below are recommendations on things to do in new orleans, food stops & souvenir shops

1.) here are just a few activities to do when visiting New Orleans

Stroll Through the French Quarter

Explore the city's most iconic neighbourhood. Don't miss Royal Street for its art galleries and musicians, and be sure to check out Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and pirate's alley.

french quarter festival

If you're staying in New Orleans after our wedding weekend, French Quarter Festival takes place April 8–11, 2027, and is a great way to experience the city. This free festival features hundreds of local musicians performing throughout the French Quarter, along with food and drinks from many of the city's iconic restaurants. It's a wonderful way to experience the culture, music, and flavors that make New Orleans so special! If you're planning to attend, we recommend going on Thursday or Friday when the crowds are typically lighter.

Tour The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a world-class institution dedicated to exploring the American experience during World War II. Through immersive exhibits, personal narratives, and interactive displays, it offers visitors a profound understanding of the war's impact on the United States and the world.

Try Local Cuisine

Don't leave without sampling po'boys, beignets, gumbo, boiled crawfish, jambalaya, crawfish crawfish etouffee, boudin, snowballs, and red beans & rice. below is a list of some recommended restaurants in the new orleans area :)

Experience Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street

For an authentic, less touristy music scene than Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is packed with top-notch live jazz venues. 30/-90 is located in the heart of Frenchmen St and a great place to start exploring.

Swamp Tour

Just outside the city, a guided swamp tour lets you cruise through scenic bayous filled with cypress trees, alligators, turtles, and birds. Many tours are family-friendly and include fun, educational commentary about the ecosystem and Cajun culture. Note: Highly recommend the ones that are on an airboat :)

The Sazerac House

an interactive museum and distillery that celebrates the city's cocktail culture, particularly the iconic Sazerac cocktail. Located near the French Quarter, it offers immersive exhibits, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of spirit-making.

JAMNOLA (Joy Art Music - New Orleans)

Located on vibrant Frenchmen Street, JAMNOLA takes visitors of all ages on an immersive joy ride through the heart and soul of New Orleans. This one-of-a-kind cultural funhouse features 29 exhibits that celebrate the city's iconic art, music, food, and theatrics all brought to life by over 100 visionary local artists and creative partners.

Make your way down the iconic Magazine Street

A vibrant stretch known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, local cafes, art galleries, and historic charm. Perfect for a casual stroll or a laid-back afternoon exploring New Orleans culture.

Hop on a Streetcar Ride

Take the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar for a scenic ride through Uptown, past oak-lined boulevards, mansions, and Tulane University.

Audubon Park

Seated in historic uptown New Orleans, Audubon Park is a favorite spot for recreation, picnics or enjoying a beautiful day. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of activities from jogging and cycling on its 1.8-mile path to picnicking, playing sports, and enjoying the Audubon Zoo. It's a great place to start or end the streetcar ride!

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Wander through scenic swamp trails where you might see wild alligators, birds, and turtles. Educational ranger programs are often available and great for curious kids.

Visit City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

Larger than Central Park, this area features beautiful walking trails, a sculpture garden, and a lovely art museum.

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Small and quirky, this museum offers a fascinating peek into voodoo culture and folklore.

2.) food

You could live in New Orleans for a whole year, eat somewhere new every day, and still not come close to trying it all. The food scene here is just that good—which is probably why it was recently named Best Food City of the Year.

To help narrow things down and make your decisions a little easier, I’ve put together a list of some incredible restaurants in the New Orleans area that are absolutely worth a visit (in no particular order).

around the French Quarter/Downtown:

• Port of Call

• Cafe Maspero

• The Sazerac Bar

• Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar & Fish House

• Napoleon House

• Crescent City Brewhouse

• Cafe du Monde

• The Italian Barrel

• Bearcat Baked

• Sofia

• Copper Vine Restaurant

if you're exploring the Uptown area:

• Banh Mi Boys

• Hansen's Sno-Bliz - famous new orleans snowball stand

• La Boulangerie

• La Petite Grocery

• Brigtsen's Restaurant

• Stein's Market and Deli

• Creole Creamery

• The Vintage (on Magazine St)

• Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar

• Molly's Rise and Shine

• Clancy's Restaurant

• Dakar

• Hungry Eyes

• Francolini's

A bit on the pricey side, but WELL worth it:

• GW Fins

• Muriel's Jackson Square

• Doris Metropolitan

• Pelican Club

• Commander's Palace

We also highly recommend booking restaurants in advance for dinners.

3.) some great local souvenir shops: dirty coast, fleurty girl & dno (defend new orleans)

4.) if you are looking to extend your stay in new orleans and would like recommendations for other areas to stay in, please feel free to reach out to paige or barney