1. Ride the Canal Street Ferry to Algiers Point
“My hidden gem would be to take the Canal St Ferry to Algiers Point,” says Matthew Foster of Matthew Foster Photography. “Dating from circa 1719, it is the 2nd oldest neighborhood in New Orleans (second only to the French Quarter) and affords incredible views of the skyline. It also features the best coffee shop in town, Congregation Coffee. It’s also home to Toute de Suite (a great breakfast place) and the Barracuda taco yard.”
Good to know: The Ferry terminal is located where Canal St. begins at the river, between the Aquarium of the Americas and the Four Seasons Hotel. $2 per ticket (exact change only or download the app) for a 7-minute boat ride across the Mississippi. The ferry departs every 30 minutes.
2. Eat with purpose
“I’m always excited to share what makes New Orleans so special,” says Barrie Schwartz, founder and CEO of My House Events. “This city thrives on connection, creativity, and community—and that’s exactly what you’ll find if you explore with intention. As someone who works closely with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women chefs in New Orleans and beyond, I always seek out places rooted in both flavor and purpose!”
Barrie’s ideal foodie day? “Start with a coffee from Petit Clouet in the Bywater, then stroll through Crescent Park along the Mississippi River. For lunch, Sneaky Pickle is a casual gem with a creative, plant-forward menu.”
Schwartz also had some excellent suggestions for a night on the town. “For date night, N7 is a dreamy, hidden-away wine bar with French Japanese cuisine, and Manolito in the French Quarter is a cozy spot with some of the best Cuban cocktails around! Bonus stops: Neyow’s, Bacchanel Wine, and Dakar NOLA for a “deeply personal and unforgettable Senegalese tasting menu.”
3. Chill with the fam at The Fly by the river or City Park
“When people visit New Orleans, I always tell them—yeah, hit the French Quarter, eat all the food, hear some live music… but the magic’s in the in-between moments,” says Mike Nirenberg of 504CleanDat. “Slow down, explore the neighborhoods, and enjoy the vibe. And don’t miss the spots where locals actually hang out! We go chill at The Fly by the Mississippi River. It’s laid-back, full of families, friends, and folks just soaking up the sun and ship traffic. Bring snacks, a blanket, and a snowball—trust me, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!”
Need more family-friendly suggestions? Nirenberg pointed us to City Park. “If you’ve got kids, City Park’s amusement park is a hidden gem. It’s got that old-school charm, plus space to run around under the oak trees. Total win for everyone.” City Park also houses the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden and botanical gardens for a full day of exploring.
4. Be enchanted by Lake Pontchartrain
“For something peaceful, head to Lake Pontchartrain for sunrise or sunset. It’s beautiful and calm, and there’s nothing like watching the sky light up over the water,” says Nirenberg. Watching the sun rise (or set) over Lake Pontchartrain is a soul-soothing local ritual—no crowds, just sky and water.
5. Cruise the river in style and explore the music scene
New Orleans and Dixieland jazz go together like peanut butter and jelly, which is why visitors flock to the Steamboat Natchez for live music by the Dukes of Dixieland. “It may be a little touristy, but it’s a must,” says Marc Becker of the Higgins Hotel. “The Natchez is one of the very last true steam-powered paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi. Learning about the city’s history while relaxing with a cold drink in hand is an excellent way to spend an evening in NOLA.”
“And jazz is just the start,” he continues. “The musical variety is endless here. From Preservation Hall to Chicky WaWa, the clubs are too numerous to list here. The best way to do it is to pick up one of the many weekly music directories, find a band or a music style you want to hear, and then search it out. Most often it will take you to neighborhoods you didn’t know existed in New Orleans – another delight for visitors!”
