Things You Don’t Want to Miss Out On in New Orleans

New Orleans – the city whose spirit never wavers. This city’s heritage and cultural festivities make it a tourist destination you wouldn’t want to skip. Perfect for a history fanatic or a die-hard outgoing person, New Orleans has a mixture of everything, which is why it’s often listed as one of the top vacation spots in the country. Unfortunately, not many first-time New Orleans visitors know what to do and where to go in the city, which quickly catapults their dream vacation to one where they’d rather have stayed home. Here’s a list of the top-rated places and activities to guarantee a memorable trip while in Nola.

1. Book a Spooky Tour

The land of voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and witches, and you’re not booking a tour in New Orleans? That’s a big, big mistake. The city is renowned for its spooky legends surrounding the oldest attractions in the city, as well as the folklore passed on through generations. The chilling sights of New Orleans ‘ attractions will send shivers down your spine if you’re up for the challenge. And this tour happens at the best time of day – the night-time!

Image credit: Jonathan Weiss Tours (Facebook Page)

2. Stroll in Bourbon Street

We know it’s a cliché, but Bourbon Street is one of the top New Orleans attractions for a solid reason. Through the years, this historic, culturally significant street has become the life of the party in this city. Named after French Royalty and dating back to the 18th century, Bourbon street encompasses classic, contemporary, and luxurious spots alike. The live jazz, bars, restaurants, shops, and celebrations here will give you a glimpse of the timeless yet enchanting  New Orleans lifestyle.

3. Explore the Museums

The city of festivals didn’t let itself fall behind on museums either. Its historic archives and art galleries are world-renowned classics. Tourists from all over the world travel to New Orleans to catch a sight of its famous museums. Dive into the state’s largest museum solely focused on covering everything related to World War II, the National WWII Museum. Traveling with kids? Head over to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Find your next art inspiration at the New Orleans Museum of Arts. There’s so much to see and so little time when it comes to New Orleans’ museums!

Credit: Louisiana Children’s Museum

4. Drink Up at the Lively Bars

True to its music origins, wherever you venture in New Orleans, there will always be a bar around the corner livening up the space with mixtures of music genres. Dance the night away at a local bar or at the bars on French Street. Top it off with drinks, and that’s a match made in heaven! If you’re lucky, you might be able to get there just in time to experience a musical performance by some of America’s top singers and performers.

5. Ride in the Streetcars

A step into the oldest street railway system in the world, New Orleans has kept a touch of vintage in the city with its traditional streetcars. Another advantage of paying the $1.25 for a ride in these streetcars is that you get to explore New Orleans in any of the five streetcars routes, and it’s incredibly convenient! Get the 1, 3, or 31-day pass for unlimited rides if you think you’ll quickly become a streetcar person. Cover all the major New Orleans attractions without spending 5x more money on Ubers.

6. Discover the French Quarter

Vintage yet contemporary: That is what the French Quarter neighborhood in New Orleans is all about. Since the 18th century, this historic neighborhood has offered exotic experiences in the city’s downtown area. Here lies some of the scariest venues like Madame LaLaurie’s mansion, that you’ll certainly be visiting in the spooky tour. That’s not all, though. This timeless neighborhood is spellbinding on its own, with classic architecture as well as a vibrant New Orleans ‘ nightlife scene.

7. Attend a Festival

You’ll be doing yourself a favor by planning a New Orleans visit during the festival season. The celebrations here never stop, and to become a part of it is an experience of a lifetime. Culture and music are the centerpieces of these festivals. If you can adjust your visit dates, keep them around the Mardi Gras, a carnival that millions of people travel to New Orleans to attend during the springtime. Spontaneous travelers, don’t lose your heart just yet! This city parties year round, and you’re bound to find one festival or another whenever you go. Visit the New Orleans website to find upcoming festivals that you can go to.

Credit: The New Orleans French Film Festival (neworleans.com)