Exploring the French Quarter: 12 Must-Do Activities in New Orleans

Join the festivities during Mardi Gras or take a leisurely walk along Bourbon Street to experience the Big Easy's vibrant spirit. However, the city offers much more than just celebrations—history museums, beautiful neighborhoods, and expansive parks present compelling reasons to venture beyond the French Quarter.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast delving into the city’s 300-year journey or a culinary explorer seeking the best po’boys, here are 12 top activities to enjoy in New Orleans.

1. Explore the Backstreet Cultural Museum

Lavinia Spalding, a writer for Dinogo, refers to the Backstreet Cultural Museum as a cherished landmark and community hub, describing it as “a testament to the profound commitment New Orleanians have to safeguarding their arts and traditions.” This unique museum, which relocated to a new venue in Tremé last year, boasts the most extensive collection of artifacts tied to the city’s African American cultural practices, including second-line parade costumes and jazz funeral memorabilia.

2. Discover the Homes of the Garden District

Founded in the 19th century, the Garden District was the playground of the city’s elite, featuring their lavish estates. Stroll through the 19-block area—encircled by St. Charles Avenue, Magazine Street, Toledano Street, and Jackson Avenue—and take in the picturesque live oak-lined streets. Dinogo’s Lyndsey Matthews points out that architecture lovers will spot Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne Victorian styles as they wander through the neighborhood. You might even recognize iconic homes like the 1856 Buckner Mansion, which appeared in American Horror Story.

3. Discover the French Quarter

Perhaps the most renowned district in the city, the French Quarter boasts the lively Bourbon Street (don’t miss bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and Black Penny while visiting), charming Creole cottages, and historic pre–Civil War townhouses. This area is also famous for its ghost tours; Dinogo contributor Sara Button recommends French Quarter Phantoms, but you can also explore Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo for spell kits and tarot readings.

4. Pay tribute to American heroes at the National World War II Museum

Situated in the Central Business District, the Smithsonian-affiliated National World War II Museum was founded in New Orleans due to the significant role of the city’s Higgins Industries in producing over 20,000 boats for the U.S. war effort. Visitors can get an up-close look at the “Higgins boat” at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, which highlights the D-Day Invasion of Normandy and contributions from the home front during the conflict.

5. Relish a cocktail at the Sazerac House

The Sazerac, one of the city’s signature cocktails, is crafted with rye whiskey, absinthe (or an anise-flavored liqueur), sugar, and bitters. In 2019, this three-story venue opened, featuring a museum, tasting room, cocktail bar, and distillery, where visitors can reserve tastings or embark on a complimentary self-guided tour with samples included. There’s also a shop offering ingredients for making your own Sazeracs at home, including the locally made Peychaud’s Bitters, which are produced on site.

6. Enjoy music and art on Frenchmen Street

While Bourbon Street is famous for its Hurricane-fueled parties, nearby Frenchmen Street—especially a vibrant stretch in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood—is the ultimate destination for jazz clubs like the Spotted Cat, d.b.a., Blue Nile, and Café Negril. While exploring the area, look out for nighttime happenings like the Frenchmen Art Bazaar, where local artisans showcase unique jewelry and gifts.

7. Enjoy bowling (and dancing) at Mid City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl

“It’s hard to tell if this is a nightclub cleverly disguised as a bowling alley or a bowling alley embracing a hidden nightlife,” notes Dinogo contributor Wayne Curtis about this spot located at the city's upriver edge. With ample room for dancing, this bowling venue occasionally features live music performances. The music styles range from Latin and “swamp pop” to zydeco—a local genre blending influences from blues, Louisiana Creole culture, and Native American sounds.

8. Savor the diverse sandwiches the city has to offer

The iconic po’boys, filled with savory meats and served on French bread, are a staple of New Orleans cuisine, with Killer Poboys being a beloved local spot. However, there are other noteworthy sandwiches to sample during your stay, such as the muffuletta, which was created by Italian immigrants in Louisiana. Stop by Central Grocery to experience the delicious blend of cured meats, cheeses, and a unique olive salad nestled in a round sesame-seed roll. Alternatively, indulge in a classic banh mi at St. Roch Market, showcasing the city’s Vietnamese culinary influence.

9. Pay your respects at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most renowned cemetery in New Orleans. Established in 1789 on the outskirts of the French Quarter, it’s famed as one of the most haunted burial grounds in the United States. Notably, the tomb of Marie Laveau, a free woman of color and voodoo practitioner from the 1800s, can be found here. Visitors today often stop by her grave, leaving offerings such as money, alcohol, and candy in hopes of having their wishes fulfilled. Beyond Laveau’s tomb, you’ll discover over 1,000 family vaults and nearly 500 wall vaults scattered throughout the cemetery.

10. Discover the green spaces of New Orleans

The city offers more than just vibrant streets filled with music—New Orleans is also home to natural retreats like the expansive 1,300-acre City Park. You can spend time in the 11-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, enjoy a picnic, or wander through the botanical garden for a moment of tranquility. Head to the Audubon neighborhood to explore Uptown’s Audubon Park, located alongside the Mississippi River. The park features a 1.8-mile loop perfect for walking or cycling and is also home to the Audubon Zoo.

11. Indulge in a meal at Brennan’s New Orleans

Since 1946, Brennan’s New Orleans has been a staple of the city's culinary scene. The founder, Owen Brennan, aimed to dispel a local chef's jest that “an Irishman’s cooking skills ended with boiled potatoes.” He opened a French-and-Creole eatery (originally named Owen Brennan’s Vieux Carre Restaurant on Bourbon Street) within a striking pink building dating back to 1795. Now located on Royal Street, it continues to serve iconic dishes like Bananas Foster.

Dinogo contributor Wayne Curtis shares a helpful tip: “Brennan’s is renowned for its breakfast offerings more than dinner. A highlight on the menu is eggs Hussarde, featuring poached eggs and Canadian bacon complemented by both Marchand de Vin and hollandaise sauces.”

12. Discover antiques along Royal Street

Wayne Curtis describes this street in the Garden District as “the antiques and fine art counterpart to Bourbon Street’s party atmosphere.” Visitors can explore numerous upscale antique shops, showcasing everything from 18th- and 19th-century European art to exquisite dinnerware. Notable stores along this 13-block area include Ida Manheim Antiques and M.S. Rau. Take a break from shopping to enjoy a quick bite at Café Beignet located at 334 Royal Street.