Relaxing things to do in New Orleans

The city is well-recognized for its larger-than-life attitude, but still, it’s nice to take a break sometimes. If you’re looking for the most relaxing activities and attractions in The Big Easy, you’ve most certainly come to the right place!

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024
Garden District - New Orleans, Louisiana

From zipping across the Mississippi on the Algiers Ferry to catching a movie outdoors, there’s a lot to see here for all types of travellers. Other popular places to take a breather include the Garden District, Barataria Preserve, and Besthoff Sculpture Garden – but don’t worry – we'll get to all of that later! Whether you’re an art lover, an outdoorsy type, or a history buff, you're sure to find something to suit you. Start planning your personalized trip to New Orleans with our guide to the top attractions and things to do in the city. Check off the list as you go, and make sure to have a look at some of our other articles for more information about how to explore New Orleans!

Explore the Area

 

New Orleans architecture is no joke. If you’re looking to marvel over some of the finest colonial homes in the United States, we recommend heading over the Garden District. A quiet scenic neighborhood known for its historic mansions and oak-lined streets, this spot is best explored on foot. We suggest taking a laid-back stroll through the area to view the beautiful homes and carefully–manicured gardens up close. If you’re hankering to learn more about the unique history of the area and different styles of architecture, a guided tour should be your best bet. The Garden District is also a great place for window shopping, with Magazine Street located at the southern border of the neighborhood. As one of the city’s most upscale shopping destinations, this thoroughfare is known for its designer boutiques and eclectic stores. Don't forget to check out some of the eateries here, too – from quaint sidewalk cafes to fantastic fine dining spots, there’s sure to be something to take your fancy. No doubt one of the most beautiful areas of the city, this stop is surely not to be missed.

 

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, and a total sight to behold. Get a full frame of one of the United States’ most wonderful natural attributes by taking the Algiers Ferry Ride. Along the way, you can cruise along the majestic waters of the Mississippi and see the muddy waters up close. The ferry stops at Algiers Point, a historic residential neighborhood which retains much of its 19th-century village charm. We suggest taking some time to enjoy the area’s small art galleries, friendly pubs and quaint Creole cottages. Anybody who is interested in learning more about this unique area of New Orleans should look into history and architecture tours. Pro tip: if you wait to take the ferry back after dusk, you’ll be able to enjoy the sparkling skyline of the cityscape from over the river. What could be better than that?

Get in Touch with Nature

 

One of the best ways to relax on vacation is through getting in touch with Mother Nature. Situated right by the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is well-recognized for its year-round tropical weather and lush greenery, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking to take advantage of all of this, we recommend heading over to the Barataria Preserve, one of the area’s most popular nature attractions. The area extends for over 26,000 arces across Louisiana flatwoods and wetlands, so you know that there’s plenty to see here. A unique region of incredible biodiversity, this spot is home to a wide array of wildlife – expect to see everything from minks and deer to alligators and water snakes! In addition, this is a popular place for birdwatching, with over 300 species to be enjoyed. There are a lot of great activities to do here, including hiking, swimming, sailing and kayaking. Offering a quiet respite from bustling city life, this peaceful oasis is perfect for a quiet spot of contemplation and soaking up the sun.

Get Creative

 

Those looking for art and culture in New Orleans will not be disappointed with what the city has to offer. Whilst there are countless fantastic cultural institutions and points of interest dotted around the city, we recommend the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden for the ultimate relaxing day trip. Breaking away from the typical museum experience, this place works to provide a unique creative endeavor out in the open doors. The 6.5 acre expansion works to present modern and contemporary sculpture from some of the world’s most prolific installation artists. The grounds include beloved land art pieces by Larry Bell, Tony Cragg, Johan Creten, and more. The garden itself is a total sight to behold, with mature pines, magnolias and oaks surrounding two gleaming lagoons. We recommend taking plenty of water and sunscreen to stay comfortable. This spot is great for those who want to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of the city and view art in a calm natural space.

 

Ever wanted to kick back with a movie under the stars? Well, now you can! Located between The Broad and the Lafitte Greenway, The Broadside Theater is the best place in the city to take a breather after a long hard day of exploration. The perfect spot for all cinephiles, this spot is well-known for its wonderfully selective programming. Visitors can expect to see everything from popular blockbusters and old classics to lesser-known indie films and even election results – all out in the open doors. Emulating an old-style drive-in, the theater is laid out with a combination of straight-back and Adirondack-style chairs and picnic tables and is completed with a massive movie screen, of course. Don't fill up too much beforehand, since there are pop-ups and food trucks, with classic movie theater fare like popcorn, hot dogs and burgers as well as a bar. In addition, The Broadside hosts concerts for a wide range of genres all throughout the week. We love this spot because it brings something new to the table.

