10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana: The Ultimate Guide to the Big Easy

New Orleans, affectionately known as "The Big Easy," stands as a cultural jewel in Louisiana's crown. With its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and American influences, this vibrant city offers experiences that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Whether planning a first visit or returning to this beloved destination, here are the 10 best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana that should top any itinerary.

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1. Explore the Historic French Quarter

The French Quarter, New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, serves as the cultural heart of the city. Its distinctive architecture features colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies, creating a photogenic backdrop for your adventures.

Bourbon Street, the Quarter's most famous thoroughfare, comes alive at night with music spilling from doorways and revelers enjoying the city's liberal open-container laws. However, there's much more to discover beyond this famous party strip.

Royal Street offers a more refined experience with antique shops, art galleries, and street performers showcasing remarkable talents. Don't miss the opportunity to wander through the quieter residential areas where locals have preserved the Quarter's authentic charm.

While exploring the French Quarter ranks among the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana, the city's rich musical heritage awaits at our next destination, where you can experience the authentic sounds that made the Big Easy famous.

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2. Experience Live Jazz at Preservation Hall

No visit to New Orleans is complete without immersing yourself in the city's rich musical heritage. Preservation Hall stands as a temple to traditional New Orleans jazz, hosting intimate performances in a venue that has changed little since the 1960s.

The historic hall features nightly performances by masterful musicians dedicated to preserving this uniquely American art form. The small, austere space creates an authentic experience where the focus remains purely on the music.

Shows typically sell out, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended for this quintessential New Orleans experience. For the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans, this ranks near the top for music lovers.

After experiencing the soulful sounds of New Orleans jazz, you'll likely work up an appetite—which leads us to another of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana: sampling the city's iconic sweet treat at a legendary café that's been serving locals and visitors for over 150 years.

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3. Savor Beignets at Café du Monde

New Orleans' culinary scene is legendary, and no food item represents the city better than the beignet. These square doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are best enjoyed at Café du Monde, a New Orleans institution since 1862.

Located in the French Market, this iconic café operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving beignets alongside their signature chicory coffee. The combination creates a perfect moment to rest your feet while people-watching in one of America's most character-rich cities.

While lines can be long during peak hours, the efficient service moves quickly, and the experience of enjoying these sweet treats in their original setting is well worth the wait.

With the taste of powdered sugar still on your lips, it's time to explore another of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana—venturing beyond the French Quarter to discover the elegant side of the city in its most picturesque neighborhood.

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4. Stroll Through the Garden District

For a change of pace from the energetic French Quarter, venture to the Garden District, where stately mansions and meticulous gardens showcase a different side of New Orleans' history.

This neighborhood boasts some of the best-preserved antebellum architecture in the South, with many homes dating back to the 1800s. The area's oak-lined streets create picture-perfect scenes as you admire the historic residences.

Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the neighborhood's famous residents past and present, architectural details, and fascinating history. The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, with its above-ground tombs, offers another glimpse into the city's unique traditions.

After exploring the Garden District on foot, one of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana is to gain an entirely new perspective of this historic city—from the waters of the mighty Mississippi River that has shaped its destiny for centuries.

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5. Cruise the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez

Gain a new perspective of New Orleans by taking to the water on the Steamboat Natchez, one of the last authentic steamboats on the Mississippi River. These two-hour cruises offer spectacular views of the city skyline while you enjoy live jazz music performed by the boat's resident band.

Optional dining experiences feature authentic New Orleans cuisine, adding another layer to this multisensory experience. The narrated tour provides fascinating insights into the city's history and the crucial role the Mississippi River has played in its development.

As one of the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans, this cruise connects visitors to the waterway that has shaped the city's destiny for centuries.

From the flowing waters of the Mississippi, our next destination takes us to the historic heart of the French Quarter—an iconic public square that ranks among the most photographed and beloved locations in New Orleans.

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6. Visit Jackson Square

Jackson Square serves as the picturesque heart of the French Quarter, surrounded by historic buildings including the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States.

Street artists display their work along the square's iron fence, while fortune tellers, musicians, and performers create a lively atmosphere throughout the day. The manicured garden and equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson provide perfect photo opportunities.

Take time to explore the Presbytère and Cabildo, which flank the cathedral, for excellent exhibits on Louisiana history, including an outstanding Hurricane Katrina memorial collection.

After soaking in the historic atmosphere of Jackson Square, venture just beyond the French Quarter to discover what many locals consider one of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana for authentic music experiences—a vibrant street that rivals Bourbon Street without the excessive tourist crowds.

