So, you’re considering visiting New Orleans and wondering—is it worth visiting? As someone who has visited the city twice, my short answer is yes! This city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique atmosphere. New Orleans has a lot to offer!
The longer answer is that it takes more planning than other destinations and there are things to avoid there. There are definitely reasons you’ll love visiting, but throughout this post, I’ll share ways to prevent some of the common problems people complain about and explain why I think it’s still worth visiting!
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My Personal Experience
Before we get into more, I wanted to share a little bit about my travel style and experiences in New Orleans!
The first time I went to New Orleans was with my family. My parents had gone alone many years ago, so they brought my sisters and me along on a road trip to Florida. I was 25, so not a kid, but I enjoyed exploring the city with my family! The architecture and food had me hooked. We didn’t do any nightlife beyond grabbing dinner and stopping in a spot to listen to jazz.
The second time I went to New Orleans was with a friend. He had also been before, so we were both familiar with some of the things we wanted to do. We went to Bourbon Street on Friday night since I had not gone there before, which was a bad choice. We avoided that area for the rest of the weekend and had so much fun!
So, if you can’t tell, there are a few things I actively chose to avoid in New Orleans that I think made a big difference in my experience there. I also went with someone who had been before both times, so that gave me more insider information, and researching where to stay and go before made a big impact.
We’ll get into all of this in the tips and things to avoid, but this is where many people end up going wrong with a trip and not enjoying New Orleans. It has a lot to offer, but it takes more planning and thought than other destinations, in my opinion.
I’ll end this section by saying everything here is an opinion based on personal experience. I do think you’ll love New Orleans and encourage you to visit thoughtfully – you’ll end up loving it!
Reasons You’ll Love Visiting New Orleans
New Orleans offers a range of attractions and experiences that make it a unique and appealing destination. Below are some of the reasons I think you’ll love visiting New Orleans!
1. The Vibrant Musical Heritage
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and continues today to have a vibrant music scene. Day or night, you’ll find live music in many different areas around the city. Consider a jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace or Arnauds during the day!
In the evening, I recommend the jazz clubs on Frenchman Street for iconic venues like Preservation Hall and the Spotted Cat. Bourbon Street has a few historic places, but they are more touristy and crowded. I loved the laid back feel of Frenchman Street a lot more.
2. Amazing Food
Foodies will LOVE New Orleans. New Orleans is famous for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, especially Creole food. Enjoy classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, beignets, and muffulettas. The city is also home to numerous acclaimed restaurants and chefs.
A great way to learn about the food is on a food tour or through a cooking class. There are several great options to choose from.
3. Incredible Architecture
Wander through the French Quarter to admire its historic buildings, ornate ironwork, and charming courtyards. The Garden District also features beautiful 19th-century mansions and oak-lined streets.
While often considered a “French Colonial” style, the Creole architecture throughout New Orleans was developed there after the Great New Orleans Fire (1788) until the mid-19th century. Creole townhouses blended French, Spanish, and Caribbean architectural influences with the demands of the hot, humid climate of New Orleans.
4. Vibrant History and Culture
New Orleans’s unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences contributes to its distinct cultural identity, which is evident in the city’s music, art, and traditions.
The city has a unique feel that is different from other cities, but it still has roots in many historically significant events in the Deep South. It also has historical connections to Voodoo, World War II, and African American heritage.
5. Spooky History
New Orleans is known as one of the most haunted places. Due to its history of Voodoo, above-ground cemeteries, and troubled past, there are tons of scary stories that originate from here. Locations like the LaLaurie Mansion and the Voodoo Museum add to the city’s eerie allure.
6. Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Visit City Park, which features the New Orleans Botanical Garden and an extensive collection of live oaks. Audubon Park is another excellent spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. You also have the nearby Bayous and Mississippi River.
Coastal Louisiana is a special place, and getting away from the city to explore the natural side of the swamp land ecosystem gives you the chance to see a unique natural area.
7. Unique Shopping
Browse eclectic shops in the French Quarter, Magazine Street, and Royal Street for everything from local art to antiques. Vintage shopping is great here, too.
You’ll walk away with some great vintage pieces and local artwork after a day shopping here!
8. Festivals and Events
The city hosts numerous unique festivals throughout the year, including Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the French Quarter Festival. Plus, the unique Second Line celebrations can be found at any time of the year.
Check out the New Orleans tourism event website for what might be happening during your visit.
9. Warm Hospitality
The people of New Orleans are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which makes visitors feel welcome and at home. Friendly locals are more than happy to point you to the right direction or share about their city.
They love to celebrate and drink, so if you head to a bar, it’s best to go off Bourbon Street; they will start a conversation and tell you something local to do! Don’t be afraid to chat away with someone.
10. Nightlife
New Orleans is a good option if you’re looking for a destination with a great nightlife scene. Areas like Bourbon Street and Frenchman Street (with very different vibes) cater to nightlife and offer many unique experiences. Plus, drinks like the Sazerac and Absinthe are famous here, offering unique drinking experiences.
Things to Avoid in New Orleans
Now that you’ve heard some of the great things to do, let’s talk about things to avoid. As I alluded to earlier, by avoiding these things, you’ll increase the fun you have on a trip here and make sure you’ll love visiting New Orleans! Here are some common mistakes people make and things to avoid.
