Travel Guide for New Orleans, LA (NOLA): Best Things to Do

New Orleans was not what I expected. I got to travel down to NOLA in 2018 as part of my role as White Claw Best Life Ambassador and my mission was to live out my best life through experiencing the music and culture there. My preconceived notion of NOLA was a muggy + drunk party town, yet it turned out that I was wrong! Yes, you can party and drink in the streets of NOLA, but you can also enjoy some of the best food and music in the world and experience a truly unique multi-cultural city.

Here’s my list of top things to do in New Orleans:

What is NOLA?

It may seem obvious to some of us, but I went a long time not connecting the dots on this… NOLA is an abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana.

What is New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city known for its music, food, and culture. It’s history is complex and thus, we find a unique mix of cultural heritages celebrated here, together. Due to French colonization in 1718, much of the architecture, food, and language slants towards French. Yet, the Spanish also had a period of control and influenced the area ‘s culture as well. Cajun culture came to help define NOLA when the Acadians were driven south by British colonization of the Northeast. While the Acadians quickly left NOLA to resettle more rurally, the Cajun culture persists even still today and lives on through food, music, and more.

Where is New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is easily reachable by plane from any major US city and is a good road trip destination for those in surrounding states. The major airport for New Orleans is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Best Things to Do in New Orleans:

1. Visit Bourbon Street

   1. If you're in NOLA to party, disregard the rest of this travel guide in its entirety. You will be more than happy with the nightlife on Bourbon Street alone. Drink a 'Hand Grenade' from 'Tropical Isle' while roaming the packed streets, ride the bull at 'Bourbon Cowboy', and then dance the night away at 'The Beach'.

2. Visit the French Quarter

   1. The oldest area in NOLA has a lot to offer: interesting architecture, live music and artists in the streets ... and a bazillion incredibly Instagram-able houses (the colorful ones). I recommend booking a walking tour and following it up with a little exploring on your own (to get those insta shots).

3. Visit the WWII Museum

   1. Although museums don't often make my lists, The WWII Museum, located in NOLA's Central Business District, had to e included. An interesting and beautifully presented exploration of US involvement in WWII, this museum is worth at least a half day visit, although it would take two full days to really see it all.

4. Visit Frenchmen Street

   1. If you love good music and prefer a more relaxed feel to the craziness of the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is the place for you. 'Three Muses' was my favorite for excellent food and classic New Orleans Jazz.

5. Visit Audubon Park

   1. The perfect place for a run or a picnic, Audubon Park is located right near the Loyola Campus. If you're staying downtown, you can run to the park on the grassy Trolley tracks (run AGAINST the traffic so you can see it coming...).

Where to Eat in New Orleans:

New Orleans is home to some incredible and delicious specialty foods like Jambalaya, Beignets, and Po' boys. Here are some places where you can sample some of them:

• Galliano: Authentic Cajun dishes in relaxed dining space

• Carmo: Great Vegan Friendly Cafe

• Three Muses: Trendy American Small Plates

• Café Du Monde: World famous beignets

Where to stay in New Orleans:

• Auberge NOLA Hostel I stayed here for the week I visited and made some fast friends through the nightly hostel-organized activities. Great vibes and friendly staff!

• Royal Frenchmen Hotel & Bar Great reviews and location for a fancier visit to NOLA.

• airbnb tons of great options for a more authentically local stay in NOLA

Is New Orleans Worth Visiting:

100% yes! As someone who has traveled extensively in the US, I can confidently say that NOLA is one of the must see cities. There is so much to see and do – eating, drinking, listening to music, museum visits, walking tours– anyone can enjoy their time in New Orleans. NOLA is definitely worth a visit.