MathHotels.com – If you’re searching for the best things to do in New Orleans, you’re in the right place. This vibrant Southern city is overflowing with culture, music, food, and stories waiting to be explored.
From the jazz-filled streets of the French Quarter to the shady oak-lined paths of City Park, New Orleans delivers something unforgettable in every neighborhood. Whether you’re into haunted history, Creole cuisine, or just good vibes, this list covers the city’s absolute must-sees.
First time visiting or just looking for something new? Here are 20 things to do in New Orleans that you won’t want to miss.
Things to Do in New Orleans is Like Nowhere Else
New Orleans is not just a destination—it’s a mood, a rhythm, a flavor. Unlike any other U.S. city, NOLA blends French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences into one colorful melting pot of culture. It’s a place where jazz spills from every street corner, beignets are a daily necessity, and ghost stories feel right at home.
The best part? It’s totally walkable, endlessly photogenic, and packed with things to do for every type of traveler—music lovers, foodies, families, history nerds, or anyone just looking to soak up some soul.
Iconic Experiences You Can’t Miss in New Orleans
New Orleans is overflowing with character, and some places are just essential to the NOLA experience. These five landmarks and moments capture the spirit of the city—loud, soulful, and full of flavor.
1. Explore the French Quarter & Bourbon Street
This is the heart of New Orleans—the oldest neighborhood in the city and home to those famous wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps, and jazz on every corner. Bourbon Street is the rowdiest part, filled with bars and neon, while Royal Street offers a more elegant vibe with art galleries and street musicians.
Where to stay nearby:
Hotel Monteleone (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – A historic hotel in the French Quarter, known for its Carousel Bar and rooftop views. Just steps away from Royal and Bourbon Streets.
2. Visit Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
This historic square is where art, culture, and spirituality collide. Watch local artists paint live, visit the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, or grab a beignet from nearby Café du Monde.
Where to stay nearby:
Place d’Armes Hotel (⭐⭐⭐) – Quaint and charming, this boutique hotel overlooks Jackson Square and places you in the middle of the action.
3. Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
Hop on the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world and take a slow ride through the elegant Garden District. You’ll pass mansions, oak trees, and classic Southern charm at every turn.
Where to stay nearby:
Pontchartrain Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Located in the Lower Garden District, this stylish hotel has vintage character and a rooftop bar with epic views.
4. Take a Steamboat Natchez Cruise on the Mississippi River
Sail the river like it’s the 1800s. The Natchez features live jazz, Creole cuisine, and unbeatable views of the city from the water.
Where to stay nearby:
The Westin New Orleans (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Overlooking the riverfront, this sleek hotel is a short walk from the cruise docks and French Quarter.
5. Wander through the Garden District
Away from the party vibes of downtown, the Garden District offers tree-lined streets, historic homes, and iconic filming locations. Don’t miss the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 if it’s open during your visit.
Where to stay nearby:
Henry Howard Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – A quiet, design-forward stay in a 19th-century mansion, ideal for travelers wanting charm and peace.
Music, Museums, and Cultural Highlights
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and a city that lives through its stories—told in rhythm, architecture, and history. These five spots dive deep into the city’s cultural heartbeat.
6. Catch Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
If Bourbon Street is the tourist trap, Frenchmen is where the real music lives. Packed with jazz clubs, street performers, and second-line parades, this is where the soul of NOLA comes out at night.
Where to stay nearby:
Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar (⭐⭐⭐) – Located right on Frenchmen Street, this stylish boutique stay puts you steps away from nightly live music.
7. Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum
Housed in the Old U.S. Mint, this museum celebrates the city’s musical legacy with exhibits, instruments, and performances. A must-stop for jazz fans.
Where to stay nearby:
Hotel Provincial (⭐⭐⭐) – A peaceful and historic hotel within walking distance to the museum and French Market.
8. Learn at The National WWII Museum
One of the most visited museums in the U.S., this massive complex is deeply moving and brilliantly curated, with immersive exhibits and original aircraft on display.
Where to stay nearby:
Higgins Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Located right next to the museum, it’s part of the WWII Museum complex and offers a themed yet upscale experience.
9. Tour a Historic Plantation
Take a day trip to Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation to learn about the region’s antebellum past. While beautiful, these sites also tell important, sobering stories of slavery and resistance.
Where to stay nearby:
Stay in NOLA & take a guided day tour – Most plantation tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in the French Quarter or Central Business District.
10. Stop by the Backstreet Cultural Museum
This small but powerful museum celebrates Black Mardi Gras traditions, social aid clubs, and the Mardi Gras Indians. It’s local, authentic, and totally unique.