1. Visiting in summer
New Orleans gets extremely hot during the summer. I’m talking well over 100 degrees plus humidity. I visited once in the summer and once in February. February was pretty great; I’d never go back in summer!
Consider planning your trip in the fall or spring for great weather around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, Halloween would be pretty fun in New Orleans with all the spooky vibes!
2. Not checking the weather
This goes hand in hand with summer, but the weather in New Orleans can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. Bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Rainfall is high throughout the year and even more so during the summer, so make sure you pack your umbrella… you’ll need it!
3. Overindulging in alcohol
The city’s vibrant nightlife and cocktail culture are part of its charm, but drinking responsibly is wise. The hot and humid weather can intensify alcohol’s effects, and being overly intoxicated can lead to unsafe situations. Plus, New Orleans is less safe at night (as any city is!).
New Orleans Municipal Code Sec. 54-404 allows anyone to carry an open container of alcohol in the New Orleans French Quarter on the public streets, sidewalks, parks, or public rights-of-way as long as the container is not an opened glass container. This means alcohol is easily accessible throughout the day.
I’d recommend avoiding Bourbon Street for drinking, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone.
4. Disregarding cultural sensitivities
Be respectful when visiting sites related to New Orleans’ complex history, such as Voodoo traditions or the former enslaved people’s quarters. Approach these topics with sensitivity and understanding.
5. Being unaware of the city’s layout
Many parts of New Orleans are accessible by public transit, and parking can be a nightmare. However, the city is known for its winding streets and neighborhoods.
Make sure you choose a place to stay on public transit that will be easily accessible to things, and don’t rent a car unless absolutely necessary. I recommend staying just outside the French Quarter, on Canal Street, or in the Garden District.
6. Not planning ahead
As I mentioned, New Orleans requires more planning (tips for planning are below). Book hotels and activities ahead; many things sell out. Also, look up the vibe of specific neighborhoods and things you see that are popular to do.
Plus, there are many festivals in New Orleans, which, if you visit during one (unintentionally), can mean higher prices and big crowds.
7. Spending all your time on Bourbon Street
The French Quarter is great (that’s where Bourbon Street is), but I’d avoid staying close to Bourbon Street and spending your evenings there. Instead, consider hanging out on Frenchman Street, the Garden District, or Magazine Street. They are safer, less touristy, and less drinking-oriented.
8. Staying alone
I don’t mean you need to avoid being in New Orleans alone altogether, but there is an added layer I would suggest when visiting.
If you’re a solo traveler, I’d avoid Airbnb and stay somewhere with security. New Orleans has a higher crime rate, and I’d recommend the extra layer of protection for peace of mind and comfort.
Other Tips for Visiting New Orleans
Now that you know what to avoid and why to visit New Orleans, let’s talk in more detail about some of the planning tips you can use to make your trip successful. It’s important to plan more than a typical trip (as I mentioned earlier), so here are some tips for you that we still need to cover!
- What to pack: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and an umbrella or rain jacket for sudden showers. Even in winter, you will want to plan for potential cold and warm days.
- Explore Different Neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in New Orleans has its own unique character. Don’t just stick to the French Quarter—check out the Garden District for its historic mansions, the Marigny for its artsy vibe, and the Warehouse District for galleries and museums.
- Stay Cautious with Your Belongings: Petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy places like markets and during festivals. I like to bring a crossbody bag with little cash while traveling. Keep your phone zipped up in a pocket when not using it.
- Stay Hydrated: The combination of heat and humidity can be intense. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.
- Get a City Map or Navigation App: The city’s layout can be confusing with its winding streets and numerous neighborhoods. Having a map or a good navigation app can help you find your way around and discover hidden gems.
- Take a Guided Tour: To get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture, consider taking a guided tour. Options include walking tours, food tours, and even swamp tours. Make sure to reserve in advance.
- Look into restaurants: New Orleans food is typically heavy, and those who have dietary restrictions often have more difficulty finding restaurants that cater to their needs. Research options before visiting and have a plan, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.
- Embrace the Local Pace: New Orleans has a laid-back, “laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) attitude. Take your time to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere, and don’t rush through your visit.
Final Thoughts
I hope that throughout this post, you’ve figured out that there’s a lot to love about New Orleans and a lot of cool, unique things to do there. By being mindful of these considerations, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to New Orleans. I loved New Orleans, and you will too!
Great tips! I appreciate that you included pros and cons, not just the good. So many wonderful things to do in New Orleans, as long as you’re mindful of your safety.
Thanks! Agree, can’t talk about the pros without pointing out some of the negatives as well. Both are important.
New Orleans is a city I’ve always had mixed emotions about potentially visiting. I’m glad to learn more about the area. After reading this post, I think it sounds like a spot that would be great to spend some time in!
I understand having mixed emotions. I think if done right it’s definitely worth a visit and lots of fun!
New Orleans is a lot of fun, but yes, there is a lot of partying. Your tips are very insightful.
Thank you! Yes, there’s a lot more to New Orleans than partying I think people often miss when thinking about visiting.
I loved this overview of New Orleans, especially the tips on what to avoid. I haven’t been yet because I was concerned about the very touristy areas. Now, I feel better about considering a trip here. Thanks for this!
These tips are great! I have been wanting to go to New Orleans for a while now. I had not considered a cooking class. so that is something I will look into.
I love cooking classes, especially in cities with unique food!