which features rides like bumper cars or carousels depending on which day they open up during certain times throughout the year such as during Mardi Gras when there are plenty more options available such as street vendors selling specialty foods or drinks outside restaurants offering special menus just for this occasion like Creole Shrimp Pasta at McCrady’s Tavern inside City Park Mall located next door.”
Cemetery Tour
- The New Orleans cemetery tour is a unique way to spend your time in the city, as it will allow you to learn about the culture and history of New Orleans.
- One reason that people enjoy this tour is because they can learn about different cultures, religions, architectural styles, and generations of people who lived in New Orleans over time.
- Cemetery tours allow you to see how these different aspects have been represented through burial practices in cemeteries throughout the city.
Swamp Tours
- Make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray!
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
- Bring a water bottle; the swamp water is not potable, and there are no fountains or water fountains on the tour.
St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral, a religious site in the French Quarter and the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States, is an architectural masterpiece that you should definitely visit if you have an interest in architecture and history. The church was built between 1789 and 1823 by a combination of the French Colonial government and private contributors, with additions made in 1850. The cathedral is open daily to visitors who are able to go inside during regular hours (daily except Fridays). When we visited, we saw some beautiful stained glass windows depicting various saints; there were also statues on either side of each door leading into this ornate building with vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate paintings of angels holding candles or trumpets.
If you enjoy visiting historical places like this one—or just want to get out into nature while exploring New Orleans—then our next suggestion might be right up your alley!
Harrah’s Casino
Harrah’s Casino is located in the heart of New Orleans, and it is one of the most popular casinos in town. They have all kinds of things to keep you occupied, from slots to sports books to poker rooms and even a spa!
If you’re looking for a place where you can play some slots while eating some good food out of a buffet line, Harrah’s is definitely your place. They also have live music acts performing on stage every night! If that’s not enough entertainment for you, they have an entire sports book with betting odds on all sorts of different sporting events happening around the world right now—and sometimes even during past seasons as well—so make sure your money isn’t tied up elsewhere when watching this game!
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a great place to spend time with the family, especially if you have kids. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, it’s easy to get there via public transit or by car. If you choose to drive, pay attention to the parking restrictions in effect around the aquarium (and throughout much of New Orleans).
The aquarium is one of America’s oldest institutions and houses over 1.5 million gallons of water—enough for 6,000 animals from all corners of our planet! You’ll find more than 600 species represented inside its walls, including some rare specimens and endangered species that are not often seen by visitors.
New Orleans is a unique city!
New Orleans is a unique city. There’s no other place like it in America, or even the world. You’ll find that out for yourself when you visit, but here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
- It’s worth visiting.
- It’s worth spending time in.
- It’s worth exploring and experiencing, both on your own and with friends who know the city well. They can show you what makes New Orleans great!
Conclusion
So, now you know all about the best places to visit in New Orleans. You can go on a walking tour or catch a streetcar to get around town. You can eat some delicious local foods or take a trip out on the water. And at the end of your trip, you’ll be ready to come back again and again!
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