New Orleans is one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in America. From its long history as a cultural melting pot to its thriving art scene, this southern city is a real hotspot with an almost endless variety of activities and attractions. We teamed up with Expedia.com to bring you some of the coolest things to do in this southern city. Make sure to get your vacation started off right by checking out the many New Orleans hotel options at Expedia.com.
- Explore the French Quarter.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh New Orleans is one of the few places where just wandering around aimlessly counts as an amazing way to pass the time and you’ll find something photo-worthy around every corner in the French Quarter. Also known as the Vieux Carré, it’s the oldest part of the city and is home to most of the famous hotspots in New Orleans, including everything from incredible Cajun restaurants to palatial historic estates. In New Orleans, the French Quarter is where it all begins.
- And don’t forget Bourbon Street.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh We know you won’t, but just in case you need a reminder: this historic street is one of the liveliest in the country. With plenty of nightlife that ranges from ultra-posh to deliciously seedy, stopping by anytime after 6 p.m. is sure to get you one of the wildest nights of your life. Plus, you can walk around outside with a cocktail here.
- Learn to peel and devour crawfish like a local.
Flickr/Todd Crusham If you visit New Orleans in the spring, you won’t be able to escape the intoxicating smell of crawfish boils happening throughout the city. This seafood snack is a huge part of the city’s history and culture, and there’s no better place to learn to love these little red critters than NOLA. Try Clesi’s (4413 Bank St., New Orleans) or Galley Seafood (2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie) for some of the best.
- Go on a bone-chilling ghost tour.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh Take in some of NOLA’s haunted history on one of the city’s famous ghost tours. If you’re a fan of American Horror Story, you’re probably already familiar with Marie Delphine LaLaurie. What you may not know is that this famous murderess actually existed and her house is open for tours. Other famous local spooks include the voodoo queen Marie Laveau and the ghostly specter of a murdered Turkish prince.
- Get back to nature on a swamp tour.
Google/New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours Where else can you combine a city break with a swamp adventure? The swamps near New Orleans are teeming with amazing wildlife like alligators, herons, turtles, bald eagles, and mink. Different tour companies based out of the city will let you explore the local swamps by foot, kayak, canoe, or airboat. Many groups will even come pick you up from your hotel. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours and Airboat Swamp Tours are reputable and affordable options.
- People-watch in Jackson Square.
Flickr/John Perry This picturesque square is one of the city’s National Historic Landmarks and its easy to see why. The famous park is surrounded by gorgeous architecture and the crowds that mill around here are no less fascinating. It’s a great spot to sit down with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
- Marvel at the St. Louis Cathedral.
Wikimedia Commons/Royalpt78 Also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, the St. Louis Cathedral is a majestic Catholic church in the heart of the French Quarter. Built in 1789, it’s the oldest cathedral in the United States. The triple spires of the church are absolutely breathtaking, and its history alone makes it a must-visit site. (615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans)
- Get cultured at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Google/Jason Diaz Wander into New Orlean’s City Park for a dose of art in the great outdoors. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden features works from international and local artists, and it’s a must-see for everyone. There’s no cost to wander the garden and you’ll have easy access to the New Orleans Museum of Art right next door. (1 Collins Diboll Cir., New Orleans)
- Catch a game at the Superdome.
Flickr/Will Gurley New Orleans is the home of the Saints NFL team and the massive Superdome. If you can swing tickets, watching a football game here is a must. The Superdome is actually part of New Orleans’ history in more ways that one – in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this stadium helped shelter thousands of locals made homeless by the storm.
- Soak up some serenity at Lake Pontchartrain.
Flickr/Barry Gobble Most people come to New Orleans looking for vibrant nightlife and upbeat urban adventures, but there’s plenty of natural beauty to be had here as well. Head next door to Lake Pontchartrain for a restorative afternoon of fishing, bird-watching, swimming, and wandering. Fountainbleau State Park on the north shore has the best access for swimming.
- Head to the French Market to shop your heart out.
Google/Steven Yin The French Market is a six-block stretch of shops, restaurants, and food stalls. It was originally founded as a Native American trading post, and has expanded over the centuries to include everything from clothing boutiques to Creole cafes. In fact, it’s the oldest market of its kind in America. If you want to indulge in some serious retail therapy, this is the spot.
- Don’t forget to grab beignets at Café du Monde.
Google/Tress Ritter Savoring a plate of hot, fresh beignets covered in powdered sugar should be on every traveler’s to-do list. Café du Monde is located in the French Market and been around since 1862. Their coffee is world-famous, but it’s the beignets that will linger in your daydreams for weeks afterwards. (800 Decatur St., New Orleans)
- And of course, you can’t miss Mardi Gras.
