Updated October 2021
New Orleans, Louisiana, known as the "Crescent City" has vibrant nightlife, a rich heritage, and a unique variety of cuisines to enjoy. We composed a list of the top things to do on your Nola visit, ranging from the best live music venues to the most riveting tours of the bayou. Mardi Gras isn't the only good time to take a trip to New Orleans, and now you have a fun itinerary with a variety of activities that cater to every type of person!
VISIT MAGAZINE STREET
MAGAZINE STREET
Running from Canal Street to Audubon Park, Magazine Street is known for having six miles of extensive shopping and dining options to experience. The shops range from top tier designers to locally owned stores such as Alice & Amelia, where you can find authentic New Orleans gifts. If you get hungry while strolling along Magazine Street, grab a bite to eat at La Petite Grocery for excellent French-Louisiana cuisine.
Photo courtesy of the Magazine Street Website
SEE THE SAZERAC HOUSE
SAZERAC HOUSE
Since Sazerac is the famous cocktail of New Orleans, it is only right that has its own designated house. The Sazerac House is a museum, a bar, and a distillery all in one, dedicated to the evolution of Sazerac. Explore the depths of the whiskey brand through a complimentary, where you can take a look at the on-site distillery and enjoy a tasting. While you're on Magazine Street, stroll down the block to see the eclectic shops and restaurants!
MAGAZINE & CANAL STREET | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Sazerac House
EXPERIENCE THE LIVE MUSIC
LIVE MUSIC
If you are looking for a live music venue, you have come to the right city. Even walking in the streets of the French Quarter feels like a jazz concert with locals playing music for all to hear. For a classic and no-frills vibe, Preservation Hall is the best place for live jazz music in the French Quarter. Over in Uptown, Tipitina's is a larger music venue that is both a jazz club and a music hall. Home to many of New Orleans historic artists, Tipitina’s has been a musical staple since 1977.
Photo courtesy of Preservation Hall
WANDER THE FRENCH QUARTER
FRENCH QUARTER
FRENCH QUARTER | DIRECTIONS
SEE JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA
In the Marigny neighborhood just east of the French Quarter, is a vibrant Crescent City themed pop-up called JAMNOLA. JAMNOLA stands for Joy, Art & Music in New Orleans and is the first pop-up that allows audiences to experience the city’s cultural gems and history in a funky and imaginative way. With twelve different interactive exhibits from local artists and partners, JAMNOLA celebrates iconic music, art, theatre and food through multi-media installations that bring each aspect to life. Don’t forget to check out the colorful merch that JAMNOLA sells, such as fun t-shirts and hoodies that emphasize their mission of bringing joy and prosperity through their art.
MARIGNY | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of JAMNOLA
GO TOMB HUNTING
GO TOMB HUNTING
Cemeteries are one of the best ways to learn about New Orleans’ history and there are several options to tour yourself or on with a licensed tour guide. As the oldest cemetery in the city, the St. Louis Cemetery #1 has famous graves such as Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy. Due to the new rules of the archdiocese of New Orleans, you can only visit the cemetery through private tours or accompanied by a family member with loved ones buried there.
In Garden District, lies the Lafayette Cemetery #1 which is open to the public, with over 7000 people buried inside. It may look familiar to you since many television shows and movies have been filmed here.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Looking for the perfect spot to have a picnic or spend some time outside in nature? Spanning over 350 acres, Audubon Park is six miles of beautiful foliage with a golf course, stables, the breathtaking Tree of Life, and the Audubon Zoo. Another prime nature spot is City Park, which is over 1500 miles long, making it the largest park in New Orleans. City Park has something for everyone, with its walking and biking trails, vendors, museums, gardens, amusement park and live concerts. If you want more of a cultural experience, Louis Armstrong Park is the place to see historical structures and hear Jazz musicians play near the French Quarter.
Photo courtesy of New Orleans City Park
TAKE A RIVER CRUISE ON THE MISSISSIPPI
TAKE A RIVER CRUISE ON THE MISSISSIPPI
FRENCH QUARTER | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Steamboat Company
TAKE A SWAMP TOUR
SWAMP TOURS
Photo courtesy of Cajun Encounters
VISIT THE NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART
Also known as NOMA, this beautiful New Orleans Museum of Art is located in City Park. As the oldest fine arts institution in New Orleans, NOMA is famous for its French and American art, with breathtaking Japanese structures. The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens are a picturesque addition to the museum, that contain over 80 contemporary sculptures. On your way out, stop by Café du Monde’s City Park location for a sweet beignet treat.
CITY PARK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of NOMA
GO ON A PLANTATION TOUR
PLANTATION TOURS
Venture outside of the city and visit one of New Orleans’ historic plantations: The Whitney, Oak Alley and The Laura Plantations. At each of these historical sites, you can take a tour of the property with beautiful landscapes, gardens and buildings. The various exhibits provide a look into life on the plantation through the stories passed down through generations.
Photo courtesy of Oak Alley Plantation
VISIT STUDIO BE
STUDIO BE
If you are looking to learn more about the New Orleans culture through art, visit Studio Be in the Bywater neighborhood. On the self-guided tours, you can expect to see colorful exhibitions by local artist Brandan BMike Odums as well as the “Radical Freedom Dream” showcase curated by the student workshops series. In the shop, they sell inspirational merchandise such as shirts, socks, buttons, pins, mugs, and jewelry so check that out before you leave!
BYWATER NEIGHBORHOOD | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Brandan Odums
TOUR THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
Ranked as one of the best in the nation, the World War II Museum in New Orleans is an essential site to see for history lovers. It has been designated as the official WWII Museum in the United States by U.S. Congress. You will leave the museum with a new sense of freedom and be inspired the men and woman who served our country in this global war.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of National WWII Museum
WALK FRENCHMEN STREET
FRENCHMEN STREET
Known for its musical scene, Frenchmen Street is one of the liveliest streets in all of New Orleans. As you stroll down Frenchmen, you’ll hear jazz music fill the streets with influences from Blue, Reggae, and Rock. To watch live music performances, check out the Spotted Cat Music Club, Snug Harbor, The Maison, or D.B.A. for an unforgettable experience. Grab a midnight snack at the Three Muses or Dat Dog before continuing your musical night out on the town!
MARIGNY | DIRECTIONS
EXPERIENCE MARDI GRAS WORLD
MARDI GRAS WORLD
There is no better way to get a true behind the scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras then Mardi Gras World. Take a tour of this eccentric museum to see the step-by-step process that it takes to execute a celebration as large as Mardi Gras. See all of the colorful floats and structures built by the artists and architects while learning about the history of this festive tradition.
MAGAZINE STREET | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Mardi Gras World
SEE HISTORIC THEATERS
THEATERS
The Orpheum Theater is a performing arts and events venue in the Central Business District, with shows ranging from orchestra symphonies to all night concerts. After the show grab a drink at the underground speakeasy, Double Dealer, for a night cap. In Downtown New Orleans lies the Saenger Theater that features Broadway musicals, along with live concerts, comedy shows, and events. Just a few blocks from Bourbon Street, venture around the French Quarter for a lively end to your night!
Photo courtesy of The Saenger Theater