Exciting Activities in New Orleans: Explore Before or After Your Cruise

While the journey from New Orleans to the Caribbean or Mexico is the highlight of your getaway, consider prolonging your visit in port. This allows you to enjoy the shopping, dining, and sightseeing that are uniquely available in New Orleans. This vibrant city is filled with sights, sounds, and flavors that capture the essence of the Big Easy.

Shopping Adventures in New Orleans

For those who enjoy shopping, make your way to the French Market in the French Quarter. This shopping area boasts six blocks of retail and three centuries of history, ensuring a delightful shopping experience. Alongside unique gifts and treasures, you will discover:

• The Farmers Market features daily vendors in the Pavilion, along with two weekly events: the Crescent City Farmers Market on Wednesdays showcasing local farmers, and the Artisan Market on Saturdays highlighting local food, art, and crafts.
• The Flea Market presents a variety of items from across the globe, including art, jewelry, crafts, and antiques.
• Jackson Square is home to artistic creations by the talented Jackson Square Artist Community.

If the French Market leaves you wanting more shopping, explore these other fantastic retail spots:

• Located near the French Quarter, Royal Street is renowned for its art galleries and antique shops, along with a unique blend of upscale boutiques and thrift stores.
• Magazine Street runs from the Central Business District through the Garden District to Uptown, offering a quaint, small-town atmosphere. Be sure to visit the numerous shops and eateries here, particularly at the corners of Magazine and Felicity, as well as Washington and Jefferson.

Dining Experiences in New Orleans

In New Orleans, food is a serious affair. This city boasts several world-renowned chefs and is famous for its distinctive dishes rooted in Creole, Cajun, and French culinary traditions. Don't miss the chance to savor gumbo, jambalaya, andouille sausage, crawfish étouffée, or po’boys, with over 1,000 restaurants of various styles available. And make sure to indulge in dessert; it’s your opportunity to taste bread pudding, beignets, or Creole pralines.

Exploring New Orleans

New Orleans stands out in America for its rich history and diverse culture. Established in the 1700s, it was settled by a mix of French, Spanish, and African communities, among others. These various cultures have blended together to shape the vibrant New Orleans we know today.

The Historic French Quarter

This area is New Orleans’ oldest district — founded by the French in 1718 — and it embodies the unique charm of the city. Admire the ornate ironwork balconies, exquisite fountains, and historic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère. The Cabildo, once the city hall and now home to the Louisiana State Museums, along with the Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States, can also be found here.

The French Quarter is the heart of what makes the Big Easy so renowned — its music. Enjoy live jazz on Bourbon Street or head over to the vibrant live-music scene on Frenchmen Street in the nearby Faubourg Marigny, where you can catch local and visiting jazz bands and performers. On a Saturday night, Frenchmen Street comes alive with street performers showcasing their talents for your enjoyment.

Guided Tours

If your time in The Crescent City is limited and you want to experience the highlights, consider taking a tour to ensure you don’t miss out on the best attractions. Here are two options to think about:

• Ghost Tour: For those who are intrigued by the eerie and paranormal, New Orleans is the perfect destination. Celebrated as America’s most haunted city, it embraces its spooky legacy by offering guided tours of its haunted streets and cemeteries. Be sure to visit the grave of the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, located in St. Louis Cemetery #1.
• Garden District: Enjoy a relaxing streetcar ride from downtown along St. Charles Avenue. As you meander through this historic residential area, you’ll encounter stunning 19th-century mansions nestled among live oaks. Look out for architectural styles unique to New Orleans, including the American townhouse, raised center-hall cottage, shotgun house, and double-gallery house. If you're unfamiliar with these styles, consider joining an architectural walking tour for more insights.

Streetcars

Streetcars operate beyond just St. Charles Avenue. You can ride along the riverfront to the French Market in the Quarter or travel down Canal Street to Metairie Cemetery. These vintage cars move at a leisurely pace, ensuring you don’t miss any sights along the way.

Festivals

If you're fortunate enough to be in New Orleans during one of its lively festivals, be sure to join in on the fun! Whether it’s the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras or one of the smaller music celebrations, New Orleans truly knows how to throw a party. You might also consider attending the jazz fest in April at the French Quarter, featuring a lineup of legendary musicians.

Food enthusiasts should definitely plan to experience one of the numerous food festivals, like the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival in November. Alternatively, don’t miss Soul Fest in March, which beautifully combines African American food, music, and culture.

Whether this is your first visit to New Orleans or a return trip to a beloved city, make the most of your time before and after your Dinogo cruise by sampling everything this port of call has to offer.