New Orleans in June

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

Looking for ways to enjoy New Orleans in June? Whether you’re travelling with family or going solo, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. From a day in the swamps to a night at the jazz bar, plan ahead with these great things to do in New Orleans. With Go City, you can see more for less.

See the Sights

Window shopping is a great way to take refuge from a hot summer’s day in New Orleans – and there’s no better place to go for this than Magazine Street. Running through some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, this cluster of speciality boutiques, galleries and restaurants is buzzing with life. Whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience or just a relaxing stroll, the area is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.

If you're interested in learning more about the area, you should make time to visit some of its most historic landmarks. Just downriver from the city, you can visit the site of January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans: Chalmette Battlefield. In addition to the actual battlefield, the tour seeks to educate its guests about the war with visitor center films and exhibits. A one-of-a-kind educational experience, this one is not to be missed.

Want to see the sights without facing the sweltering heat? We hear you. Whilst Mardi Gras takes place in the spring, Mardi Gras World provides tourists with a taste of the traditional festival all year round. During the guided tour, you can walk through the warehouse where more than 80 per cent of the parade floats are built and see the breathtaking pieces taking shape. In addition, you can learn about how the floats are designed, the many unique traditions surrounding the parade, and dress up in elaborate costumes.

Why go see a movie indoors when you can see it outside? The historic Broad Theater recently opened a new venue called the Broadside, operating as an outdoor theater. Formerly occupied by a junkyard, the renovated spot has a big screen, food concessions and a bar. Offering after-dark screenings of old classics as well as new releases, there’s always something to choose from. In addition, the space provides a wide variety of daytime entertainment, including puppet and clown shows for kids, as well as music events.

Get Festive

Although Mardi Gras is generally considered to be the city’s most popular festival, Juneteenth ranks pretty highly in our books. Taking place in the middle of the month, this annual event seeks to commemorate the abolition of slavery in America. Celebrating 156 years of freedom, the festival features open markets, music, dance and film screenings. There are also daily activities, including family artmaking, moving dance performances and seminars.

Once a year, the Gay Pride Parade takes place in New Orleans and is the most popular LGBTQ event in Louisiana. Kicking off in early June, this festival means drag shows throughout the French Quarter, special events at bars, and of course, the parade! Celebrations take place throughout the entire month, so don’t miss it!

New Orleans has always been a true food city. For a culinary experience with heart, check out Hogs for the Cause. This annual food festival works to raise money for children fighting brain cancer. With nearly 100 teams serving, you’ll be able to try out barbeque, sauces and sides prepared in the most delicious ways you can think of. You won’t be disappointed!

Another great event for foodies is Restaurant Week New Orleans. Running from June 21-27, this event celebrates one of America’s greatest food cities by giving diners the opportunity to eat at a lower price point. Throughout the week, you’ll be able to choose from over 100 participating restaurants, ranging from fine dining establishments to favorite local bistros. Between them, you’ll have your pick from a wide variety of culinary styles, including Cajun, Italian, French, Asian, Middle Eastern and many more.

Whilst Voodoo didn’t originate in New Orleans, it developed in the city. If you’d like to learn more about the city’s ties with the religion, we recommend checking out the events which are held during St. John’s Eve, which is a holy day in Voodoo tradition. Historically, the famous Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveu was said to have performed ceremonies on the Bayou St. John in the city celebrating the holiday. On June 23rd, you can still attend religious ceremonies and see practitioners perform rituals around the city.

Discover Nature

With the hot summer weather, some activities are just out of the question. Sometimes it’s just nice to kick back in the park, read a book and take in the natural surroundings. A lovely outdoor retreat, Audubon Park offers a little bit of everything – bike and walking trails, beautiful forests, and children's play areas. Located in the Uptown area of the city, the park is easy to get to by walking, streetcar or bicycle.

For the ultimate family-friendly experience, head over to Audubon Zoo. Housing a collection of over 2,000 animals, this place makes for the ultimate day trip. Visitors should take the opportunity to get up close with their favorite furry (or slimy) friends or tromp through a real swamp right in the middle of the city. In addition, you can watch daily feedings and sit in on numerous educational lectures about the animals.

One of the best things to do in June in New Orleans is swamp kayaking. Escape the city for an afternoon and experience one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. On the tour, you’ll be able to spot alligators, turtles, and water snakes. Very little experience is required for the actual kayaking, so grab a paddle!

