First Time in New Orleans: Your Complete Guide
Considering a trip to the Big Easy? Will this be your first time in New Orleans?
New Orleans is filled with history and culture. And food. If you went here just for beignets and jambalaya I wouldn’t blame you.
But New Orleans offers more than incredible food. This Louisiana city is unlike anywhere else in the States.
So, my guide is packed with the can’t miss sites for your first time in New Orleans. (But don’t worry, it includes food, too)
Where to Stay for your first time in New Orleans
Consider staying in the French Quarter. This is where you will probably spend most of your time. This is a lively and walkable area.
Or, look for an Airbnb along a streetcar line. You could easily hop on the streetcar from the Garden District to the main tourist sites.
How to Get Here
You could fly into the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. This is about 15 miles outside the city center.
The Amtrak, Greyhound, and Megabus all run to New Orleans. You could consider driving, but be aware that parking can be challenging.
Transportation in the City
Public transportation options are limited. For a scenic trip, take the streetcar. This historic (and slower) option is perfect for tourists. Enjoy views of NOLA from the large windows. For those on a time crunch, consider an RTA bus. The buses offer 30 routes throughout the city.
You can pay $1.25 for a one-way trip on the streetcar or bus. Or purchase an unlimited Jazzy Pass.
Driving and parking in the city can be challenging. I recommend parking at your hotel or air b&b if possible. Then take public transportation or an Uber to your destination.
New Orleans is a fairly walkable city. Especially in the main tourist areas. But, if you don’t have a car, you will need to take some form of transportation (bus, streetcar, uber, etc.) to get between some of the sites included in this post. Luckily, most of the tourist sites are near the French Quarter. So, once you get there you won’t have to worry about using transportation too much throughout your day.
Quick Tip
Be smart. It’s easy to get carried away in this city. I get it. I mean, I had my bachelorette party in NOLA. And partying in the French Quarter is a blast. But don’t wander the streets alone at night. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Just try to stay aware of your surroundings if you are going to stay out late.
Top Experiences for Your First Time in New Orleans
Eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde
Yes, I’m starting with beignets. Because you can’t go to New Orleans without trying a beignet. You just can’t.
And Cafe du Monde is the place to get beignets in NOLA. The original Cafe du Monde coffee stand opened in 1862. Now, they serve powder sugar-dusted beignets and chicory coffee 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
Don’t be intimidated by the wait. Sure, it gets crowded. But the line moves quickly and there are plenty of tables. But, if you don’t want to spend your morning dealing with the crowds, consider a late-night visit to Cafe du Monde. Since they are open 24-hours, the French Market location is the perfect place to end a night out.
Explore Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Cafe du Monde is located in this historic park. So, take some time to explore the area after enjoying your beignets and cafe au lait.
You will notice a large Andrew Jackson statue in the center of this park. This was erected in 1856 to honor the 7th president and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. This park (also named in his honor) became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
In addition to relaxing and people watching in the square, consider visiting the St. Louis Cathedral. This impressive structure is home to the United State’s oldest continuously active Catholic church. First opened in 1727, this church was then dedicated to the French King Louis IX. After being destroyed in the 1794 fire, it was rebuilt in the 1850s.
If you want to take a self-guided cathedral tour, consider visiting anytime between 8am- 4pm. Also, daily mass is held at 12:05 pm. Make a $1 donation (which includes a detailed brochure) to take a self-guided tour.
Ride a Street Car
This historic transportation system is a fun way to get around NOLA. The St. Charles Avenue line is actually the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world.
These streetcars offer impressive views of New Orleans. You will ride past mansions, cemeteries, and massive oak trees.
Each one-way ride costs $1.25. You must pay with exact change. Or, consider purchasing a Jazzy Pass. These 1, 3, 5, or 31 day passes offer unlimited rides on buses and streetcars.
Take a Cemetery Tour
Since New Orleans lies below sea level, the dead must rest above ground.
