As New Orleans gears up for an exciting year ahead, the city is brimming with fresh energy, culinary innovation, and historic charm. The iconic Superdome, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, has undergone major renovations for last week’s Super Bowl LIX.
Meanwhile, the transformed Caesars New Orleans ($435 million later) has redefined luxury with a Nobu restaurant and hotel, elevating the downtown experience. Across the street, the Four Seasons New Orleans continues to make waves as a high-end respite with standout dining options, and the legendary Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter has recently been given a fresh new look. Not to be outdone, the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is celebrating 25 years of Southern elegance.
But there’s so much more to New Orleans than football and festivities. Whether you’re visiting for music, history, or the food scene, the Crescent City delivers in ways few places can. While classics like Commander’s Palace and Antoine’s remain eternal favorites, exciting newcomers like Acamaya (Mexican seafood), Dakar NOLA (Senegalese-Creole fusion), and 34 Restaurant and Bar (Emeril Lagasse and son E.J.’s take on their Portuguese heritage) add even more depth to a city already known as a culinary powerhouse.
Beyond Mardi Gras, here are five must-have New Orleans experiences that showcase the soul of the city in unique ways, along with some off-the-beaten-path spots to explore for an even deeper experience.
1. Dive Into the Deep Sounds of New Orleans Music
New Orleans and music go hand in hand. The city is the birthplace of jazz, but its music scene is an ever-evolving blend of blues, funk, brass, and soul. A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without soaking in its legendary sounds.
Where to Listen:
Frenchmen Street – Skip Bourbon Street and head here instead. This stretch is lined with intimate clubs like The Spotted Cat and Blue Nile, where live bands play everything from jazz to funk until the early hours.
Preservation Hall – One of the most historic jazz venues in the world, offering intimate, no-frills performances that transport you to the past.
Tipitina’s – A staple for live music since the 1970s, this venue hosts both local legends and national touring acts.
Bacchanal Wine – A unique outdoor wine bar with live jazz in the Bywater neighborhood. Perfect for sipping a glass of wine while listening to a local trio.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tip: For an even more underground experience, check out Bullet’s Sports Bar in the 7th Ward. It’s a true local’s haunt where brass bands like the Hot 8 Brass Band sometimes pop up for surprise performances.
2. Explore the City’s Hauntingly Beautiful Cemeteries
New Orleans is known for its above-ground cemeteries, filled with elaborate mausoleums, moss-covered tombs, and centuries-old history. These “Cities of the Dead” are as much about architecture as they are about the supernatural.
Best Cemeteries to Visit:
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – The oldest and most famous, home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and the rumored future tomb of Nicolas Cage.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – Located in the Garden District, this cemetery has been featured in countless films and novels.
Metairie Cemetery – While not in the French Quarter, this cemetery boasts some of the most elaborate tombs in the country, including a pyramid-shaped mausoleum.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tip: Visit Holt Cemetery, a hidden graveyard near Delgado Community College. Unlike the grand tombs of St. Louis Cemetery, this burial ground is a humble, hauntingly beautiful place where families still tend to handmade wooden markers.
3. Take a Ride on the Historic St. Charles Streetcar
The St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world and offers a scenic way to explore the city.
Why It’s a Must-Do:
It’s affordable and iconic – Just $1.25 per ride (or get a day pass for unlimited rides).
It passes through lush, oak-lined streets of the Garden District, giving you a peek at historic mansions.
You’ll see Audubon Park, Tulane University, and Loyola University along the way.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tip: Hop off at Camellia Grill, an old-school diner with one of the best pecan waffles and chili omelets in town. It’s a favorite among locals but often overlooked by tourists.
4. Indulge in a Classic New Orleans Food Tour
New Orleans is a food lover’s dream, blending influences from French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. While there are endless restaurants to try, a food tour lets you sample multiple classics in one go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beignets at Café du Monde – Light, fluffy, and covered in a mountain of powdered sugar.
Po’boys from Parkway Bakery – Roast beef, fried shrimp, or oysters? You can’t go wrong.
Gumbo from Dooky Chase’s – A rich, soulful stew that defines Creole cuisine.
Chargrilled Oysters at Drago’s – Butter, garlic, and a touch of magic.
Bananas Foster at Brennan’s – An indulgent dessert flambéed right at your table.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tip: Want an authentic New Orleans breakfast? Willie Mae’s Scotch House is famous for its fried chicken, but their breakfast menu (only available on weekends) is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
5. Take a Swamp Tour for a Different Side of Louisiana
While the French Quarter is a must, New Orleans is also surrounded by lush bayous and incredible wildlife. A swamp tour is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Louisiana.
What to Expect:
Spot alligators, egrets, turtles, and wild boar in their natural habitat.
Glide through cypress forests and Spanish moss-covered waterways.
Learn about the region’s rich Cajun and Creole history.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Tip: Skip the bigger tour companies and book with Lost Lands Environmental Tours—a small, eco-friendly company that offers a quieter, more immersive experience with a strong focus on conservation.
Final Thoughts: Why New Orleans is a Must-Visit Beyond Mardi Gras
New Orleans is so much more than a party town. It’s a city that sings, breathes, and lives history, music, and food. Whether you’re soaking in the sounds of a jazz band, getting chills in a historic cemetery, indulging in a plate of gumbo, or exploring the swamps, there’s always something magical to experience.
So, next time you visit, skip the cliché tourist traps and dive into the true essence of New Orleans—one delicious meal, haunting tale, and live performance at a time.
