There’s no denying that there are so many things to do in New Orleans! But, that doesn’t mean all the top New Orleans attractions are actually worth doing!
These are my top things to do in New Orleans, and others that you can (and should) skip.
But don’t worry I’ll also give you some alternative things to do in New Orleans that are more worthy of your time!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
The Top Things To Do In The French Quarter New Orleans
The French Quarter is THE top thing to do in New Orleans, and let me tell you, it lives up to the expectations (if not surpassing them!).
The French Quarter is the oldest part of New Orleans, and one of the most unique neighbourhoods in the United States.
From the unbelievable architecture, the small, quaint streets, to the cute stores, the French Quarter transports you back in time!
Related: Easily check off all the top things to do in New Orleans with my printable or digital NOLA Checklist!
Buildings in the French Quarter date back to the late 18th up to the early 19th century! It’s one of the only neighbourhoods in the United States that’s been preserved from that time.
This is no doubt where you’ll want to spend most of your time in New Orleans.
On top of just walking around the French Quarter New Orleans, there are a few other key things to do…
P.S. Go on a walking tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans, like this one on Viator, to find out the history of the city and even hidden gems!
Check Out Bourbon Street (At Night)
One of the top places to go when visiting New Orleans is Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Although it doesn’t look like much during the day, Bourbon Street at night is quite the place to be!
The street becomes pedestrian only and is packed with live performers and tourists looking to have a good time.
Did you know it’s actually legal to drink on the streets in New Orleans!? So pick up a drink to go! But, as always, please drink responsibly!
Shop Along Royal Street (During the Day!)
Royal Street is the daytime version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It’s always been the commercial epicentre of the city, and still is today.
You’ll find all the shopping on Royal Street, like antique shops, and local stores.
I highly recommend stopping at M.S. Raus, even if you can’t afford anything, it’s fun to see all the incredible antiques they have for sale. I’m talking about art from Picasso, Van Gogh and more! They also have some insanely high ticket furniture items (like a complete set of Tiffany cutlery!).
You should also take the time to check out The Historic New Orleans Collection. You can get the entire history of New Orleans in a nice concise way. And it’s completely free!
P.S. They also have one of the best gift shops for souvenir shopping! Royal Street is on of the best spots to do some Souvenir shopping… see what to buy in New Orleans!)
See The St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
The St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square is the cultural hub of the French Quarter New Orleans.
First off, the St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continually operating cathedrals in the United States. Make sure to head to Washington Artillery Park for one of the best viewpoints of the Cathedral (mainly because it reminds me of the Disney castle!).
Jackson Square is where licensed artists are able to set up pop up shops to sell their work. You might even get to see some of them working on a new piece! There’s also often people performing live music here.
Plus, let’s not forget about the iconic New Orleans architecture that lines the square, making for a perfect picture!
Walk Along The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk in New Orleans is exactly what it sounds like! It’s a boardwalk along the Mississippi River.
When the weather is nice, there’s no better place to go for a stroll in New Orleans.
You can walk all the way from the Riverwalk Outlets (an indoor shopping complex) to the French Market along the boardwalk.
If you wanted to, you could bring a lock with you to lock your love on the Love Wins NOLA fence.
Plus, look out onto the river and you’ll get a spectacular view of the Crescent City Connection Bridge in the distance.
Other Top New Orleans Attractions In The French Quarter!
Chartres Street is another notable street in the French Quarter to walk down. Here you’ll find the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum if you’re interested!
If you’re a literary buff, head to the Faulkner House, where William Faulkner lived for a bit, but today it’s a cute book store! Walk by the Avart-Peretti House, where Tennessee Williams supposedly wrote A Streetcar Named Desire.
But you really don’t want to miss The LaBranche House. This is the epitome of New Orleans cast iron balconies!
What Can Be Skipped In The French Quarter New Orleans (& What To Do Instead)
There are some top New Orleans attractions in the French Quarter that I recommend skipping altogether…
P.S. Get my full New Orleans travel guide to check off top attractions and eats!
