Your First-Timer's Guide to New Orleans: The Best Things to Do In the Big Easy
Are you planning your first trip to the Big Easy? Good call! Before you settle into your calendar, you're probably eager to start learning more about your visit to the vibrant city of New Orleans. To help you make the most of your inaugural visit, we've compiled a list of must-do experiences that capture the essence of our beloved city, The Big Easy.
Explore the French Quarter
Start your journey where New Orleans began. Wander through the historic streets, admire the intricate ironwork balconies, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Don't miss Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market.
Eat a beignet at Cafe Du Monde
The iconic 24-hour coffee stand in the French Quarter serving powdery, square-shaped French-style doughnuts and café au lait since 1862.
Indulge in Creole Cuisine
New Orleans is a food lover's paradise. Sample iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. We recommend trying Dooky Chase's Restaurant for authentic Creole flavors, ACME Oyster House for fresh Oysters, and Café du Monde for those famous beignets.
Visit the French Market
No first-time visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring the historic French Market, America's oldest public market dating back to 1791. Stretching six blocks from Jackson Square to the Marigny, this open-air marketplace offers a quintessential New Orleans experience that engages all your senses. Begin at the Farmers Market section, where local vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and prepared foods that showcase the region's diverse culinary influences. Sample spicy boiled crawfish in season, pick up jars of homemade pralines, or try a refreshing fresh fruit smoothie as you browse.
Visit City Park and View 800-Year-Old Oak Trees
For a refreshing escape from the urban energy of the French Quarter, first-time visitors should make their way to New Orleans City Park—a 1,300-acre urban oasis that's 50% larger than Central Park in New York City. This magnificent green space is home to the oldest grove of live oak trees in the world, including the majestic "Singing Oak" and several specimens estimated to be over 800 years old. These ancient giants with their sprawling, moss-draped branches create a cathedral-like atmosphere that feels almost mystical, especially in the early morning light or at dusk.
Take a Fanboat Swamp Tour
For an unforgettable adventure beyond the city limits, first-time visitors should experience the unique Louisiana wetlands on an exhilarating fanboat swamp tour. These high-speed, flat-bottomed boats powered by giant propellers will zip you through cypress swamps and narrow bayou passages that larger vessels can't access.
Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Jackson Square
At the heart of the French Quarter lies Jackson Square, a vibrant hub of activity that captures the essence of New Orleans culture. This historic plaza, officially named Place d'Armes during the French colonial era, serves as the city's living room and offers first-time visitors a perfect introduction to the city's unique character. The majestic St. Louis Cathedral dominates the square with its three striking spires, flanked by the equally impressive Cabildo and Presbytère museums. These architectural treasures provide a stunning backdrop for photographs and house fascinating exhibits on Louisiana history and Mardi Gras traditions.
Take a Steamboat Ride on the Mississippi
Step back in time with a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. It's a fantastic way to see the city skyline and learn about the river's significance to New Orleans' history.
Experience Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is the beating heart of New Orleans' music scene. Pop into venues like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. for unforgettable live performances.
Visit a Historic Plantation
Step back in time with a visit to one of the historic plantations along the Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These preserved estates offer a complex and educational glimpse into Louisiana's past.
View the Art Galleries on Royal Street
Take a leisurely stroll down this picturesque street to discover everything from traditional Southern art and contemporary works to estate jewelry and rare antiques. The historic buildings housing these galleries are attractions in themselves, with many featuring gorgeous courtyards and original architectural details from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Gaze at World-Famous Antique Shops Such as M.S. Rau
First-time visitors to New Orleans shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the legendary antique shops along Royal Street, with M.S. Rau standing as the crown jewel of this historic district. Since 1912, M.S. Rau has attracted collectors and the simply curious from around the globe. Step inside this 25,000-square-foot wonderland and prepare to be amazed by museum-quality treasures spanning centuries. From rare Napoleonic artifacts and Victorian jewelry to Renaissance paintings and Art Deco furnishings, the collection represents the finest examples of craftsmanship throughout history. The gallery's secret rooms reveal even more spectacular items not visible from the main showroom.
Walk around an Above-Ground Cemetery
New Orleans' "Cities of the Dead" are unlike any cemeteries you've seen before. Take a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to learn about our unique burial practices and ornate tombs.
Ride a Streetcar
Hop on the historic St. Charles Streetcar for a scenic ride through the Garden District. It's not just transportation; it's an experience in itself.
Explore the National WWII Museum
This world-class museum offers an immersive look at the American experience in World War II. Located in the Warehouse District just a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter, the National WWII Museum has grown from a single building to a sprawling campus that ranks among the top museums in the United States. The museum's compelling exhibits use personal stories, interactive displays, and authentic artifacts to bring history to life. Begin your journey in the dramatic "Road to Berlin" and "Road to Tokyo" pavilions, which trace the path of American forces through Europe and the Pacific. The "Boeing Center" houses restored aircraft suspended dramatically above the floor, including a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.
Join a Ghost Tour
New Orleans has a reputation for being one of America's most haunted cities. Take a nighttime ghost tour to hear spine-tingling tales of the city's supernatural residents while wandering through dimly lit streets and alleyways of the historic French Quarter. As twilight descends over the Crescent City, expert guides lead small groups past elegant Creole townhouses and shadowy courtyards, revealing the dark history lurking beneath the charming façade. You'll visit notorious locations like the LaLaurie Mansion, where socialite Delphine LaLaurie's unspeakable cruelties allegedly left spiritual scars that persist to this day.
Savor a Cocktail at a Historic Bar
Visit Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in America, or sip a Sazerac (New Orleans' official cocktail) at the Roosevelt Hotel's Sazerac Bar or play a game of pool and have a drink in a more relaxed setting at the Hotel Roosevelt Bar.
Attend a Festival
If your visit aligns with one of our many festivals, don't miss out! From Jazz Fest to Mardi Gras, these events showcase the city's vibrant culture and joie de vivre in ways that will transform your New Orleans experience from memorable to truly extraordinary.
Catch a New Orleans Saints Game
For sports enthusiasts, attending a New Orleans Saints game at the Superdome is an electrifying experience. The passionate fans and electric atmosphere make it an unforgettable event, even for non-football fans.
Experience New Orleans Pelicans Basketball
If you're visiting during basketball season, catch the New Orleans Pelicans in action at the Smoothie King Center. The fast-paced game and enthusiastic crowd offer a thrilling night out.
Enjoy Minor League Baseball with the Baby Cakes
For a more intimate sports experience, check out a New Orleans Baby Cakes game. This minor league team offers family-friendly fun and a chance to see potential future MLB stars.
Remember, New Orleans is a city best explored at a leisurely pace. Take time to chat with locals, listen to street musicians, and savor the moments between destinations. The true magic of New Orleans often reveals itself in these unplanned encounters.
Stay at a Boutique Hotel from the 1800’s
At Hotel Maison Pierre Lafitte, we're more than just a place to stay – we're your gateway to authentic New Orleans experiences. Our staff is always ready to offer personalized recommendations and insider tips to make your first visit truly unforgettable. So, unpack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with the Crescent City. From our doorstep to the heart of New Orleans, adventure awaits.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!