Don't MIss These 6 Things To Do in New Orleans

When you first arrive in New Orleans, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of restaurants and bars that seem to be on every corner. But if you read 8 Fun Things to Do in New Orleans, you know that visitors can also find other fun ways to spend the day. On our recent trip, we had a few new experiences on our to-do list to round out our New Orleans getaway, including a museum visit and cooking demonstration class. So whether you want to explore the historic French Quarter, or make a visit to City Park, here’s 6 interesting things to consider as you make your list of things to do in New Orleans. And in case you get hungry along the way, I’ve included a few places we enjoyed to grab a bite to eat while you are in the neighborhood. 

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1. Visit the National WWII Museum. If you do any trip research for New Orleans, you may be surprised to find that the National WWII Museum lands in the top spot based on reviews. We decided to see for ourselves what made it so popular. Located in the Warehouse District, it is about a mile walk from Jackson Square. I recommend purchasing time-entry tickets ahead of time, though we were able to purchase tickets on site on a Friday afternoon in November. The museum is massive, with exhibits spread across several buildings, so allocate several hours. Galleries include extensive exhibits detailing events from both the Pacific and European theaters, along with The Arsenal of Democracy. Visitors start with a simulated ride on the L. W. “Pete” Kent Train Car, where you register a dog tag to learn the story of a real-life war veteran. It took us a while to understand how the dog tag stories worked, so be sure to pay attention to which theater your soldier fought in, while keeping an eye out for numbered kiosks. If you are looking to stay nearby, check out the Art-Deco Higgins Hotel, which pays tribute to the World War II era. If you’re hungry when you are done at the museum, Cochon Butcher is about a 5 minute walk. You can’t go wrong with any of their hand-crafted sandwiches. The Porchetta Cheese Steak and the Cochon Muffaletta are both yummy! 

2. Enjoy a Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  Some people say that the heart of a city is its food. If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know that the regional cuisine is a big part of the city’s unique culture. Taking a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking was hands-down my favorite activity on our recent trip. During the Demonstration Class, we learned some history behind iconic New Orleans dishes while our lunch of Crawfish Étouffée, Shrimp and Artichoke Soup, Bread Pudding, and Pralines was being prepared. Expect to walk out with a full stomach and new insight into Cajun and Creole cooking. Reserve space in advance, as some of the more popular classes fill up quickly. Even if you don’t take a class, you can still shop at the Louisiana General Store and browse the collection of spices and gifts. Colorful dish towels are a useful souvenir or gift, and they don’t take up much space in a suitcase!  
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3. Visit City Park and Stroll Through the Sculpture Garden. When you are ready for a break from the city, head to New Orleans City Park. This 1300 acre urban park has something for all ages, with plenty of green space to stretch your legs. Stroll through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where you can wander past unique artwork lining the path. Currently more than 90 sculptures can be found in the 11 acre garden, including a mosaic wall that spans 60 feet. Don’t miss the mature live oaks that are part of the history of City Park. Apparently the giant oaks even served as a place for the occasional duel! On our list for next time is the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art, both located at City Park. For kids, there’s Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Other than the outdoor sculpture garden, most of the other attractions charge admission fees. The sculpture garden is currently open Wednesdays-Sundays.  Make a reservation in advance for lunch at Café Degas, just off Esplanade Avenue, not too far from the park entrance. The French Onion Soup is amazing!

4. ​Listen to Live Jazz Music. Walk the streets of the French Quarter and you are bound to hear jazz music streaming out the doors of local establishments. New Orleans is recognized as the place where jazz originated, where names like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong all play a part in the story. There’s even a National Park Service unit dedicated to jazz-- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, which offers free, outdoor performances, which offers free, outdoor performances. Musical Legends Park is a fun spot to grab a beignet or sandwich and enjoy live jazz music every day starting at 10 a.m. When nighttime rolls around, check out the live performances at the Mahogany Jazz Club on Chartres Street. We recently dropped in on two separate live performances at the club, and really enjoyed listening to music in this intimate bar setting. The popular and historic Preservation Hall also recently reopened its doors, currently selling tickets for several live shows a night Wednesday - Sundays. Beer drinkers will want to try the local Abita Amber beer while in New Orleans!  

5. Hear Ghost Stories at Night.  It’s not surprising that New Orleans always lands on the list of haunted cities in America.  And if you head out in the French Quarter after dark, you’ll see that there’s no shortage of ghost tours roaming the streets. We really enjoyed the New Orleans Ghost Adventures tour, which boasts guides that are local historians. Grab your favorite New Orleans drink to go and wander the streets as you listen to tales of mystery and death that surround places like Lalaurie Mansion and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Almost all the ghost tours stop at popular Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the oldest structure used as a bar in the US. 

6. Hang Out at the Zoo or Aquarium. In New Orleans, the Audubon Nature Institute operates both the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, fun for kids of all ages. The aquarium is easily accessible from the French Quarter, located on the Mississippi River adjacent to Woldenberg Riverfront Park (a great green space in the city). It’s home to interesting exhibits like the Great Maya Reef, the Amazon Rainforest, and the entertaining sea otters. While not as big as other aquariums we have visited, it would be a good spot to take a break from the New Orleans heat and humidity during the warmer months. Or head Uptown to the Audubon Zoo to escape the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. We combined the zoo with our visit to the sculpture garden mentioned above. The nice thing about visiting zoos when traveling is exposure to regional exhibits, like the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit.