New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities and is often described as a pot of gumbo. Similar to a quality bowl of gumbo you can taste every single flavor from the influence of the French to the birthplace of bounce music, New Orleans has something to offer for everyone. The city is filled with its rich culture, art, festivals, good times, and quality people. Traveling around New Orleans for the first time may seem overwhelming or if you’re a local you may be looking for ways to spice up your commute. There are a lot of ways to get around the city ranging from rideshare services, pedicabs, public transit to walking. We will explore our curated list of top ten things everyone has to do when they visit New Orleans and ways to travel there.
Nightlife on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is a must do for anyone visiting New Orleans or wants to feel like a tourist for a night. The roadways are illuminated by neon lights, vibrant with music from local clubs, and is accented with beads and iron balconies that strongly resemble its European origins. Bourbon Street is a must go to when looking for those who are looking to party, meet new people and enjoy a cocktail or two. You can find quite an array of adventures ranging from America's oldest bar Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar or enjoying a fancy dinner at Galatoire's there are good times everywhere. Just don't forget to be safe, walk in groups, and enjoy quality times with quality people.
Ways to go there: New Orleans RTA Streetcar and Bus, Rideshare, rental cars, Pedicabs, Flambeaux Bicycle, Blue Bikes, Royal Carriages and walking.
Be captivated in art and history at Jackson Square -
In the heart of the French Quarters, You’ll find Jackson Square which is a National Historic Landmark where you can admire artworks of local artists as well as historical museums. Whether you would like to ease the stress of your future by getting your palms read or want to catch some of the world's most amazing street performers. Jackson Square is the perfect place for you to visit. Jackson Square was initially designed after the Place des Vosges in Paris France and after the Battle of New Orleans it was named after former United States President Andrew Jackson. With such a rich history you can find a lot of old resemblences of the oldern days of New Orleans blended with the new age artists that the city has to offer. Jackson Square is a family friendly area in which the entire family can enjoy a bite to eat, street performers, go on a haunted history tour, and even attend church at the St. Louis Cathedral on a Sunday. Visiting Jackson Square is a must go to for anyone who wants a quality experience while still remaining in the French Quarter.
Ways to go there: New Orleans RTA Bus, Rideshare, rental cars, Pedicabs, Flambeaux Bicycle, Blue Bikes, Royal Carriages, and walking (depending on the location and humidity)
Appreciate the architecture of the Garden District
The best place to experience a bit more laidback and to get away from the adventures that Bourbon Street brings about would be visiting the historical garden district. This area was first settled in the early 1800s and was annexed by New Orleans in 1852 it has maintained its scenic beauty throughout the years. Ranging from the beautiful oak trees that form a canopy over your head on a humid summer afternoon to the historical antebellum mansions there is so much to explore in this historic neighborhood. We recommend absorbing it all in and don't forget people do live there so be courteous when taking photos at night.
Ways to go there: While there are so many options to get to the Garden District which include rideshare, bike rentals, carriage rides, the absolute best way to travel to the Garden District would be on the St.Charles Streetcar. Its green exterior paintings make it easy for travelers to distinguish the St.Charles Streetcar from the other lines. One of the world's oldest streetcar lines makes it the absolute best way to travel to the Garden District. However, if you find yourself in a hurry you can always utilize a taxi or a rideshare provider.
Hear live music on Frenchmen Street
Of course who wouldn’t want to hear music, especially the fans of jazz music, from the place where the genre began? Stroll and enjoy the music street with locals and other tourists who share the same interest as you! You can witness live music in the streets as typically on Wednesdays you will find a band performing a second line. Second line parades has its origin to West African traditions which was carried over to New Orleans by enslaved Africans. This form of jubilant celebrations became a ritual for Africans in America for various processions including funerals. Today secondlines are still practiced in many funerals however, you will typically find most locals participating in secondlines as a celebratory means. Don't hesitate to find your rhythm, clap your hands, and move your feet as you can always find good times on Frenchmen Street. While most secondlines are typically held on Wednesdays you can also find secondlines on weekend nights with the entire neighborhood joining in on the party. While the streets are rocking don't forget to also check out live music at one of our favorite spots on Frenchmen Street: The Spotted Cat, The Maison, and Three Muses.
Ways to go there: Flambeaux Bicycle, New Orleans RTA Bus, Rideshare, Rental Cars, Pedicabs, Blue Bikes and much more. However, the ultimate way to get to Frenchmen Street is on a pedicab. It will help you beat immerse yourself thoroughly in the atmosphere and make for a scenic ride back to your hotel.
Take a cruise down the Mississippi River
What better way to unwind and relax than to cruise in the second-longest river in North America, the Mississippi river. There are a lot of tours and trips to choose from, whether you’re interested in excursions or cruising for a couple of weeks or just want a simple night out with your loved ones. A cruise down the Mississippi River is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the rich history that Louisiana has to offer, great food, great music and the best of it all you are on a boat. Some of our favorites are the Creole Queen and Natchez Steamboats for a great evening down the beautiful Mississippi river.
Ways to go there: You can get there with the New Orleans RTA Streetcar that goes alongside the river or potentially driving in a rental car. However, the absolute best way to get there is by walking or biking down the riverwalk mall.
Enjoy the relaxing aurora of City Park
Did you know that City Park is one of the oldest parks in the country? City Park became an attraction in 1854 and tourists and Nature lovers enjoyed the picturesque view; with its beautiful walking paths, oak trees, and outdoor activities, it must definitely be on your bucket list. In addition if you are looking for a great place to grab some beignets and coffee, morning call is the perfect place located within City Park. You can also take the family for an art adventure as the New Orleans Museum of Art welcomes most of City Park's visitors as it sits adjacent to the main section of the park. NOMA is committed to preserving, interpreting, and enriching its collections and renowned sculpture garden; offering innovative experiences for learning and interpretation; and uniting, inspiring, and engaging diverse communities and cultures. If you are a Louisiana resident on Wednesdays its free!
