What to Do in New Orleans

I get asked at least once a week via DM on Instagram for recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in New Orleans. I figured it was time to put my running list that I keep in my notes app on my phone into a full blog post. You can check out the FULL post here: New Orleans Guide: A Comprehensive List from a Local on Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do in New Orleans!

New Orleans is a gem of a city. Sure, it has plenty of flaws, but overall I love my city and love living here. There’s something indescribably wonderful and magical about the Crescent City. If you haven’t had a chance to visit NOLA, add it to your list. And if you’ve been to New Orleans, but have only visited the French Quarter, book another trip. Come back, explore other parts of the city. Bourbon Street is not exemplary of all that New Orleans has to offer.

Visit Cafe du Monde for a beignet
Book a jazz show at Preservation Hall (a MUST)
Walk around Jackson Square and the French Quarter
Walk Bourbon Street during day for chiller vibes. At night, it will be slammed. I don’t recommend hanging around Bourbon Street late into the evening/night.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar is a 1700s era bar at end of Bourbon Street. Worth checking out! Anytime of day/early evening.
For live music, instead of Bourbon, go to Frenchman Street. Check out d.b.a. bar, it’s one of my favorites!
Take a ride on the Saint Charles streetcar
Walk Magazine between Napoleon Street and Louisiana Ave (ish) for snacks, drinks, and shopping
Brewery hop! Port Orleans, NOLA Brewing, Miel, and Urban South are my favorites!
Visit the WWII Museum
Book an airboat swamp tour
Take note of any festivals happening during your visit! A few of my favorites throughout the year … Mardi Gras (obviously!), Freret Festival, Fete Francaise, Hogs for the Cause, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, Greek Fest, Oktober Fest, PoBoy Fest