New Orleans gets a lot of buzz for its boisterous Mardi Gras celebrations and wild nights on Bourbon Street. But this city has much more to offer.
Keep reading to discover another side of New Orleans.
1. Frenchmen Street
For a more local take on the New Orleans experience, skip the touristy spots and head over to Frenchmen Street, also known as the “local’s Bourbon Street.” This hip hotspot spans four blocks filled with clubs, galleries, restaurants, and live music venues.
Be sure to check out the Dragon’s Den on Esplanade and Decatur; this music club was featured on the show True Detective! And while you’re in the area, check out the huge Louisiana Music Factory to shop for all your music-related needs.
2. The Louisiana Bayou
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without exploring the Bayou. One of the best ways to see the Louisiana Bayou is aboard a flatboat or an airboat on a guided tour.
Your captain will teach you about the ecology and wildlife in the Bayou while giving you an idea of what it’s like to live in these meandering marshes.
3. National World War II Museum
Visit the National World War II Museum in the Warehouse District, and be sure to check out the 4-D movie “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks.
This museum appeals to more than just history buffs. Its educational and emotional exhibits, films, and war artifacts will interest anyone in the role that New Orleans played in WWII efforts.
4. Garden District
The Garden District of New Orleans is right out of a southern-charm fairytale. Exploring the shaded streets and historic mansions is an affordable – and peaceful – way to spend an afternoon. You’ll see some of the most gorgeous and well-preserved homes in New Orleans, including the renowned Wedding Cake House located at 5809 St. Charles Avenue.
When you’re done with the walking tour, fuel up on some of the best restaurants in the district, like Joey K’s where you can get mouthwatering Creole, or Slim Goodies Diner for all your NOLA breakfast favorites.
5. Cemetery Tours
Indulge your curiosities on a guided tour of New Orleans’s famous burial grounds — some of which are said to be haunted!
Wander through the city’s cemeteries and explore the above-ground tombs that create “cities of the dead.” A few New Orleans cemeteries even have famous connections. For example, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is where Marie Laveau, the city’s “voodoo queen” rests, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was featured in movies like “Double Jeopardy” and “Interview with a Vampire.”
Ready to plan your visit? Book your trip to New Orleans today!
What are your favorite attractions in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments!
