Discover Unique Things to Do in New Orleans: A Curated Guide

Visit Mardi Gras World: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the elaborate floats and costumes used during Mardi Gras parades. It's a colorful and immersive experience for all ages.

Experience Second Line Parades: Second line parades are a quintessential New Orleans tradition, featuring brass bands, dancers and revelers parading through the streets. These spontaneous and spirited processions are a unique cultural experience that showcases the city's vibrant music and community spirit.

Enjoy Jazz Funerals: In New Orleans, funerals are often accompanied by lively jazz processions known as jazz funerals. These celebrations of life blend solemnity with jubilant music, reflecting the city's unique approach to honoring the departed.

Explore Above-Ground Cemeteries: New Orleans is home to unique above-ground cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where elaborate tombs and mausoleums reflect the city's architectural and cultural history. Guided tours offer insights into the city's burial practices and famous residents.

Marie Laveau's Tomb: The final resting place of Marie Laveau, the renowned Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, located in the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and a site of pilgrimage for those interested in Voodoo culture.

Experience Voodoo Culture: Learn about the history and practices of Voodoo at places like the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or take a guided Voodoo tour.

Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo: A famous shop and shrine in the French Quarter offering Voodoo spiritual goods, readings and cultural insight into the Voodoo religion of New Orleans.

Palm Reading at Jackson Square: Visitors can have their fortunes told by skilled palm readers in the iconic Jackson Square, amid artists, musicians and the historic backdrop of the French Quarter.

Take a Swamp Tour: Venture into the Louisiana bayous to see alligators, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Swamp tours are available via airboat or guided boat excursions.

Museum of Death: A provocative museum that offers an in-depth look at the art, science and history of death, featuring a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the subject.

The Revolving Carousel Bar: A unique and historic bar located in the Hotel Monteleone, famous for its carousel structure that slowly rotates as guests enjoy their drinks.

Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House: A historic bar on Bourbon Street known for its role in popularizing absinthe in the United States, offering a glimpse into the pirate and smuggling history of New Orleans.

Take a Go Cup: Experience New Orleans' relaxed drinking laws by enjoying your alcoholic beverage in a "go cup" as you stroll through the city's lively streets.

Museum of the American Cocktail: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of American cocktails, offering exhibits, tastings and workshops on the art of mixology.

Canal St. Streetcar through Garden District: Take a scenic ride on New Orleans' historic streetcars to the Garden District, known for its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens and Southern charm.

Snack on Snowballs: Enjoy a New Orleans snowball, a local version of shaved ice available in a variety of flavors, a perfect treat to beat the heat.

Lakefront Airport: Explore the Art Deco architecture of this historic airport, which offers a glimpse into the golden age of air travel with its beautifully restored terminal.

Music Box Village: An interactive outdoor art installation where visitors can explore and play a collection of artist-built, architectural "music boxes" creating a unique sonic experience.

The New Orleans Train Garden: Located in City Park, this garden features a miniature New Orleans and surrounding areas with working trains, trams and streetcars running through it.

The Art of Dr. Seuss: A gallery showcasing the lesser-known artistic creations of Dr. Seuss, offering insight into the imaginative world of this beloved children's author.

Edgar Degas House: The historic home and studio of the famous French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas during his stay in New Orleans, now a museum and cultural center.

Dr. Bob's Folk Art: The studio and gallery of folk artist Dr. Bob, known for his vibrant, quirky pieces, often featuring New Orleans themes and the iconic "Be Nice or Leave" slogan.

Bevolo Gas & Electric Light Museum: Discover the history of lighting through the handcrafted gas and electric lights made by Bevolo, a company that has illuminated the French Quarter for decades.

Studio Be: An expansive warehouse space transformed into a dynamic art gallery by local artist Brandan "BMike" Odums, featuring large-scale murals and installations focused on social justice themes.

Backstreet Cultural Museum: A museum that preserves and celebrates the unique African American cultural traditions of New Orleans, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals and social aid and pleasure clubs.

House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Gardens - Doll Museum: An opulent Victorian mansion that houses an impressive collection of antique dolls and miniatures, set within beautifully maintained gardens.

Storyland: A charming theme park that brings to life the settings and characters from popular children's stories and fairy tales, offering entertainment for families and children.

Escape My Room: An immersive escape room experience with a meticulously detailed, historic New Orleans mansion set, where participants solve puzzles and uncover mysteries.

Venturing into the heart of New Orleans reveals a world rich with unique experiences and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This guide aims to illuminate those attractions and activities, offering a deeper dive into the city's vibrant culture and historical depth. For those seeking to explore beyond the surface, the city unfolds as a treasure trove, ensuring an unforgettable journey into its enchanting allure with unique things to do in New Orleans.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. In need of further inspiration?