 

We love to relax in New Orleans! 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Neighborhoods in New Orleans

New Orleans is a major city in southeastern Louisiana with a rich colonial heritage. A popular tourist hub for many, The Big Easy encompasses a cluster of bustling urban neighborhoods and laid-back residential areas. Interesting things to do in the city run the gamut – from learning about the fascinating history of New Orleans at The Presbytère to catching a live jazz show in the Arts/Warehouse District, you should be spoilt for choice! No, really – trust us when we say that New Orleans provides ample opportunity for exploration and adventure. The top tourist attractions are scattered all over the city, so there’s no point in staying in one place – to get a full sense of what New Orleans is all about, we recommend getting out there so you can take it all in. If you’re still uncertain about how to go about sightseeing in New Orleans – don't worry, we’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! To learn more about the best neighborhoods in the city, have a read through our list of the best places to check out in the area. However you choose to explore The Big Easy, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! The French Quarter New Orleans features a lot fantastic attractions and events, many of which are concentrated in the French Quarter. As the historic and cultural heart of the city, the French Quarter is buzzing with life, making it a great place for sightseeing. Some of the area’s most popular attractions include The Presbytère, The Cabildo, and the French Market. And since this is New Orleans after all, the area is equally well-recognized for its vibrant nightlife – after dark, the French Quarter comes to life with areas like Bourbon Street and St. Ann Street being particularly well known for their dive bars and jazz clubs. Really the only downside of the French Quarter is that it is the busiest area of the city, so we don’t recommend it for those who aren’t good with crowds. Still, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to New Orleans, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest here. Treme Those looking for history and culture in The Big Easy will be delighted by all that Tremé has to offer. As the oldest Black neighborhood in the United States, Tremé is perfect for those visitors of a curious mind. Tourists can learn more about the area’s unique background through its many cultural amenities, including the Backstreet Cultural Museum, Petit Jazz Museum and African American Museum. The neighborhood is known for its distinct feel and cool-but-casual attitude, making it great to explore on foot. Aside from its fantastic museums, Tremé offers some of the best food in the city – whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something a little more decadent, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Our favorite spots are Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. We suggest setting aside a whole day to explore this unique area, since there’s a lot to cover here. The Garden District The Garden District is a wealthy and luxurious residential section of New Orleans well-known for its beautiful historic mansions and lush greenery. Anybody who comes to The Big Easy looking for incredible colonial architecture will enjoy touring the Garden District. Of course, you can take a casual stroll through the area to admire some of the homes, though we highly recommend booking a guided tour to learn more about the different styles of architecture which are common around this area. The houses are widely renowned for their beauty, and many of them are even owned by Hollywood celebrities. Aside from boasting some of America’s most stunning architecture, the Garden District is also a great place for avid shoppers, with Magazine Street offering a wide variety of high-end boutiques and eclectic stores to be enjoyed. Known for its awe-inspiring scenery and meticulous gardens, this spot is best explored on foot. The Warehouse District Art enthusiasts will be in for a treat in New Orleans. Set in the heart of Downtown, the Arts/Warehouse District proves that the city's contributions to the art world go far beyond jazz. Renovated brick warehouses flank the streets, housing cutting-edge galleries, trendy sidewalk cafes and eclectic boutiques. By day, wander around the streets lined with colorful art, or visit the American Italian Cultural Center. When you’re done learning about the city, check out some of the most innovative restaurants in the area. We highly recommend Compère Lapin for its traditional flavors and sophisticated yet lively atmosphere. And once the sun sets, catch comedy acts and performance arts just a few blocks from Bourbon Street. A vibrant and fashionable area which still manages to retain much of its southern charm, this place is well worth the visit. We especially love this spot because it is continuously evolving, meaning that this is a great place for seasoned visitors to The Big Easy. Marigny/Bywater New Orleans is a culture vulture’s delight. Often lumped together as one, the two side-by-side neighborhoods of Marigny and Bywater are known for their artisans’ galleries, live music venues and low-key vibe. Marigny is a colorful and friendly neighborhood with a lot to offer. On any given day, you’ll find sidewalk musicians and brass bands which characterize this lively urban area. We recommend checking out the Marigny Opera House and then heading Adolfo's for a bite to eat. Its close by neighbor Bywater is an artsy district of the Upper Ninth Ward, much-favored by creative types and food lovers. Highlights of this area include Frenchmen Street and St. Roch Market, a sprawling food market serving up authentic Louisiana cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Energetic and bursting with culture, we suggest this spot for anybody who’s looking to get in touch with the city’s art scene. New Orleans is an exciting city to explore, with so many areas each offering something a little different. Though it might seem a little daunting trying to navigate a new place, we promise that the outcome is totally worth it. 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
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5 Days in New Orleans

