Are you looking for things to do in New Orleans? We’ve rounded up the best places to eat, shop, and experience the beauty that NOLA has to offer. From restaurants to popular destinations, our travel guide will help you plan your trip!
Things to Do in New Orleans | Visiting the Big Easy
In this article:
- What Time Is It in New Orleans?
- Free Things to Do in New Orleans
- Things to Eat in New Orleans
- Most Popular Restaurants in New Orleans
- Most Popular Places to Shop in New Orleans
- Most Popular Destinations in New Orleans
- How to Get Around New Orleans
- Travel Tips for New Orleans
What Time Is It in New Orleans?
Don’t let it affect your travel plans this weekend! Daylight Saving Time is arriving soon. Here’s when and why we still do it after 100 years via @NOLAnews https://t.co/QVTTvd75Bl #springahead #neworleans pic.twitter.com/fFO3nP8Lpv
— Sheraton Metairie (@SheratnMetairie) March 9, 2018
The New Orleans time zone is at -6:00 Central Standard Time. The city is in daylight saving time (DST) from March to November. Daylight saving time this year started March 11, 2018, and will end on November 4, 2018.
RELATED: Time Zones Tips For Parents Traveling With Small Kids
Free Things to Do in New Orleans
Hop on the Algiers Ferry for a fun free ride across the Mississippi River. While on this cruise, you can actually see the curve of the giant river, which is why New Orleans is also known as “The Crescent City.” When you reach the other side, take a minute to walk around beautiful Algiers Point. It has a small town feeling with old world streets and awesome architecture for a great walking tour.
New Orleans is also famous for its parades. The beginning of the year welcomes in Mardi Gras season in the Garden District, which is when you can attend the biggest free party in the U.S. The Mardi Gras parade, in particular, is a spectacle and something you won’t want to miss if you can help it. This event draws big crowds for a one of a kind, colorful celebration that fills Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Things to Eat in New Orleans
Are these the best gumbos in New Orleans? Our readers’ picks | https://t.co/YZwptCR6QW The answer is YES. https://t.co/WWxsWwrkk5
— G L-f de Villiers (@glfdv) September 28, 2017
Only in New Orleans can you eat the best tasting gumbo. Restaurants across the city have their own versions, whether they be seafood, chicken, or sausage. Why not try them all during your Big Easy visit? Another New Orleans classic is their delicious jambalaya. This dish is basically sausage, shrimp, and rice mixed with spices and tomatoes for a delicious meal. Get your food reviews ready as soon as your meal is done.
Most Popular Restaurants in New Orleans
A nice place to eat when you get to New Orleans is The Ruby Slipper, which has the best barbecue shrimp, grits, and hot-smoked salmon. While there, you can also grab a cocktail or try their Irish Cream Coffee. After, you’ll understand why this restaurant is a go-to place in the city for great eats and sights alike.
If you’re looking for even more seafood, head over to Drago’s Seafood Restaurant. Enjoy the family-style atmosphere and try their charbroiled oysters grilled with garlic butter and herbs. This place has lots of tasty treats that will leave visitors excited about their next trip to this incredible city.
Most Popular Places to Shop in New Orleans
The French Market is a great stop for a memorable shopping experience and walking tour in the French Quarter. It’s the perfect spot to find local products and vendors. Historically, the French Market is the oldest market in the United States.
Most Popular Destinations in New Orleans
You have to drop by Preservation Hall when you’re in the Big Easy. It’s an incredible jazz venue built in 1961 where you can listen to the best jazz music in the country. After that, you can also visit the Magazine District to find something to buy for yourself or someone special. There, you’ll find nice record stores and clothing shops.
Casino lovers might want to spend some time at the tables winning big or experiencing the history in Harrah’s New Orleans. Harrah’s Casino is one of the oldest gambling casinos in the United States with more than a thousand slot machines to boast. Gaming tables have been operating for over a century in Harrah’s Casino.
How to Get Around New Orleans
There are a number of ways to navigate a self-guided tour in New Orleans. The streetcar, for instance, is a fun way to explore the city. As an example, the St. Charles streetcar can take you from Canal Street in the central business district all the way uptown. In addition, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority provides an extensive network of bus rides. However, be careful at night to prevent getting lost in parts of the city that are less tourist-friendly.
Travel Tips for New Orleans
The best time to visit New Orleans is from October to early November. Not only is this the ideal time to avoid the hurricane season, but you can also skip the high heat and humidity. If instead, you want to experience the famous Mardi Gras, find some time to take in the Big Easy in February. Bourbon Street will make your trip to the Crescent City absolutely unforgettable.
Want to know more things to do in New Orleans? Watch this New Orleans vacation travel guide from Expedia:
New Orleans is wonderfully rich in heritage and history. Here, you can listen to incredible music in bars, which offer anything from wind instruments to gospels! Additionally, the locals are genuinely friendly and very welcoming. This is probably the biggest selling point the city has, as it makes your New Orleans tour all the more fun and authentic!
What would you add to our Things to Do in New Orleans Guide? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Up Next: Cool Travel Accessories For Tech-Friendly Travelers
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 1, 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Let Us Know What You Think