77 Things to do in New Orleans

Things to do in The Big Easy

When staying at The Old No. 77 Hotel, there are, millions of things to do; you could easily spend weeks simply wandering our colorful, art-filled streets, listening to the jazz that wafts out of windows and sampling all the wonderfully eclectic local cuisine. But we understand you probably have a home to get back to, so we narrowed it down to our 77 favorite activities, and created an easy-to-navigate guide, organized by neighborhood.

To learn more or book a tour, call or visit our front desk at The Old No. 77 Hotel.

1. Meander through the French Quarter, people-watch and take in the sights.
2. Catch a show at Preservation Hall.
3. Taste the famous beignets and chicory coffee at Café Du Monde.
4. Go antiquing on Royal Street.
5. Enjoy a classic cocktail at the rotating Carousel Bar.
6. Watch the zaniness of Bourbon Street (but if you want to see what the locals are up to, you’ll have to keep moving).
7. Go to the Piano Bar at Pat O’s and request a song. Not “Piano Man.” Trust us.
8. Order a “Purple Drink” at Lafitte’s (the oldest structure in the city). Make sure you stay hydrated.
9. Wait in line for Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s (make sure you sit downstairs) and gleefully day drink until dinnertime.
10. Hit up Frenchman Street’s famous jazz clubs (DBA and Spotted Cat are our favorites), but make sure you stop by Palace Market with its 80 local artist stalls.
11. Caffeinate and cool down with a frozen Irish coffee at Molly’s at the Market.
12. Get tipsy on the street with to-go drinks.
13. Stop by Central Grocery and Deli or Cochon Butcher for NOLA’s greatest sandwich, the Muffaletta.
14. Take a scenic streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue.
15. Sip afternoon cocktails on the iconic porch of the Columns.
16. Take a leisurely walk through the Garden District and gaze at the grand, historic old homes.
17. Visit the famous cemeteries to view beautifully spooky aboveground vaults and tombs.
18. Shop the lovely galleries and boutiques on Magazine Street.
19. Indulge in the bananas foster at Brunch and Brennan’s.
20. Party with the locals at Mardi Gras.
21. Catch a shoe at Muses, or a Zulu coconut.
22. Watch the St. Ann Parade on Fat Tuesday.
23. Devour a po-boy (Domilisi’s and Parkway are a couple of our favorite spots for this amazing sandwich).
24. Enjoy some boiled crawfish on the fly (we love Bevi Seafood Co.).
25. Take in the beautiful scenery of Audubon Park.
26. Head to Tipitina’s for some legendary live music and some New Orleans history.
27. Hit up Oak Street on a Tuesday night and catch the Rebirth brass band, and grab a slice of the incredible Shrimp and Alligator Cheesecake from Jacques-Imo’s.
28. Eat a sno-ball from Hansen’s on a hot day — don’t let the line scare you away.
29. Attend Jazz Fest and gorge on all the amazing festival food (like crawfish bread and strawberry lemonade).
30. Kayak or paddleboard in Bayou St. John. Don’t worry, gators are rare!
31. Ramble through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff sculpture Garden in City Park, and admire the more than 90 sculptures.
32. Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans, because it’s not uncommon for locals to have costume closets in their abodes.
33. Check out the colorful shotgun houses and gorgeous art murals in the Bywater neighborhood.
34. Taste (or guzzle) fancy wine at Bacchanal. Make sure to order an enormous cheese platter.
35. View the extensive art collection at the New Orleans Museum of Art, including a wealth of treasures from France and Africa.
36. Wander through Jackson Square and take in the stunning views of St. Louis Cathedral.
37. Visit Whitney Plantation and learn about the incredible hardships of the U.S.’s enslaved peoples.
38. Fill your belly with all the seafood. (We recommend Peche or Casamento’s.)
39. Take a tour of the Sazerac House, an interactive spirit and cocktail museum.
40. Dive into the menu at Coop’s Place and try the famous jambalaya.
41. Stroll down Julia Street and visit the art galleries (or take part in their annual White Linen Night).
42. Go to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for an engaging and diverse showcase of regional artists.
43. Have a hands-on encounter with Louisiana swamp-life with an eco-tour (our favorite is Gondwana Ecotours).
44. Learn about Mardi Gras Indian Culture at the Backstreet Cultural Museum.
45. Try a famous Blueberry Mojito from St. Joe’s.
46. Attend Drag Brunch at the Country Club, then head to their pool for a refreshing dip.
47. Learn about how the legendary floats are made at Mardi Gras World.
48. Order a fabulously fruity daiquiri at Bourrée.
49. Relish the springtime in New Orleans at French Quarter Festival. Make sure you try the wonderful goat cheese crepes from Muriel’s.
50. Enjoy a picnic on a grassy knoll at Crescent Park. Regard the scenic Mississippi River as you watch the boats float by.
51. Visit the National WWII Museum, and walk through the sobering interactive exhibits.
52. Live a life of leisure and indulge in 25¢ lunch martinis at Commander’s Palace. Be bold and try the turtle soup (it’s delicious).
53. Head to Angelo Brocato for an authentic Sicilian gelato or cannoli (or both!).
54. Dance like no one’s watching at 80’s Night at One Eyed Jack’s.
55. Catch DJ Soul Sister spinning her unmatched collection of vintage vinyl.
56. Stay out until the sun comes up at Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge.
57. Take a steamboat cruise on the Natchez and experience life on the Mighty Mississippi.
58. Receive a spiritual reading from Voodoo Queen Kalindah Leveaux.
59. Ride a ferry to Algiers Point for unparalleled city views, and discover the delightfully vibrant houses and hidden cafes.
60. Revel in some St. Patrick’s Day fun at the Irish Channel Parade.
61. Dine at a beloved neighborhood haunt (we recommend Brightsen’s or Clancy’s).
62. Stop by the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum for a uniquely entertaining learning experience.
63. Take a stroll down the lakefront, and stop at R&O’s in Bucktown for their very special roast beef po-boy.
64. Head to Dooky Chase in the Treme for perfectly prepared southern staples like gumbo and fried chicken.
65. Walk down Chartres for some retail therapy (discerning fashionistas should stop by U.A.L. and Hemline). Pause for cocktails at the Chart Room.
66. Cure the inevitable hangover with an All That Jazz po-boy at Verti Marte.
67. Kayak through the Honey Island Swamp (also an admirable hangover cure).
68. Bravely try the Flaming Dr. Pepper at late night dive, Gold Mine Saloon.
69. Sing karaoke at Kajun’s Pub.
70. Eat King Cake, but only during Carnival season.
71. Enjoy a classically refreshing Pimm’s Cup on the patio of Napoleon House.
72. Explore the Historic New Orleans Collection.
73. Visit Fifi Mahony’s for a funky new wig or wildly eccentric hair makeover.
74. See cutting-edge up-and-coming visual and performance artists at Studio Be.
75. Feel like a kid again and play with homemade musical sculptures in The Music Box Village.
76. Sip imaginative craft cocktails at Cure, housed in a restored firehouse in the Freret Corridor.
77. Go to a Saints game in the Dome and cheer for the home team.