New Orleans: Ultimate Guide to Must-Visit Attractions & Food
I spent 3.5 days in New Orleans with low expectations, but it surprised me in so many wonderful ways! I heard the most touching piano performance at Preservation Hall đč, tasted the most amazing grilled oysters at Dragoâs đŠȘ, and wandered Bourbon Street at nightâfinally understanding why New Orleans is a hotspot for bachelor/bachelorette parties and weddings đ! đ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Swamp Tour This nearly 2-hour tour takes you through the Pearl River wetlands, with a guide sharing fun insights along the way. Youâll get up close to alligators, raccoons, snakes, and turtles unique to this river đđŠđ! Location: 40 minutes by car from downtown. Cost: We took a Cajun-style tour for $35 per person (no downtown pickup/drop-off). If you want round-trip transportation from the city, itâs $65 per person. Pro Tip: We were a group of 6, and adding $30 per person for transportation felt too priceyâso we rented a car for the day instead (way more cost-effective! đ). 2. Jazz Experiences New Orleans is one of the birthplaces of American jazz đ·, so catching a live jazz show is a non-negotiable experience. Preservation Hall: A legendary jazz venue founded in 1950âthe oldest spot for classic jazz in the city. Tickets: Book 2â3 weeks in advance (it sells out fast! â ïž). Seated tickets cost $40; thereâs no food or drinks allowed inside. Show Details: Performances are exactly 45 minutes long (super punctual!). Personal Note: Iâve seen many famous piano soloists before, but the pianist hereânamed Yoshiâblew me away. His free-spirited style and the soul and life in his music made him the best pianist Iâve ever heard âš. 3. Bourbon Street (Weekend Nights) Definitely explore Bourbon Street with friends after darkâitâs wild and eccentric like no other city! The energy is off the charts: I saw people yelling from second-floor balconies, offering plastic necklaces to anyone whoâd take off their clothes⊠and some girls actually did (totally bare!). Itâs chaotic, but thatâs part of its charm đź. 4. French Quarter The street performers here are way more talented than those in most other cities. From jazz bands to magicians to artists, youâll find amazing talent around every corner đ€đš. 5. Oak Alley Plantation Access: Only go if you have a carâItâs a 1-hour drive from downtown (not worth the hassle without a vehicle đ«). Cost: Free if you just walk the grounds (no house tour). For a house tour, you must join a guided group: $28 per adult, 30 minutes long. Book tickets online in advance! Review: The plantation itself doesnât have tons of âsights,â but the tour guides are fantasticâthey tell the stories of the 9 families who owned the estate, weaving in U.S. history along the way. That said, my parents (who donât speak English) and young kids (who didnât care about the history) thought the ticket price wasnât worth it đ. đŽ Must-Eat Food I tried several popular spots, but these two are non-negotiable: 1. Dragoâs Reservations: Not available for groups smaller than 12 (walk-ins only). Must-Try Dishes: Charbroiled Oysters: Game-changingâso delicious theyâre the main reason to visit! Important: Donât order the oyster platter (thatâs fried); ask for the grilled ones specifically đ„. Fried Alligator & Alligator Tacos: You canât say youâve been to New Orleans without trying alligator! Both dishes are crispy, savory, and surprisingly tasty đ. Comparison: Luke (another popular spot) takes reservations and has half-price happy hours, but Dragoâs is still my top pickâitâs that good! đ 2. CafĂ© Du Monde (Beignets) These powdered-sugar-covered treats look overly sweet, but theyâre surprisingly addictive! Think of them as fried dough with a dusting of sugar. CafĂ© Du Monde vs. CafĂ© Beignet: CafĂ© Du Mondeâs beignets are thinner and crispier, while CafĂ© Beignetâs are thicker and chewier. Both are great, but CafĂ© Du Mondeâs classic vibe makes it a must-visit đ©. #NewOrleans #NewOrleansTravel
