New Orleans in March 

By Sarah Harris

There are countless things to do, see and experience in New Orleans. From celebrating Mardi Gras to visiting The Cabildo, the city offers a little something for everybody. So, how do you choose between all the different attractions? Well, lucky for you, we’ve rounded up all of our favorite things to do in the area to help you plan your trip. Keep scrolling to discover the best things to do in New Orleans in March!

Take Advantage of Festival Season

It’s no secret that New Orleans loves its festivals. Held annually on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a traditional Christian festival celebrating the close of pre-Lenten season. To get a better view of the wild parades and elaborate and ornate floats, we recommend watching from high up on a balcony. In addition, we suggest checking out the live music, special events, Mardi Gras balls and cook-offs.

New Orleans is globally renowned for its vibrant music and arts scene, so it’s only fitting that the city presents us with some brilliant music festivals. Running from March 19th-20th, the Buku Music + Art Project showcases an exciting, diverse and innovative array of talent across its extensive lineup. Consisting of four performance stages and featuring artists from a wide variety of genres, this festival has a little something for everybody. In addition to all of the music, the event features a live graffiti gallery, dance performances, and countless art installations.

Another one of our favorite festivals for the month of March is St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re planning on joining in on all the fun and festivities, we recommend checking out the annual parade. On the actual day of the festival, we also suggest heading down to Parasol’s Bar, which is also located in the Irish Channel – an area rich with Irish history and tradition. Not only is the bar buzzing with energy, but the location is surrounded by a big street party! Expect music, dancing, and good cheer throughout the day! Don’t forget to pack your greenest attire!

Is there any better way to experience the culture of a city than through its food? We don’t think so! To experience New Orleans in all of its true culinary glory, you should consider checking out the Top Taco Festival. Offering unlimited tacos and cocktails from some of the best eateries across the city, this culinary extravaganza is not to be missed. In addition, the festival features music from Latin-inspired artists as well as some cool interactive activities.

Explore the City

Art tours are a fun and educational way to explore one of the South’s most creative cities. On the tour, you’ll be able to experience the bright murals and hidden street art which add interest and beauty to the area. In addition, you'll be taken through the background and history of many famous and underground artists.

New Orleans’ pervasive impact in modern musical history is well-recognized. For those who are interested in learning more about the city’s rich musical history, we recommend booking a jazz tour. On the tour, you’ll walk through the neighborhoods and performance sites where jazz originated and thrived. In addition, you’ll be able to learn about the evolution of the genre as well as those who contributed to its development.

One of the most interesting things to do in New Orleans is taking a cemetery tour. An absolute must for history buffs, this two-hour walking tour enables you to explore the historic and supposedly haunted St Louis Cemetery 1, where many of the city’s famous residents have been laid to rest. In addition, you’ll be shown the ornate tombs which were originally made to display one's wealth and status and guided through the unique above-ground traditions of the burials.

A visit to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without checking out The Cabildo. A remarkable example of Spanish colonial architecture, this historic landmark is definitely worth seeing. Upon entrance, visitors are able to view many rare pieces of American history and learn more about the rich and vibrant culture of Louisiana. With over five hundred artefacts and original artworks on display, there’s a lot to see here.

Get Cultured

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a bookworm, you won’t want to miss out on the Tennesse Williams Literary Festival, which is held annually from 23rd March to 27th March. Attracting thousands of literature lovers each year, this event seeks to celebrate some of the South’s most extraordinary writers. As one of the best literary festivals the city has to offer, the event boasts an impressive lineup of some of the area’s biggest authors and speakers. Visitors can enjoy workshops, readings, performances, and more.

New Orleans Museum of Art is easily one of the best things to do on a dull spring afternoon. Built into a neoclassical building right in City Park, even the building itself is a work of art. With an expansive collection of more than 40,000 pieces, spanning over 5,000 years of mastery, this place is an art lover’s dream. City central and holding a diverse collection of world-class pieces, there’s no reason to skip out on this one. Providing innovative experiences for education and interpretation, this place would make the perfect day trip.

Another great art space in New Orleans is Studio Be. Built into a large, restored warehouse in the historic Bywater district, the repository displays the work of local artist Brandon Odums. A truly moving exhibition that seeks to inform its viewers, the gallery features stunning murals and paintings depicting Katrina, the Civil Rights movement, and black culture in New Orleans. Interesting and powerful, the gallery provides an informational experience for those of all ages.

