New Orleans is one of those cities that gets under your skin fast. The food, the music, the history — it all hits differently here. If you're putting together your list of things to do in New Orleans for the first time, you're in for a serious treat. This guide covers the experiences worth planning your whole trip around.
1. Ride the Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi
There are few better ways to arrive in the spirit of New Orleans than boarding a genuine 19th-century steamboat. The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise takes you out on the Mississippi River with live jazz, great food, and views of the skyline as the sun goes down. Book the dinner option — you won't regret it.
2. Spend a Morning at The National WWII Museum
This is one of the finest museums in the entire United States, and it happens to be right here. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the war through personal accounts, immersive exhibits, and artifacts that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Grab the Campus Pass plus 4-D Film to make the most of your visit — it's worth the full day.
3. Wander the French Quarter (Properly)
Yes, everyone goes to the French Quarter. But don't just walk down Bourbon Street and call it done. The real magic is in the side streets — the iron-lace balconies, the quiet courtyards, the smell of coffee drifting out of open doors. Try the Historic Tour of the French Quarter in an Exploration Game if you want to dig into the stories behind the architecture. It turns sightseeing into something genuinely fun.
4. Eat Beignets at Café Du Monde
This is non-negotiable. Café Du Monde has been serving beignets and café au lait since 1862, and the recipe hasn't changed. Go early in the morning before the crowds arrive, grab a table outside, and order three beignets. Wear dark clothing — the powdered sugar goes everywhere, and that's part of the charm.
5. Explore the Garden District on Foot
The Garden District is a different world from the French Quarter. Tree-lined streets, grand antebellum mansions, and a pace that feels like the city exhaling. The Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour is a brilliant way to understand the neighbourhood's history, including a walk through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which is genuinely atmospheric. If you prefer to go at your own pace, the self-guided walking tour gives you full flexibility.
6. Catch Live Music on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is where locals actually go to hear jazz. Skip the tourist traps and head here on any evening from around 9pm onwards. Multiple clubs sit side by side, so you can wander in and out, following whichever sound pulls you. There's no cover charge at most venues. Just show up, order a drink, and let the music do the rest.
7. Go on a Haunted Walking Tour
New Orleans has a genuinely dark and layered history, and the ghost stories here aren't just for tourists — they're woven into the culture. The New Orleans Haunted Walking Tour takes you through the French Quarter after dark, unpacking tales of yellow fever epidemics, voodoo queens, and restless spirits. It's spooky, yes, but also surprisingly educational.
8. Discover the City's Voodoo History
Voodoo in New Orleans is often misunderstood. It's a real spiritual tradition with deep roots in West African and Haitian culture, and it shaped this city in ways most visitors never learn about. The Gates of Guinee Voodoo Tour treats the subject with the seriousness it deserves. You'll leave with a completely different understanding of what makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else in America.
9. Have a Jazz Brunch
Brunch in New Orleans isn't just a meal — it's an event. A New Orleans jazz brunch pairs live music with classic Creole dishes like eggs Sardou, shrimp and grits, and bananas Foster. Go on a Sunday if you can. The whole city seems to slow down and celebrate, and the energy in the room is infectious.
10. Visit the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
This is the oldest surviving cemetery in New Orleans, and it looks unlike any graveyard you've seen before. The above-ground tombs are a direct result of the city's high water table, and many of them belong to some of the most significant figures in the city's history. You must go with a licensed tour guide — solo entry is no longer permitted — so book in advance.
11. Take a Small-Group City Tour to Get Your Bearings
If it's your first time, a guided overview on day one saves you a lot of confusion later. The New Orleans Small-Group City Tour by Van covers the major neighbourhoods, gives you historical context, and helps you figure out where you want to spend more time. Small groups mean you can actually ask questions and get real answers, not just a rehearsed script.
Practical Tips Before You Go
New Orleans is best explored on foot, but the heat and humidity in summer are no joke — carry water everywhere. The city runs on its own schedule, so don't be surprised if things start late and end later. If you're planning to pack in a lot of attractions, the Go City New Orleans All-Inclusive Pass can save you a significant amount across more than 25 experiences.
New Orleans rewards the curious. The more you look, the more you find — whether that's a brass band appearing out of nowhere on a Tuesday afternoon or a bowl of gumbo that changes your life. Book your trip, show up hungry, and let the city take it from there.