Flickr/philippe leroyer If there’s one reason and one reason alone to visit New Orleans, it’s Mardi Gras. From colorful parades to world renowned music and some of the best, most authentic cooking of your life, Mardi Gras is one event for the bucket list.
New Orleans is an enchanting city that will draw you back again and again. From the visiting the historic sites to chating with the colorful locals, all there is to see and do here will make you want to extend your stay indefinitely. Click here to find out more about visiting.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
New Orleans is one of the few places where just wandering around aimlessly counts as an amazing way to pass the time and you’ll find something photo-worthy around every corner in the French Quarter. Also known as the Vieux Carré, it’s the oldest part of the city and is home to most of the famous hotspots in New Orleans, including everything from incredible Cajun restaurants to palatial historic estates. In New Orleans, the French Quarter is where it all begins.
We know you won’t, but just in case you need a reminder: this historic street is one of the liveliest in the country. With plenty of nightlife that ranges from ultra-posh to deliciously seedy, stopping by anytime after 6 p.m. is sure to get you one of the wildest nights of your life. Plus, you can walk around outside with a cocktail here.
Flickr/Todd Crusham
If you visit New Orleans in the spring, you won’t be able to escape the intoxicating smell of crawfish boils happening throughout the city. This seafood snack is a huge part of the city’s history and culture, and there’s no better place to learn to love these little red critters than NOLA. Try Clesi’s (4413 Bank St., New Orleans) or Galley Seafood (2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie) for some of the best.
Take in some of NOLA’s haunted history on one of the city’s famous ghost tours. If you’re a fan of American Horror Story, you’re probably already familiar with Marie Delphine LaLaurie. What you may not know is that this famous murderess actually existed and her house is open for tours. Other famous local spooks include the voodoo queen Marie Laveau and the ghostly specter of a murdered Turkish prince.
Google/New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours
Where else can you combine a city break with a swamp adventure? The swamps near New Orleans are teeming with amazing wildlife like alligators, herons, turtles, bald eagles, and mink. Different tour companies based out of the city will let you explore the local swamps by foot, kayak, canoe, or airboat. Many groups will even come pick you up from your hotel. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours and Airboat Swamp Tours are reputable and affordable options.
Flickr/John Perry
This picturesque square is one of the city’s National Historic Landmarks and its easy to see why. The famous park is surrounded by gorgeous architecture and the crowds that mill around here are no less fascinating. It’s a great spot to sit down with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
Wikimedia Commons/Royalpt78
Also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, the St. Louis Cathedral is a majestic Catholic church in the heart of the French Quarter. Built in 1789, it’s the oldest cathedral in the United States. The triple spires of the church are absolutely breathtaking, and its history alone makes it a must-visit site. (615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans)
Google/Jason Diaz
Wander into New Orlean’s City Park for a dose of art in the great outdoors. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden features works from international and local artists, and it’s a must-see for everyone. There’s no cost to wander the garden and you’ll have easy access to the New Orleans Museum of Art right next door. (1 Collins Diboll Cir., New Orleans)
Flickr/Will Gurley
New Orleans is the home of the Saints NFL team and the massive Superdome. If you can swing tickets, watching a football game here is a must. The Superdome is actually part of New Orleans’ history in more ways that one – in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this stadium helped shelter thousands of locals made homeless by the storm.
Flickr/Barry Gobble
Most people come to New Orleans looking for vibrant nightlife and upbeat urban adventures, but there’s plenty of natural beauty to be had here as well. Head next door to Lake Pontchartrain for a restorative afternoon of fishing, bird-watching, swimming, and wandering. Fountainbleau State Park on the north shore has the best access for swimming.
Google/Steven Yin
The French Market is a six-block stretch of shops, restaurants, and food stalls. It was originally founded as a Native American trading post, and has expanded over the centuries to include everything from clothing boutiques to Creole cafes. In fact, it’s the oldest market of its kind in America. If you want to indulge in some serious retail therapy, this is the spot.
Google/Tress Ritter
Savoring a plate of hot, fresh beignets covered in powdered sugar should be on every traveler’s to-do list. Café du Monde is located in the French Market and been around since 1862. Their coffee is world-famous, but it’s the beignets that will linger in your daydreams for weeks afterwards. (800 Decatur St., New Orleans)
Flickr/philippe leroyer
If there’s one reason and one reason alone to visit New Orleans, it’s Mardi Gras. From colorful parades to world renowned music and some of the best, most authentic cooking of your life, Mardi Gras is one event for the bucket list.
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