Top 5 Things To Do In New Orleans
If you’re planning your first visit to New Orleans, you may be overwhelmed by all of the options of what there is to see and do in our historic and culture filled city.
That’s why I put together this list of must see things to do in New Orleans. Now, this is just a small percentage of the things to do, but it’s a good way to start your exploration of this city.
Visit Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street, the international, sometimes infamous destination for party goers. If it’s your first time, you’ll want to plan on checking this famous street out in the daylight and after dark before your vacation is over. There’s restaurants, jazz bars and much more.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Head down the street to 941 Bourbon Street, on a much quieter stretch of Bourbon. Lafitte’s is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans and the oldest bar in the United States. The legend is that Jean Lafitte, a pirate once owned the building. However, now it’s known for its piano music flowing from the back room and its candle lit atmosphere.
Café Du Monde
After a night out on Bourbon Street, head over to Café Du Monde and order beignets and a café au lait. If the coffee doesn’t get you going, the powdered sugar should do the trick.
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square
Across the street from Café Du Monde, you’ll find Jackson Square and beyond that St. Louis Cathedra. You really can’t do one without doing the other since they’re located right next to each other.
St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the United States. Make sure to take a tour inside to see the beautiful architecture. In front of the cathedral is the equally as beautiful Jackson Square.
Jackson Square is a relaxing park full of history and surrounded by talented artists selling their work. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the country.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans has unique cemeteries, with the dead buried above the ground. It’s a tradition that dates back to the French, Spanish and water tables. Take a tour with a group and learn the storied history of those who rest in this cemetery.
Bonus
Take a ride on a streetcar. It’s not only a great way to travel around the city, it’s a tourist destination worth checking out. Make sure to bring your camera.
Now, if you’ve already been to New Orleans once or twice, you’ve probably checked all of these things off your to do list. I encourage you to go out and explore the rest of the city like the eccentric Bywater or beautiful Garden District.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the city or your thirty-first, we would be glad to help you discover our city. Don’t be afraid to ask us!