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7. Explore Frenchmen Street

While Bourbon Street gets the tourist spotlight, locals know that Frenchmen Street offers the more authentic New Orleans music experience. Located just beyond the French Quarter in the Marigny neighborhood, this vibrant stretch features numerous live music venues with minimal cover charges.

Clubs like The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and d.b.a. showcase the incredible depth of New Orleans' musical talent, from traditional jazz to funk, brass bands, and more. The area also hosts a night art market where local artists sell unique creations.

For those seeking the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans with a more local feel, Frenchmen Street delivers an unforgettable evening without the excessive crowds.

From the pulsating rhythms of Frenchmen Street, our journey through the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana now takes a mystical turn as we explore the spiritual traditions that have contributed to the city's enigmatic character for centuries.

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8. Discover the City's Voodoo Heritage

New Orleans' multicultural history includes a fascinating connection to Voodoo traditions brought by enslaved West Africans and later influenced by Haitian immigrants. The city embraces this spiritual legacy, offering visitors several ways to learn about this often-misunderstood practice.

Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum for exhibits on the history and practices of Voodoo. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo and other shops in the French Quarter offer authentic artifacts, talismans, and occasionally, readings by practicing Voodoo priests and priestesses.

For the historically inclined, a visit to Marie Laveau's tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 provides another connection to this spiritual tradition that remains part of New Orleans' cultural fabric.

After delving into New Orleans' mystical side, you might be ready for a more tranquil experience. Next on our list of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana is a verdant oasis where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy the city's subtropical beauty.

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9. Relax in Audubon Park

When you need a break from urban exploration, Audubon Park offers 350 acres of natural beauty across from Tulane and Loyola Universities. This lush green space features mature oak trees draped with Spanish moss, lagoons, and walking paths.

The park includes the world-class Audubon Zoo, which specializes in rare and endangered species. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole golf course, while families appreciate the playground facilities.

The 1.8-mile walking loop provides a perfect opportunity for exercise amid beautiful surroundings, making it one of the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans when you need a peaceful retreat.

After refreshing your spirit in Audubon Park, our final recommendation among the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana takes a more educational turn—offering profound insights into a watershed moment in world history at one of America's premier museums.

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10. Visit the National WWII Museum

Consistently ranked among the top museums in the country, the National WWII Museum offers an immersive look at the war that changed the world. The museum's connection to New Orleans stems from local boat builder Andrew Higgins, whose landing craft were crucial to the D-Day invasion.

Interactive exhibits, oral histories, and restored aircraft provide multiple perspectives on this pivotal historical period. The 4D experience "Beyond All Boundaries," produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, delivers an emotional overview of the war's impact.

Plan to spend at least half a day exploring this exceptional institution, which continues to expand its comprehensive coverage of World War II.

Completing our tour of the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans at this world-class museum provides a fitting end to our exploration of a city that has played a significant role in shaping American culture, cuisine, music, and history.

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Why Is New Orleans Called "The Big Easy"?

As we explore the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans, you might wonder about the origin of the city's famous nickname, "The Big Easy." This beloved moniker has several competing origin stories, each reflecting a different aspect of the city's character.

The most widely accepted explanation dates back to the early 20th century, when New Orleans became a haven for jazz musicians. Unlike the competitive atmosphere of New York (nicknamed "The Big Apple"), New Orleans offered musicians an "easy" lifestyle with abundant performing opportunities and appreciative audiences. The relaxed pace of life and welcoming attitude toward artists earned the city its laid-back nickname.

Another theory suggests the name came from a popular dance hall called "The Big Easy" that operated in the early 1900s, while some credit it to gossip columnist Betty Guillaud who used the term in the 1970s to compare New Orleans' relaxed lifestyle to the hectic pace of New York.

Regardless of its exact origins, the nickname perfectly captures the city's unhurried atmosphere, musical heritage, and the characteristic joie de vivre that makes experiencing the best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans such a unique pleasure for visitors from around the world.

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Takeaway

New Orleans defies simple description, blending European elegance, Caribbean influences, and distinctly American innovation into a city unlike any other. The best things to do in Louisiana New Orleans offer windows into this unique cultural gumbo, whether through music, food, architecture, or simply absorbing the city's incomparable atmosphere.

While these ten experiences provide an excellent introduction to the Big Easy, the city rewards those who venture beyond the obvious attractions. Every neighborhood offers its own flavor, every festival its own traditions, and every visit the potential for new discoveries in this endlessly fascinating destination.

Whether visitors come for the legendary festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest or during the quieter seasons, New Orleans embraces all with warmth, creativity, and a joie de vivre that stays with travelers long after returning home.