Top 10 Things To Do In New Orleans
Lively jazz, festive cultures, and the alluring promises of fun and adventure will entice all the weak and weary to liven their spirits here, until they're drunk off of their own pure joy and happiness (along with some much needed help from Bourbon Street). The spirited aroma of this city will surely leave you longing for more, and praying to return once again.
1. Ghost/Voodoo Tours
New Orleans has a very interesting and rich history when it comes to Voodoo, Ghosts, Vampires, and even Witches! These tours are always done at night, giving it that extra creepy crawly feeling. So grab a drink, and let the party get started!
2. French Quarter
The French Quarter is a magnificent area to spend a large chunk of your time exploring and getting lost in. It’s such a flavourful part of the city, teeming with culture, tradition, and all-around joy – making you actually think you landed in a different country.
3. Swamp Tours
Alligators! That’s literally the only thing you need to hear about this. There are several agencies that’ll shuttle you from the city center to their tour locations (so no need to worry about transportation) and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hold an alligator. What? An alligator? Me holding one? Yes! This is the future people. Just make sure to look into the details of which alligator tour company will let you do this.
4. Armstrong Park
I wasn’t necessarily too thrilled about this one when I heard about it, but it’s absolutely wonderful and dare I say it, a must see. The various art sculptures, the massive Armstrong gate, and just the general liveliness and greenery that engulf the park make it a spectacular place to wander around and have a picnic.
5. Café du Monde
I wish I could say this place is overrated. I wish I could say that people are just hyping it up and it’s not that great. I wish I could say it’s all just a fad tourist location. No. Oh no. I couldn’t do that. This place has reinvented the way I see pastries, so grab a coffee and beignet and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors swirling around your taste buds.
6. Bourbon Street
Regardless if you’re 21 or not, this street is a blast to walk around during the night. Lights flashing, beads flying, and fun times galore. It’ll leave you feeling like you’re right there on Fat Tuesday regardless if you’re going during Mardi Gras or not – but it is 100% somewhere to go with an open mind and happy heart or else you’ll be miserable.
7. Frenchmen Street
This will be your go-to place when looking for some old-fashioned and upbeat jazz music that this city is so widely (and rightfully) renown for. There are several locations that are bar-specific (so no young yipper snappers like me can enjoy a good song), but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a street show or find a restaurant that’ll let you drench your ears in the heart and soul that keeps New Orleans as spirited of a city as it is.
8. Eat everything
Literally the amount of mouth-watering food you can find here is ridiculous. From Beignets to Crawfish, from Po’ Boys to Pralines you’ll be admitted to a hospital for falling into a food coma (which I guess isn't the worst way to die). Each restaurant and location offers up their own twist and spin on these tasty items, so be sure to do some research on where you want to go. Or if you’re like me, figure out when you get there and absolutely fall in love.
9. Mardi Gras Museum
This isn’t necessarily talked about a lot – but boy did this place absolutely WOW me. It’s located quite a ways out of town, so you’ll have to take a car or trolley but it’s stupefyingly worth it. When you arrive, you’ll take a tour of a massive warehouse filled with floats, both new and old, and be able to see the various and intricate processes that help maintain the glory of Mardi Gras each year. 10/10, please go.
10. Take a cemetery tour
Creepy! I’m going to be honest, I didn’t necessarily have the time to get to this one on the list, but I’ve heard nothing but stellar reviews. There’s several located around French Quarter, so if you accidentally walk into a 10-foot tall wall, you’ve arrived!
Comments