You don’t just see New Orleans, you experience New Orleans.

New Orleans has the most “soul” and vibrant culture of any city I have ever visited. The city feels spirited, alive and although some will argue the dead lives among them as a haunted city, the vibrant spirit of New Orleans captures almost everyone who steps foot into New Orleans.

The food, the music, the history, the people – New Orleans is a place like no other. Year-round, New Orleans celebrates many occasions and events with Mardi Gras being the biggest of the year, yet outside of Mardi Gras, there is always a celebration going on in NOLA!

In this list of ways to experience New Orleans, not only am I sharing some of my favorites, but I will share some unique places to visit that you may not see on every other list.

Plus, I’ll still be including some of those not to miss experiences that every first-timer to New Orleans will want to enjoy.

Take a stroll through the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.

Just outside of the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny is a charming neighborhood full of beautiful architecture and well cared for colorful homes. I was in love with all the colorful shotgun and French Creole cottages I saw while roaming this vibrant neighborhood.

The architecture in Marigny has a blend of various types, somewhat of a melting pot of styles, which is characteristic of so many aspects of New Orleans life, culture and history.

I stayed in an Airbnb on the outskirts of this neighborhood during a visit to New Orleans and it was always such a pleasant experience to walk and explore the neighborhood. I could admire the homes in the Marigny for days on end!

You can see more of this neighborhood in this video, in addition to some of the other places recommended in this post. Watch below.

Tips For Visiting the Marigny

You can easily fit in a walk to the Marigny when you plan on being in or near the French Quarter for the day. If you are wondering where to walk, you can put on Google Maps the cross streets of Marigny and Royal St to start. Then, continue to walk up Marigny towards Dauphine & Burgundy.

Meander around any of the streets from that point on.

Plus, you can plan on grabbing a cup of coffee in the area, a bite to eat among the locals, or visit the next hidden gem on my list – The Elysian Bar.

Elysian Bar & Restaurant

I curiously stepped into this bar while exploring the Marigny just to “take a look.” It had me at H-E-L-L-O ! I knew I had to stay for a drink and experience this place.

When you walk in, you will feel like you stepped into France with its French Provincial design mixed with a bit of creole flair.

And with drink names like “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Hanky Panky” who wouldn’t want to stay for a drink or two. The drinks are expertly crafted, creative and you’ll want to sip your cocktail to savor the complex flavors while you sit back and enjoy the lovely ambiance.

Plan on staying for a while!

Beyond cocktails, they also have delicious food and a coffee bar next door. I delighted in their mussels and pate as an appetizer.

In between sips and bites, wander into the Elysian bar’s courtyard or old-world bar.

The courtyard sits next to a church with beautiful decorated stained glass. It’s a unique scene, plus, who would ever think to put a bar next to a church? Only in New Orleans!

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Explore New Orleans from the Charmingly Classic Streetcars

Many tourists will spend most of their time in the French Quarter, yet there is so much more beyond that to experience in New Orleans. The streetcars, accessible from the French Quarter, can take you to see historic antebellum mansions, “cities of the dead” and travel through areas of New Orleans you wouldn’t experience otherwise.

There are two streetcars lines I recommend taking which are both enjoyable and scenic rides – the St Charles & Canal Street Car Lines. (There are 4 total lines and if time permitting, try them all!)

St Charles Streetcar

This line leads you through St Charles where you will see beautiful mansions, pass through the Garden District, Audubon Park, and many bars and restaurants.

Feel free to hop on and off to walk around from some of the train stops. A daily pass for about $3 lets you ride the trains all day. This line also passes one of my favorite restaurants for Oysters called Superior Seafood Grill.

During Mardis Gras and Halloween, you can expect to see some of the mansions festively decorated for the occasion. Below is one of the mansions decorated for Halloween called the “Skeleton House NOLA.” (You can read more about Halloween in New Orleans in this post here.)

Canal Streetcar Line

This streetcar line can take you through mid-city and will eventually end at the cemeteries or city park. You will also pass some architecturally interesting homes including many that are in the neighborhoods near the cemeteries.

You will definitely want to get off at the end of the streetcar line and explore the hauntingly beautiful “cities of the dead”…

Visit The Cemeteries of New Orleans For A Hauntingly Beautiful Experience

At first thought, you may think that a visit to the cemetery is for those who are into creepy thrills, or haunted stories, but in New Orleans, the burial of the dead is revered and celebrated!

