There are SO many incredibly fun things to do in New Orleans! The city itself is so unique – I felt like I was transported to a different country. I recently took a girls trip to NOLA for the first time and already can’t wait to go back!

We stayed right in the French Quarter at the Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoynec. I would definitely recommend visiting New Orleans in the spring; the weather was a perfect 75 and sunny all weekend. It’s also their festival season, with so many fun events happening like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Fest to name a few!

Keep reading for the 7 top things I enjoyed doing in the city. And don’t forget to click the button below to save all these spots and more to your Google Maps!

Click to save my New Orleans Travel Destinations on Google Maps

This post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only link products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Thank you for your support! Learn more.

1. Walk down Bourbon Street

First off, you absolutely must walk down Bourbon Street. It was so surreal and felt like something out of a movie. It’s lined with bars, clubs and restaurants plus tons of balconies you’re able to get onto, usually for free! A few spots I’d recommend checking out are:

  • Tropical Isle – order a shark attack for a fun experience or their original hand grenade
  • Pat O’Brien’s – super fun dueling piano bar
  • Prohibition – this club played the best music in my opinion, plus this is where my balcony photo was taken!

2. Snack on beignets

New Orleans is known for their beignets, so make sure to add this to your list! Cafe du Monde is the famous, go-to spot in New Orleans. They have a location right on the water, so you can enjoy your beignets by the Mississippi River. We also got beignets from the Vintage, which are featured below. YUM!

3. Check out Jackson Square

Fun fact: the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square is the oldest church continuous in use in the entire USA. So crazy! You’re able to go in for free, and they also have daily services. Check out their website for the current schedule if you’re interested in attending a service! This was so stunning to see in person and definitely worth checking out.

4. Try the charbroiled oysters at Bourbon House

Oysters are a must when you’re in New Orleans. Bourbon House was a recommendation from one of my coworkers and I’m SO happy we checked it out. We ordered a dozen charbroiled oysters and unanimously agreed it was the best dish we had all weekend. Plus, it was really fun to be able to people watch Bourbon Street through the big windows! 

5. Shop the French Market

The French Market, also known as the Shops of the Colonnade, is open every day from 10am – 6pm. Make sure to stop by to check out a ton of local shops and eateries! It is right behind Jackson Square so I would recommend visiting both in the same day.

6. Get a drink at Hot Tin

Be sure to stop by Hot Tin for at least one drink! Located on top of the Pontchartrain Hotel, they have the best view of the NOLA skyline. We were able to get a spot on the outdoor balcony and really enjoyed just hanging out and soaking in the view!

7. Admire the unique architecture

Last but not least, just walking around the French Quarter is an experience in and of itself. There are so many beautiful homes and buildings and each is uniquely distinct from the others. I could spend a full weekend just walking around taking photos of all of the cool architecture. 

Any NOLA essential spots I missed? Comment below! And be sure to check out my Instagram to follow along.

💙mariss