Things to do

Best Things To Do In New Orleans According To Locals

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Forget about typical tourist activities like getting beads on Bourbon Street or sipping margaritas on balconies. Instead, let us show you the real New Orleans, just like a local. We'll take you to hidden music spots where jazz fills the air and to unique neighborhoods you won't find in guidebooks.

Explore voodoo shops, learn about secret spells, and dive into the diverse culture of NOLA. Get ready to fall in love with the true spirit of New Orleans, a city bursting with joy and excitement.

Visit the French Quarter

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It is a historic and vibrant area, characterized by its unique architecture, colorful buildings, and a rich tapestry of cultures, music, and cuisines. The Quarter is home to a mix of centuries-old buildings, modern boutiques, and more.

It is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities, including museums, tours, riverboat rides, open-air shopping at the French Market, and a lively nightlife scene. Revitalize yourself after a day of exploration in the French Quarter by dining at one of its eclectic buffet restaurants, where an array of delectable dishes awaits.

Enjoy a Paddle on Bayou Saint John

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This is one of the attractions for New Orleans, the tranquil waterway offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and glide along the bayou's gentle currents, surrounded by lush greenery and charming waterfront homes.

Marvel at the diverse wildlife, from graceful herons to playful turtles, as you soak in the beauty of this natural oasis. This is one of the waterparks of the USA, New Orleans that gives you a perfect nature vibe.

Explore the Garden District

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Let me tell you about an absolute gem, the Garden District. Here, you will be strolling through streets straight out of a storybook, with towering trees shading beautiful mansions that look like they're from another era. It's like stepping into a fairytale. And get this, each of those mansions has a story to tell, from the people who lived there to the secrets they hold.

Whether you're into history, or architecture, or just love soaking up beautiful surroundings, this is a must-see attraction New Orleans.

Take a Tour of the National WWII Museum

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This is one of the top-rated attractions New Orleans in the city and the second top-rated in the U.S. Its exhibits offer an immersive experience of World War II, with a focus on the American experience in the war.

The campus houses seven pavilions with historical exhibits, on-site restoration work, a period dinner theater, and restaurants. One of the museum's newest attractions is "Expressions of America," an immersive outdoor sound and light show that brings history to life through cutting-edge technology and special effects.

Visit the St. Louis Cathedral

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This iconic landmark isn't just a beautiful building, it's a symbol of the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Step inside and prepare to be awestruck by the stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and serene atmosphere that surrounds you.

Whether you're admiring the breathtaking stained glass windows, learning about the cathedral's fascinating history, or simply taking a moment to soak in the tranquility, a visit to the St. Louis Cathedral is an experience you won't soon forget.

Enjoy a Riverboat Jazz Dinner

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You've got to try the Riverboat Jazz Dinner, one of the New Orleans Louisiana attractions. Picture yourself cruising along the beautiful Mississippi River, with live jazz music playing in the background and the city lights twinkling in the distance.

And the food? Oh, it's delicious. Think mouthwatering Creole and Cajun dishes that'll make your taste buds sing. So, Grab your friends and family, hop aboard, and get ready for a night of good music, great food, and even better memories.

Unleash the charm of Audubon Park

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This expansive and picturesque park offers a myriad of activities for everyone. You can play golf, explore running and cycling tracks, admire beautiful lakes with wildlife, and stroll through lovely flower gardens. The park features a 1.8-mile paved loop for joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers, as well as several covered shelters ideal for picnics or family gatherings.

With its ancient live oaks, tranquil jogging paths, lagoons, and playgrounds, Audubon Park is a true urban oasis that promises a delightful experience for all.

Take a Swap Tour

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This is one of the NOLA attractions, come and feel the excitement build as you board your boat and venture into the mysterious and enchanting bayous.

As you glide through the tranquil waters, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the swamp, you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of your surroundings from ancient cypress trees draped in moss to the playful antics of alligators and other wildlife.

It's a thrilling and immersive experience that will leave you feeling like you've stepped into another world.

Indulge in Cafe du Monde

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Make sure to treat yourself to this one of the attractions in New Orleans. As you settle into your seat, surrounded by locals and visitors alike, take a moment to savor each bite of these deliciously fluffy pastries paired perfectly with a cup of rich, chicory-flavored cafe au lait.

So don't miss out on this quintessential New Orleans experience at Cafe du Monde, where every bite is a reminder of the city's vibrant culture and irresistible charm.

Go for a Haunted History Tour

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This offers a captivating exploration of the city's supernatural and mysterious past. The company has been operating for over 27 years and is renowned for its excellence and extensive research on the hauntings of New Orleans. They offer a variety of daily and nightly tours, including ghost and history tours, a vampire tour, a cemetery tour, a Garden District tour, a haunted pub crawl, and day or night bus tours of the city.

