Welcome to Athingstodo.com! 🎷 If you’re searching for the most exciting things to do in New Orleans, you’ve just found your perfect guide. At Athingstodo.com, we love sharing the best adventures, flavors, and hidden gems that make the Crescent City truly magical.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a family trip, or a romantic getaway, our guide to things to do in New Orleans will help you experience the city’s vibrant music, legendary food, and unforgettable culture. Let’s explore the heart of New Orleans together and create memories that will last a lifetime! 🎭
Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend
New Orleans is always alive with events and activities, especially on weekends. Whether you want to enjoy live music, explore markets, or take a historic tour, here’s a quick guide to the best weekend options.
| Activity | Location | Entry Fee | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Quarter Walking Tour | French Quarter | $20 – $30 | Morning or afternoon |
| Frenchmen Street Live Music | Frenchmen Street | Free (venue fees vary) | Evening |
| Crescent City Farmers Market | Bywater District | Free | Saturday mornings |
| Audubon Zoo | Uptown | $25 (adult) | Morning |
| St. Louis Cathedral Visit | Jackson Square | Free | Anytime |
Fun Things to Do in New Orleans
New Orleans is packed with fun activities for all ages. Here are some favorites that combine culture, adventure, and entertainment.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Swamp Tours | Explore Louisiana bayous and wildlife | Various locations |
| Mardi Gras World | Behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras floats | Warehouse District |
| City Park | Outdoor activities, sculpture garden, and playgrounds | City Park |
| Steamboat Natchez Cruise | Historic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi | French Quarter Dock |
| New Orleans Museum of Art | Art collections and beautiful sculpture garden | City Park |
Free Things to Do in New Orleans
You can enjoy many of New Orleans’ charms without spending a dime. Here are some top free activities.
| Attraction | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cathedral | Historic architecture and peaceful gardens | Everyone |
| Jackson Square | Street performers, artists, and lively atmosphere | Families, couples |
| Frenchmen Street Music | Live music in an open-air setting | Music lovers |
| City Park | Walking trails, free sculpture garden | Nature lovers |
| Crescent Park | Scenic riverfront park with walking paths | Couples, walkers |
Visit the stunning St. Louis Cathedral and enjoy the vibrant energy of Jackson Square. Frenchmen Street offers free live music in many venues. City Park’s sculpture garden is free to explore, and Crescent Park provides beautiful river views.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans
Here’s a list of the city’s top attractions and activities that you shouldn’t miss.
| Attraction | Why Visit? | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Historic district with iconic architecture | Free to explore |
| National WWII Museum | World-class museum with interactive exhibits | $30+ |
| Garden District | Beautiful historic homes and walking tours | Free to explore |
| Preservation Hall | Legendary jazz venue and live performances | $20 – $40 |
| Café du Monde | Famous beignets and coffee | Cost of food |
Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
New Orleans is family-friendly with many activities that kids will love.
| Activity | Highlights | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Zoo | Wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits | $25 |
| Louisiana Children’s Museum | Hands-on exhibits and creative play areas | $15 |
| City Park Playground | Large playground and splash pad | Free |
| Aquarium of the Americas | Marine life and touch tanks | $30 |
| Carousel Gardens Amusement Park | Classic rides and family fun | $10 – $15 |
Things to Do in New Orleans for Adults
Adults can enjoy a mix of nightlife, culture, and relaxation.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Frenchmen Street Bars | Live music and vibrant nightlife | Frenchmen Street |
| Cocktail Tours | Sample classic New Orleans cocktails | Various bars |
| Spa and Wellness | Relaxing treatments and massages | Downtown hotels |
| Fine Dining | Award-winning restaurants and Creole cuisine | French Quarter, CBD |
| Art Galleries | Contemporary and historic art | Warehouse District |
Things to Do in New Orleans for Couples
New Orleans is full of romantic spots and experiences.