There are over 40 historic (and slightly spooky) cemeteries throughout the city. And although this might not be the first thing you think about doing on vacation, cemetery tours are a big deal in New Orleans.
St. Louis Cemetery #1 is one of the most popular among tourists. Here, you will see The Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s tomb. Additionally, you will see Nicholas Cage’s massive pyramid-shaped tomb. And yes, he’s still alive. I guess he just wanted to be prepared.
You can only access this cemetery with a licensed tour guide. Free Tours by Foot offers an affordable cemetery tour 6 days a week.
Eat Cajun Food
I told you this guide would include food. I mean, you can’t talk about New Orleans without discussing Cajun and Creole cuisine. It’s a huge part of the New Orleans identity.
Make your way to the French Quarter for the city’s best cuisine. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish here. But, if you only have time for one meal, consider visiting The Gumbo Shop. Their menu features the best hits of Cajun cuisine.
Walk Around the French Quarter
And speaking of, make sure you explore the French Quarter. This is the city’s oldest neighborhood. Here you will find historical sites, incredible restaurants, and boutique shopping. And yes, this neighborhood comes alive at night.
Here you will find the iconic New Orleans architecture. Soak in the views of ornate iron balconies, tile roofs, and colorful buildings. Consider taking an afternoon self-guided walking tour of the French Quarter. And at night, head to Bourbon Street for New Orleans’s famous party scene.
Drink Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s
Speaking of partying, check out Pat O’Brien’s. After prohibition, this speakeasy turned into a legitimate bar. In the 1940s, they first invented the Hurricane. This fruity rum drink became popular during WW II when whiskey was in short supply.
Now, their “have fun” motto and strong drinks attract tourists to their lively French Quarter bar. Expect a loud crowd. But, if you want to soak up the NOLA party atmosphere, this is the perfect place.
Admire the Oaks in City Park
This 1300-acre green space is one of the country’s oldest urban parks. Stroll under moss canopies. Or, rest under 800-year old oak trees. This park is the perfect place to read or relax in the city.
But, if you want some entertainment, check out the park’s calendar. The park frequently hosts concerts, festivals, and other events.
Visit The National WWII Museum
This museum emphasizes America’s efforts to help the Allies during WWII. Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, this museum was renamed in 2003 when Congress officially named it the National WWII Museum.
Why is this museum in New Orleans? This city was home to Higgins Industries. Here, Higgins boats were designed and tested. These boats were heavily used by Americans during the war. And Dwight D. Eisenhower once said that Higgins “won the war for us.”
During your visit, explore exhibits featuring artifacts and first-hand accounts from WWII. Adult tickets cost $28.
Listen to Jazz Music
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. So make time to enjoy live jazz while you are in NOLA.
But really, that shouldn’t be too hard. Street performers play jazz all over the French Quarter. Especially on Royal and Frenchmen Streets.
If you’re looking for a traditional jazz club, check out Preservation Hall or Fritzel’s European Jazz Club.
Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour
This city has a spooky past. And of course, there is the Voodoo culture.
I always love ghost tours. But a New Orleans ghost tour is a must. This is the perfect way to learn about NOLA’s darker past.
And if you are a frequent reader, you will know that I love Free Tours By Foot. And they offer an exceptional New Orleans Ghost Tour. They also lead an afternoon Voodoo tour. Check their website for more details.
Try a Po-Boy
Yes, I’m ending with food. But come on, if you are reading my blog you must be at least a part-time foodie, right?
So in New Orleans, you need to try gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. But don’t forget po-boys. Authentic Louisiana po-boy sandwiches consist of meat (usually fried seafood) served on a French baguette bun.
Po-boys were first sold in the 1920s. As the name suggests, they were a favorite among Louisiana’s poor working-class men. And today, you can still find cheap delicious po-boy sandwiches from delis around the city. Or you can try an upscale twist on the po-boy from a trendy restaurant. Either way, get a po-boy in NOLA.
Thanks for checking out my guide! Let me know what you are most excited for if this will be your first time in New Orleans. If you have been before, what are your recommendations for first-timers?
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