What you know about NOLA is about to change. This guide goes beyond the typical tourist traps and into the real New Orleans, the neighborhoods, the food and those “hidden” details most visitors miss entirely.
Yes, you already know Bourbon Street, the jazz clubs, and all of the Mardi Gras beads. But that’s just grazing the surface of what the Big Easy has to offer!
Crescent City is one of those few cities that’s uniquely filled with architecture, culture and an appeal somewhat different from any other city in the U.S.
I’m pulling back the curtain on the real New Orleans, not just because I’m in love with this city and I’ve visited a handful of times, but mostly because most people are getting it all wrong!
You can’t judge NOLA by just going to Bourbon Street. Just don’t.
🔖 NOLA QUICK FACTS
- The best New Orleans experience extends beyond the French Quarter into neighborhoods like Tremé, Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, and Algiers Point, each with distinct architecture, great food and culture.
- For authentic jazz, skip Bourbon Street and head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, where locals go for live music at venues like The Spotted Cat Music Club.
- Getting around is easy without a car: the St. Charles Streetcar ($1.25) connects major neighborhoods and the Canal Ferry ($2) offers skyline views while crossing to Algiers Point.
There are at least 10 other districts in the greater downtown New Orleans area that you can visit on a weekend trip.
Of these, Tremé, Warehouse/Arts District, Central Business District (CBD), Garden District, Bywater, Faubourg Marigny and Algiers Point are the ones I recommend adding to your travel itinerary.
Whether you visit this Southern gem for the first time or are a return visitor to NOLA, this guide will prepare you to see the Crescent City in a whole new light!
Here are the experiences that’ll make you fall head-over-heels for New Orleans and book your next trip.
🏨 Where to stay:
Omni Royal Orleans, French Quarter – A 4-diamond landmark at the corner of Royal and St. Louis Streets, with wrought-iron balconies, a rooftop pool, and the iconic Rib Room restaurant. Steps from everything and 31 consecutive years of AAA Four Diamond recognition.
International House Hotel – A stylish boutique on Canal Street with contemporary art throughout, a trendy bar, and a prime location between the French Quarter and the CBD. Celebrity approved and consistently top-rated.
The Chateau Hotel, French Quarter – A solid 3-star with an authentic New Orleans feel, outdoor pool, and a great location steps from the French Quarter’s main attractions. Good value for the area.
🍴 Where to eat:
Cafe du Monde – Beignets and chicory coffee, open 24/7. Non-negotiable first stop.
Brennan’s – The birthplace of Bananas Foster. A New Orleans institution since 1946 where many go for brunch and order the turtle soup.
Dooky Chase Restaurant – Legendary Creole cuisine in Treme, loved by everyone from Ray Charles to President Obama. Order the gumbo.
🎟️ Best things to do:
Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour – design a personal itinerary with multiple stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour – Explore New Orleans’ oldest and most famous cemetery, opened in 1789. One of the most unique experiences in the city.
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise – Discover a different side of New Orleans and admire a new perspective from the water’s edge on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River.
New Orleans Food Walking Tour – Viator – Explore the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans’ French Quarter on this half-day food tour.
Travel Tip: If this is your second trip, skip the French Quarter hotels and base yourself in the Garden District instead. The St. Charles streetcar stops right out front, the neighborhood is quieter, and you’re still only 15 minutes from everything.
Beyond Bourbon Street: NOLA’s Best-Kept Secrets
Discover the side of New Orleans that most tourists miss! Forget what you think you know about NOLA. In this guide, I’m giving you insider tips on how to experience New Orleans.
If you’re looking for the most authentic travel experience and the real magic of the Big Easy, keep reading and bookmark this page!
1. The French Quarter
The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood and the heart and soul of New Orleans.
This district is a National Historic Landmark that will have you falling in love with its cobblestone streets, attractive French and Spanish colonial architecture, energetic atmosphere and incredible nightlife.
If you’re wondering whether the French Quarter is worth visiting, the answer is yes, but not the way most tourists do it.
Here’s some of what not to miss in the French Quarter:
- The Cabildo, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
- Historic taverns along Bourbon Street (Rue Bourbon)
- Fall in love with the elaborate ironwork galleries on Dumaine and Royal Street
- Indulge in a New Orleans food and history walking tour
- Go on a vampire, voodoo and ghost tour in true New Orleans fashion
🌅 Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning to see the French Quarter in a different light. Quieter, more intimate and just as stunning.
2. Try beignets at Café du Monde
Yes, it’s touristy, but you can’t skip it! No visit to New Orleans would be complete without trying the most famous beignets of the city.
