MUST-DOS FOR YOUR New Orleans Itinerary
New Orleans is one of those cities that truly has its own personality. Between the haunted history, live music, incredible food, French Quarter charm, Mardi Gras energy, and swampy Louisiana landscapes, there is so much more to do here than just walk down Bourbon Street.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, spooky season trip, Mardi Gras adventure, or first-time visit, here’s what to add to your New Orleans itinerary.
Classic Things to Do in New Orleans
Explore the French Quarter: The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and the perfect place to start your trip. Wander the historic streets, admire the balconies, listen to live music, and pop into local shops, bars, and restaurants.
Walk down Bourbon Street at night: Bourbon Street is loud, chaotic, and exactly what you expect in the best way. Go for the neon lights, live music, people-watching, and classic New Orleans drinks.
Grab a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s: This is one of the most iconic drinks in New Orleans. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also one of those things you just have to do at least once.
Get beignets at Café du Monde: No New Orleans trip is complete without stopping at Café du Monde for warm beignets covered in powdered sugar. Pair them with a café au lait and be prepared to leave looking like you lost a fight with a bag of powdered sugar.
Try a Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle: Another classic Bourbon Street drink, the Hand Grenade is basically a rite of passage for a first-time trip to New Orleans.
Eat a seafood boil: You can’t visit Louisiana without digging into crawfish, shrimp, crab, corn, and potatoes covered in Cajun seasoning. It’s messy, fun, and very New Orleans. We LOVE Fiery Crab and highly recommend you checking it out while in town.
Get a frozen daquiri at Fat Tuesday: This classic New Orleans stop is perfect for grabbing a frozen daiquiri while walking around the French Quarter. It’s casual, colorful, and exactly the kind of touristy drink moment that just feels right in NOLA.
Unique Tours to Add to Your NOLA Itinerary
Take a swamp tour: A Louisiana swamp tour or Airboat swamp tour is a must if you want to get outside the city and see a completely different side of New Orleans. You’ll ride through bayous, spot wildlife, and hopefully see alligators up close.
Book a steamboat dinner cruise: A Mississippi River steamboat cruise is a classic New Orleans experience. Book a dinner cruise for river views, live jazz, and a relaxed night on the water.
Join a ghost or voodoo tour: New Orleans has no shortage of haunted stories, and a guided tour gives you all the creepy context you wouldn’t get on your own. This is one of the best ways to learn about the darker side of the city.
Visit the casino: If you want to add a little nightlife beyond Bourbon Street, stop by the Boomtown Casino for drinks, games, and a fun indoor break from the heat or rain.
Spooky Things to Do in New Orleans
Explore the cemeteries: New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries, and many of them offer guided walking tours that dive into the city's haunted history. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most iconic and is home to elaborate tombs, ghost stories, and notable figures from NOLA’s past. Don’t go solo, a guided tour gives you all the creepy backstory you didn’t know you needed.
Visit the LaLaurie Mansion: One of the most infamous sites in the city, the LaLaurie Mansion is said to be the most haunted house in America. It’s the former home of Delphine LaLaurie, whose dark past was made famous on American Horror Story: Coven. While you can't go inside, the exterior alone is chilling, and it's a staple on nearly every ghost tour in the French Quarter.
See Buckner Mansion: Another AHS: Coven filming location, Buckner Mansion served as Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. It’s located in the Garden District and is one of the most photographed homes in the city. While it’s privately owned and not open for tours, it’s definitely worth a stop for fans of the show.
Track down Jacques St. Germain’s house: New Orleans has vampire legends too, and one of the most famous is Jacques St. Germain, rumored to be the original American vampire. His home in the French Quarter still stands, and while you won’t find him walking around, the story alone will send a chill down your spine.
Visit the tomb of Marie Laveau: Known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau’s tomb is a major pilgrimage site for those interested in the spiritual side of the city. You can find her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, often marked with triple Xs left by visitors. Respectful visits only as this is a sacred space to many.
Drink blood at a Vampire speakeasy: You may be familiar with the Vampire Cafe, but not as many people know about the speakeasy bar called Potions Lounge. It’s supposedly a vampire owned and operated bar where all of the real vampires of NOLA hangout. You can only get access by purchasing something from the Vampire Cafe or Boutique. After you purchase, they will give you a card that gives you an address and password to enter the secret bar. You have to physically have the card with you at the address because when you get there, there will be a Gatekeeper Vampire you need to give it to along with the password. Once you’re in, you can enjoy fun themed cocktails, including a blood bag, inside of a dark and moody bar.
Mardi Gras Experiences to Add If You Visit During Carnival Season
Book a Bourbon Street balcony party: A balcony party is one of the most fun ways to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We did one at Bourbon Vieux that included a buffet and premium open bar, and throwing beads down to the crowds was such a blast.
Reserve bleacher tickets for a parade: If you want a more comfortable parade experience, book bleacher seats for at least one major parade. Bacchus is an amazing option and gives you a great view of the floats without fighting the crowds.
Watch a parade from the street: You need to experience the chaos of a Mardi Gras parade from the street at least once. Each parade has its own personality and signature throws, so stay alert and don’t get hit in the head.
Wear comfortable shoes: Mardi Gras requires a lot of walking, standing, and dancing in streets that are not exactly clean. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Dress festive but practical: Purple, green, and gold are the classic Mardi Gras colors, so lean into it. Just make sure your outfit is comfortable enough for long days and big crowds.
Helpful Tips for Visiting New Orleans
Book tours in advance: Swamp tours, steamboat dinner cruises, ghost tours, cemetery tours, and Mardi Gras events can sell out, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Respect private property: Many spooky sites, including LaLaurie Mansion, Buckner Mansion, and Jacques St. Germain’s house, are private residences. Take photos from public areas only.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: New Orleans is a walking city, especially around the French Quarter, Garden District, and cemeteries.
Bring cash: Some bars, vendors, bathrooms, and smaller stops may be easier with cash on hand.
Plan for heat and humidity: Even in October or Mardi Gras season, New Orleans can feel warm and humid. Dress accordingly and stay hydrated.
New Orleans is the perfect mix of history, food, nightlife, mystery, and pure fun. You can spend your morning on a swamp tour, your afternoon exploring haunted cemeteries, your evening cruising the Mississippi River, and your night dancing on Bourbon Street. Whether you’re visiting for Mardi Gras, spooky season, or a classic weekend getaway, New Orleans is one of those cities you’ll never forget.
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