New Orleans is renowned for its architectural beauty, unique culture, and fascinating history. With its exquisite food, beautiful weather, and lively music scene, the city always has something to offer, no matter where your interests lie. March is the perfect time to visit the area, because of all the festivals! To get the most out of your trip, try 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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Adventurous Things to do in New Orleans

When we think of New Orleans, we think of beautiful architecture, jazz shows, and authentic southern cuisine. What many visitors don’t often consider is the surprising amount of adventurous things there are to do in the Big Easy. Indeed, there are countless things to do here for the daring explorer – that is, if you know where to look. From beautiful hiking trails and swamp tours to spooky cemeteries, New Orleans is a total haven for plucky explorers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff or just looking to try something new, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still not sure how to make the most of your time in New Orleans? Don’t worry! We’ll take you through the best adventurous activities and attractions in the Big Easy! Keep scrolling to find out more. See the City Of course, it’d just be wrong to travel all the way to New Orleans without taking a ride across the magnificent Mississippi River. While there are a number of ferries which sail across the mighty Mississippi, we recommend taking the Algiers Ferry. The ferry stops at Algiers Point, a location on the lower end of the river which retains much of its 19th-century charm. This neighborhood is best explored on foot, so make sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes and bring plenty of water. Take time to explore the area and check out the village’s small art galleries, friendly pubs and quaint Creole cottages. There are also a lot of unique stores around this area which are great for picking out souvenirs for friends and family, so be sure to have a good look. We suggest taking the ferry back to the city around sunset, since it will grant stunning views of the skyline. Trust us on this one! Amongst other things, New Orleans is well-known as the City of the Dead. If you’re curious about learning more, there are many cemetery tours on offer across the city, though the most popular ones are at St. Louis No. 1 and 2. Located on the further parameter of the French Quarter, these cemeteries are included on the National Register of Historic places, with St. Lous No. 1 being the oldest place of its kind in the city. Though it might sound a little strange, these spots draw in around 100,000 visitors annually for their fascinating history and distinctive above-ground gravestones. On the tour, you can learn more about burial practices unique to this area of the United States, including jazz funerals and Voodoo traditions. In addition, these cemeteries are where some of the most famous New Orleans residents have been laid to rest: Voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried in St. Louis No. 1, and jazz musicians Danny Barker and Ernie K. Doe are buried in St. Louis No. 2. A thoroughly enthralling cultural experience, this one is not to be missed. Get in Touch with Mother Nature Seated right by the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans has a wealth of tropical lush greenery to be explored. Since the city lies along the southeastern coastline, outdoor activity is almost always a good idea because of the city’s perennial warm weather and clear blue skies. Still, we actually recommend hiking during the winter months, so it won’t be as humid during this time of the year. Of all of the outdoorsy visitor sites in the city, we strongly suggest checking out the Barataria Preserve, located just outside of Marrero. This popular nature reserve covers over 26, 000 acres of flatwoods and wetlands, making it the perfect spot to get in touch with Mother Nature. In addition, this place is home to a wide array of unusual wildlife, so it’s great for all animal lovers – visitors can expect to see everything from deer and minks to alligators and water snakes. This place is also a prime destination for birdwatchers, with over 300 species making the attraction their home. For those who are eager to learn more about the environment, the site’s visitor center offers educational films and exhibits. We honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in New Orleans! Take advantage of the beautiful weather in New Orleans by spending some time in the outdoors. There are a lot of cool things to do for nature lovers in this neck of the woods, though we recommend taking a swamp tour – this way, you’ll be able to glide straight through the area and get close up with the wonderful natural attributes of New Orleans. The best place to do this is at Honey Island Swamp, which is recognized as one of the most pristine swampland habitats in the United States. Take a flat-bottomed boat through the area to experience the distinctive beauty and incredible biodiversity of the south. Visitors can expect to see all types of wildlife on the tour – there are deer, turtles, alligators, and more – you name it, they’ve got it! As you ride, a professional guide will take you through the ins and outs of one of the United States’ most unique ecosystems. This interpretative boat tour is great for those of all ages, offering a fun way to learn about the environment. Have a Blast! If you’re looking to unlock your sense of childlike wonder, look no further than Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Breaking away from the typical theme park experience, this spot is more of an old-fashioned fairground offering a true sense of the old south. This place features around 18 rides and attractions to be enjoyed, so you know that there’s something for everybody here. For younger visitors looking to have a blast, there are classics like the Ferris Wheel and bumper cars. If you want to kick it up a notch, rides like Coney Tower should be right up your alley. In addition, the park has traditional fairground treats like sliders, corndogs and cotton candy. This spot captures all of the charm and whimsy that you’d expect from a place with a name like Carousel Gardens. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this attraction would make the perfect day trip! New Orleans is bursting with adventurous things to do, no matter what your style. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Closeup of Mardi Gras decorations on balcony in New Orleans
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Best New Orleans souvenirs

