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Top New Orleans Experiences
15
items New Orleans holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its incredible food, music, and culture—but because I’ve experienced it from two very different, deeply meaningful perspectives.
The first time I visited was after Hurricane Katrina,...
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4
Restaurants
Tours
Experiences
Places to Shop
Restaurants
Yes it's considered touristy now but it's a classic and their beignets are fresh, warm, fluffy & delicious. If you go around back you can occasionally watch them make them!
Cafe Du Monde
Had delicious/flavorful seafood options. Can also get classic new orleans dishes. friendly/fun waitstaff. Relaxed vibe. Highly recommend!
Blue Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Located at the end of Bourbon street, this is THE place for poyboys. I miss this place everyday. Not only is the selection varied, they have varying spice levels. This place had a line out the door every time I visited!
NOLA POBOYS - Updated July 2025 - 2099 Photos & 1827 Reviews
I'm not a huge breakfast person, but I'd eat here everyday I'd I could the biscuits & gravy were so creamy! The pancakes were fluffy, filling, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The staff was also super friendly and welcoming.
Ruby Slipper
Tours
I can't speak to other airboat tours, but Rajun Cajun was a fun and educational experience. They had a lot of wildlife facts and seem respectful regarding the routes they take & the impact they have on the environment.
Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours
If you're a foodie than you'll love this tour! A guide walks you around several places where you get to sample dishes and learn the history of the town and some of the places you visited! Afterwards you receive a summary of all the locations you visi...
Doctor Gumbo Tours
This tour takes 1.5 hours if I remember correctly and takes you all around the French quarter, starting in Jackson Square. You learn a lot of interesting facts about the towns history's, specific buildings, agriculture/business, etc. You also support...
Friends of the Cabildo
Experiences
A little pricey but highly recommend the dinner jazz cruise! The meal is pretty good for a buffet and you get access to all levels. It's takes you down part of the Mississippi. The jazz band is great and you get to see some nice views.
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
You learn 3 dishes (depending on the experience you book), get to enjoy each dish, and walk away with each recipe! You can also purchase spices and cookbooks from the school in the shop. LOVED this experience!
New Orleans School of Cooking
One of the largest WWII museums. Provides a comprehensive look at WWII, with a ton of exhibits. You also get a person to follow throughout the museum- it might be a soldier or camp prisoner.
The National WWII Museum
A good place to hang out in between activities. Beautiful park, has plaques explaining the history and is a good place to just people watch and observe the town.
Jackson Square
I have to give United Saints a place in this list. No its not a tourist place but an organization that works does community outreach and projects. My college worked with them in 2011 repairing homes that had been damaged in hurricane Katrina.
United Saints Recovery Project
Places to Shop
If you want to bring the flavor of New Orleans home, you have to stop at pepper palace. They have spices, hot sauces, and BBQ sauces. They also have the world's hottest hot sauce challenge (waiver required)
Pepper Palace
As a book nerd I have to recommend stopping here. They have a lot of great fiction and nonfiction books about or centered in New Orleans!
1850 House Museum & Gift Shop
The store is a little ways from the cafe and 100% touristy. But they sell beginet mix and scented candles. It was hard to resist.
Cafe Du Monde Store