The Ultimate New Orleans Bucket list

Written By Sherri F.

I'd been itching to visit New Orleans... I love Oak Trees, Spanish Moss, lanterns, and Beignets, so we spent spring break getting Southern fried in Louisiana! Spring is a great time to visit... the weather was perfect!

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New Orleans boasts a fascinating blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences, reflected in its architecture, music, cuisine, and traditions. The architecture is stunning, and New Orleans has a constant festive vibe.  

The Ultimate New Orleans Bucket list:

The French Quarter

Begin your New Orleans vacation exploring the French Quarter. Walking down iconic streets like Bourbon and Royal, while admiring the architecture.

Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant music scene. Check out jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street or catch live performances at Preservation Hall.

Try the unique flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Don't miss trying gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and, of course, beignets! The city's culinary scene is a delicious reflection of its diverse heritage.

Second Line parade

One of the coolest things we saw in the French Quarter was a second line. The second line is a traditional parade in New Orleans. This parade has two parts. The “First Line” consists of the traditional New Orleans Brass Band as well as the Bride and Groom. The newly married couple holds uniquely decorated umbrellas or parasols. The brass band leads the bridal party and guests from the ceremony to the reception. The “Second Line” consists of family, friends, wedding guests, and any passerby who would like to join in to follow behind the couple. If you get to see a second line parade… count yourself lucky!

Visit Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a historic park located in the heart of the French Quarter, named after General Andrew Jackson. It has served as a focal point for the city’s social, political, and cultural life for centuries. Walk around the park, listen to live music, watch street performers and artists at work.

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States, dating back to the 18th century. It’s beautiful inside and free to visit. The best views of Jackson Square are across the street at Washington Artillery Park. While there, enjoy a stroll along the riverwalk on the banks of the Mississippi.

Café du Monde

Next visit Café du Monde, an iconic New Orleans Institution famous for its beignets. Beignets are French-style doughnuts generously dusted with powdered sugar. They are served hot and fresh, and a beloved treat any time of the day. The cafe also serves cafe au lait, a New Orleans-style coffee made with chicory and served with hot milk.

As you can tell from the picture, we were in Beignet Heaven!  You will need to wait in line, if you’re in a hurry you can get beignets to-go, or visit their other location at Riverwalk (not as crowded).  We went to both locations and tried to eat as many beignets as possible! 😋 This cafe is open 24/7

French Market

The French Market sits along the Mississippi River and spans several blocks between Jackson Square and the Old U.S. Mint. Visitors can find everything from fresh produce, seafood, and spices to handmade crafts, souvenirs, and artwork. The French Market is home to numerous cafes and eateries where visitors can sample authentic New Orleans cuisine.

carriage ride

A unique and enchanting way to explore the picturesque streets of the French Quarter is on a horse-drawn carriage ride.  Carriage drivers are often locals with a deep love and knowledge of their city. They can provide insider tips and recommendations for restaurants and activities. Our guide was informative, entertaining, and full of Southern charm!

Click here to take a carriage ride.

Carousel Bar & Lounge

Check out the Carousel Bar located in Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street. It’s the city’s only revolving bar (It takes 15 minutes to rotate). It’s the only carousel where you need to be 21 to ride! Even if you don’t want to drink at the Carousel Bar, I think it’s worth a visit to see it and take a picture.

Ride a streetcar

The New Orleans streetcar system dates back to the 19th century and is one of the oldest continuoulsy operating streetcar systems in the world. Hop on a historic streetcar for a scenic ride through the city. Streetcars are an inexpensive way to get around New Orleans.  It costs $1.25 per ride (the exact change is needed).  A route to not miss is on the St. Charles Streetcar.  You'll pass the Garden District with its antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens, and 19th-century tombs.

Garden District

Stroll through the picturesque Garden District, known for its stunning mansions and oak-lined streets. Don't forget to visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. I took a tour of the Garden District and loved learning about the architecture & history. We also learned about its famous residents and saw their homes. I booked this tour here. It was $20 for a two-hour tour.

Have dinner at Commanders Place

Commander's Palace is in the heart of the historic New Orleans Garden District, across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Known for its award-winning food, it’s been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm since 1893. This is a fancy restaurant so you’ll need to get dressed up. Here’s their dress code: No shorts, jeans, t-shirt, and open-toed shoes for men.

Mardi Gras World

Explore the behind-the-scenes of Mardi Gras with a tour of Mardi Gras World, where you can see floats being made and learn about the history of this iconic celebration.

Visit a museum

Dive into New Orleans' rich history and culture by visiting museums like the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Oak Alley Plantation

Visiting Oak Alley has been on my bucket list for years.  I've seen it in movies and was excited to see it in person.  The plantation gives you a good insight into the life of plantation owners and slaves.  The self-guided exhibit “The Slavery at Oak Alley” is a reconstruction of the original slave living quarters.  For a unique experience, stay at the charming cottages on the plantation. I noticed other plantations nearby that would be nice to explore.

  • Click here to join a tour of Oak Alley Plantation

  • Click here for a day trip to Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise

Popular New Orleans Tours

My Kids favorite stops in New Orleans:

Swamp Tour

A swamp tour gives you a glimpse into life on the bayou.  Some people live here full-time, and it was fun to see their homes.  We also saw Cyprus trees, feral hogs, snakes, turtles, and birds.  It was a cold day, so we didn't see alligators. Our guide told us he grew up swimming in this bayou and was never bothered by the alligators. 😳 I'll stick to swimming in pools. Take a swamp tour to get up close and personal with Louisiana's wildlife, including alligators, birds, and lush vegetation.

Audubon Aquarium

My girls loved this aquarium and the 3D movie, included in the ticket price!  We explored an exhibit of the Amazon Rainforest and walked through a 132,000-gallon tank filled with sharks and rays. The interactive touch pools were also a hit!

Get your tickets here.

New Orleans City Park

We went to the City Park before we headed to the airport.  This park is huge (1,300 acres)! They have a botanical garden, carousel, amusement park, museums etc. They have bicycle and paddle boat rentals… you can get more beignets at the mobile Cafe Du Monde! 😋 

StoryLand

Within City Park is StoryLand, the cutest playground I've ever visited!  We climbed Captain Hook’s pirate ship, walked through a rocket ship, and slid down Jack and Jill's Hill.  The fairy tales are surrounded by Oak trees dripping in moss. Nearby is Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, open Saturday & Sunday 11 am- 6 pm.

I'm so happy my daughters were able to experience the Southern culture & hospitality!  That is what traveling is all about. Seeing how others live, appreciating the differences, and enjoying the beauty!

Sherri F.
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