đ© 13 New Orleans Things To Do In
âïž The Smart Traveler's Toolkit
Whether you're heading to the beaches of Thailand or exploring cobblestone streets in Prague, these are the 5 travel essentials that seasoned globetrotters and travel editors universally recommend â the gear that makes every trip smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.
𧳠Away The Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
The single most recommended carry-on in the travel world right now. Travel editors and frequent flyers rely on its durable polycarbonate shell, 360° spinner wheels, and built-in compression system to maximize packing space while gliding effortlessly through any airport terminal.
đ Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
The go-to daypack that professional travel bloggers and adventure guides swear by for city explorations and shore excursions. Its lightweight, breathable mesh back panel keeps you cool in tropical heat, while the 20L capacity fits everything you need â camera, water bottle, sunscreen, and souvenirs â without weighing you down.
đŠ Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
The packing organization system that experts credit with fitting 30% more into any suitcase. These translucent, color-coded cubes separate tops, bottoms, and accessories so you spend zero time digging through your bag â universally recommended by professional packers and minimalist travel coaches worldwide.
đ§ Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The undisputed king of travel headphones that flight attendants and business travelers universally recommend. The industry-leading noise cancellation erases engine roar, crying babies, and airport chaos â giving you 30 hours of blissful silence for long-haul flights, road trips, and train journeys.
đ Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
The portable power bank that travel photographers and digital nomads rely on to keep devices charged through full-day excursions without hunting for outlets. With enough capacity to charge a phone 6+ times over, it's the non-negotiable lifeline for capturing every sunset, navigating unfamiliar cities, and staying connected abroad.
Alright, listen up. Youâre heading to New Orleans, and let’s be real, youâre probably already dreaming of beignets and jazz. Good news, youâre not wrong. But NOLA is way more than just a good time (though it’s definitely that too). Itâs a whole vibe, a living, breathing history lesson with a killer soundtrack and even better food. Forget those boring travel guides; Iâm giving you the real scoop, the stuff you actually want to do, without all the tourist trap nonsense. Get ready to fall in love with the Big Easy.
1. Wander Through the French Quarter
You absolutely have to start here. Itâs the heart of the city, brimming with history and a certain kind of chaotic charm. Just let yourself get lost among the iron balconies and vibrant buildings.
Pro tip stroll early in the morning before the crowds descend for a truly magical experience. Youâll catch the city waking up, and itâs surprisingly peaceful. This is where you soak in that quintessential NOLA atmosphere.
2. Devour Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
Okay, I know, itâs iconic, itâs a bit touristy, but honestly, it’s non-negotiable. Those hot, pillowy squares of fried dough dusted with a mountain of powdered sugar? Pure bliss.
Don’t even think about skipping the cafe au lait to wash it all down. Itâs a rite of passage, and frankly, you deserve that sugar rush.
3. Ride the St Charles Streetcar
Hop on the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. Itâs a super chill way to see a different side of the city without breaking a sweat or your budget.
Grab a seat by the window and watch the grand mansions of the Garden District roll by. Itâs a scenic route that feels like stepping back in time.
4. Explore the Garden District
Once you’ve ridden past them, you’ll want to get up close. These streets are lined with some seriously stunning architecture and ancient oak trees. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Keep an eye out for celebrity homes and the sheer opulence of these historic estates. Youâll feel like youâre on a movie set, in the best way possible.
5. Take a Swamp Tour
Ready to meet some gators? Head out just beyond the city for a wild ride through the bayous. Itâs surprisingly educational and a total blast.
Make sure you pick a tour that focuses on responsible wildlife viewing. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience.
6. Catch Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
Bourbon Street is for the headlines, but Frenchmen Street is where the real music magic happens. This is where locals go for authentic, soulful jazz and blues.
Duck into any of the clubs and let the music carry you away. You’ll find yourself tapping your feet and maybe even dancing before you know it.
7. Tour a Historic Cemetery
Yes, really. New Orleans cemeteries are unlike any other, with their famous above-ground tombs. St Louis Cemetery No 1 is particularly famous, but you need a licensed guide to enter.
