fun things to do in nola
New Orleans (NOLA) is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and exciting entertainment options. Here are some fun things to do in NOLA:
- Explore the French Quarter: Walk through the historic streets of the French Quarter, visit Jackson Square, and admire the St. Louis Cathedral.
- Take a Steamboat Ride: Cruise along the Mississippi River on the Natchez Steamboat and enjoy live jazz music and delicious Creole cuisine.
- Visit the National WWII Museum: Learn about the American experience in World War II through interactive exhibits and personal stories.
- Discover Voodoo Culture: Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or take a voodoo tour to learn about the city’s spiritual heritage.
- Enjoy Live Music: NOLA is the birthplace of jazz, and you can find live music venues throughout the city, such as Preservation Hall, the Spotted Cat Music Club, or the Howlin’ Wolf.
- Try Beignets at Cafe du Monde: This iconic cafe is a must-visit for sweet treats and people-watching.
- Take a Ghost Tour: NOLA is famous for its haunted history, and there are numerous ghost tours available, such as the Ghost and Vampire Tour or the Haunted History Tour.
- Visit the Garden District: This beautiful neighborhood is known for its stunning antebellum mansions, picturesque gardens, and celebrity homes.
- Mardi Gras World: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Mardi Gras parade floats and learn about the history of this iconic celebration.
- Try a Po’ Boy at Parkway Bakery and Tavern: This casual eatery serves up delicious po’ boys, a classic NOLA sandwich.
- Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art: Located in City Park, this museum features a diverse collection of art from around the world, including European and American paintings, sculpture, and photography.
- Go on a Swamp Tour: Explore the Honey Island Swamp or the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Creole and Cajun cuisine with a cooking class at the New Orleans Cooking School or the Commander’s Palace.
- Visit the Longue Vue House and Gardens: This stunning estate features beautiful gardens, a historic mansion, and an impressive art collection.
- Attend a Saints Game: Catch a New Orleans Saints football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for an unforgettable experience.
- Explore the Bywater Neighborhood: This charming neighborhood is known for its colorful street art, trendy restaurants, and lively bars.
- Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden: Located in City Park, this beautiful garden features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, including a stunning glass conservatory.
- Take a Bike Tour: Explore NOLA on two wheels and visit historic landmarks, such as the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Mississippi River.
- Go on a Cocktail Tour: Sample the best of NOLA’s craft cocktails on a guided tour of the city’s top bars and lounges.
- Attend a Jazz Festival: NOLA hosts several jazz festivals throughout the year, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.
Remember to always be respectful of NOLA’s unique culture and traditions, and to drink responsibly. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)