New Orleans is a place bursting with exciting, cool things to do. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a foodie, or just simply can’t get enough of the South, the city’s got everything you could ever ask for, and more! Explore the city to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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2 Days in New Orleans 

Setting off to New Orleans, but not sure how to squeeze all of those incredible attractions into just two days? Don’t worry-we've got you covered. Whether you’re traveling for Mardi Gras, or planning a romantic getaway, the city has plenty to offer. So, if you're heading up to The Big Easy for a couple of days, make sure to check out our rundown of the best landmarks, activities, and restaurants to add to your itinerary. See the Sights It’d be a sin to visit New Orleans without checking out the St. Louis Cathedral. Situated in the heart of old New Orleans, this venerable structure is the oldest Cathedral in North America. Towering over its neighbors and built in a unique mixture of architectural styles, the building commands full attention from passersby. Visitors can take guided walking tours to see the fine details and stained-glass windows. Combining art with history, this tour provides an interesting and educational experience for those who want to learn more about the background of the city. Another must-see in the city is Audubon Zoo. Dating back from the early 20th century, this place is one of the country’s oldest and top-ranked wildlife parks. Situated in historic Uptown New Orleans, this iconic landmark and living museum is filled with an exotic mix of animals from around the world. In addition, the zoo’s award-winning natural habitats including their Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle allow visitors to explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States. Exciting as well as educational, this one is fun for all the family. After you’ve finished up at the Zoo, head over to the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park to get a dose of some culture. A perfect stop for art lovers, this award-winning museum houses an impressive collection of artworks spanning over 5,000 years. With an expansive repository ranging from European paintings and sculptures from the 16th through 20th centuries to American pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, this place has it all. Educational and fun, this place makes for the perfect day trip. Get Cultured It wouldn’t be a New Orleans article without mentioning Mardi Gras. Whilst the festival itself usually takes place in the Springtime, Mardi Gras World provides visitors with a way to experience the traditional Christian celebration all year long. Located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, this 300,000 square-ft working warehouse houses over 80 per cent of the floats which are constructed for carnival season, as well as an expansive collection of intricate costumes and props. On the tour, visitors can learn more about the holiday and its unique customs, and see how the breathtaking floats are built. New Orleans is well-recognized for all things Jazz. Those who want to recapture the true essence of the genre should head down to Preservation Hall for an authentic experience. Once serving as a practice hall for the living legends of the New Orleans Jazz scene, the venue now works to honor and preserve one of America’s most respected art forms. On any night of the week, you can book to see stunning live performances from masters of the genre. Operating as a small venue, the shows have an incredibly intimate atmosphere which can't be found anywhere else. The city is internationally renowned for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Those who are interested in seeing more should consider checking out the Presbytère. In the past, the important landmark served as a courthouse as well as a residence for monks, whilst today it is part of the Louisiana State Museum, with educational displays telling the story of New Orleans culture. Showcasing an expansive collection of important cultural artefacts, this one is perfect for those of all ages. Learn about the City With its long and fascinating history, New Orleans is home to many world-class museums. Situated along Jackson Square, the Cabildo seeks to inspire, educate, and engage through its collection and preservation of unusual artworks and rare mementos of the past. Built into one of the most historically significant buildings in America, this stunning landmark houses over five hundred pieces pertaining to Southern history. Whilst the museum’s architectural integrity and fascinating background is enough to draw us in, the repository’s historical treasures puts it right at the top of our itinerary. One of our favorite places in New Orleans is the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Tucked away, but definitely not to be missed, the institute displays an amazing collection of memorabilia from Mardi Gras, Jazz funerals, and more. Exhibiting a fascinating and misrepresented part of New Orleans culture, the museum seeks to educate its visitors about Mardi Gras Indian lifestyle. As beautiful as it is interesting, the repository is comprised of intricately beaded and feathered suits, rare photographs of Indian gangs, and priceless artefacts. A totally one-of-a-kind experience, the museum provides a valuable learning experience concerning a small, fractured part of the community. Though some choose to opt out, we recommend a plantation tour for those who are interested in learning more about the history of the Antebellum South. Located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, the San Francisco Plantation House is often regarded to be the most opulent plantation of its kind in North America. Originally constructed in 1849, the building exhibits an extravagant concoction of architectural styles – a style which has often been referred to as ’’Steamboat Gothic‘’. Visitors can take guided tours to see the fine details and antique artefacts up close. On the tour, an expert guide will take your through the unique and somber history of the estate. Situated in South-Eastern Louisiana, New Orleans is charming, energetic and family-friendly. While 2 days might not seem like very long to explore, you can customize your trip to focus on the highlights of the city. Choose from historical landmarks, fun activities, tempting restaurants, and more - the world is your oyster! To maximize your time, we recommend staying in the city center – this way, you’ll spend less time travelling from place to place. To make the most out of your travel experience, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer pass.
Sarah Harris
Smartly dressed New Orleans marching band
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Things to do in New Orleans in the Morning

