Hi there - Shelby here! Oftentimes, New York City is referred to as the city that never sleeps. But in the south, that city is New Orleans, Louisiana.
With that being said - welcome to the French Quarter! The moment you step onto Jackson Square in the heart of New Orleans, you are magically transported back in time with beautiful jazz music playing in the streets (can't you hear it?!), French-inspired architecture, and some of the best food in the world.
While we plan to talk about the entire city in this post, the French Quarter is really what New Orleans is all about. The heartbeat of the city and a literal cultural melting pot.
Growing up in the south, New Orleans is and always has been one of my most favorite places to visit in the US. So, today I want to share my love of The Big Easy with all of you by telling you the 11 best things to do in the city.
Queue the beignets and jazz music!
1. Explore Jackson Square
What better place to start than the heart of New Orleans? Jackson Square is the cultural center of the French Quarter, and all of New Orleans if we're being honest.
If you want to be a typical tourist, hop across the street from the square and climb the steps! These steps are directly across the street from the St. Louis Cathedral and show a beautiful view of the entire courtyard. Here you can take some rad selfies or maybe even find a friendly person to take a photo for you!
Once you've snapped some pics, join the lively town square to find charming street corner artists, live music, and incredibly unique shops selling pieces of one-of-a-kind New Orleans culture.
Take a walk through the picturesque Jackson Square courtyard and take in the views of culture (& super cute palm trees) before getting a closer look at the cathedral. The St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the US and is recognized all over the world. If you're lucky, you might even get a chance to step inside (if it isn't closed for mass) and take in the amazing designs and architecture.
There are benches along the square in front of the cathedral that you might recognize as well if you're a pop culture nerd like me! The CW series The Originals was filmed all throughout the city, but the iconic series finale scene (you know which one I'm talking about) was filmed right there in Jackson Square.
2. Stroll Along the Mississippi
Directly across from Jackson Square and next to the famous Cafe Du Monde is the steps to the Mississippi River! Take a seat to cool off from the Louisiana heat and dip your toes in the waters of the Mississippi, one of the country's largest rivers. Walk along the riverfront for a bit, and you might get a glimpse at a barge or two!
3. Soak in the Culture of Royal Street
Royal Street - one of the most recognized street names in New Orleans alongside Canal and Bourbon. Full of color and culture, you can get to this iconic street easily from Jackson Square or Bourbon Street.
A street with its own vibe amidst the New Orleans culture, Royal has some super cool art galleries full of life and everything that embodies New Orleans.
Personally, Royal is one of my favorite streets in the city. Not only is it home to some incredible culture, but it has some iconic filming spots for The Originals as well! Just off of Bourbon is a beautiful historic brick building with wrap-around balconies. This is a photo hot-spot in New Orleans because of its beauty - but it also lived as the home of Klaus throughout the series.
Just a few blocks away is the Hotel Royal. Take a step through the lobby into their courtyard, and you will instantly recognize it as the interior courtyard of Klaus' home on the show. The hotel staff welcomes all visitors!
4. Eat Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
What kind of post would this be if I didn't talk about beignets?! You just aren't allowed to visit New Orleans and not visit Cafe Du Monde.
Eating beignets is one of the most quintessential New Orleans activities.
In case you didn't know, beignets are fried dough covered in powdered sugar - simple but so delicious!
Cafe Du Monde has a small menu (basically just donuts and beverages), and they only take cash so be prepared.
Also, be warned - wear light-colored clothing or be prepared to be covered in powdered sugar! There's just no way around it.
5. Take A Cemetery Tour
I know what you're thinking - "you want me to do WHAT??" I know it sounds crazy, but visiting cemeteries is actually a thing in New Orleans!
Honestly, it's so much fun! New Orleans is so unique, and these tours really give you insight into the history of the city that you may never have known on your own.
I recommend visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District because it's the oldest and most famous! This tour is amazing because the guide leads you to famous graves like Nicholas Cage (yes, that one and no, he's not actually dead) and provides added info like the story of famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
Because of the sea level in New Orleans, they can't bury bodies underground in the traditional way. So, these cemeteries are full of above-ground mausoleums, and they are fascinating.
Make sure to book your tour in advance and ask for Milton - he's a gem!
6. Relax at the Spa
After many visits to this amazing city, I finally made a trip with my girls. And you can only guess the first thing on our to-do list - the spa! Belles & Beaux Spa is a must-do! Not only are the deep tissue massages to die for, but they also have a fabulous team that does mani/pedis and hair!
This place is top-notch, relaxing, and a requirement for every visit I make to the city.
7. Shop at the Old French Market
Walking into the market is honestly like a kid walking into a candy store. It's a treasure spot filled with all sorts of goodies. This open-air market has vendors with all sorts of goods like local art, photography, jewelry, and Mardi Gras masks.
And don't forget the food! They also have cafes with the best New Orleans treats you can find.
8. One Word - FOOD!
Speaking of food, if you like spice - you'll be in heaven here! There's honestly not a single restaurant in the city that I don't like, but I wanted to share some of my favorites with you guys!
For dinner, The Royal House is simply amazing! Everything in this restaurant tastes like a slice of heaven. (It's my personal fave - can't you tell?!) Their selection of oysters is impeccable, and the crawfish ravioli is something from your dreams.
For brunch, head to Jimmy J's! It's super small, so there is usually a wait. But it's so yummy and 100% worth it! (And the mimosas are pretty great, too.)
Snack time? Hit up the market or any local food truck for my fave and Louisiana specialty - a meat pie! Or visit historic Central Grocery for their famous muffuletta!
9. Ride a Street Car
The streetcars in New Orleans are a great way to get access to different parts of the city - or even just to take it all in! I've taken one from the French Quarter to the Garden District, but you can ride them all over the city.
Book your car and see the schedule. You can even visit popular attractions and restaurants from the streetcars as well!
10. Take a Dance Lesson
For my bachelorette trip to New Orleans last year, we visited Crescent Lotus Dance Studio.
You can book private group classes for pole dancing! It is super fun - especially with all of your best girls. It's super affordable and a memory that you're sure not to forget! Make sure to schedule your lesson ahead of time here.
11. Soak in the Nightlife
Lastly, what would a trip to New Orleans be without the nightlife?
Nicknamed The Big Easy in the 1970s, New Orleans has been known for its easy-going way of life - unlike that of The Big Apple. (Fun Fact - that's where the nickname came from & it stuck!) The city definitely lives up to its nickname with round-the-clock nightlife for both tourists and locals.
New Orleans is crowded, so the key is to find a balcony where you can relax and people watch! You can get some great photos and enjoy jazz music playing in the streets at any given hour.
I hope you enjoyed me ramble on about my love for New Orleans! Did I miss something? Tell me your favorites in the comments below! Until next time! ✌🏻