You can take a self-guided walk through the “cities of the dead” and admire the artistry of some of the tombstones, or choose to schedule a guided tour to really learn more about the history behind the burial customs of New Orleans which may enlighten you.

I found the cemeteries to be quite beautiful rather than eerie.

Pair your visit to the cemeteries with a ride on the Canal Streetcar Line and that’s a fun adventure in New Orleans you won’t forget!

The Canal Street Car takes you to the end of the line where you will find a handful of cemeteries to visit including Greenwood, St Patrick No1 & 2, and Cypress Grove. You could spend a lot of time wandering through the rows of tombstones at each.

The next experiences on the list are in the French Quarter. I couldn’t leave out the most frequently visited area in New Orleans!

Stroll Down Royal Street in the French Quarter

As you walk down Royal Street, you are sure to be enamored by the charm and character of this street. You will find many of the famous buildings you have probably seen in many travel guides and Instagram photos on this one street alone.

Wander aimlessly while you snap photos, feel the vibrancy of the French Quarter and listen to live music of street artists whose sounds fill the air.

This is also a great street to shop and explore some eccentric and unique shops. I liked Lola Nola’s which is full of shiny things like masquerade masks, tiaras, necklaces, and costume jewelry.

For fun costumes and New Orleans party attire, I also love No Rules Fashion on 927 Royal Street.

Experience Live Music on Frenchman Street

You will hear a lot about Bourbon Street, but for live music, Frenchman Street is where it’s at! On Frenchman Street, you will find many clubs playing live music with a mix of locals and tourists.

Find anything from Jazz, Pop tunes, Soul, R & B, Reggae and Salsa music.

On some occasions such as Mardi Gras and Halloween night, the whole street turns into a block party where you’ll find a live DJ on the streets.

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Enjoy Carousels and Cocktails at the Carousel Bar

There is something magical and whimsical about Carousels and when you can sip cocktails while on a carousel, well that’s magic times 10! The carousel bar is a rotating bar that truly takes you for a spin as you sip your favorite New Orleans inspired cocktails.

Good thing it only takes 15 minutes for a full rotation because when you have had a few drinks, fast spinning and alcohol don’t really go too well together! The Carousel Bar is one of the most unique bars you will ever visit and definitely a unique experience to have in New Orleans.

Pat O Briens

Try the famous Hurricanes at Pat O’Briens while you listen to dueling piano’s play your favorite tunes. It’s one of the best piano bars you’ll ever visit.

Hurricane’s are the must-try drink in New Orleans with Pat Obriens offering the best (in my opinion). Just don’t drink too fast, these pack a punch!

The piano lounge can get crowded on weekends, so try a weeknight where you are most likely to get a seat at the lounge. If it’s too crowded, you can visit the bar or outside patio to order a Hurricane.

Explore the Mysterious Swamps Of New Orleans

The swampy paradise of Louisiana’s Bayou isn’t like the usual paradise you will see anywhere else in the world. It’s worth a day exploring for a unique experience.

Float on a boat through the mesmerizing waterways beside Spanish Moss and Cypress trees, spot alligators waiting for their next catch and discover other exotic wildlife among the swamp. Be educated and entertained by the stories of Cajun culture of the Bayou that you may not hear in the history books.

There are tours that will start from the French Quarter and take you to the swamps if you don’t have a car to meet at the Swamp meeting points.

Eat some of the best food in the world!

New Orleans is my favorite foodie city in the country. I go to New Orleans just to eat my heart out! I still have a long list of places I want to try next time I visit and the list just gets longer and longer.

The seafood quality in New Orleans is fresh and flavorful, right from the Gulf Coast.

Forget flavorless farm-raised seafood, this is fresh bayyyy behhh! (Imagine that said in a southern tone lol)

Get Your Hands Dirty With A Seafood Boil

It’s something about getting your hands dirty with a good ol seafood boil that just feels SATISFYING!

Crawfish season is an especially great time for a seafood boil and many restaurants throughout New Orleans, including the French Quarter, will offer seafood and crawfish boils on the menu.

Want recommendations on where to eat seafood in New Orleans?

Try the Seafood Boil House on Magazine Street which you can take the #11 bus to from the French Quarter.
If you are driving, try the Kenner Seafood Restaurant not far from the NOLA Airport.
For the best oysters, my favorite spot is the Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar down St Charles Ave.

I’ve written more about my favorite foodie experiences in New Orleans in previous posts that you may enjoy here and here.