New Orleans is famous for being one of the best party cities in the world, from Mardi Gras to the non-stop parties that take place seven nights a week on Bourbon Street. And that's just the beginning!
If you're looking for fun things to do in New Orleans – here are 10 places to visit that aren't Bourbon Street.
Carousel bar at Hotel Monteleone
Is taking a unique photo on your list of things you'd like to do? This is definitely a sight to see in New Orleans!
Have fun and snap some epic travel photos at the stunning Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. This extravagant venue inside one of the French Quarter's most iconic hotels has been named one of the top 20 bars in the world.
As soon as you walk through the door, you'll understand why.
Come for the photo shoot and stay for drinks at this essential New Orleans stop.
Pharmacy Museum
What to do in NOLA, oh what to do? There are countless interesting places to discover and the Pharmacy Museum deserves a place!
In the 1820s, this apothecary was one of the mainstays of the community. Today, it's a showcase that mixes a fascinating array of early medical advances and bizarre superstitious fixes.
Of all the things to do in New Orleans, this is definitely one of the best places to visit!
Fun Fact:
According to local legend, this is also one of the most haunted places in the country. Embark on one of the infamous local ghost tours and get goosebumps hearing all about those who have crossed the threshold before you.
São Luís Cemetery nº 1
While a cemetery might not be on my usual must-visit list, the cemeteries in this area are truly exceptional. First, they are different from the style you'll see in much of the rest of the world.
Due to the height of the local water table, the cemeteries are all above ground. If you've never seen this type of cemetery before, it's well worth exploring.
The Cemetery of St. Louis No. 1 is one of the most famous cemeteries in the south. Not far from the Hotel Monteleone, you will find over 100,000 former residents, including iconic figures such as the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau.
As a heads up, you will need to join a tour to visit the cemetery.
Café du Monde
One of the city's most popular destinations, Café du Monde is famous for its café au lait and beignets. You would also probably recognize their chicory coffee cans sold across the country.
While the French Market location is beautiful, you can also sample the wares without waiting at the cafe in City Park or the Mall. It's the same menu at any location, with perhaps a little less atmosphere, but the same five-star freshly baked delights.
Of all the places to visit in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde takes the cake… or beignet. 😉 And for good reason!
Jardim neighborhood
Wandering through the oak-lined streets of the tree-lined Garden District, you can take in the rich local architecture.
Walk along the Mardi Gras parade route, past the picturesque collages and stately mansion, then past Lafayette Cemetery. Make your way along Magazine Street to an eclectic mix of fine dining, bars and sidewalk cafes.
You could easily spend an entire weekend just exploring the Garden District, so plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.
Jazz Brunch at Commander's Palace
Trying jazz brunch is one of the best things to do in NOLA!
Since the 1880s, this has been the go-to spot for Creole delights and world-class jazz. For over a century, they've been attracting foodies since before it was a thing.
During prohibition, they used to carry alcohol through the nearby cemetery to their grounds. Today, they have a wine list of 2,600 bottles. One thing that hasn't changed is the electrical power of their jazz shows!
Stop by Saturday from 11am to 2:30pm, or Sunday from 10am to 2:30pm for their legendary jazz brunches.
The House of Sazerac
Located on the corner of Canal and Magazine Streets, next to where the original café stood in the 1850's, you'll find Casa Sazerac.
Much more than your original cafe, this is home to some of the most fascinating pieces of local history. Sip cocktails, take a free tour, experience interactive exhibits and celebrate the rich history of this unique city.
Antonio's Restaurant
One of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the United States, Antoine's Restaurant opened in 1840.
Famous dishes like Eggs Sardou, Oysters Rockefeller, pompano en papillote and Pigeonneaux Paradis were literally invented here. Antoine's cookbook, crafted by the fifth-generation owner, details the hundreds of recipes that have delighted diners for nearly 200 years.
The 25,000-bottle wine cellar and famous Franco-Creole menus attract far more than just hungry tourists. Famous faces like Pope John Paul II and more than a handful of US presidents have opened their forks here.
Where to stay in New Orleans
Booking.com10 Places to Visit in New Orleans (That Aren't Bourbon Street)
What places have you been to in New Orleans or which places would you recommend to someone who wants to visit (besides Bourbon Street, of course)?
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