Learn about the unique burial practices and the fascinating stories of those laid to rest. Itâs a surprisingly beautiful and reflective experience.
8. Learn to Cook Cajun Creole Cuisine
Why just eat the amazing food when you can learn to make it yourself? Take a cooking class and unlock the secrets of gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.
The New Orleans School of Cooking is a popular choice and they make it super fun and interactive. Your taste buds (and future dinner guests) will thank you.
9. Dive into Voodoo History
New Orleans has a deep connection to Voodoo, and it’s far more complex and misunderstood than you might think. Visit a museum or a reputable Voodoo shop to learn about its origins and practices.
Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo offers a glimpse into this fascinating spiritual tradition. It’s a truly unique cultural experience.
10. Indulge in a Poâboy Sandwich
You haven’t truly done New Orleans until you’ve wrestled with a truly epic poâboy. These overstuffed sandwiches are a local staple.
Whether you go for fried shrimp, roast beef with gravy, or anything in between, just make sure itâs “dressed” with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. Itâs messy, but worth every bite.
11. Visit The National WWII Museum
Even if you’re not a huge history buff, this museum is incredibly well-done and deeply moving. It tells the story of World War II through immersive exhibits and personal accounts.
Plan for several hours, as there’s a lot to see and absorb. Itâs a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in history.
12. Take a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
See the city from a different perspective with a ride on a classic steamboat. Itâs a relaxing way to enjoy the views and imagine life on the river centuries ago.
The Steamboat Natchez offers jazz dinner cruises that are particularly charming. Itâs a nice break from pounding the pavement.
13. Get Spooky on a Ghost Tour
New Orleans is famously one of America’s most haunted cities, and a ghost tour is a fun, slightly creepy way to explore its darker history. Hear tales of vampires, pirates, and restless spirits.
Choose a tour that focuses on historical accuracy mixed with a good dose of theatrical storytelling. Itâs a thrilling way to experience the city after dark.
đ The Adventure & Comfort Kit
From sun-soaked beaches to mountain treks and everything in between â these are the 5 comfort and photography essentials that experienced travelers never leave home without. Level up your adventure game with gear the pros actually use.
đž GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera
The action camera that professional travel photographers and adventure vloggers universally rely on to capture jaw-dropping footage in any environment. Its waterproof design, HyperSmooth stabilization, and stunning 5.3K video mean you'll capture crystal-clear memories whether you're snorkeling in Phuket or zip-lining through Costa Rica.
đŽ Trtl Travel Pillow
The scientifically engineered neck pillow that frequent flyers and travel editors swear is the only one that actually works. Unlike bulky U-shaped pillows, this sleek scarf-style design holds your neck in an ergonomically correct position â the secret weapon for arriving at your destination rested instead of wrecked after an overnight flight.
âïž Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
The invisible, weightless sunscreen that beauty editors and dermatologists universally recommend for travelers who refuse to look greasy in vacation photos. This cult-favorite applies like a silky primer under makeup, never leaves white cast on any skin tone, and provides serious broad-spectrum protection for all-day adventures under any sun.
đ§ Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle
The insulated water bottle that outdoor adventurers and eco-conscious travelers refuse to travel without. It keeps water ice-cold for 24 hours even in scorching tropical heat, eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, and fits perfectly in any daypack side pocket â a hydration essential from beach days to mountain hikes.
đ EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
The all-in-one power adapter that covers 150+ countries and eliminates the nightmare of hunting for the right plug in every new destination. International travelers and digital nomads rely on its built-in USB-C and USB-A ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously â phone, camera, and laptop from a single compact adapter.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 13 ways to absolutely crush your New Orleans trip. From sugary beignets to spooky cemeteries, this city is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Donât just visit; immerse yourself. Let the music move you, the food delight you, and the history enchant you. Youâre not just taking a vacation; you’re having an adventure. Now go forth and conquer, you magnificent traveler.