Grab a bag of these deep-fried pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar and a Café au Lait from this iconic spot and enjoy them sitting at the steps right by the Mississippi River for a quintessential NOLA experience.
🏁 Travel Tip: The line moves faster than you think, so don’t be scared off by the crowd. And trust me, the beignets are worth the wait!
3. Go to Frenchmen Street for the Ultimate Jazz Experience
If you’re wondering Frenchmen Street vs Bourbon Street, here’s the local answer: Frenchmen Street is where the real jazz lives. Bourbon Street is for crowds and drinks. Frenchmen is for real music.
Step outside the French Quarter and into Faubourg Marigny for one-of-a-kind live Jazz music performances at The Spotted Cat Music Club, or enjoy the incomparable street Jazz for a wholesome vibe of some good ole New Orleans music.
4. Go on a Historic Plantation Tour
Take a step back in time by visiting one of the many nearby plantation homes. Most plantation tours are half-day trips from New Orleans, about 50 minutes to 2 hours outside the city.
Oak Alley Plantation features an entrance lined with beautiful oak trees, while Laura Plantation is an interesting look into Creole history. If you’re up for the longer drive, visit The Myrtles Plantation – one of the most haunted plantation homes in Louisiana.
5. Ride the St Charles Street Car
Take a ride on the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world for a scenic tour of the city. The St Charles line takes you through the Garden District past some of the most beautiful mansions!
6. Take a Garden District Walking Tour
After a ride on the St Charles Streetcar, take a walking tour through the Garden District. Be amazed at some of the most iconic mansions, including the famous Buckner Mansion, circa 1856, featured in American Horror Story: Coven.
There’s no debating between the French Quarter vs Garden District, because the answer is you need to do both. The French Quarter is history and nightlife, while the Garden District is architecture and quiet Southern elegance.
They’re 15 minutes apart by streetcar and visiting both will give you more reasons to add it to your New Orleans itinerary.
🪦 Travel Tip: Don’t miss Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s oldest and eeriest cemeteries. You’ll see unique above-ground tombs and a hauntingly beautiful setting. This one is also a must-visit filming location for all fans of The Originals.
7. Visit St Louis Cathedral (During the Day and at Night)
This iconic cathedral dominates Jackson Square and is one of the most photographed spots in New Orleans. Built in 1724, this is also the oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S.
When you visit the New Orleans St Louis Cathedral at night, you will be treated to a breathtaking view like no other. Be sure to walk around the back of the cathedral to capture it.
🎨 Travel Tip: There’s something special about grabbing a beignet nearby and watching the artists around the square. Don’t miss out on this experience!
8. Visit the National WWII Museum
No history enthusiast should ever miss this world-class museum that is entirely dedicated to American involvement in World War II.
The interactive exhibits, artifacts, and personal accounts make this important moment in history come alive in this incredible museum located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District.
🪖 Travel Tip: Block out at least half a day for the WWII Museum – it’s huge and super immersive.
9. Explore the Warehouse/Arts District
I would say this is one of my favorites from the main neighborhoods or districts in the core of Downtown New Orleans and it’s a dream come true for us art lovers.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum and the innumerable galleries along Julia Street make this the ultimate stop for gallery hopping.
10. Touch The Enchanted Charm Gate
This is a hidden gem in the French Quarter you don’t want to miss!
Right at the entrance to The Court of Two Sisters in Royal Street, this iron gate was wrought in Spain and given to the building by Queen Isabella II.
Legend says that the Queen herself had these gates blessed so that their charm would pass along to anyone who touched them.
11. Take A Walk Down Pirate’s Alley
This narrow passage between St Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo is steeped in legend; once a home for pirates, it is now filled with quaint shops and Faulkner House Books, the one-time residence of William Faulkner.
It’s also here in this alley in the French Quarter, where you’ll see the historical marker of what was the Quartier General de la Garde Municipale, El Calabozo. This is the site of the prison that was constructed in 1726.
Legend says that pirates gathered at the Pirates’ Alley to plan their defense strategies. This alley was also featured in the vampire show The Originals.
12. Go For a Drink on Bourbon Street (but THIS place in particular)
Alright, I was hesitant to include this on the list, but one of the main things New Orleans is known for is, well…Bourbon Street, and it’s famous for a reason!
But if the crowds get overwhelming (they always do), walk further down Bourbon Street at the corner of Phillip Street and grab a cocktail at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a bar with some really cool history.
Lafitte’s was built somewhere around the 1770s, and it’s one of the oldest and most haunted buildings in New Orleans.
🥃 Have you been to Bourbon Street yet? Drop your favorite Bourbon Street bar in the comments!