No doubt New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities to explore in the United States. The area is one of the most popular visitor destinations of the south, drawing in around 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! With fascinating history, great culture, and fun attractions, there’s no shortage of things to here for all types of travelers. No, really, trust us when we say that you’ll never be bored in The Big Easy – more likely, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Still, with the right planning, you’ll be able to make the most of the city and have a blast in the process! Hoping to catch all of New Orleans’ top sights but aren’t quite sure how to maximize your time? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for! For a complete guide of things to during a short trip to The Big Easy, keep scrolling. Day 1 - Start by Exploring the French Quarter What better way to kick off your trip to New Orleans than by exploring the French Quarter? As the historic heart of the city, this vibrant area is well-known for its fantastic cultural amenities and buzzing atmosphere. Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Café du Monde, the city’s most popular choice for coffee and beignets. After this, head over to The Presbytère, one of the United States’ best examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Aside from being a beautiful structure, this building houses a wonderfully comprehensive collection of historic artefacts and documents which work to tell the story of the state of Louisiana. Just next door is the St. Louis Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in North America. Upon entrance, visitors can take self-guided tours to admire its sweeping archways, stained-glass windows and towering columns. We suggest staying in the French Quarter until after dusk, as the area comes to life with countless dive bars, cocktail lounges and live music venues to be enjoyed. The best part of the French Quarter to grab a drink and catch a live show would be Bourbon Street, though the whole area is pretty spirited during the evening time. Day 2 - Take Time in Nature Though New Orleans is mostly known as a big lively metropolis, it presents a great amount of green space to be explored. The area benefits greatly from its location right by the Gulf of Mexico, with sunny weather and lush tropical greenery all year round. There are a lot of great spots for nature enthusiasts to see in New Orleans, but one of our favorite places has got to be the Barataria Preserve, offering a peaceful respite from city life. Covering over 26,000 acres of flatwoods, wetlands and marshes, this spot is a great place to take a breather and get in touch with Mother Nature. We especially love this attraction because it provides nice a way to see animals without disrupting their way of life. This place is home to a wide array of wildlife – visitors can expect to see everything from minks and deer to alligators and water snakes. In addition, this is a welcome spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species to be enjoyed. Popular activities to do here include hiking, kayaking, canoeing and air boating. Those who are looking to learn more about the environment can check out the visitor center for educational films and exhibits. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of sunscreen along to stay comfortable. Day 3 - Learn About the City There’s so much more to see of New Orleans past the French Quarter. For those who are looking to learn more about the history and culture of the city, we recommend Tremé. Initially founded in the 1810s by its free people of color, Tremé is most often recognized as the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States. Throughout the years, the neighborhood has played a vital role in the development of the city’s African American and Creole culture, and as such, there are many fantastic institutions well worth visiting in the area. Those interested in learning more about the development of jazz in New Orleans would benefit from checking out the Petit Jazz Museum. If you’re more interested in delving into the history of the area, we suggest heading over to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Bringing something a little new to the table, this spot focuses mostly on exquisite and intricately-embroidered Mardi Gras costumes from the past. Both of these museums are pretty small, so you’ll have plenty of time to sit down and eat in Tremé – lucky you! Tremé is home to some of the best eateries in New Orleans – from fast-casual restaurants to fine dining, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best spots include Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. Whether you’re a total history buff or just curious, Tremé is sure to grab your attention. Day 4 - Check Out the Garden District Next, we suggest you take time to have a look at some of the wonderful architecture around New Orleans. One of the best places in the city to view beautiful buildings is the Garden District, located just a short streetcar ride away from the French Quarter. With its stunning historic mansions and lavish gardens, the area is best explored on foot. For those who want to learn more about these quaint cottages and exquisite homes, we recommend booking a walking tour. En route, your guide should talk you through the diverse mix of architectural styles exhibited in the area. In addition, we suggest taking a casual stroll down Magazine Street near the southern border of the district. Here you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best upscale boutiques and eclectic stores in the city. Day 5 - Take a Ferry Across the Mississippi To round out your trip to New Orleans, we highly recommend taking the Algiers Ferry across the magnificent Mississippi River. Take a snapshot of yourself sailing across the River, and admire the water up close. The Ferry stops at Algiers Point, a charming residential neighborhood which retains much of its 19th century village character. Spend the day in the area to enjoy its small art galleries, friendly pubs and quaint Creole cottages. Pro tip: take the ferry back after sunset to watch the sun set over the beautiful New Orleans skyline. We couldn’t possibly think of a better way to end a vacation in New Orleans. New Orleans is one of those destinations that you just can’t help falling in love with. 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
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA downtown skyline.
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Things to do in downtown New Orleans

New Orleans is the capital of the southeastern U.S. state of Louisiana. Greater New Orleans’ appeal lies in the pockets of downtown, with the city’s most popular tourist attractions in this area. Indeed, the area is bursting with living history and culture just waiting to be explored.
Sarah Harris

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