What Should First-Time Visitors Do In New Orleans?

The best ways to get around New Orleans are on foot and by public transportation. The city’s neighborhoods are very compact, making them perfect for strolling sightseers.

If this is your first visit to New Orleans, what you need to know is a guide on what you can do each day. So , as a helpful resource, we’re going to lay out a plan for you to see what you what to see.

• Food
• Recreation
• Family Fun

Food

Here are some of the must-visit food spots in New Orleans:

Dooky Chase

2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 821-0600

Here’s what one customer says about Dooky Chase:”The very best spot for fried chicken in town! The atmosphere and service make this place much better than Willie Maes. Good enough for 2 presidents! The lunch buffet is a must..”

Ray’s On The Ave

 2005 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119 |  (504) 766-6404

Here’s what one customer says about Ray’s on the Ave: “This place was Great. There was a live band and they were Amazing. The music , WOW, it was such a joy. The Owner Mr. Ray was very gracious to us. And the food, Fried Fish Plate and Fried Chicken was Delicious. What a great evening.”

L’il Dizzy’s Cafe

1500 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 |  (504) 766-8687

Here’s what one patron says about L’il Dizzy’s Cafe: “Lil Dizzy’s serves up some of the best soul food New Orleans has to offer. In addition to classics like po’boys and fried chicken, you can choose from daily specials like fried Catfish and grits or smothered pork chops.”

M&J Soul Food Restaurant

9301 Lake Forest Blvd #107, New Orleans, LA 70127 |  (504) 304-2703

Here’s what one person says about M&J Soul Food Restaurant. “Saw this place on Uber Eats, wanted to support local and glad I did!! Food arrived quickly and still was piping hot. We had two orders of the White Beans (one with mac/yams, one with mac/cabbage). Food was awesome with great flavor! Super glad we gave this place a try, and will definitely be ordering again!”

Seed

1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 417-7333

Here’s what one customer says about seed: “So yummy, we enjoyed it all but my favorite was the Thai noodle salad, my kids favorite was the fried tofu. A pretty atmosphere and very good service. We will be back.”

Sweet Soul Food

1025 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119 |  (504) 821-2669

Here’s what one customer says about Sweet Soul Food. “About 7 years ago I was laughed out of room after suggesting a vegan restaurant concept serving classic southern food and other typical New Orleans cuisine. Well, Sweet Soulfood is who’s laughing now. Every dish from their cafeteria style serving line is not only a staple, soul food item like collard greens, red beans & rice, cornbread dressing and shepherds pie. Rather, they’re as rich, decadent and flavorful as their Animalia cousins. And that, is where the real praise is given because that’s where the doubt and criticism always lurked.”

Recreation

Here are some great things to do recreationally in New Orleans:

The Chloe

4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 541-5500

The Chloe is a historic 14-room hotel, restaurant, bar in a New Orleans mansion. Come for the history, stay for the pool and patio.

Here’s what one observer says about The Chloe: “Amazing staff. Phenomenal food. Delicious drinks. Beautiful interior design. Lovely rooms. Great frozen ritas by the pool. I could not love this place more. 10/10 would live there if I could.”

Pitot House

1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312

If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.

Jackson Square

701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200

Jackson Square is a historic landmark in the heart of New Orleans. The site is the centerpiece is a beautiful park and holds unparalleled historic significance: It’s the site where the Louisiana Purchase was made official.

Here’s what one visitor says about Jackson Square: “Jackson’s square was beautiful. There wasn’t many people at 11:30 when we went but it was also about to storm. There is a farmers market a couple blocks away that is a must to go through. If you time it right you can watch the riverboat take off for a tour. Very pleased with how clean the park was and the music playing by live performers.”

Take A Swamp Tour

When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.

Family Fun

Here are some great things you can do in New Orleans as a family:

Woldenberg Park

1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |  (504) 861-2537

Here’s what one visitor says about Woldenberg Park. “Best view. I love water. And it’s very peaceful. People running pass. Kids running having fun. Watching the sunrise and sunset right here amazing.”

Marsalis Harmony Park

8211 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 658-3200

Here’s what one park lover says about Marsalis Harmony Park. “Wonderful atmosphere with occasional festivals and art markets! Hands down one of the best shaded playgrounds in the city.”

Mississippi River Heritage Park

John Churchill Chase St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 658-3200

Here’s what one visitor says about Mississippi River Heritage Park. “The park has the cool artwork thru its entrance path and is a nice simple green space with benches to enjoy your stroll. Plus, its next to several of the hotels and across from the convention center.”

Final Word

New Orleans is such a great place with so much to do that you will likely not be able to do everything you have in mind.

Here’s what you do: Write down a list of must-visits that you can check out while in New Orleans. If you can’t do everything you want to do, you may need to plan another trip.

More NolaFi.com Articles:

• Best Breakfast Spots In New Orleans
• Best Margaritas In New Orleans
• Best Fried Chicken In New Orleans