When in New Orleans: What to Do

New Orleans is one of the most underrated cities in the United States.

The French Quarter in New Orleans; January 2014

 I went my sophomore year of high school on a band trip and loved it. Its character is so distinct and so dissimilar to the cliché cities of California and New England…

 … and that’s exactly what’s so likeable about it.

 It’s everything you expect it to be: lively, jazzy, and vibrant.

 Not sure what to do when you go to there?

Let me give you a few ideas:

1.     Explore the French Quarter

 The heart of New Orleans is no disappointment. 

The French Quarter in New Orleans; January 2014

Everywhere you turn, you’ll see street art, musicians, and just about anything artistically cathartic. 

2.     Eat Beignets

 If you’re going to eat one thing in New Orleans out of the ordinary… let it be this.

Beignets from Morning Call in New Orleans; January 2014

They are just as pillow-like to the touch as they look. 

We were going to go to the famous Café Du Monde…

Outside Cafe du Monde in January 2014

… but the line went all the way around the corner. 

We opted to have them at “The Morning Call”, instead.

It’s a shame it’s permanently closed now, because we were all satisfied with our beignet experience! 

3.     See a Show at the House of Blues

 I’m so glad that my school organized a show for us at the House of Blues. There is really no better place to hear funky jazz music over a meal.

House of Blues in New Orleans; January 2014

4.     Take a Cooking Class

 Another thing that I would have never thought to do unless my school had already organized it. 

We went to the New Orleans School of Cooking.

We got the chance to cook Cajun corn chowder and bananas foster… and then eat it.

While this city is known for its appeal to musicians, it should also be known to allure any true foodie. 

5.     Embark on a Dinner Cruise

 It’s a chance to dress up, eat good food, and take a ride on the Mississippi river as the city lights up before your eyes…

 … I mean, is there something about this that doesn’t sound appealing, to you?

6.     Check out the Aquarium

 The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is actually really cool.

It serves as a nice indoor activity and a break from walking the streets. 

7.     Go to Mardi Gras World

 They’ll show you all the steps to how they create parade floats for Mardi Gras. 

Afterwards, if you’re lucky like we were – they just might treat you to a slice of their famous King Cake.

8.     Shop the French Market

 Out of markets I’ve seen in the U.S., this has been one of the best. There are some beautiful pieces of jewelry for sale, and if you’re hungry – and daring – you can try some fried alligator. 

I was not adventurous enough for that, but… my two sixteen-year-old friends at the time said it tasted just like chicken, so… 

…make with that, what you will.

9.     Visit the Oak Alley Plantation 

 This is an about an hour outside the city, but it’s trees are a sight to be seen.

 Inside the historical house is cool, too.

10.  Watch the sunset over the Great New Orleans Bridge

 At the end of all the mania that is New Orleans, make sure you carve out a moment to appreciate the view of their city’s bridge.

Great New Orleans Bridge; January 2014

If you’re visiting the U.S., and want a break from the big cities like Los Angeles or New York, I recommend coming here… it’s one of the few cities where you will immediately see and feel the diversity of the United states 

If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.