13. Dive into New Orleans’ Culinary Scene
What food is New Orleans known for? The list is long: gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, muffulettas, beignets, bananas foster, etc. Here are some of the best places to eat in New Orleans (and what to try):
- Gumbo and Jambalaya at Dooky Chase Restaurant
- Po’ boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern
- Chargrilled oysters at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
- Muffulettas at Central Grocery & Deli
- Bananas Foster at Brennan’s
🦐 Travel Tip: Take a New Orleans food tour and sample some of the most amazing local foods and get a general idea of the history of this city’s unique cuisine.
14. Meditate at the Labyrinth in Audubon Park
Offered to the city of New Orleans after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, this labyrinth in the Uptown District provides a space for meditation, centering, and healing.
Patterned after the famous Cathedral of Chartres in France, built in 1203 A.D., this labyrinth truly is a meditative space that’s perfect for your last day in New Orleans before heading back home.
15. Take a Ride on the Canal Ferry to Algiers Point
Take a ride on the Canal Ferry to Algiers Point and enjoy a completely stunning view of the lovely city of New Orleans directly from the Mississippi River.
How much is this Canal Ferry to Algiers? Well, you can cross the Mississippi River via ferry for just $2 to get to Algiers Point. That’s an absolute yes!
This residential neighborhood is lined with beautiful views of the New Orleans skyline and is a great place to go for a quiet stroll.
You can walk around and enjoy the Victorian houses and learn about the history of this quiet neighborhood.
To access the ferry, reach the end of Canal Street toward the riverside and you’ll see it right next to the Aquarium.
- Ferry departs from Algiers Point every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour
- Ferry departs from Canal Street every 30 minutes, at 15 minutes before and after the hour
- The ride takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the other side.
⛴ Travel Tip: Download the Le Pass app on your phone to purchase the ferry and streetcar tickets without having to worry about carrying cash!
16. Hidden Gems: The Devil’s in the Details
What you think you know about NOLA most likely includes just the big attractions or most popular spots, but the real magic lies in the details.
Mardi Gras All Year Round
Think Mardi Gras only happens once a year? Think again! Take a walk through the Quarter and look up: those colored beads draped over tree branches and ironwork seem examples of how NOLA’s biggest party neither begins nor ends.
Ironwork That Speaks
The ornate ironwork on the balconies and fences is one of the most recognizable features of architecture in New Orleans, mostly in the French Quarter, but most visitors don’t realize there’s a story in every pattern.
Look closely and you’ll notice two distinct styles.
Spanish ironwork tends to be more elaborate and flowery, with intricate curves and decorative flourishes, while French ironwork is simpler, more geometric, with cleaner lines.
Once you know the difference, you’ll start spotting it everywhere.
Some patterns even tell you about the family who lived there, when the building was constructed and even which craftsman forged the iron.
Next time you’re walking through the Quarter, pay attention to the balconies. There’s more history hanging above your head than most people ever notice.
Original Street Signs: Like a Time Machine in Plain Sight
Be on the lookout for the original street signs throughout the French Quarter. And note that these aren’t ordinary signs.
If you pay close attention, you’ll see these signs in the buildings rather than on the streets. These have the original street’s Spanish names from when New Orleans was the bustling capital of Spain’s Louisiana territory.
For instance, Bourbon Street wasn’t always about the beads and booze. The street had originally been named Calle de Borbón, after the royal House of Bourbon.
These signs constitute a tangible link back to the multicultural past of NOLA. They remind us that this city has always been a place where cultures collide and create something uniquely special.
How to Get Around New Orleans Without a Car
The New Orleans Streetcar is very inexpensive and, quite honestly, it’s also the most unique way to experience the city. Fares are $1.25 one-way, with day passes available.
The streetcar will be your best option to move around the Quarter, as it’s very reliable if you want to make the most out of your day and check off the best things to see in New Orleans.
For an overall map of the city, including the Garden Districts Historical Homes Self-Guided Tour map and local suggestions, make a stop at the New Orleans Welcome Center at 701 Canal Street or the Louisiana Welcome Center at 529 St Ann St.
If you’re driving to New Orleans from Florida, then I recommend stopping at the Louisiana Visitor’s Center off I-59 and grabbing the maps and guides there.
Many of these attractions are within or close to the French Quarter and, therefore, are easily reached on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Be it the music, the cuisine, the history, or the inimitable Southern charm, New Orleans has one thing or another to make a visit truly unforgettable.
You’ll find yourself so immersed in the vibrant culture and stunning architecture that you’ll want to go back time and time again.
New Orleans holds a special place in my heart. Find out what it awakens in you.
Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!
Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.