Where to stay nearby:
The Frenchmen Hotel (⭐⭐⭐) – Just a short walk to the museum, this colorful spot matches the vibe of the surrounding Treme neighborhood.
Outdoor Adventures & Hidden Corners
New Orleans isn’t just parades and parties. Step outside the French Quarter and you’ll find lush parks, bayou tours, and quirky neighborhoods full of surprise and charm.
11. Stroll Through City Park
Bigger than NYC’s Central Park, City Park is full of moss-draped oaks, peaceful walking trails, and activities like paddle boating or visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Where to stay nearby:
Canal Street Inn (⭐⭐⭐) – A charming B&B along the Canal Streetcar line, offering quick access to both City Park and downtown.
12. Take a Swamp or Bayou Tour
Just outside the city, you can hop on an airboat or flat-bottom boat and cruise through Louisiana’s swamplands. You’ll see gators, herons, and maybe even a raccoon hitching a ride.
Where to stay nearby:
Any downtown hotel – Most swamp tour companies offer pickup from hotels in the French Quarter or Central Business District.
13. Explore Bywater & Marigny Neighborhoods
Colorful shotgun houses, quirky art installations, and low-key cafes make these two neighborhoods perfect for exploring on foot. Less touristy, more local.
Where to stay nearby:
Hotel Peter and Paul (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – A converted church-school combo turned boutique hotel in the heart of Marigny. Quiet, stylish, and deeply New Orleans.
14. Walk the Crescent Park Trail
This riverfront trail offers beautiful skyline views and a quiet escape from the crowds. Great for biking, sunset watching, or just soaking in the river breeze.
Where to stay nearby:
The French Market Inn (⭐⭐⭐) – A solid stay near the entrance to Crescent Park and the French Market area.
15. Visit Faubourg Treme
One of America’s oldest Black neighborhoods, Treme is rich in history and music. Walk through Armstrong Park, visit Congo Square, and feel the roots of jazz under your feet.
Where to stay nearby:
Treme Manor (Vacation Rental) – A stylish, locally owned rental just steps from Louis Armstrong Park and close to French Quarter vibes.
Food, Festivals, and Final Must-Do’s
There’s no leaving New Orleans without indulging in the food, catching a festival (planned or not), and absorbing the one-of-a-kind spirit that makes this city unforgettable.
16. Eat Beignets at Café du Monde
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. These powder sugar-coated fried dough squares are best served hot with a cup of chicory coffee. Open 24/7—because cravings don’t care what time it is.
Where to stay nearby:
Bienville House (⭐⭐⭐) – Cozy and elegant, just around the corner from Café du Monde and the French Market.
17. Try Gumbo, Jambalaya & Po’boys
You haven’t truly been to New Orleans until you’ve tasted the local flavors. Go for gumbo at Dooky Chase’s, grab jambalaya at Coop’s Place, and pick up a shrimp po’boy at Domilise’s.
Where to stay nearby:
International House Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – A short walk from several local food spots and streetcar access to more.
18. Experience Mardi Gras (or Just the Spirit of It)
Even if you’re not in town for the actual celebration, you can visit Mardi Gras World, see floats being made, and learn about the traditions behind the beads.
Where to stay nearby:
Omni Riverfront Hotel (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Close to the Convention Center and walking distance to Mardi Gras World.
19. Shop and Snack at the French Market
Dating back to 1791, this open-air market is part flea market, part food hall. Try alligator sausage, pralines, or hot sauce samples while browsing local crafts.
Where to stay nearby:
The Eliza Jane (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – A chic hotel just a few blocks from the market, with modern rooms in a historic building.
20. Just… Wander & Let the City Surprise You
Some of the best things in New Orleans aren’t on any list: a second-line parade popping up, a brass band jamming on the corner, or a stranger offering you beads with a smile. Say yes to it all.
Where to stay nearby:
Roam freely! Stay central (French Quarter, Marigny, CBD), and let the moments find you.
Make Your Own Rhythm in New Orleans
Whether you came for the food, the music, the ghosts, or the architecture—New Orleans always gives you more than you expect. It’s a city that doesn’t just show you things to do—it gives you moments to feel, to taste, to remember.
This list of 20 things to do in New Orleans is just a starting point. The real magic happens in between the plans—in a surprise street parade, a stranger’s laugh, or a bite of something you’ve never tasted before.
Planning your trip? Check out our other guides to help make it smooth:
→ [Best Hotels in New Orleans]
→ [Is New Orleans Safe to Visit?]
→ [Best Time to Visit New Orleans]
→ [New Orleans vs. Savannah: Which to Choose?]
Whatever you decide, just know this—once New Orleans gets in your soul, it never really leaves.
