5 Things to do When Visiting New Orleans
When you’re in New Orleans, you quickly realize that the city is full of life. It’s easy to get lost wandering the streets, taking in the music and filling up on all the food and drinks the city has to offer. There are plenty of places to visit, and it’s best to plan for an extended stay to cross the majority of popular New Orleans experiences off your list.
If you’re headed to New Orleans for the first time, there’s a number of things you can add to your trip’s bucket list. From trying an authentic beignet to taking a guided tour of Lafayette cemetery, there’s tons for first-time visitors to do. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler and have visited New Orleans before, there are so many new foods, shops, and experiences, you could go without doing the same thing twice if you really try.
As avid travelers, we put our collective minds together and came up with 5 things you must do when visiting New Orleans. From bar hopping Bourbon Street to exploring the historic French Quarter, we cover the best stops for your first (or next) trip to the city.
1. Bar Hop on Bourbon Street
During the day, you can make your way down Bourbon street and stop for a drink at one of the many pubs situated in the area. Bourbon Street is definitely quieter during the day, but what it’s really known for is the amazing nightlife as vibes and drinks flow into the early morning. With a street lit by neon signs and music pouring out of every bar, you can definitely count on losing track of time as you take in everything that Bourbon Street has to offer.
If you’re hungry, stop in Willie’s Chicken Shack or grab a slice from one of the many local pizza shops. On Bourbon Street, everyone knows you’re looking to have a good time, so everyone on Bourbon is ready to make it the best trip you’ve ever had.
2. Explore the French Quarter
As you explore the French Quarter, you’re bound to find a piece of New Orleans to enjoy. The area is filled with artisanal jewelry, original art, and vintage finds that speak to the rich culture and history of the city. Unlike your typical metro areas, you won’t come across many major chains, as most shops are family-owned and have their own style.
In the French Quarter, you can’t tell homes apart from shops adding an even more personal touch as you’re going from one store to the next. The entire New Orleans hinges on a culture that is as genuine as its locals and that’s what makes New Orleans one of our favorite cities in the world. Don’t leave without stopping at Café du Monde for an authentic beignet.
3. Walk Around the Arts District
The New Orleans Art District, also known as the Warehouse District, is full of museums and galleries featuring local artists. While there are other galleries outside this district, such as The Art of Dr. Seuss near the French Quarter, the Art District has a different New Orleans scene to experience. With just as many great pubs and restaurants as there are galleries, you’d have just as many chances to eat and drink as you would to see art. Since there are many other things to do in New Orleans, all of which are in close proximity to each other, we could recommend this as its own experience.
4. TrY New orleans Fine Dining
A traditional New Orleans dining experience is deep rooted in French and Creole cuisine that immediately remind you that you’ve never actually lived before. With restaurants like Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s (both founded by the Brennan Family of New Orleans), the fusion between authentic southern recipes and modernized dishes are more popular than ever.
Commander’s Palace is where Emeril Lagasse got his start as a chef and is where you’ll find dishes like stuffed quail and soufflé. The Brennan family restaurant is also known for its 25-cent martinis during the lunch hour.
New Orleans as a whole is nothing short of a melting pot of delicious comfort foods like gumbo and crawfish étouffée. Even still, if you’ve got the desire to go all out, then a New Orleans fine dining experience will really up the ante on your trip.
5. Go On a Cemetery Tour
New Orleans is city that is rooted in tradition, superstition, voodoo, and the paranormal. With that, comes stories of encounters, as well as tours of some of the most notoriously haunted places within New Orleans. With all the history that comes with a city like New Orleans, a guided cemetery tour should be at the top of any willing vacationer’s list.
If you’re not into the paranormal, it would be worth visiting a cemetery even if just to see the graves and tombs which resemble art. On the same note, everything in New Orleans is cool, so no matter your choice you’re bound to enjoy yourself.
There’s no denying we all want to adventure. Whether you’re headed to a tropical island or driving up the coast, our list of men’s travel essentials will help you prepare for the summer trip you’ve been waiting for.