New Orleans is a popular place to go to on a vacation. Many people have been there, and many more hope to go one day. My husband is from New Orleans, so needless to say I have been there countless times. I have put together this list of the top things to see and do in the New Orleans area.
#1 – St. Louis Cathedral
When you think of New Orleans, this building may come to mind. You can tour this historic building daily. The hours are 8:30am until 4:00pm. Daily Mass is held at 12:05pm. You can pick up a self-guide brochure at the entrance for a $1.00 donation.
#2 – Cafe Du Monde
Visit the original Cafe Du Monde in the French Market. This coffee stand was established in 1862, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Go there to enjoy their traditional coffee and chicory with an order of beignets. You’ll be glad you did.
#3 – Bourbon Street
You never quite know what you’ll see on Bourbon Street. Drinking, dancing, live music, people getting arrested. There is never a dull moment on this street; however, to get the full experience, I recommend going at least once during the night.
#4 – Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo has gorgeous facilities, and is fun for everyone. This institute houses 15,000 diverse animals. Bring your sunscreen and prepare for an interesting day!
#5 – Plum Street Sno Ball
The oldest snow ball stand in New Orleans! Open mid-March through October, if you are in the area during these months this is something that you don’t want to miss! Available in a variety of sizes and flavors, this will be a treat that you won’t forget.
#6 – French Market
The French Market is open daily from 10am until 6pm. It consists of 6 blocks of shopping! Established in 1791, there are no shortages of place to eat, souvenirs to buy, farmers markets, and many various other shopping opportunities. Some places will even haggle with you (don’t offer $5 for a $20 item, that’s a sure way to make someone mad.)
#7 – Magazine Street
Magazine Street is one of the first areas that really stood out to me in New Orleans. It is an absolutely beautiful area where you can walk up and down the streets and enjoy the scenery, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and more!
#8 – St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans has cemeteries that most people are not used to. Due to the fact that the city was built on a swamp, the deceased are buried in these elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. There are no shortages of ghost tours that go through these cemeteries, if that’s your thing.
#9 – Riverwalk
The Riverwalk Marketplace has a mixture of local and commercial businesses. This is another place where you can grab some beignets from the Cafe Du Monde inside. You can step outside and walk along the river (hence the name.) It is a fun place to explore and to escape the heat.
#10 – City Park
If you want to get away from the city area and see nature, you could not ask for a better place than City Park. This 1300 acre park has been open since 1854, which makes it one of the nation’s oldest urban parks. Come here for a picnic, to let your kids or pets play, or to just simply take a stroll and admire your surroundings.
#11 – Steamboat Natchez
Steamboat Natchez is known as “New Orleans’ Only Steamboat.” You can choose from the Dinner Jazz Cruise, Harbor Jazz Cruise, or the Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise. Each option includes live music and views of New Orleans that you can only get from the river. You have the option of joining the cruise without food for a reduced price.
Have you tried any of the things on our list? If so, what did you think? Do you have something that you think should be on the list? Let me know!
-Haley