The French Market Bazaar Isn’t Worth Your Time
The French Market is known for shopping. But there are two areas that make up the French Market: the strip along Decatur Street, and the Crafts Bazaar.
The French Market Crafts Bazaar is horrible. There are food stalls and vendors set up in a covered outdoor hall. But it was all around underwhelming.
Not only was it empty, but the vendors weren’t selling anything you would ever want to buy. Plus, it’s quite a bit out of the way from the hub of the French Quarter New Orleans, with not much else in the area.
What To Do In New Orleans: French Market Alternatives…
If you are interested in visiting the French Market, stick around Decatur Street.
The strip along Decatur street isn’t all that bad, since at least it’s beautiful to walk through. It also isn’t as much out of the way as the Crafts Bazaar. Plus they had better stores and some outdoor sculptures to seek out (like Instrument Men and the Lady of New Orleans Statue!).
Or if you can, try to visit the Crafts Bazaar a Wednesday or Sunday when there’s an additional farmers market. Sometimes there will also be live music and extra vendors on these days. So I imagine it will be more exciting and be less empty!
Top Things To Do in New Orleans: Cafe Du Monde Can Be Skipped!
Cafe du Monde is a top New Orleans attraction, being the oldest stand serving beignets (fried dough with powdered sugar) and coffee. Even though time is on their side (founded in 1862) it in no way makes the best beignets in the city…
Today, there are a few Cafe du Mondes around New Orleans, but if you’re going to go to any, it has to be the one in the French Market, this is the original.
Go to Cafe du Monde for the history and the unique atmosphere, because there are way better beignets to be found elsewhere in the city!
P.S. Cafe du Monde is also cash only…
New Orleans Food Viator Tours
Food is such a big part of New Orleans culture so dive right in with a guided food tour in the city!
New Orleans food walking tour in the French Quarter →
New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class and Meal →
Or see more food tours in New Orleans on Viator.
Best Places To Try Beignet & Chicory Coffee In New Orleans Instead
I really liked Cafe Beignet a lot better for the coffee, beignets, and even the atmosphere (it was also a lot cleaner too!).
There are three Cafe Beignets in New Orleans, two of which are in the French Quarter New Orleans, each with their own unique vibes!
The two in the French Quarter had live music when I visited (which was a very nice bonus, you’re in New Orleans after all!). And there was actual outdoor seating (you’re not covered under an old drab awning as you are at Cafe du Monde!).
If you’re willing to go a bit further out of the city for some real decadent beignets though, head to The Vintage on Magazine Street in the Garden District (more on that in a bit!). They actually fill their beignet with anything from extravagant jams to custards!
P.S. Get around to all the top destinations in New Orleans, like the Garden District by booking the Hop on / Hop Off Bus tour.
Visiting New Orleans: Don’t Go To The New Orleans Jazz Museum
Jazz was born in New Orleans, so I had really high hopes for The New Orleans Jazz Museum to find out more about the history.
In the end, I just didn’t get what I wanted out of this museum. The museum itself isn’t centrally located and the exhibits were presented in a very dry, text heavy way.
There’s also an exhibit on money, as the museum is housed in the Old U.S. Mint building. So they showcase some old machinery that was used.
See A Jazz Performance In New Orleans Instead
Instead of learning about Jazz from a museum, go see a Jazz performance. Lucky for you, there are quite a few options to hear some live music in New Orleans!
Depending on when you’re visiting New Orleans, you might be able to see a performance at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in the French Market, see the calendar.
See A Jazz Concert At Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is the place for jazz every night!
It is a bit more expensive, but you’ll be getting quite the experience! The musicians are incredible! They encourage the audience to move to the beat, tap their feet and clap along. They might even get you singing by the end!
I recommend splurging on front row seats at Preservation Hall. Even though it’s a small (decrepit) venue, there’s no slant. So if you want to be able to see everything, it’s worth spending a bit more on tickets.
