activities

We recommend doing this in the early afternoon (around 2pm give or take), that way you can take in the beauty of the Quarter during the daylight hours, shops are still open for a couple of hours, and evening bars/restaurants are starting to open up. In addition to the activities listed below, sites to see include:

• Bourbon Street: It's worth seeing for top-tier people watching, but for the love of God please don't drink a daiquiri, hand grenade, or Big Ass Beer. In fact, we recommend forgoing most of the bars on Bourbon in favor of other French Quarter gems. (See our Bars & Restaurants guidebook.)

• Royal Street: An excellent alternative to walking on Bourbon, lined with antique stores, art galleries, and other shops. She's CUTE.

• Jackson Square

• Pirate's Alley

• The Riverwalk

• Witch/Voodoo Shops: The more unassuming, the better. 

• Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Built in the early 1700s, it is known for being the oldest structure used a bar in the United States.

Touristy but WORTH IT! You write song requests on napkins, and toss them to the pianists. It's almost always packed, but don't fret, you normally won't have to wait longer than 10 minutes for a table (their waiters will help seat you). If you want to enjoy their famous cocktail, the Hurricane, we recommend sharing with someone; it cannot be understated how strong they are. Pat O's also has a nice courtyard.

'Tis the season, right?! Legend has it that the original owner of the building gambled away his ownership, and hung himself on the premises following. When you get to Muriel's (it opens at 3pm), order a drink at the back bar and ask how to get to the Seance Room. As you walk upstairs, you will see the owner's table that always has a glass of wine poured as an offering to his ghost. You can also go out on the balcony upstairs, which overlooks Jackson Square.

Apart from being the resting place of famed voodoo queen Marie Laveau and containing Nic Cage's bizarre crypt, this tour is worth it to learn more about the unique burial practices of this region. 

https://cemeterytourneworleans.com/

One of the most beautiful ways to see the city is by boat, and made all the more magical by live jazz music. We recommend forgoing the food.

If you're not up for a jazz cruise, the ferry is a quicker and cheaper alternative for viewing the skyline by boat. You can buy a ferry pass in the Le Pass app (same app for streetcar tickets). Algiers Point, on the Westbank of New Orleans, is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city, quaint and full of charm. You can stay awhile for food and/or drinks, there are no bad options.

Did you even come to New Orleans if you didn't see some live music?! This street is lined with music venues, many of them featuring brass bands. Some places have cover and some don't. We recommend entering the bar where the music speaks to you, but here are some of our favorite spots:

• 30/90: Live music downstairs and a dance floor upstairs.

• Maison

• d.b.a.: Always has a cover, but it is a more upscale and laid-back experience for those who aren't partiers.

• Spotted Cat Music Club

• Favela Chic: Hit or miss but always free.

• Dat Dog: Perfect for a late night bite.

• Frenchmen Art Market

This theatre is truly magical; it's made to feel like you're outdoors, with a ceiling dotted with lights resembling stars. See their website for what's showing:

https://www.saengernola.com/

Nola Vibe Yoga has classes here at 10am Saturdays and 9am Sundays in a church-turned-event-space that is breathtaking. Classes are suitable for all levels and don't feel exclusive; it's frequented by tourists and casual yogis. See their website for details:

https://nolavibeyoga.com/