Ways to go there: Flambeaux Bicycle, New Orleans RTA Bus, Rideshare, Rental Cars, Pedicabs, Blue Bikes, and New Orleans RTA Streetcar (the red ones)
Munch down on a ‘Po-Boy’ at Parkway Bakery and Tavern
Try one of the traditional and iconic sandwiches of Louisiana known as ‘Po-Boy’. A classic Po-Boy sandwich consists of roast beef or shrimp together with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise and hot sauce. However, there are so many options to choose from ranging from a hot sausage Po-Boy to an oyster Po-Boy. You also can’t forget to add some desert to the menu with some ‘Parkway’s Classic French Bread Pudding’.
Ways to go there: Flambeaux Bicycle, New Orleans RTA Bus, Rideshare, Rental Cars, Pedicabs, Blue Bikes, New Orleans RTA Streetcar (the red ones)
Attend a Saints or Pelicans game
Have you ever seen over 50,000+ people get together for good times, competitive spirits and all around kinship. Well look no further than a New Orleans Saints Game or New Orleans Pelicans game. While the Pelicans are still fairly new to the city of New Orleans, professional sports runs deep in the city's history. There is no better way to spend sometime with family and friends screaming ‘Who Dat’ or ‘Flock Up’ at the top of your lungs as you watch some of the world’s best athletes compete. Also along the way don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes as the city of New Orleans always knows how to have a party to celebrate their team whether win or loss the city always wins.
Ways to go there: You can get there in so many ways but be prepared for traffic. The best way to get there would be to consider a Rideshare or Taxi. However, the absolute best way to zip right through traffic to get back to your hotel or car or hey even Bourbon Street is with a pedicab.
Eat like a celebrity at Morrow's Restaurant.
Margaritas, Mojitos, R&B music, good food, and the vibes. It’s all in Morrow’s restaurant! Dine in and try out New Orleans Cuisine and authentic Korean dishes together with your pals, colleagues, and family. Morrow’s restaurant is just located on the historic St. Claude Street in New Orleans which makes for a true authentic and modern New Orleans experience. If you are lucky enough you may run into celebrities such as Ben Simmons, Drake, Lil Wayne, Huncho, Floyd Mayweather, or Mary J Blige. Morrow’s Restaurant is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a dinner date or a place to unwind after a long day at work during the Happy hour (Mon-Fri at 4-7 p.m). Great place to enjoy the ambiance, decor, amazing food and their specialty drinks.
Ways to go there: Flambeaux Bicycle, New Orleans RTA Bus, New Orleans RTA streetcar (however be prepared to walk a few blocks),Rideshare, Rental Cars, Pedicabs, and Blue Bikes.
Take the family out for a learning adventure to the WWII Museum
You can spend your entire day being educated about World history and American history here in the WWII Museum. It has been nominated as one of the best museums not just in the United States, but the WHOLE WORLD. There is something for everyone and all age ranges but we highly recommend for all visitors to check out the 4-D film Beyond All Boundaries narrated by Tom Hanks.
Ways to go there: Flambeaux Bicycle, New Orleans RTA Streetcars (the green ones), Rideshare, Rental Cars, Pedicabs, Blue Bikes
Attend a parade and don’t forget to scream as loud as you can “Throw, me somethin Mista”
There is nothing more iconic than attending a parade in Louisiana during carnival season. While most of the world knows New Orleans for the great times of Mardi Gras most people don’t know that Mardi Gras is actually just one day out of many days in which New Orleanians gather their friends, roommates, college friends, spouses, co-workers, teammates, arch rivals and hey even their “momma n em” to hit the streets of New Orleans for some good quality time. Attending a parade is a must do just be careful to watch out for beads as there is always someone next to you who will ask “Throw, me something mista” and if you are lucky you may be able to score some legendary New Orleans Carnival items like a coconut from the Zulu Parade, Nyx Purses, Muses shoes to you guessed it the beautifully decorated cups.
Ways to go there: You can get there in so many ways but be prepared for traffic. The best way to get there would be to consider a Rideshare or Taxi. However, the absolute best way to zip right through traffic to get back to your hotel or car or hey even Bourbon Street is with a pedicab. If you find yourself in the historic garden districts or downtown the best way to get around is without a doubt the pedicabs. If you find yourself in the mid-city area the best way would be a taxi or rideshare with moderate to light traffic in certain areas.
Last but not least make a friend in New Orleans that will invite you to their crawfish boil.
There is an all time saying that the absolute best restaurant in New Orleans is in one of your friends' kitchens. While we aren’t here to stir the pot on whether gumbo is a Louisiana thanksgiving dish because it definitely is. We are here to definitely say that the best thing you have to do when visiting New Orleans or moving to New Orleans is to gather some good friends and throw a crawfish boil. Crawfish boil typically consists of a “big ol bucket of crawfish” that is spread out for everyone to share. However, it is not uncommon to find corn, potatoes, and onions included into the crawfish boil. Just remember one simple technique: pinch the tail and suck the head. Crawfish boils are all about good times and can be viewed as a passage right to earning the title of a true Louisianan. Just remember they are called crawfish not crayfish in Louisiana. However, you can get away with saying mudbugs or crawdads.
Ways to go there: You can hop, skip, dance or shimmy to any crawfish boil. Just don’t forget to enjoy responsibly and call a taxi or a rideshare or a pedicab if you have enjoyed one too many drinks to accompany your crawdads.
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