If you’re heading over to New Orleans, it only makes sense that you’d want to bring back something interesting to remind you of your trip. And if you’re anything like us, you probably love browsing the stalls for regional treasures to take back to your family and friends.
Sarah Harris
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Week in New Orleans

Heading over to New Orleans but aren’t quite sure how to make the best use of your time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Known for its vibrant culture, food and music, New Orleans is one of the most popular visitor destinations of the south, drawing in around 20 million people each year. From learning about the history of the city at The Presbytère to catching a live jazz show on Bourbon Street, there’s a lot to see and do there for every type of traveller. Though a week there might not sound like a lot, with the right planning it should be just enough time to squeeze in everything which you’d like to see. Still daunted by the prospect of touring a new city? Have no fear! We’ve spent a lot of time in The Big Easy and are sharing our favorite things to experience in the area! Keep scrolling to check out some of the most popular things to do in New Orleans. Day 1 What better way to start off your trip to New Orleans than by checking out The Presbytère? A perfect spot for history buffs and architecture geeks alike, the institute is well-recognized for its interesting background and wonderful design. In addition to being one of the most popular visitor attractions in the city, this place is known for being of the best examples of Spanish colonial design in the United States. We recommend taking a minute to appreciate its commanding brick façade and sweeping arches before entering. Whilst The Presbytère once served as a residence for Capuchin monks, it is now a museum housing engaging exhibits concerning the history of the state of Louisiana. The institute’s two permanent exhibits, Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond and Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana, work to tell both the living history and progressing story of the area. As thoroughly fascinating cultural endeavor, this place is most certainly not to be skipped. Day 2 Another one of our favorite places to visit in New Orleans is the Cabildo. Located right along Jackson Square, the Cabildo is a historically significant structure first built under Spanish rule in 1795. Whilst the building once served as the center of New Orleans government, it is now open as an educational institute for visitors to learn more about the history of the state of Louisiana. Though the Cabildo's collection is small (around 500 artifacts and original artworks), it packs quite the punch. Amongst its impressive repository, you’ll find historic documents, portraits of famous Louisiana figures, as well as Napolean’s death mask. Whilst you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out the St. Louis Cathedral. Originally built way back in 1727, the cathedral is recognized as the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. Today, visitors can take self-guided tours to admire the attraction’s intricately painted ceilings, arched stained-glass windows and ornate statues. Day 3 Indeed, there’s a lot more to see in New Orleans outside of the French Quarter. That’s why for your third day in the city we suggest checking out the Garden District, known for its historic mansions and lush greenery. This place is a total haven for architecture lovers and is perhaps best explored on foot. Since the homes around this area are well-recognized, you can actually book guided tours to learn more about their architectural styles, fascinating history and famous residents. In addition, the Garden District is a great place to casually meander through, with lots of fantastic shopping opportunities and dining options to choose from. For total shopping addicts, Magazine Street is a six-mile stretch known for its high-end boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Offering all of the beauty of the city center with less of the hustle and bustle, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a nice sunny day in New Orleans! Day 4 There’s no festival quite like Mardi Gras. This is why even if you’re not travelling during the unique Christian holiday, we suggest dedicating your fourth day in New Orleans to checking out Mardi Gras World. Located along the Mississippi River, this large working warehouse seeks to provide visitors with an inside look into all the work and preparation which goes into Mardi Gras. Covering over 300,000 square feet, Mardi Gras World is recognized as the largest float designing facility in the world, putting out over 80 per cent of the pieces for Mardi Gras. Walking through the warehouse, guests can see how the floats are made, and also the integral role which technology plays in the creative process. Whether you’re an artsy type or just curious, this place works to provide a thoroughly one-of-a-kind visual experience to remember. Day 5 A visit to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without heading over to Tremé, America’s oldest African American neighborhood. For those looking for history and culture in New Orleans, this is the place to be. Start your day by checking out the Petit Jazz Museum, dedicated to over 4,000 years of black music. What better way to learn about the history of jazz than in its rightful birthplace? And since this is a fairly small speciality museum, you just might be able to squeeze in two – we recommend also taking a look at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which houses intricately made Mardi-Gras costumes from the past. There are also many great places to eat around the area - whether you’re looking for a small bite or something a little more decadent, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Some of our favorite places include Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. No doubt one of the most interesting areas in New Orleans, Tremé is a total dream for culture vultures and foodies alike. Weekend! Vibrant and bustling with life, New Orleans presents more than a few options to grab a drink and catch some live music on vacation. Still, our ultimate nightlife choice has got to be Bourbon Street in the French Quarter for its lively atmosphere and world-class entertainment. We recommend staying in the French Quarter after a day of touring in the area and checking out the broad array of dive bars and jazz clubs – trust us when we say that you won’t be disappointed! New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities in the United States to explore. Discover the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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