Week in New Orleans

By Sarah Harris

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Blog

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
Blog

New Orleans in March 

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

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