The tours are mildly theatrical, hugely historical, and thoroughly entertaining, providing an immersive experience of the haunted side of New Orleans.

Explore the Train Garden

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Get ready to be transported into a miniature world of wonder and excitement, where tiny trains chug along intricate tracks, winding their way through charming landscapes filled with miniature buildings, bridges, and landscapes.

It's a journey of discovery and delight that will leave you feeling like a kid again, lost in the enchanting world of model trains. So gather your friends and family, and prepare to be amazed as you explore the Train Garden, an experience that's sure to leave you smiling from ear to ear.

Go for a French Quarter & Marigny Neighborhood Carriage Ride

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Experience the enchanting French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods in a whole new light with a captivating carriage ride. Step into a bygone era as you embark on a fully narrated tour, delving into the rich history and character of these iconic areas.

This one-hour journey, offered by Royal Carriages, promises a truly immersive experience, with the option to tailor the tour to your preferences. The intimate carriages, seating 1-4 people, ensure a personalized and unforgettable adventure for all. Don't miss this opportunity to soak in the breathtaking views.

Unleash the Splendor of Botanical Gardens

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Come and lose yourself amidst the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms of meticulously curated gardens. You can wander through peaceful pathways, surrounded by towering trees and bubbling fountains, and feel the stresses of the day melt away.

Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation, or simply a moment of tranquility, the Botanical Gardens offer an enchanting escape where the beauty of nature unfolds in all its splendor. Don't miss the chance to experience this hidden gem and let the magic of the gardens soothe your soul.

Take a Walk in Magazine Street

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Magazine Street is a charming and vibrant street that stretches from downtown to uptown. It is lined with cute boutiques, restaurants, and bars, and the houses and buildings are beautifully decorated. It's a great street to stroll around, explore, shop, and eat.

The Marigny and Bywater areas are also worth exploring, as they are more downtown than the French Quarter and are home to colorful and cute houses and buildings.

Stroll Around City Park

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Prepare to be swept away by the charm and excitement of City Park, one of the attractions in New Orleans. You will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, majestic oak trees, and vibrant flowers as you embark on a stroll through this urban oasis.

With its tranquil lagoons, winding pathways, and picturesque bridges, every step offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered. So, let the beauty of this park captivate your senses as you create memories to last a lifetime.

Admire the Talent at the New Orleans Museum of Art

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NOMA boasts an impressive collection of over 40,000 artworks spanning from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary masterpieces, it offers a captivating journey through the world of art. 

Come and delve into the works of renowned artists like Monet, Degas, Rodin, and O'Keefe, as well as diverse collections of glass, ceramics, pre-Columbian art, and photography. Don't forget to explore the adjacent Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden, a meticulously landscaped sanctuary showcasing the museum's remarkable sculpture collection.

Visit Lafitte Greenway

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The Lafitte Greenway is a 2.6-mile linear park, connecting people to nature, various neighborhoods, and key destinations. It serves as a premier bicycle and pedestrian pathway, linking the French Quarter to City Park. The Greenway offers a range of amenities, making it an ideal space for community engagement, outdoor activities, and leisure.

It provides a beautiful and accessible green space for walking, jogging, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors. This is a significant part of New Orleans' burgeoning bicycle network, offering a well-maintained and safe route.

Tour at Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

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This is one of the attractions at New Orleans and is a private, non-profit museum that presents the unique and remarkable history of Southern Jews through exhibits, collections, and programs, encouraging new understanding and appreciation for identity, diversity, and acceptance.

It showcases the experiences of Jews in thirteen states and is composed of stories that span centuries and regions. The museum is dedicated to shining a light on the Southern Jewish experience and is a testament to the soul of the Southerners who accepted and encouraged their Jewish neighbors as members of the community.

Go to Studio Be

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This art gallery showcases contemporary and interpretive art pieces, including massive, spray-painted canvases that will leave you in awe. The artist behind the gallery has created a strong and complex collection that is a must-see for anyone interested in art. You can enjoy a guided group tour of the gallery learn about the BE Trilogy and get an in-depth experience with the current exhibitions.

The gallery is open six days a week, and you can book tickets for a self-guided tour online. So, visit once.

Explore Crescent Park

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Lastly, let me tell you about one of the attractions New Orleans that'll leave you smiling from ear to ear, and it is Crescent Park. You will be wandering along the serene banks of the mighty Mississippi River, with the city's skyline as your backdrop. Take a stroll, bike ride, or jog along the scenic pathways while soaking in the stunning views.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax, snap some Insta-worthy pics, or simply enjoy a breath of fresh air, Crescent Park has got you covered.