See tickets for Preservation Hall.
Or Go To The Piano Bar At Pat O’Brien’s Pub
A more affordable option to Preservation Hall is next door to the Piano Bar at Pat O’Brien’s Pub.
The Piano Bar has two musicians playing your choice of songs on the piano! Plus, if you’re interested in trying local New Orleans cocktails, Pat O’Briens is the birthplace of the Hurricane (but watch out, they’re quite strong!).
What To Do In New Orleans – Other Top Attractions
Here are some more top New Orleans attractions that you should absolutely do throughout the city!
P.S. All of these and more are included on my New Orleans checklist!
Walk Along Canal Street In New Orleans
Canal Street marks the end of the French Quarter and the start of the American side of New Orleans.
You’ll notice a HUGE shift in architectural styles. Also, everything is just so much BIGGER on Canal Street than anything in the French Quarter.
I mean, the French Quarter is a one lane street. Canal Street is three lanes, EACH WAY! And on top of that there’s room for two streetcar tracks down the middle!
Canal Street has shopping, restaurants (like Cafe Beignet), and high rise hotels (I would actually recommend staying here when visiting New Orleans, jump to my hotel recommendations)!
Tour The Sazerac House (On Canal Street!)
The Sazerac House (actually on Canal Street) is must-do in New Orleans.
In case you didn’t know, the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans.
Visit the Sazerac House to learn all about the history of the Sazerac, and even taste a few cocktails… all for free!
Go To Louis Armstrong Park (Congo Square)
Louis Armstrong Park is a historical park just outside the French Quarter New Orleans.
Within the park is Congo Square, where the enslaved and free people of color gathered in the 19th century.
Dancing, and above all, music used to fill the square! In fact, it’s where Jazz music in New Orleans got its start!
Popular Things Not To Do In New Orleans (& What To Do Instead!)
These are a few popular things to do in New Orleans that you might want to rethink, and some suggestions of what to do instead.
Don’t Pay For St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 In New Orleans
Interestingly enough, cemeteries are one of the top New Orleans attractions. And St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is at the top of that list to visit!
But it also used to be free. Now you have to buy tickets if you want to go inside.
Unless you’re really into the above ground tombs in New Orleans, or visiting cemeteries in general, I would say it isn’t worth it considering there are other free cemeteries to visit throughout the city.
Go To Any Other Cemetery In New Orleans
Every cemetery in New Orleans will be exactly the same (with the above round tombs, since the whole city is below sea level), so just go to any other cemetery in the city.
You’ll be able to see this unique style of burial without spending a penny!
See the other cemeteries in New Orleans that are still open to the public.
Don’t Take The Streetcar To Bayou St. John
Bayou St. John is one of the most popular neighbourhoods to visit in New Orleans, and I’m not really sure why…
It’s an easy day trip from the city because you can take the Canal Streetcar all the way there.
The top thing to do in Bayou St. John is to visit the New Orleans City Park to see the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
To be honest, we biked through the park and it was kind of barren… The Sculpture Garden was neat, but not worth a trip just to see it.
Really the top thing to do in Bayou St John is to go to the Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Po’ boy. This is the place to go for a Po’ boy in New Orleans.
Boy was I ever completely let down. Not only was I unimpressed with my roast beef Po’ Boy (which is what they’re known for), but it might have been the worst one I had in New Orleans.
Take The St. Charles Streetcar To The Garden District Instead
The best streetcar to ride in New Orleans is the green streetcar that runs along St. Charles Av. This is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.
On top of that, the St. Charles Streetcar takes you through one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in New Orleans, the Garden District. Read my full guide to visiting the Garden District (for now, I’ll just say we enjoyed it so much we went back!)
New Orleans Garden District Tour
You can also go on a guided walking tour of the Garden District in New Orleans to find out more about the unique architecture behind each mansion, see it on Viator.
Or see more tours in New Orleans on Viator.
