The Crescent City offers a vast array of fun, interesting and entertaining things to do.
Things to Do in New Orleans During NTI
- Party (or Don’t) in the French Quarter. The French Quarter — or Vieux Carré — is for many people the embodiment of the Crescent City. Site of the original French colony in 1718, the French Quarter is a national historic landmark that overflows with life. Its unmistakable draw is Bourbon Street — New Orleans’ infamous party hub, teeming with tourists, street performers, bars and a kaleidoscope of local color. Even if the colorful characters and noisy nights on Bourbon aren’t for you, you should still explore the Quarter. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, and view the historic buildings etched with baroque ironwork and majestic balconies — perhaps during an early-morning jaunt for beignets!
- Stroll Down Frenchmen Street. If you want an authentic NOLA experience, distinct from the touristy French Quarter, walk along Frenchmen Street, a four-block stretch of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, galleries and the finest CD shop in the world, the Louisiana Music Factory. Despite its close proximity to the Quarter, Frenchmen Street maintains a hip neighborhood vibe, as well as an aura of authenticity.
- Peruse the Exhibits at the National WWII Museum. Located in the Warehouse District, the National WWII Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and educational films documenting the war, from D-Day to the Holocaust to the war in the Pacific. Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, the WWII Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers a unique experience (although some exhibits may be too intense for children).
- Ride the Streetcars All Over Town. NOLA is blessed with a delightful, historic streetcar system. Its three lines originate downtown but take you to different parts of the city. Few experiences in the city rival settling back into one of the classic mahogany bench seats, gazing through the open windows at the oak trees lining St. Charles Avenue and listening to locals describe their favorite things about the city (and they will!). Just remember that when you ride streetcars, you are riding in a bit of history — and that can take time. So, make sure you allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Fares are $1.25 and can be paid with exact change when you board. One, three and 31-day unlimited ride passes are also available.
- Explore the Garden District. Although the Garden District is less than 3 miles from the French Quarter, it may as well be a continent away. As its name suggests, the historic neighborhood is laden with stunning residential architecture, magnificent buildings, mighty trees and, yes, the splendid gardens that give this quarter its name. A day in the Garden District is a perfect antidote to the noisy crowds in other areas.
- Hear Some Live Music. Music is the lifeblood of the Crescent City. A delicious gumbo of jazz, brass band, Creole, country, Cajun, zydeco and rhythm and blues music can be enjoyed at any time in nearly any place echoing throughout the streets. Stop and listen!