Sadhya New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, is a city that is full of life, charm, and culture. It is a place where you can experience the best of both worlds: the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the elegant and the funky. Whether you are looking for history, art, music, food, or fun, New Orleans has something for everyone. In this article, we will show you 10 must-see attractions that you should not miss when you visit this amazing city for the first time. These are the things to do in New Orleans that will make you fall in love with the city and its people.
Explore the Historic French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans. It is where the city was founded in 1718 by the French colonists, and where you can still see the influence of the French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures that shaped its history and architecture. The French Quarter is a National Historic Landmark, and it is filled with beautiful buildings, quaint shops, cozy cafes, lively bars, and stunning landmarks. Some of the highlights include:
Jackson Square
This is the heart of the French Quarter, where you can see the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America, and the statue of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. You can also enjoy the street performers, artists, and musicians that entertain the crowds in the square.
Bourbon Street:
This is the most famous street in New Orleans, where you can experience the nightlife, music, and party atmosphere of the city. You can find many bars, clubs, restaurants, and souvenir shops along this street, as well as the famous Mardi Gras parades and celebrations.
Royal Street:
This is the street where you can admire the elegant architecture, art, and antiques of the French Quarter. You can find many galleries, museums, boutiques, and historic homes along this street, as well as the famous Hotel Monteleone, which has a rotating carousel bar.
French Market:
This is the oldest public market in the country, where you can shop for local produce, crafts, souvenirs, and specialty items. You can also taste the delicious food and drinks of the city, such as beignets, coffee, po-boys, gumbo, and jambalaya.
Experience the Vibrant Music Scene
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and it is also home to many other genres of music, such as blues, rock, soul, funk, zydeco, and more. Music is everywhere in New Orleans, and you can hear it in the streets, clubs, festivals, and concerts. Some of the places where you can experience the vibrant music scene of New Orleans are:
Preservation Hall:
This is the most famous venue for traditional jazz in New Orleans, where you can see the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band and other local musicians perform every night. The hall is a historic building that has been hosting live music since 1961, and it has a rustic and intimate atmosphere.
Frenchmen Street:
This is the street where you can find the best live music in New Orleans, especially at night. You can find many clubs, bars, and restaurants that feature different styles of music, such as jazz, blues, rock, reggae, and more. You can also enjoy the art market, street performers, and food trucks that add to the lively ambiance of the street.
Tipitina’s:
This is one of the most popular music venues in New Orleans, where you can see local and national acts perform. The venue is named after a song by Professor Longhair, one of the pioneers of New Orleans rhythm and blues, and it has a history of supporting local musicians and culture.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival:
This is one of the biggest and most famous music festivals in the world, where you can see hundreds of artists perform on multiple stages. The festival showcases the music, culture, and cuisine of New Orleans and Louisiana, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Taste the Delicious Cajun and Creole Cuisine
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, where you can taste the delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects the city’s history and culture. The cuisine of New Orleans is influenced by the French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Caribbean cuisines, and it is divided into two main categories: Cajun and Creole. Cajun cuisine is the rustic and spicy food of the Acadians, the French settlers who migrated from Canada to Louisiana. Creole cuisine is the refined and sophisticated food of the Creoles, the descendants of the European and African settlers who lived in New Orleans. Some of the dishes that you should try in New Orleans are:
Gumbo:
This is the official state dish of Louisiana, and it is a hearty stew that consists of meat or seafood, vegetables, and a thick roux. It is usually served with rice, and it has different variations, such as chicken and sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo, or okra gumbo.
Jambalaya:
This is a rice dish that is similar to paella, and it is made with meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices. It is a one-pot dish that is easy to make and serve, and it has different versions, such as Creole jambalaya, which has tomatoes, or Cajun jambalaya, which does not.
Po-Boy:
This is a sandwich that is made with French bread and filled with meat, seafood, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is a popular street food and lunch option in New Orleans, and it has different varieties, such as roast beef po-boy, shrimp po-boy, or oyster po-boy.
Beignets:
These are deep-fried doughnuts that are sprinkled with powdered sugar and served hot. They are a French pastry that is a staple of New Orleans breakfast and dessert, and they are best enjoyed with a cup of chicory coffee. You can find them at the famous Cafe du Monde, which is open 24 hours a day.
Learn About the Rich Culture and History
New Orleans is a city that has a rich and fascinating culture and history, and you can learn more about it by visiting the many museums, landmarks, and attractions that the city has to offer. Some of the places where you can learn about the culture and history of New Orleans are:
The National WWII Museum:
This is one of the most visited museums in the country, and it is dedicated to the history and impact of World War II. The museum has interactive exhibits, artifacts, vehicles, and films that tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the war. You can also see the 4D theater, the US Freedom Pavilion, and the Victory Garden.
