Beyond Bourbon Street: Insider’s Guide to Authentic New Orleans Adventures

New Orleans reverberates with jazz melodies, the clatter of streetcars, and joyful shouts echoing from historic squares. For a city spanning just 350 square miles, New Orleans attractions pack in centuries of culture, music, and some of America’s most creative cuisine. Step beyond the neon-lit bars of Bourbon Street, and a city of unexpected adventures reveals itself.

Things to Do in New Orleans: 10 Experiences That Capture the City’s Spirit

1. Ride the St. Charles Streetcar

Trundling along the streets since 1835, the St. Charles Streetcar is the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line and one of the coolest activities to do in New Orleans. You can ride this piece of history through the lush Garden District, passing stately mansions and ancient live oaks. Hop off at Audubon Park for a picnic under the Spanish moss-draped trees.

2. Feast on Beignets at Café du Monde

No list of New Orleans attractions is complete without a pilgrimage to Café du Monde for their world-famous beignets. These airy squares of fried dough arrive blanketed in a snowstorm of powdered sugar. Paired with a chicory-laced café au lait, it’s a sweet start to any NOLA morning. Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds, and bring cash—they don’t accept cards.

3. Cruise the Mississippi on a Steamboat

Step back in time aboard the Steamboat Natchez, the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River and a must-visit place to visit in New Orleans. Live jazz sets the mood as you cruise past the French Quarter and Chalmette Battlefield. The Sunday Jazz Brunch cruise is a New Orleans tradition featuring Creole favourites like shrimp and grits.

4. Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans institution, serving refined Creole fare since 1893. Their jazz brunch is legendary, with local musicians serenading diners in the chandelier-lit Garden Room. The Cajun Bloody Mary alone is worth the visit.

5. Explore the Vibrant Murals of the Bywater

The bohemian Bywater neighbourhood is an open-air gallery of street art. Colourful murals adorn nearly every surface, from abandoned warehouses to corner groceries. Rent a bike from Bicycle Michael’s on Frenchmen Street and pedal down Chartres Street for a self-guided mural tour. Stop by Studio BE to see Brandan Odums’ powerful large-scale portraits.

6. Picnic in Louis Armstrong Park

Named for New Orleans’ most famous son, Louis Armstrong Park is a leafy oasis just outside the French Quarter. Pack a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon beside the duck ponds and bubbling fountains. On Thursdays, catch a free concert at the Performing Arts Centre—it’s one of the best-kept secrets among things to do in New Orleans.

7. Discover Voodoo History at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Voodoo is deeply entwined with New Orleans’ history. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this often misunderstood religion. Displays include vintage voodoo dolls, talismans, and artefacts related to Marie Laveau, the “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.” The knowledgeable guides are happy to dispel myths and share voodoo’s true origins. This is one of the most interesting things to do in New Orleans.

8. Sample Creole Delicacies at the French Market

Dating to 1791, the French Market is America’s oldest public market. Today, it’s a lively hub of food stalls, farmers’ stands, and local artisans. Grab a bag of pralines from Loretta’s and a muffuletta from Alberto’s Cheese & Wine Bistro, then peruse the gator-tooth jewellery and voodoo dolls. Local bands take the stage on weekends, filling the market with jazz and zydeco tunes.

9. Pay Your Respects at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans—and possibly the most haunted, making it a top New Orleans attraction. Weathered above-ground tombs hold the remains of voodoo priestesses, Civil War generals, and famous musicians. A licensed guide must accompany you to enter, as the cemetery has fallen prey to vandalism in recent years. Tour groups gather near the Basin Street entrance.

10. Get Lost in the Stacks at Faulkner House Books

Tucked in a quiet corner of Pirates Alley, Faulkner House Books occupies the former apartment of writer William Faulkner. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves house rare first editions, signed copies, and literary classics. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect New Orleans-centric read, from histories of voodoo to Faulkner’s novels. It’s a must among places to visit in New Orleans for bibliophiles.

October in New Orleans: Festivals, Food & Frights

Things to do in New Orleans in October centre around food, music, and Halloween fun. The city’s biggest festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, kicks off in mid-October, filling the streets with jubilant brass bands and mouth-watering food stalls. For a spooky thrill, take a ghost tour of the French Quarter or a nighttime cemetery walk—the above-ground tombs are extra eerie by moonlight.

As October is peak tourist season, book accommodations early and make restaurant reservations well in advance. To bypass long lines at popular New Orleans attractions, consider a New Orleans Power Pass, which offers fast-track entry to sites like Mardi Gras World and the Audubon Zoo.

Stay Connected in New Orleans with Airtel

Navigating New Orleans is a breeze with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming plans. With high-speed data connectivity, you can access real-time transit schedules, book guided tours, and make cashless payments at most places to visit in New Orleans.

In New Orleans, there’s a surprise around every cobblestoned corner. Whether you’re sipping a Sazerac in a candlelit jazz club or watching the sunset over the Mississippi, the city’s magic captures your soul. As you explore all the activities to do in New Orleans, take time to savour the little moments—the busker crooning on Royal Street, the first powdery bite of a beignet, the beads glinting in a wrought-iron balcony. In a city that is vibrant, even the smallest experiences can leave a lasting imprint.

So go ahead, let New Orleans cast its spell on you. Laissez les bons temps rouler – let the good times roll.a