The Ultimate NOLA Bucket List

New Orleans is a city with so many stories, so much to see – and drink! While so many tourism-heavy places are usually scrubbed of personality, New Orleans’ character is unwavering. Sure, it’s a party town, but you’ll also find unique cuisine, beautiful architecture, and warm (if maybe a little eccentric) locals. It’s a city where you can find history, romance, or debauchery – depending on your mission. In that light, we’ve gathered the ultimate list of things to do in New Orleans.

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1. Brunch

Brunching in New Orleans is an absolute dream! French + Creole cuisine plus some of the best culinary minds in the world means you’re in for some incredible meals. World renowned and James Beard Award winning chefs like Emeril Lagasse have served up brunch in New Orleans. At a bare minimum I recommend checking out Commander’s Palace, but I can assure you that you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad meal in New Orleans.

I love brunching in New Orleans so much that I wrote a whole separate post about it! Check out the top 5 best brunch places in New Orleans here, so you can stack your trip with binge-worthy brunch reservations!

Check this out next: The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans on a Budget

2. Party on Bourbon Street

Quite possibly the most well-known of things to do in New Orleans, no trip to the Big Easy is complete without at least having a drink on Bourbon Street. It may be dirty, crowded, and expensive, but if you go to New Orleans and don’t ever step foot on Bourbon Street you’re missing out on one of the biggest parties and wild experiences in the world!

3. Listen to Live Music on Frenchman Street

Again and again, I’ve heard locals describe Frenchman Street as “what Bourbon Street used to be”. Frenchman Street is home to a number of bars with outstanding live music. Most venues are relatively small and laid-back, with LOTS of dancing. And I don’t mean gross clubby grinding – but fun, carefree, vibe-to-the-music dancing. It’s fun, casual, and always ends up being the most fun part of a New Orleans trip.

4. Visit Jackson Square

It’s one of the best things to do with an afternoon in New Orleans! From Jackson Square, you can get a great view of St. Louis Cathedral. Just outside Jackson Square, you’ll find local artists, musicians, and tarot card readers. Artists have been gathering to Jackson Square to display their work for half a century, many with families that have been displaying there for generations. Inside Jackson Square is a quiet, beautifully landscaped area rich with history.

5. Drink & Learn Tour

What would be more appropriate for New Orleans than a history tour with cocktails? The Drink & Learn tour leads you through the rich history of New Orleans and “the drinks that carry their stories”. Host Elizabeth Pierce keeps it fun, is absolutely hilarious, and pours a strong drink (a compliment in my book). Book tickets for the Drink & Learn tour on the website here.

6. Take a Ghost Tour

New Orleans is a place with a complicated history. It has a story to tell on slavery and slave trade, voodoo, early medicine and pharmacy (mal)practice, and more recently hurricane Katrina. With that, come some of the most spine-tingling stories you’ll find in any city, told by some of the best in the business. Don’t pass up one of these tours while you’re in town! There are lots of amazing and reputable tour companies out there, but I can personally recommend Ghost City Tours.

If you’re like us, and find your eyes rolling with even the best-told ghost stories, then check out The Killers and Thrillers tour with Ghost City Tours. It focuses more on True Crime and some of the craziest stories you’ll hear about the city.

7. Have a Hurricane

Arguably the most famous drink in New Orleans, be sure to grab a hurricane! The most well-known hurricane spot is Pat O’Brien’s on St. Peter Street just off Bourbon. However, many-a-local has confirmed that the best hurricanes are served at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 on North Peters Street (don’t worry, it’s still in the French District!) Just keep in mind – hurricanes are as delicious as they are dangerous!

8. The National World War II Museum

The National World War II Museum has been ranked as the #1 Attraction in New Orleans, #3 museum in the entire country, and #8 museum in THE ENTIRE WORLD by TripAdvisor. That’s a pretty big deal! Even if you’re not a history buff, the museum brings World War II to life in way that’s impactful and thought-provoking. You can find details to plan your trip and purchase tickets on their website here.

9. Have a Drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

It’s the oldest bar in town. In fact, it’s the oldest bar of any town in the US! Lafitte’s has been serving up cocktails since the 1700’s so be sure to stop in for a drink. You can check out some of the cool history that surrounds Lafitte’s here.

10. Garden District

For a quieter side to New Orleans, you have to check out the Garden District. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon in New Orleans. Walk along Jackson Avenue (from St. Charles Street) and down Magazine Street to daydream among the gorgeous historic mansions, ancient trees, and beautiful gardens. Follow that up with some shopping in the cute boutiques along Magazine Street.

When you’re ready for a snack don’t miss District Donuts Sliders and Brew! They make the best donuts in town.

Ready for pro-level? Be sure to take the St. Charles Streetcar (trolly) to the Garden District. It only costs $3 round-trip and adds so much charm to the whole adventure that you’ll think you’re on a magazine (get it?). Hop on the streetcar at Canal Street in the French Quarter and ride to the Jackson Avenue stop in the Garden District in front of Hotel Indigo. You can buy your streetcar fare from the operator – just be sure to bring cash in the exact change.

What’s your favorite thing to do in New Orleans? Would you add anything to the list?