Our favorite things to do in New Orleans in the morning include a stroll around the grand Southern mansions in the Garden District, alligator-spotting on the Louisiana bayous, a chance to ogle modern masterpieces at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and a deep dive into the city’s voodoo traditions.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Cheap Things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans is best known for its lively music scene, unique festivals and Creole cuisine. However, travelling on a budget can come with its restrictions. Still, with Go City, you’ll be able to find lots of fun and creative things to do on vacation at a fair price. To make your money go further, have a look at some of our affordable things to do in the city. Check out the parks If nature is your thing, New Orleans is home to some of the United States’s most unique public parks. At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the biggest urban parks in America. With the world’s largest collection of mature live oak trees, the area serves as a great budget-friendly spot for recreation, picnics or just enjoying a long, leisurely walk. The park is open all year round, seven days a week, and is admission-free – just remember to pack your comfortable walking shoes! But it doesn’t stop there – the city offers a wide array of outdoor spaces which shouldn’t break the bank, including Jackson Square. Seated in the French Quarter of the city, this national historic landmark facing the Mississippi River is surrounded by a number of notable buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and the Pontalba Buildings. The park itself is built up with iron-wrought fences and equestrian statues, showing its long history. For those who take an interest in the arts, we also recommend looking into the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. A cross between a garden and an outdoor art exhibit, the space showcases contemporary and modern pieces alongside one another. Artists featured in the garden include Katharina Fritsch, Frank Gehry and Jeppe Hein. Walking along the footpaths, it’s hard not to notice the 200-year old live oak trees and gleaming lagoons — overall, the experience is unusual and serene. See museums Low-budget educational experiences can be difficult to find - however, the city has a lot of affordable museums to offer. Located at the site of the very first apothecary shop, the Pharmacy Museum documents and showcases the history of medicine throughout the 19th century. Exhibiting an extensive collection of old surgical tools, medical instruments and apothecary jars containing their original ingredients, the museum proves to be a fascinating learning experience for all. For those who want to learn more about the topic, the museum also provides educational programs on the history of pharmacy and health care. If you’re looking to learn more about the city, the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum might be just for you. Founded in 2011, the museum seeks to remember and celebrate the Lower Ninth Ward, a neighborhood which was largely affected by Hurricane Katrina. The museum presents oral history interviews with Lower Ninth Ward residents, exhibits of fundamental events from the history of the neighborhood, and cultural events to entertain and educate. A moving experience, the museum tells the remarkable tale of the community’s strength and survival. As far as kid-friendly activities go, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is a great option. This state-of-the-art campus focuses on providing immersive, educational activities for children eight and younger. With 13 interactive exhibits and integrated outdoor spaces, this museum makes for a fun day out-and all at a lower price point! The institution also offers special programs and activities which are designed for children with special needs. Although the space is designed primarily for kids, we think that there’s fun to be had for all the family. Learn about the culture New Orleans has an endless list of activities to offer, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the French Quarter. This historic neighborhood is the cultural hub of the city, fusing colonial French architecture with Caribbean and Southern influences. With its vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture, there's so much that captures the eye. If you’d like to experience more of the city’s rich bohemian culture, you can find live music, street performers, artists and fortune tellers in the quarter. Whilst the show is entirely free, it’s encouraged to tip the musicians and performers. Besides being a great historical city, New Orleans is known for its distinctive local cuisine. If you’d like a taste of the South sans the hefty price tag, we recommend Parkway Bakery and Tavern. Bold and full of character, this restaurant is known for serving some of the best po’boys around – and has even been visited by Barack Obama himself! For those who are looking for something a little more sweet, Café du Monde might just be for you. Operating out of a beautiful Antebellum building in the French Quarter, this purveyor is best known for their iconic sugar-coated beignets and high-quality coffee. A total New Orleans classic, it’s hard to be disappointed with this one. For anybody who’s especially interested in Cajun and Creole food, we suggest heading down to the French Market. Sat along the Mississippi River banks, this famous market has an astonishing 230 years of experience in trading. This buzzing fair offers a broad category of products ranging from fresh produce and seafood to Cajun dishes and bakes. There’s a fun, lively atmosphere at the market, with drinks flowing and great local cuisine being served. Among the stands, you should also be able to pick up Cajun and Creole cooking ingredients to add a bit of spice into your repertoire. New Orleans is a beautiful, unique destination presenting ample opportunities for affordable travel. A top location with an entrancing atmosphere, the city is available to those who know where to look. Thankfully, it’s quite simple to find affordable activities catering to different age groups and areas of interest. With Go City, you can find fun and interesting things to do on your trip which you’ll remember for years to come. If you'd like to save money on your next trip, Go City works to help you see more whilst cutting down on the cost. If you’d like to know more, connect with @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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