Go To Joey K’s Instead of The Parkway Bakery & Tavern
In the Garden District, there’s also a restaurant that rivals the Parkway Bakery and Tavern.
Joey K’s served Po’ boys that were ten times better than anything I ate at the Parkway Bakery and Tavern… plus it was an all around much nicer dining experience.
P.S. I recommend adding on some sautéed onions to your Po’ Boy at Joey K’s!
Don’t Visit New Orleans During Mardi Gras
If you’re looking into visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras… don’t! Especially if it’s your first time to New Orleans.
Not that I’ve experienced New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but I can imagine the complete and utter craziness that ensues. Not to mention a surcharge on EVERYTHING from flights to hotels!
Go To Mardi Gras World Instead – Visiting New Orleans When You Want!
Instead of visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, just go to Mardi Gras World! It’s a giant warehouse where they build the floats and sets for Mardi Gras… and it’s open all year round!
They offer tours that give you an insight into the history of Mardi Grad and take you on a behind the scenes tour of where the magic happens!
It’s a working warehouse, so you can see them working on the floats for that year!
Now you don’t have to pay surge pricing for flights or hotels, and you can visit New Orleans whenever your heart desires.
Plus, this way you’ll also get a closeup look at some of the most impressive floats of Mardi Gras, and yes, you’re allowed to take pictures (in fact, pictures are encouraged!).
Don’t Visit Oak Alley Plantation From New Orleans
When visiting New Orleans, a popular day trip is to visit one of the nearby Antebellum Plantations.
Oak Alley is one of the most popular plantations to visit near New Orleans, but it really shouldn’t be.
I won’t lie, it’s by far the most picturesque, but the focus of the exhibits and tours are completely wrong.
I learned way too much about the wealthy aristocrats who owned slaves rather than the enslaved people themselves. Which should not be the case!
There are a few other plantations in the area that do focus on the enslaved on the plantations…
You can read my full review of Oak Alley Plantation.
Visit Laura Or Whitney Plantation Instead
Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation might not be as pretty as the oak lined alley, but they at least know what’s important.
The Whitney Plantation is the plantation to visit if you’re looking for a singular focus on the enslaved.
Laura Plantation focuses on the enslaved as well, but it also showcases the Creole side of plantations back in the day.
Both are better alternatives to Oak Alley Plantation, and you can book organized tours to each of the plantations near new orleans:
New Orleans Plantations Tours
There’s a tour taking you to each of the popular plantations near New Orleans.
If you’re interested in visiting Oak Alley, this organized tour from Viator takes you there from New Orleans. It includes a guided tour of the Big House and over two hours to explore the grounds at your leisure.
If you’re interested in Whitney Plantation, this organized tour from Viator takes you there from New Orleans. Through a self guided tour, discover the lives of the slaves that once lived there.
Or if you’re interested in Laura Plantation, this organized tour from Viator will take you there from New Orleans where you’ll see the Big house and slaves quarters.
See more plantation tours in New Orleans on Viator.
P.S. Need A Place To Stay In New Orleans
I stayed at the Hampton Inn Conference Center in New Orleans, although it was a great hotel, it’s a bit far from all the main attractions. See it on Booking.com.
I would recommend instead staying on Canal Street instead. It’s a large lively street with a lot of hotel options. Plus you’re within walking distance to the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and all the streetcars (even the St. Charles Streetcar!) to take you wherever you want to go!
A good option is the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street (see it on Booking.com).
Or if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, just slightly off Canal Street is the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, see it on Booking.com.
Or see more hotels options in New Orleans on Booking.com.
Check Out My New Orleans Mini Travel Guide
Print it or use it on your phone!
Includes basic New Orleans travel information, tips & advice, and a checklist of all the top things to do and eat!
Read More Related Posts
- 15 New Orleans Souvenirs To Buy & Where To Find Them
- Explore The Best Of The Garden District New Orleans
- Why You Shouldn’t Visit New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation
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