Are you visiting New Orleans, Louisiana for the first time? Below is a list of Insider Tips and recommendations for things to see and do in the ” Big Easy.”
When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to cocktails at the Sazerac Bar in the historic Roosevelt Hotel.
If you are looking for typical New Orleans cuisine, order a good po-boy from Johnny’s, Mother’s or Parkway Bakery and Tavern.
Looking for a quiet place to reflect? Check out the Besthoff Sculpture Garden located in City Park. On a warm day, head next door to the New Orleans Museum of Art to cool down and study more than 30,000 art objects.
If you come to New Orleans, get your picture taken at Jackson Square.
The best item on the menu atCafe du Monde, are the beignets.
Seeing a lot of Fleur de Lis in New Orleans? It is the official symbol of the city (and the New Orleans Saints) and can be found everywhere.
Looking for cheap food in New Orleans? Go anywhere that serves gumbo, red beans and rice or a po-boy. All run under $7.
For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Restaurant August, owned by Chef John Besh.
In New Orleans, take your picture with a street performer on Royal Street, on stage at Cats Meow on Bourbon, or with a Hurricane drinking glass on Pat O’s.
The Omni Royal Orleans Rooftop Pool offers great views, and the lobby of the Westin Canal Place is another good place to people watch.
In New Orleans, an active day outdoors involves eating and walking to the next bar.
Looking for a little exercise? Walk the French Quarter, although a streetcar ride down the St. Charles Avenue route is even better.
If you are a museum lover, New Orleans’ best museum is the National World War II Museum.
Enjoy a night out on the town? For a night of dancing, go Frenchmen Street. It’s known as the local’s Bourbon Street with plenty of live music.
The Times–Picayune will keep you posted on local happenings in the newspaper.
You can tell a lot about New Orleans from visiting and watching Mardi Gras. It really sums up the ‘Joie de vivre’ attitude.
If you are a jazz fan, come to New Orleans Jazz Fest in the spring.
Tales of the Cocktail is a must do in the summer in New Orleans.
Did you know that New Orleans is America’s most haunted city? Visit in the fall and experience Halloween!
Come to New Orleans, Louisiana for Mardi Gras in the winter.
Insider Tip: checkout the often over-looked Ye Olde College Inn. It’s a short cab ride away to Mid City New Orleans. After, head next door to Rock n Bowl for live music and bowling.
Go to Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait for a great breakfast treat or coffee.
Don’t miss The Audubon Insectarium if you have kids traveling with you.
What are your favorite things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana?
Photos courtesy of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jazz photo courtesy of Donn Young. Cafe Du Monde photo courtesy of Pat Garin.
Related Post:
Things to See and Do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Now you’re talking about one of my very favorite cities. Drop into the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone for a drink where many famous writers have toasted their publications–Hemmingway, Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Richard Ford and more.
@Vera Marie
Thanks for the Carousel Bar recommendation. Sounds like there are plenty of places to wet your whistle in New Orleans.
Hey Nancy, yep, the bar that spins round and round and when you come back it’s hard to find your barstool. Mardi GRAS tips include bringing an empty plastic bags for all those beads you catch and wear a nice bra if you plan to flash in the French Quarter
@Lorry Heverly
You must be friends with Jen Leo, author of the book “Sand in My Bra.” Jen’s comment to me about Lost Luggage Tips was to make sure you are always wearing a pretty bra!
Also my favorite city. It mixes historic with new and exciting effortlessly. A good time, music, food, and experiences can always be found. There is so much going on that most times the fun comes to you while you are there. I will be going back in April to help rebuild. Thanks for the post Nancy!
@Kerry
Good for you for heading to New Orleans to help rebuild. I’d love to interview you for my Contra Costa Times newspaper column.
this is really nice trip for holidays.
I’ve been to NOLA twice…both times for work. that kind of limits what you’re able to do and the time you have but I’ve really enjoyed it and can’t wait to go back. I found Mother’s to fall squarely into the “tourist trap” category, though. The wait was horrendous and most everything was overpriced. But with the huge amount of excellent eateries of all sorts, it’s easy enough to just skip and still eat well.
Ive only been to NO to visit family but really didn’t get a chance to get out. I will be visiting again soon and this time it is for more leisure thanks for the tips.
Pingback: The Making of Mardi Gras in New Orleans | Nancy D Brown
Pingback: Old No 77 Hotel: Affordable New Orleans Luxury | Nancy D Brown