Mardi Gras World:
This is the place where you can see how the famous Mardi Gras floats are made and decorated. You can take a guided tour of the warehouse, where you can see the artists and craftsmen at work, and the museum, where you can see the costumes, props, and memorabilia of the carnival. You can also try on the masks, beads, and boas, and enjoy a slice of king cake.
The Cabildo:
This is the building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803, and where the Louisiana State Museum is located. The museum has exhibits and collections that showcase the history and culture of Louisiana, from the Native Americans, to the French and Spanish colonial eras, to the Civil War, to the present day. You can also see the original Napoleon’s death mask, the Battle of New Orleans painting, and the Katrina and Beyond exhibit.
The New Orleans Museum of Art:
This is the oldest and largest art museum in the city, and it has a collection of over 40,000 works of art, from ancient to modern times. The museum has paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts from various cultures and regions, such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. You can also see the sculpture garden, the auditorium, and the library.
Join the Festive Celebrations and Parades
New Orleans is a city that knows how to celebrate, and it has many festive celebrations and parades throughout the year. These are the events that bring the city and its people together, and that showcase the spirit and traditions of New Orleans. Some of the celebrations and parades that you should join in New Orleans are:
- Mardi Gras: This is the biggest and most famous celebration in New Orleans, and it is also known as Fat Tuesday. It is the last day of the Carnival season, which starts on January 6 and ends on Ash Wednesday. It is a day of fun, music, food, and revelry, where people dress up in costumes, masks, and beads, and join the parades that feature colorful floats, bands, and krewes. The most popular parades are the Zulu, Rex, Bacchus, and Endymion.
- Jazz Fest: This is the second biggest and most famous celebration in New Orleans, and it is also known as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It is a 10-day event that takes place in late April and early May, and it features hundreds of artists and performers on multiple stages. The festival showcases the music, culture, and cuisine of New Orleans and Louisiana, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
- Halloween: This is another occasion that brings out the fun and creative side of New Orleans. Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is celebrated on October 31, and is a time for dressing up, trick-or-treating, and partying. New Orleans has a reputation for being a haunted and mysterious city, with many legends and stories of ghosts, vampires, witches, and voodoo. Therefore, Halloween is a perfect time to explore the dark and spooky side of the city, and to join some of the themed events and activities that take place during this time
Enjoy the Scenic Views of the Mississippi River
Another thing that you can do in New Orleans is to enjoy the scenic views of the Mississippi River, which is the second-longest river in North America, and one of the most important and iconic rivers in the world. The Mississippi River runs through the heart of New Orleans, and offers many opportunities for sightseeing, recreation, and relaxation. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the scenic views of the Mississippi River in New Orleans:
- Take a river cruise: One of the most popular and enjoyable ways to see the Mississippi River is to take a river cruise, which will allow you to admire the city’s skyline, landmarks, and natural beauty from a different perspective. There are many river cruises to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. Some of the most popular river cruises are:
- Steamboat Natchez: This is a historic and elegant steamboat, that offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River. The steamboat features a live jazz band, a buffet, a bar, and a museum. You can choose from a daytime cruise, which lasts for two hours and includes a narrated tour of the river’s history and attractions, or a nighttime cruise, which lasts for three hours and includes a dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. The steamboat Natchez is a great way to experience the charm and nostalgia of the old-fashioned riverboats
- Creole Queen: This is a modern and luxurious paddlewheeler, that offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River. The Creole Queen features a dining room, a bar, and a sundeck. You can choose from a daytime cruise, which lasts for two and a half hours and includes a guided tour of the Chalmette Battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans took place in 1815, or a nighttime cruise, which lasts for three hours and includes a dinner, live music, and a view of the city’s lights.
- City of New Orleans: This is a sleek and stylish riverboat, that offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River. The City of New Orleans features a dining room, a bar, and a rooftop lounge. You can choose from a daytime cruise, which lasts for one and a half hours and includes a narrated tour of the river’s sights and sounds, or a nighttime cruise, which lasts for two hours and includes a dinner, live music, and a view of the city’s skyline.
These are some of the best river cruises that you can take in New Orleans, but there are many more to choose from. No matter which one you pick, you will have a memorable and enjoyable time on the Mississippi River.
Ways To Tour in New Orleans
Check out these experiences for a close-up look at New Orleans
