14 Things You Must See In New Orleans

Wondering what are the must sees in New Orleans?

Well, Let the good times roll! Here’s a list of the 14 things you absolutely, Must See in New Orleans.

Everytime I visit New Orleans, it’s as if I have landed in a different country – Transported to a new dimension!

Against the backdrop of the great Mississippi, New Orleans is one of the oldest communities in the U.S. with so much history, charm, culture, and so many vibrant colors.

There are a lot of things you absolutely must see in New Orelans.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

#1 Explore the French Quarter

Grab a drink and wander around.  Music and people are celebrating everywhere.

This neighborhood is the pulse of the city and is one of the most historic and colorful places you will ever find in the US.

It’s called the “Crown Jewel of New Orleans” for a reason!

After the Great New Orleans fire of 1788 destroyed the French structures made of wood, Spanish architecture replaced the homes with stucco buildings painted in bright Caribbean colors.

The balconies and iron galleries give the neighborhood its magical energy.

This is THE Must See in New Orleans neighborhood.

#2 Walkk on Rue Bourbon

Always teeming with people, this 13 block stretch from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue was named for the French Royal family, not the beverage!

This street is known for carrying drinks, such as a Hurricane, while you wander in and out of bars, shops, and jazz clubs.

Don’t forget to look up at the beads, lights, and architecture. It’s a true must see in New Orleans experience!

Look for

~ Galatoire’s Restaurant

~ The House of Voodoo

~ Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

~ Old Absinthe House. 

And, if you are looking to shop, head to Royal Street for vintage Absinthe glass, chandeliers, historic sites, and of course, street musicians.

#3 Check out Preservation Hall
726 St. Peter’s Street

Founded in the 1950’s, this small art gallery became the gathering place for some of the best musicians in New Orleans.

Live music is played at least 350 days a year.

You’ll hear the best of traditional New Orleans jazz and experience the culture and history of the great melting pot, American sound.

This is high on my must see in New Orleans list.

#4 Take a Haunted Tour

You’ll see them advertised on many corners or can book ahead online.

As with any tour, the key is a great tour guide. I have done this twice and have not been disappointed. These guides know their stuff!

From the history of the French Quarter to the lives of the dead, it’s really fun and fascinating to walk the streets at night with a ghost guide.

Tickets range from $20 – $30 per person and you should be prepared to tip your tour guide.

Another must see in New Orleans!

#5 Take a Swamp & Plantation Tour

Again, there are so many swamp tour companies to choose from! The prices range from $65 – $175.

I can recommend the Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Tour with the Louisiana Tour Company.

We were picked up at our hotel at 8 AM and dropped off at 5PM.

It was a great day and we enjoyed lunch at the plantation. I learned so much, saw the beauty of the region, and even held a baby alligator! 

#6 Shop in the French Market

It was a Native American Trading Post and is a shopper’s dream filled with crafts and boutiques.

Yes, it’s very touristy, but let’s face it, all of New Orleans is, and you are a tourist, after all!

You’ll find all kinds of food. 

Look for Dutch Alley’s performance tent and statues. Keep your eyes and ears out for a parade passing through.

#7 Eat Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

Sadly, they are not gluten free, but wow, are they good!

And while you can find them in many places, you have to go to Cafe Du Monde.

It’s right on the corner at Jackson Square.

Get in line,and watch them sprinkle the powdered sugar on top.

Enjoy their delicious coffee with chicory that makes them famous, and eat a bag full of beignets!

You can even buy a box mix to make some at home.

Good luck with that. It was not so successful for me! 

#8 Visit the Presbytère Museum

One for Mardi Gras and one for Hurricane Katrina.

As you know, both those events are embedded into the NOLA culture in an important way.

It’s powerful to see the incredible work that the people of this city put into the yearly celebration of Mardi Gras. And even more profound when you understand the devastation they’ve experienced in recent history.

This is a highly recommend.

#9 Walk in the Garden District

Unlike the Quarter with the French and Spanish architecture, the Garden District has a blend of Greek Revival, Italianate, and British influences.

This neighborhood used to be its own city, Lafayette.

You’ill find both large Antebellum mansions and smaller Victorian Mansions.

The exquisite gardens of these homes are what gave the district its name.

Take a walking tour! Look for Sandra Bullock’s house, Beyonce’s home, and lots of movie sets, like the Benjamin Button house.

While you’re in the neighborhood, go to Commander’s Palace for a martini lunch. .25 cents a martini! Or Lafayette Cemetery #1

#10 Go to Jackson Square &
St. Louis Cathedral

From Decatur Street, you’ll see Jackson in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, which has housed mass for people of this community since the early 1700’s.

The original church was rebuilt after the great fire.

