There are so many best things to do in New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street that you won’t want to miss.
New Orleans is one of those cities that feels alive the second you arrive. Yes, Bourbon Street is iconic — but the real magic of the Crescent City goes way deeper than the French Quarter crowds.
From world-class museums to unforgettable jazz nights, ghost tours, river cruises, and day trips into Louisiana’s swamps and plantation country, New Orleans is packed with experiences you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the best things to do in New Orleans for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.
Visit the Mardi Gras Museum
A Must for Carnival Lovers
No trip to New Orleans is complete without learning what Mardi Gras is really about — and it’s so much more than beads.
A visit to the Mardi Gras Museum gives you an inside look at:
- Stunning handmade parade costumes
- Float-building traditions
- The history of krewes
- The artistry behind Carnival season
It’s one of the best ways to understand why Mardi Gras is such a huge part of New Orleans culture.
Tipsy Terrier Tip: Go early in the day before the Quarter gets busy.
Experience Mardi Gras all year long
Mardi Gras Museum
French Quarter, New Orleans, LA open noon-4PM $17
Spend a Day at the National WWII Museum
Even if you’re not a “museum person,” the National WWII Museum is one of the most powerful and immersive experiences in the city — and one of the top-rated museums in the entire country.
Expect:
- Interactive exhibits
- Moving personal stories
- WWII aircraft and artifacts
- A full day’s worth of exploring
Plan at least 3–4 hours, or even an entire afternoon if you want the full experience. There are also two movies that can be reserved in advance. Give yourself at least an hour between the showtimes because they are in different locations.
Must-Do Attraction
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA
You can walk, take the street car, or rideshare to the museum from the French Quarter. Tickets start at $26, but we recommend the $38 ticket that includes the movies.
Catch a Kermit Ruffins Jazz Show at The Blue Nile
If you want a true New Orleans music night — not the touristy version — go see Kermit Ruffins.
Kermit is a legendary New Orleans jazz musician, and his shows are joyful, high-energy, and completely unforgettable.
One of the best places to catch him is at:
The Blue Nile on Frenchmen Street or at the Mother-in-Law Lounge in The Treme
Frenchmen is where locals go for live music, and this is one of the most authentic jazz experiences you can have in the city.
Live Music Stop
Kermit Ruffins at The Blue Nile
532 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA
Tickets start at $20 and $35 for reserved, VIP packages available. Kermit typically plays Friday nights at 10 PM.
Take a Ghost Tour
New Orleans is famous for its haunted history — above-ground cemeteries, voodoo legends, and ghost stories around every corner.
A guided ghost tour is one of the most fun (and spooky) ways to explore the French Quarter after dark.
Check out our post on Bloody Mary’s Paranormal tours. This is authentic and not a tourist trap like most ghost tours in the Quarter.
Evening Activity
Bloody Mary’s Haunted Museum and VooDoo Shop
828 N Rampart St.
Ride a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi
For a slower-paced, classic New Orleans experience, hop aboard a Mississippi River steamboat cruise.
River cruises are a great way to see the city skyline and enjoy a bit of old-school charm.
Options include:
It’s touristy in the best way — and a relaxing break from walking the Quarter.
Scenic Experience
Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
400 Toulouse New Orleans LA 70130
Take a Day Trip to Oak Alley Plantation
Just outside the city, you can explore Louisiana’s plantation history with a guided day trip.
One of the most famous is Oak Alley Plantation, known for its breathtaking canopy of oak trees lining the entrance.
A visit typically includes:
- Guided mansion tours
- Grounds and gardens
- Historical exhibits
- Transportation from New Orleans
This is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Don’t forget to enjoy a Mint Julep while you stroll the grounds.
Day Trips
Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Vacherie, LA (Half Day tour with hotel pick up/drop off)
Tipsy Terrier Tip: Do a whole day excursion and pair with a swamp boat tour!
Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Day Tour
Go on a Louisiana Swamp Boat Tour
If you want a totally different side of Louisiana, don’t miss a swamp tour.
Just a short drive from New Orleans, you can cruise through bayous and wetlands while spotting:
- Alligators
- Turtles
- Birds
- Cypress trees draped in moss
It’s part nature adventure, part Louisiana bucket-list experience.
Outdoor Adventure
Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans
Tour includes hotel pick up/drop off
Final Thoughts: The Best of New Orleans Is Beyond Bourbon Street
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States — a place where history, music, cocktails, and culture blend together like nowhere else.
Whether you’re:
- Diving into Mardi Gras traditions
- Spending a day at the WWII Museum
- Dancing to jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Taking a ghost tour
- Cruising the Mississippi
- Exploring plantations and bayous
…you’ll find that New Orleans always leaves you wanting to come back. We’ve been four times and are already planning our next trip.
More New Orleans Travel Guides from The Tipsy Terrier
Planning more Crescent City adventures? Explore all of our New Orleans travel guides on The Tipsy Terrier, including our takes on Mardi Gras balcony parties on Bourbon Street, a deep dive into Dakar NOLA, best place to stay in the French Quarter, Bloody Mary’s Supernatural Ghost Hunt, New Orleans Cocktail Crawl, Classic Creole Restaurants, and our insider experience with the Krewe of Orpheus.
Cheers, Amy