Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans
1 Explore the French Quarter
Also known as Vieux Carré, this is the heart of New Orleans, the original city. The French Quarter’s atmosphere and old-world charm is legendary, yet hard to describe. It’s block after block of classic hotels, fine dining, music venues, charming boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Described by many as a living museum in itself, it’s home to the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, the historic Pontalba Apartments, residences rich in architectural detail and hidden courtyards. It is where the Mississippi River meets the city’s sidewalks, and where you can relax and observe ships and charming paddle wheelers navigate the river.
While you’re there, grab a go-cup, take a shot of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and experience the history and mystery of antique shops on Royal Street. Just one block from the ever-energetic Bourbon Street lays some of the world’s best antique shops. Stroll down Royal Street for a chance to see a broad range of antiques– from ornate furniture belonging to grand plantations, to jewellery fit for a turn of the century ball, to military weaponry from wars past. Royal Street is also centre stage for artists and street performers who dazzle crowds with their talents on every corner.
2 Fill up on ‘Eats
In the Crescent City, food is an art form and chefs are rock stars. With more than 1,400 restaurants in the Greater New Orleans area, everyone is sure to find something that satisfies their palate. The city offers one of the most incredibly diverse concentrations of exceptional dining and unforgettable cuisine in the world. New Orleans restaurateurs and renowned chefs are passionate about their craft, and it shows in their achievements that are rarely, if ever, replicated anywhere else in the world. New Orleans racked up an impressive six James Beard food award nominations this year, and after your visit, you’ll understand why.
Some favourites are known around the world…such as Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s Delmonico and Antoine’s, while others are treasured local secrets. Creole, Cajun and French signature dishes are just the tip of the menu. While exploring New Orleans’ culinary wonders, don’t forget to explore the offerings of other cuisines, including Latin, Mediterranean, Asian and Italian fare, which infuse traditional preparation with an amazing array of South Louisiana spices, produce and seafood.
After taking your taste buds on the ride of their life, take your turn with the spatula at one of the many cooking schools around the city. The New Orleans School of Cooking, Langlois, New Orleans Cooking Experience and Crescent City Cooks all offer a wide range of classes to fit your interests.
3 Dance to Live Music
A melting pot of musical inspirations and innovations; New Orleans has embraced music as an indelible part of its history, an important facet of its identity and one of the most colourful threads in its cultural tapestry. From street performers to symphonies, jazz funerals to world-renowned festivals, and local Zydeco to headlining rock concerts, music continues to permeate and enrich every day of life in New Orleans.
While you’re here, follow the locals and enjoy the endless local clubs and bars along Frenchmen Street and beyond. Snug Harbor, The Spotted Cat and Preservation Hall offer local jazz favourites. Blue Nile, The Maison and Tipitina’s may be hosting your local funk favourites.
4 Stay Active and See the Sights
After enjoying all the food and fun of the city, you may find yourself wanting to fit a workout into your schedule to avoid putting on a few extra pounds. Don’t waste valuable vacation time time at the hotel gym. New Orleans offers a wide array of outdoor activities that allow you to work out while enjoying the city. Relax and kayak down Bayou St. John, a slow moving bayou in the heart of the Mid-City neighbourhood. Rent a kayak and paddle down this easily accessible, tree-lined body of water. Those who prefer to stay moving on land can embark on a 10k historical jogging tour that will take them through the French Quarter, Marigny and Garden District neighbourhoods. If you’re looking to do some exploring, travel 30 minutes to Barataria Preserve for more than 23,000 acres of swamps, marshes and forests that are perfect for hiking and kayaking. Paths wind through the preserve, allowing for great sites of both nature and wildlife.
5 Ride the Streetcar through the Garden District
For only US$1.25 each way, hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar for a tour of the historic Garden District. Ride past ornate mansions with pristinely manicured gardens and yards. You can stop for a romantic stroll through Audubon Park and see egrets and other water fowl or hop off for a drink at the elegant Columns Hotel or Superior Grill, a local favourite. If you happen to be in New Orleans on the last Saturday of the month, you can stop by a farmers & arts market at the end of the green line.
6 Shop until you Drop
While neighbouring areas offer a more traditional mall experience, most of New Orleans takes on a less structured environment that reaches up and down streets and between neighbourhoods. Downtown or Uptown, the convenience of walking store to store is matched only by the enjoyment of exploring charming neighbourhoods and the thrill of discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.
A six-mile stretch of boutiques, restaurants and entertainment, Magazine Street is a great way to spend an afternoon in New Orleans.
Eat lunch at one of the many restaurants that offer outdoor seating, or treat yourself at the end of the day by grabbing a sweet treat at Sucre Confections.
The newly opened Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk is steps from the French Quarter and offers tax free shopping to international visitors. The Riverwalk is the nation’s first outlet mall to be located in a city center. Shoppers can enjoy sales at over 75 stores, ranging from 25% -60% off the original price.
7 Experience a Festival
More than 40 festivals are on the social calendar each year in New Orleans. If you visit during a weekend in the Spring or Fall, odds are good that your visit will correspond with a festival. Festivals in New Orleans celebrate everything from music to food to a successful day at work. In April and May, the two largest festivals French Quarter Fest and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, bring hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals to the festival grounds. Musical acts from around the world and across town play at these festivals. Locals can be seen dancing to the live music, enjoying food from regional restaurants or lounging on a blanket with friends.
8 Stroll City Park
Easily accessible from the streetcar and covering 1,300 acres in the heart of New Orleans, City Park is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Rent a paddleboat, and glide through bayous and lagoons full of ducks, geese and other aquatic wildlife. Get competitive at “City Putt,” City Park’s newest attraction, a 36- hole mini golf course. Visit the Carousel, featuring antique wooden horses, or Storyland, an amusement park perfect for kids to imagine their own adventures with characters from classic fairy tales. Tucked away is Equest Farm, where visitors can schedule private horseback riding lessons.
City Park is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden and the Botanical Gardens, which are quite often the setting for special events on weekends for visitors of all ages.
9 Enjoy Museums
Browse your choice of more than 45 New Orleans museums focused on a range of interests including history, art, nature and architecture. Learn about the history of Mardi Gras, including the tradition of krewe royalty and masking, at the Presbytere, located in Jackson Square; or Mardi Gras World, where you can see authentic Mardi Gras floats. View art from the Southern United States at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in the Arts District.
Visitors can spend a day at The National World War II Museum, which showcases America’s role in the war and on the Home front. The Stage Door Canteen is home to live performances of 30’s and 40’s inspired music including the singing trio “Victory Belles.”
10 Take a Victory Lap
Raise your heart rate by racing a Lamborghini or betting on a Louisiana thoroughbred. NOLA Motorsports Park, about 30 minutes outside the city, is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Visitors can take a spin in an exotic sports car or experience the thrill of karting on a world class track.
If driving isn’t for you, visit the Fairgrounds Race Course. Open from Thanksgiving weekend through the month of March, visitors can experience live horse racing with the best thoroughbreds in the state. Sip on a Bloody Mary while lounging in the clubhouse, or get up close and personal on the rail. Visit the paddock to see the horses before placing your bets.