The bell above the clock on the tower continues to ring out the hours, as it has since 1815.

Not only is this a must see in New Orleans, but you can’t miss it!

#11 Take a Mississippi River Cruise

You can walk the promenade along the river and enjoy the views or take an old fashioned steamboat river cruise.

Choose from a historic cruise, a dinner cruise, a jazz cruise, or a daytime cruise.

Look online before you go, or find the many kiosks by the river and docks which can give you tons of info.

The prices range from $50 – $90 depending. Children are discounted, so bring the whole family.

#12 Wander through the Metairie Cemetery

People are buried above ground in tombs in NOLA because the water table is so high.  

Above ground tombs allow for whole families to store their remains in one place. The old bones go below when a new body is placed above.  

I recommend the Metairie Cemetery, on Metairie Road,  accessed by tram #47 from the French Quarter. 

Take a 15 minute rideshare to the cemetary. A little out of your way, but worth it for the Angel of Grief, also known as the weeping angel crypt of Chapman H. Hyams. She is actually breathtaking.

You’ll also find an Egyptian Pyramid, elaborate marble tombs, and lots of statues. 

If you go to Basin St. you can find the St. Louis Cemetery and see the tomb of the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

Apparently there are 84 people buried in her tomb!  Cemetaries are a must see in New Orleans!

#13 Dine at Jacques Imo’s
8324 Oak Street

This restaurant is not just listed in the where to eat but has its own spot on the must do list because it may be the best and most special restaurant I have ever dined in!

I have been 3 times, on each NOLA trip and can’t imagine letting you miss out on this experience.

Many thanks to the gentleman on the airplane who gave me this tip all those years ago!

Try the Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheescake appetizer, Fried Green Tomatoes, Duck Gumbo, and Shrimp Etouffee.  

Make a reservation by calling (504) 861-0886 when you buy your plane tickets.

Take the street car or call a ride app. Do whatever you need to do!

It’s located near the Tulane University campus, so get to the neighborhood early if you want to stroll around.

#14 Have a drink at the
Carousel Bar Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St.

It was built in 1949 and if you want to spin while you drink you can sit at the carousel for one revolution every 15 minutes.

If you don’t get a seat at the bar, not to worry, you can be in the crowd with the music and enjoy a famous cocktail, a Vieux Carre, if you can handle it!

Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura, and Peychaud’s Bitters.

Not my thing, but let me know how it goes!

What’s the deal with Sazerac?

NOT ON MY MUST DO LIST is a glass of Sazerac at the famous Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel on Roosevelt Way.

Known as America’s first cocktail and officially the cocktail of New Orleans, Sazerac, or cognac and rye whiskey, will cost you $150 at the Sazerac Bar!

I guess the top shelf is so high that maybe they need an airplane to get to it?

You can always try Sazerac at another spot for $18.

Should I visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras?

What is Mardi Gras?

If you’ve been embarrassed to ask this question, let me help you out. Here you go:

Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on, or after, the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday.

It dates back thousands of years to pagen and fertility rites.

New Orleans, Rio, and Venice are the three most popular spots in the world to celebrate.

So, be prepared for crowds like you’ve only seen in the movies.

The Crescent City/ The Big Easy/NOLA Fun Facts:

~ The Ursuline Convent, 1745, on Chartres Street, is the oldest example of French Style architecture still standing in New Orleans.

~ “Balconies” are not supported by poles or columns and are just big enough for one person.

~ “Galleries” are supported by poles that stretch to the sidewalk and are big enough for a party of people and are taxed by the city because the poles extend onto city property, but balconies are not. 

~ The French Quarter is a National Historic Landmark filled with streets named after Catholic Saints and French Royalty. 

~ Barthelemy Lafon, the Creole architect who planned the Garden District, was a pirate and a smuggler. 

~ The Creole Townhomes on Royal Street are the 2 or 3 story brick or stucco buildings with balconies or galleries and rear courtyards.

~ Creole cottages are small homes with four rooms that open up to each other, but have no bathrooms or kitchens.

~ Shotgun homes are single and duplex homes with narrow rooms. You could open the front and back door and shoot a gun right through the house.

~ The Great New Orleans Fire started on March 21, 1788 when lace draperies caught on fire from a candle on Chartres Street. It was in the home of the colony treasurer, Vincente Jose Nunez. Because it was good Friday, the priests wouldn’t sound the bells to warn people. Within five hours, most of the city was destroyed.

Have a fabulous time with the 14 things you must see in New Orleans!

In a nutshell…

New Orleans is one of the most fascinating and exciting places you can visit in the US. Its unique culture, architecture, historic significance, and exciting activities make New Orleans a great getaway for everyone. 

You’ve gotta see it to believe it!