First Time in New Orleans + 8 Things Places You Should Visit

I traveled to New Orleans a few months ago when it was pretty cold here in Michigan. Temps were warmer in Louisiana but not the picturesque version of spring. Overall, the temperature was warm enough to be a worthy escape from Michigan's winter weather. If you've never visited New Orleans, here are a few things to add to your list of things to do when you get there.

Bar/Lounge

This is pretty basic. I know you can go to bars or lounges anywhere but when I travel out of town, I like to check out ordinary, everyday spots such as local bars, malls, or parks.

While I have these in my own state, I'm always curious to experience how things are done elsewhere. Each state offers its own unique food, drinks, and music, so I suggest stopping by a bar or lounge while you're there to catch some authentic southern vibes.

Jackson Square/French Quarter

Jackson Square is a historic park and landmark in the French Quarter. While these areas are typical tourist destinations, I still recommend exploring them.

I’ll admit, I traveled during a time where there weren't lots of tourists. The streets weren’t overly crowded so I was able to stroll at my own pace and really take in the sights. My favorite thing was stopping to snap pictures without the hassle of navigating through a mass of people.

In addition to discovering everyday spots, I enjoy exploring the unique aspects that distinguish a city or state, such as its historic landmarks and renowned attractions. Jackson Square and the French Quarter offer a picturesque setting for leisurely walks, sightseeing, and photographs.

There are also a variety of restaurants nearby, perfect for a quick bite or round of drinks while exploring. Cafe Du Monde is in the area. It’s an iconic cafe known for its beignets. Although I didn't visit the café due to a lack of interest in the beignets, it came highly recommended by friends who had visited New Orleans, as well as the locals.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is another must-see destination for tourists, and is also located in the French Quarter. The street is filled with lights and music and decorated balconies.

I found both daytime and nighttime visits to Bourbon Street equally satisfying, yet the colors come alive after dark, enhanced by the vibrant music and captivating balconies. Similar to Jackson Square, Bourbon Street offers an abundance of establishments to stop for food, drinks, or entertainment.

Mardi Gras World

Yet another tourist attraction, Mardi Gras World was one of my favorite things to do. The experience includes a tour through the warehouse where Mardi Gras parade floats are designed, as well as an insightful explanation of the history of Mardi Gras and the creative process behind the floats. I've never attended Mardi Gras before but can see what all the hype is about. The floats left me in awe, each one larger than life and bursting with vibrant colors and distinctive designs. Just being in that atmosphere made me eager to witness Mardi Gras for myself.

Mardi Gras World is also located along the Mississippi River so if you step outside the rear doors of the building you can see the expansive river. Lastly, Mardi Gras World has a souvenir shop so you can buy nice mementos to commemorate your visit or small gifts to take home.

*There is a cost to Mardi Gras World, but nothing that breaks the bank.

Black Owned Restaurant

With a bit of research, you can easily discover black-owned businesses in New Orleans. During my visit, I made a point to explore some of these establishments, particularly in the realm of food. One standout experience was dining at Dooky Chase's, a beloved Creole restaurant renowned for its gumbo, shrimp and grits, and stuffed shrimp. The welcoming staff and delicious drinks only added to the enjoyment of the meal. If I ever return to New Orleans, I’ll definitely eat at Dooky Chase's again. 

I love supporting black-owned businesses and intend to do so even more in the future. I make an effort to seek out and support such businesses wherever I go.

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The last few items on the list are activities I wasn't able to fit into my schedule during my initial trip to New Orleans. However, I took the time to research them prior to my vacation so I'll prioritize them for my next visit. 

Swamp Tours

These tours allow you to explore the Louisiana swamp lands. The tours take place on flat bottom boats and go through bayous to allow you to observe alligators and other species in their natural habitat. We don't have swamp tours here in Michigan so this made the list for its uniqueness but also I thought the experience would be a memorable one and provide some background on Louisiana bayous and the region's unique heritage.

Jazz Club

New Orleans has a vibrant jazz scene and has jazz clubs that bring in tourists. There weren't any notable jazz clubs on my list, I just wanted to visit one or two to immerse myself in their live music and performances. When walking on Bourbon Street numerous venues advertised live music and performances. Although I didn't stop to explore any at the time, I'm eager to return and dedicate a night or two solely to experiencing the city's jazz clubs.

Cemetery

New Orleans offers cemetery tours as well. I was not planning on a tour, rather just walking in the cemetery to take in the environment. My research showed that most cemeteries are open to the public and are an attraction for visitors. New Orleans cemeteries are renowned for their above ground tombs. I've read that these structures are arranged in rows which form a unique architectural landscape. This is something I wanted to experience given that we do not bury people above ground here in Michigan. 

As I mentioned earlier, I'm always intrigued by the elements that make a city stand out, and New Orleans certainly has its share. A tour sounds nice only for the added value of learning about the city's unique cultural heritage and burial practices. Without the tour I wonder how much knowledge I could gain about the cemetery's history and significance. 

My trip to New Orleans did not disappoint. For those yet to experience the magic of New Orleans, consider this list a starting point for must-visit destinations to add to your itinerary.