6. Sample the city’s iconic cuisine and get out for dining and dancing
Kristen Rauch of PK Weddings and Events gave us some suggestions for places to grab classic New Orleans grub with the locals, starting with Mandina’s in Mid-City. “This neighborhood favorite is a must for a traditional New Orleans po’boy. Warm, casual, and packed with flavor—it’s comfort food at its best. Brunch at the iconic Brennan’s Restaurant is also a must,” she says, “especially for their famous Bananas Foster. Then grab a refreshing Pimm’s Cup at Napoleon House, a spot that feels like stepping back in time!”
Need date night suggestions? Rauch has a couple of those, too! “Start your evening with a curated wine dinner at Copper Vine, where the food is seasonal and the atmosphere is relaxed. After dinner, dance the night away at Vintage Rock Club—a retro-style nightclub filled with great music and energy.”
7. Don’t skip the zoo
New Orleans does get very hot and very humid in the summertime. So, what’s a family to do when it’s like a sauna outside? Rauch recommends the zoo! “The Audubon Zoo is truly one of the most beautiful in the country—lush, shaded, and perfect for all ages!” says Rauch. It features cooling mist zones and is shaded by ancient live oaks—including the nearby 300-year-old “Tree of Life.”
Good to know: It’s best to visit the zoo in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. They’re open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
8. Spend a day at The National WWII Museum
While it has plenty of sunshine, New Orleans gets its share of rain, too. On rainy days, take a trip to the National WWII Museum. Designated as the official WWII museum of the US and rated among the best museums in the world by National Geographic, the museum “tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.”
Good to know: The museum is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday. They’re closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Mardi Gras Day.
9. Morning must: Café du Monde and St. Claude Arts District
“New Orleans, Louisiana, isn’t just a city; it’s a vibe, a feeling, a whole experience!” says David Favret, managing broker at Rêve | Realtors. “Beyond the Bourbon Street buzz, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored.” Where to start? Beignets, of course! “Don’t even think about starting your day without sticky fingers from Café Du Monde,” says Favret. “Set your alarm for the pure joy of beignets dusted with powdered sugar paired with a piping hot café au lait.
Then, ditch the tourist traps and dive headfirst into the vibrant art scene of the Marigny and Bywater with a trip to the St. Claude Arts District – think edgy galleries, pop-up performances, and some seriously cool street art for that perfect pic!”
10. Dance in a second-line parade
“For the real local vibe, hit up a second line parade,” David adds. “It’s an impromptu street party with brass bands that you just have to experience.” In case you aren’t familiar, a second line parade typically features a main line of official parade participants, such as a brass band, members of a social aid and pleasure club (SAPC), or a funeral procession. The second line (that’s you!) is a crowd of friends, neighbors, and passersby who join in behind the main line—dancing, clapping, waving handkerchiefs or parasols, and celebrating. Second lines happen almost every weekend in different neighborhoods. Check local listings (or just follow the sound of horns and percussion).
11. Take a swamp tour at sunset
And finally, “if you want the ultimate off-beat adventure, take a swamp tour,” says David. If you’re uneasy with the idea of coming face-to-face with a live alligator, take heart. “It’s less about gators and more about the serene, mystical beauty of the bayou at sunset.” While you can opt for an airboat tour, they’re typically pretty fast and loud. For the most peaceful, immersive experience, try a guided canoe/kayak tour or a pontoon boat tour. Some companies offer sunset or full-moon versions!
Discover the magic of Crescent City
Many people associate New Orleans with Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, and all-night revelry. While these things are certainly integral to the city’s flavor, there’s a whole other world waiting to be explored in the evening strolls, the tiny cafés, the impromptu parades, and the joy of just being here. Whether you’re visiting or planning to make this place your home, take time to explore like a resident!
Author
Mihaela Buzec is a senior writer, researcher, and online content developer for RentCafe, where she has over 7 years of experience writing about the real estate industry. She authors important resources such as the statistics pages describing generational patterns and renter's guides that help renters in their journey. Her work has appeared in publications such as Apartment Therapy, Indy Star, and Investopedia. Mihaela is a published researcher and activates within academia as well. She holds a BA in English and German Language and Literature, an MA in Current Linguistics, and a PhD in neurolinguistics.