Tips and Things To Do in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the oldest and greatest cities in the USA. One of the exciting and best things about New Orleans is that we see some sort of happening in the city every day and night. Live music is everywhere in New Orleans. You can find it on the streets, in parks, in bars and restaurants, basically, everywhere.  Let’s dive deep into the topic to know more about things to do in New Orleans.

The best time to experience New Orleans is during Mardi Gras, read this to learn more about Mardi Gras.

Best Time To Visit

February to May (If interested in Mardi Gras)
April to August (Hot and Dry climates, Average Day Temp 77)
December to January (Calm with Cold climate, Average Day Temp 45F )

Places to cover when in the city:

French Quarter:

One of the popular and historic neighborhoods of the city which is along the Mississippi River. What I love most is an antique store across the street, I even love taking a road trip to Jazz music fest here during French quarter festival, Stages are set almost every corner of the street. There is lots of stuff to do during this festival, arts, and crafts, photo booths, giveaways, music, eating contests, etc are interesting. Tons of festivals will be hosted every year.

Entrance Fee ($): FREE
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Trip Time: 2-3 Hours (May vary depending on individual interests)

Bourbon Street:

NOT Safe but FAMOUS street. This street is full of strip clubs and bars. Most famous street for nightlife. Though the street is crowded it is entertaining. To stay safe, don’t carry valuable items.

Entrance Fee ($): FREE
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Trip Time: 2-3 Hours (May vary depending on individual interests)

Jackson Square:

Open air space is known for events, weddings, art shows, celebrations and to hang around listening to Jazz Music.

Don’t forget to have your palm read!!

Entrance Fee ($): FREE
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Trip Time: 2-3 Hours (May vary depending on individual interests)

Louisiana State capital

2 hrs drive from NOLA downtown

Entrance Fee ($): FREE
Opening Hours: MON-SUN 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Trip Time: 2-3 Hours (May vary depending on individual interests)

Steamboat Natchez:

Natchez offers different types of Cruises on the Mississippi River. Check available Cruises and packages here. If interested to sail on the Mississippi river but if you are with less Budget you can plan for a ferry ride which is just 2$ to take you on to the other side of the river.

New Orleans Tours:

• Swamp Tours: Unique experience in search of snakes, alligators, wild boars, turtles and many more.
• Haunted Walking Tours: Experience haunted side [ Ghosts, Vampires, Voodoo, True Crime & More] of NOLA. This is one of the best ways to know the history of the French Quarters.
• Historical Tours
• Cemetery Tours: NOLA has the very oldest and famous cemeteries around. St Louis Cemetery, Metairie Cemetery, and Cypress Grove Cemetery. Better choose a walking tour which includes voodoo and cemetery tours in which you will have local guides to explain and make you experience the voodoo. They will even give you a good amount of information on how bodies are being buried and how flooding caused them to float down the streets.
• Kayak Tours: I chose “Honey Island Kayak Swamp Tour”, as an added BONUS I received FREE Haunted Tour tickets (Costs 10-20$). Most of these Kayak and swamp tours operate outside the city which may be 30-35 minutes travel from the city. They will usually have a location set somewhere in French Quarter, and they pick you up from there to Kayak place (You can even drive directly to the location), the kayak will be on Pearl River, I have seen two Alligators on my trip and overall that was fun.
  
  If you are looking for fun, interesting activities to do while in this area you could also try, canoeing, tubing, swamp tours, etc. Check here

VALUE PACK –Best value (Combo-45$) to experience Audubon – Meet the animals

• Audubon Aquarium (Usually costs 29.95$)
  Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Trip Time: 3-4 hours

• Audubon Zoo ( Usually costs 22.95$)
  Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM &
  Sat-Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Trip Time: 4-6 hours

• Audubon butterfly garden and insectarium (Usually costs 22.95)
  Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  Trip Time: 3-4 hours
  
  ***The Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is located in a Federal building and visitors must pass through security to enter
  
  This combo pack is valid for a year from the date of purchase allowing one visit to each place mentioned above.

Others things you can give a try:

• Take a ride on streetcars along St Charles Avenue. One ride costs 1.25$, you will have an option to take a pass for day/days, which allows you to take unlimited rides.
• Super Dome: Third largest covered field sports stadium
• City Park
• Harrah’s Casino
• Canal street

Places to eat:

• Carmo: One I tried and loved the most is “Kottu Roti” which is a traditional Sri Lankan street dish.
• Cafe Du Monde: Original french market coffee stand.
• Casamento’s serve fresh salted oysters.

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