| Activity | Why It’s Romantic | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Riverfront Dinner Cruise | Scenic views and gourmet dining | Evening |
| Garden District Stroll | Beautiful historic homes and gardens | Afternoon |
| Jazz at Preservation Hall | Intimate live jazz performances | Evening |
| Café du Monde Beignet Date | Sweet treats in a charming setting | Anytime |
| City Park Picnic | Quiet green space for relaxing together | Daytime |
Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans
Here’s a quick list of the top 10 must-do experiences in New Orleans:
| Rank | Activity/Attraction | Why It’s a Must-Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Quarter | Historic charm and vibrant culture |
| 2 | National WWII Museum | World-class history museum |
| 3 | Frenchmen Street | Live music and nightlife |
| 4 | Audubon Zoo | Family-friendly animal exhibits |
| 5 | Café du Monde | Famous beignets and coffee |
| 6 | Garden District | Stunning historic homes and gardens |
| 7 | Steamboat Natchez Cruise | Scenic Mississippi River cruise |
| 8 | Mardi Gras World | Behind-the-scenes Mardi Gras experience |
| 9 | City Park | Outdoor fun and art |
| 10 | Preservation Hall | Authentic jazz music |
Things to Do in New Orleans in December
December brings festive events and cozy activities to enjoy.
| Activity | Highlights | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Light Displays | Festive decorations across the city | Free |
| Christmas New Orleans Style | Parades, markets, and concerts | Varies |
| Winter Jazz Fest | Annual jazz festival with top artists | Ticketed |
| Ice Skating at the Civic Center | Seasonal outdoor rink | $10 – $15 |
| Holiday Shopping | Unique gifts and local crafts | Free to browse |
Experience holiday lights, festive parades, and the Winter Jazz Fest. Ice skating and holiday shopping add to the seasonal charm.
Cool Things to Do in New Orleans
For unique and offbeat experiences, try these cool activities.
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Voodoo Museum | Explore the history and culture of Voodoo | French Quarter |
| Haunted Ghost Tours | Spooky guided tours of haunted sites | French Quarter |
| Street Art Walk | Discover colorful murals and public art | Various neighborhoods |
| Cooking Classes | Learn to cook classic Creole and Cajun dishes | French Quarter |
| Jazz Brunch | Enjoy live jazz with a delicious brunch | Multiple venues |
Looking for family-friendly places near you? Here are some favorites:
| Place | Highlights | Distance from Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Zoo | Animals and interactive exhibits | Uptown |
| Louisiana Children’s Museum | Hands-on learning and play | Warehouse District |
| City Park | Playgrounds, gardens, and outdoor activities | Mid-City |
| Aquarium of the Americas | Marine life and touch tanks | French Quarter |
| Carousel Gardens Amusement Park | Classic rides and family fun | City Park |
Things to Do Near Me
Explore nearby attractions and activities close to your location:
| Activity | Location | Distance from Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Garden District Walking Tour | Garden District | 3 miles |
| Audubon Aquarium | French Quarter | 1 mile |
| Mississippi Riverwalk | Riverfront | Downtown |
| New Orleans Jazz Museum | French Quarter | 0.5 miles |
| City Park | Mid-City | 4 miles |
New Orleans offers a rich variety of activities:
-
Explore historic neighborhoods
-
Enjoy world-class music and festivals
-
Savor Creole and Cajun cuisine
-
Visit museums and cultural sites
-
Take riverboat cruises and swamp tours
Things to Do Near Me Today
If you want to explore New Orleans right now, consider:
-
Walking through the French Quarter
-
Enjoying live music on Frenchmen Street
-
Visiting Jackson Square and local markets
-
Sampling beignets at Café du Monde
-
Relaxing in City Park or along the riverwalk
Things to Do with Kids Near Me
Family-friendly fun near you includes:
-
Audubon Zoo and Aquarium
-
Louisiana Children’s Museum
-
City Park playgrounds and splash pads
-
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
-
Seasonal family festivals and events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best free things to do in New Orleans?
Visit the St. Louis Cathedral, enjoy street performances at Jackson Square, explore Frenchmen Street’s live music, and stroll through City Park’s sculpture garden.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
The best time to visit is from February to May when the weather is pleasant and many festivals, including Mardi Gras, take place.
Are there family-friendly activities in New Orleans?
Yes! The Audubon Zoo, Children’s Museum, City Park, and Aquarium of the Americas are great for families with kids.
Thank you for exploring New Orleans with Athingstodo.com! We hope this guide helps you discover the best experiences and make unforgettable memories in this vibrant city. Enjoy your adventure! 😊
Also Visit: Things to Do in Walpole NH