The best things to do in New Orleans
There are so many things to do in New Orleans, it might take a lifetime to see and experience them all. If you’re only visiting for a short period of time though, here are a couple of things you might want to check out:
Broadway
Theatre is alive and well in The Big Easy. It’s never too difficult to catch a Broadway show, local theatre production or opera performances while in town. Some of the upcoming shows include critically acclaimed The Book of Mormon, Hair and Ghost The Musical, just to name a few.
Check out our list of live performance venues and more details on upcoming shows.
Live Music
It’s not hard to find live music in New Orleans, or good live music at that. But if you’re in New Orleans, especially if it’s just for a couple of days, then we can tell you where to find the best live music.
If you’re looking to see national and international bands play, then House of Blues is probably the best bet, although they do host regional bands as well. For genuine Acadian music from the bayou, Mulate’s is the best place to go. They host musicians every night of the week, so you never have to worry about missing anything. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, then The Bombay Club is a good choice.
We know that you might be looking for something specific, so here’s a full list of recommendations with descriptions of each place.
Tours
Think beyond your regular tour guides. Familiarize yourself with the city through cocktail tours, bike tours, bus tours and even cemetery tours. For a tour really unique to New Orleans, consider taking the Hurricane Katrina tour. During the Katrina tour, you’ll get an eye-witness account of the destruction the hurricane caused, see the levee that breached, and even witness what’s left of a few of the neighborhoods that were devastated or wiped out by the flood waters.
Art
New Orleans is home to a thriving art scene. The Warehouse District, also called the Art District, is known as the “So-Ho of the South.” The art galleries that call the district home are both plentiful and colorful. It’s the perfect place to stroll through, meet local artists, and even grab a bite to eat and drink.
Jackson Square is also a popular spot for artists to set up. The sidewalks and fences lining the square are covered in art – some of it made on-site. There is no particular time the artists come and go, but visitors can most likely catch them on weekends and in the evenings.
Shopping
What would any good trip be without a little shopping? Take home some pralines or send your loved ones a fresh, delicious king cake. You can also pick up Mardi Gras beads and other souvenirs as unique reminders of your trip to New Orleans.