What to Do in New Orleans

The party-hearty city of New Orleans, La., seduces visitors. Maybe it’s the delicate architecture and Mississippi River mists, or perhaps it’s the luscious taste of Creole and Cajun cuisine—or maybe even the simple joy of celebrations, from daily small observances to the gargantuan Mardi Gras and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The city has won the hearts of many, and for good reason.

Colonized by the French, ruled by the Spanish and the United States, and influenced by native Indians as well as Africans brought as slaves, New Orleans has a deep history—and it shows in its architecture, culture, music and cuisine. While the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 slowed the city down, major New Orleans tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants have since reopened, and New Orleans is ready to show you a good time.

Call it New Orleans, the Crescent City, or even the City That Care Forgot, but don’t call it by the outsider nickname, the Big Easy—as it’s frowned upon by locals. That’s about the only time you won’t get a smile from New Orleanians, who are always happy to help visitors out, whether with directions or advice on the best place to get an oyster po’boy. By all means, lose yourself in this river city on your New Orleans vacation, because like the Earl King song says, “there ain’t no city like New Orleans.”

 

• Enjoy the scenery of the Vieux Carré.

Courtesy of the New Orleans Metropolitan CVB

Hot Draws in the Crescent City: New Orleans Neighborhoods

French Quarter

New Orleans’ French Quarter is full of historic architecture, although not many buildings of French influence are left after fires in 1788 and 1794. Start in the center, Jackson Square, flanked by the Pontalba apartments (the oldest apartment buildings in North America), the Presbytère, the Cabildo (where the Louisiana Purchase was signed) and St. Louis Cathedral. The Historic New Orleans Collection (533 Royal St.), dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans, has a museum and collection of French Quarter buildings that allow insight into the city’s past.

Have a breakfast of beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde. Shop for antiques on Royal Street or for knicknacks in the French Market. Many people think about Bourbon Street when they think of New Orleans attractions. And if you haven’t seen it, you should—once. If you like it, by all means, enjoy yourself. If you don’t, you can now move on and dive more deeply into the culture.

 

• The historic St. Charles Streetcar line has been an important part of public transportation in New Orleans for more than a century.

Courtesy of the New Orleans Metropolitan CVB

The Garden District

There’s a reason that New Orleans has more National Historic Landmarks than any other city in the United States. But don’t just stay in the Quarter to see New Orleans’ architectural gems. Uptown along St. Charles Avenue, you’ll find Queen Anne Revival mansions, Greek Revival mansions and plenty of picturesque homes. Take a stroll down Magazine Street for some great shopping, or stop in at the Audubon Zoo, one of the attractions in the Audubon Nature Institute (the others include the Audubon Insectarium, the Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy IMAX Theatre—and are located on the Riverwalk and on Canal Street).

Faubourg Marigny

The Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, located across Esplanade Avenue from the French Quarter, was once part of a plantation owned by Bernard de Marigny. When he subdivided the plantation, the first suburb downriver from New Orleans’ original settlement was created. Meander down Frenchmen Street and catch live music at the handful of popular clubs, stop in at Michael’s Bicycle to rent some wheels, get a bite to eat at the Marigny Brasserie or cool your heels at Washington Square Park, where a flock of Quaker parrots hangs out. One of my favorite places to eat here is La Peniche, a cozy coffee shop that always turns out tasty food. If you’re in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the Marigny is a great place to be.

 

• One night each August, New Orleans art lovers descend on Julia Street for White Linen Night.

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Warehouse District

Just the other side of Canal Street from the French Quarter lies the Warehouse District. Originally an industrial area, warehouses have now become occupied by galleries, museums and restaurants. Meander along Gallery Row on Julia Street, or stop in at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (its After Hours offerings are especially fun). The National World War II Museum, nearby, is the country’s official museum dedicated to World War II. Get a bite to eat at Cochon, a Cajun restaurant just a short distance from the galleries. 

Next: Must-See New Orleans Attractions and Activities