1. Explore a new neighborhood
One of the best parts of New Orleans is how different certain parts of the city are. Each neighborhood in Nola has its own distinct feel and style completely different from the rest. Going from Mid-City to the Irish Channel may feel like you took a trip across the globe. From the Bywater, Marigny, French Quarter, Uptown, Garden District, Old Algiers, Gentilly, Treme, Downtown, Warehouse District, to Lakeview, each of these have their own architecture, vibe, and history. Though different, the locals, no matter what neighborhood, all share Nola pride and are always welcoming to different kinds of New Orleanians.
2. Learn the history of New Orleans
New Orleans is living history. The neighborhoods, the parks, the restaurants, the French Quarter, the music, the cemeteries, the plantations, the architecture, the voodoo, the hotels, the street cars- everything has a story behind it. Be sure to take a tour or visit a museum
3. Eat more classic New Orleans food, and we’ll even recommend some places
- Gumbo (Dooky Chase)
- Jambalaya (Mother’s)
- Red beans and rice usually eaten by locals on a Monday (Neyows)
- Crawfish etouffee (Oceana Grill)
- BBQ shrimp (Pascals)
- Poy boys (Parkway Bakery and Tavern)
- Boiled Crawfish (Bevi Seafood)
- King cakes (Randazzo’s)
- Beignets (Café du Monde)
- Raw Oysters (Seaworthy)
4. Listen to more jazz
Jazz is all over New Orleans, more likely than not you’ll hear a few notes off in the distance. Some favorite jazz spots are Snug Harbor, the Spotted Cat, Preservation Hall, The Blue Nile, and more. New Orleans without Jazz wouldn’t be New Orleans!
5. Volunteer in the city
It’s extremely important to take care of our city and the people who live in it. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity does an incredible job of doing just that. The organization has been around since 1983 and has built over 450 homes for misplaced low-income families. The organization also played a vital role in the rebuilding of the city after Katrina. Volunteering or donating to NOAHH is a great way to give back!
6. Support local artists
Rather than shopping at big corporation chains, buy locally! This not only encourages local art, promotes culture, but stimulates local economy as well. Local artists come to Jackson Square, decorate its fences with their paintings, and wait for a buyer to pass by. The French Market is another great place to buy locally. Originating back to 1791, It’s the oldest running market in the country. It has everything from handmade carpentry, soaps, jewelry, clothes, art. It also includes a farmers market.
7. Go to a saints game
The Who Dat Nation is alive and real. Either a local or a tourist, it is one’s responsibility to experience what the Dome is on game night and of course support our boys.
8. Take advantage of the parks
New Orleans has a park in almost every neighborhood, which are all a must see. City Park stretches out between Mid City and Lakeview. The Park is home to over 30,000 oak trees and includes an art museum sculpture garden, golf course, a lake to go canoeing in, an amusement park, and so much more. Travel Uptown and find the Fly, a great little area within Audubon Park. It’s right behind the Audubon Zoo and sits right on the water with an amazing view. The park with the most New Orleans flare would be the Louis Armstrong Park. It’s right in between Treme and the Quarter. The park was named after famous New Orleans Jazz musician Louis Armstrong and contains multiple sculptures and displays honoring other great musicians.
9. Bar crawl
Stay local and drink at some Dive Bars: Lucy’s, Ms. Maes, Molly’s at the Market, Santos Bar, Igors, Snake and Jakes, Pals Lounge or 12 Mile Limit. Class it up for more finer drinking spots: Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel, Bar Tonique, Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, Elysian bar or Bar Marilou.
10. Eat in the new airport
The City of New Orleans has just recently opened up the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The airport is shiny new and beautiful, but the most exciting part is all the great food!! Some of New Orleans best restaurants like Angelo Brocato’s, Bar Sazerac, Café Du Monde, Leah’s Kitchen, Lucky Dogs, Emeril’s Table, Dylan’s Candy Bar, and way more.
