Best things to do

Question

Hello all,

Looking for some good recommendations for things to do and restaurants. Have been to many on Bourbon street and not a huge fan. Anyone have any must try’s or better recommendations (not picky eaters). Also, we have done swamp tour and cemetery tours previously.

Answer

If you’ve already done the typical Bourbon Street scene, swamp tours, and cemetery tours, New Orleans has a wealth of other experiences that highlight its culture, music, and cuisine without the crowds of the main tourist drag. Exploring neighborhoods beyond the French Quarter will give you a more authentic feel for the city.

Activities and experiences to consider:

Frenchmen Street: Less touristy than Bourbon Street, it’s packed with live music venues featuring jazz, blues, and funk. Clubs like The Spotted Cat and Blue Nile are favorites among locals.
Garden District walking tour: Famous for its antebellum mansions, historic architecture, and beautiful gardens. You can do a self-guided walk or join a guided tour to learn the history of the area.
City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art: City Park has walking trails, sculpture gardens, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. A leisurely stroll here is relaxing and scenic.
Magazine Street: This six-mile stretch is full of boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll and shop away from the heavy tourist crowds.
Riverfront and Steamboat Natchez cruise: A river cruise offers scenic views, live jazz, and a sense of the city’s history from the Mississippi River.
Cooking classes or food tours: Hands-on experiences in local cuisine, from Cajun and Creole to beignets, can be a highlight without being overly touristy.

Restaurants to try beyond the typical Bourbon Street fare:

Coquette: Modern Southern cuisine with fresh ingredients and creative dishes.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Classic Creole fare with a rich history in the community.
Commander's Palace: A New Orleans institution, famous for brunch and haute Creole cuisine (reservations recommended).
Cochon: Specializes in Cajun-style dishes, local meats, and traditional Southern preparations.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant: Casual spot in the Bywater neighborhood, great for breakfast or brunch with indulgent comfort food.
Dat Dog or Parkway Bakery: If you want a more casual experience, these local favorites serve hot dogs, po’boys, and classic sandwiches with unique twists.

Other tips:

Try to mix walking around neighborhoods with planned meals or live music stops; it gives you a fuller experience of local culture.
Consider visiting in the late afternoon and evening for music and dining, as this is when the city really comes alive without the daytime tourist congestion.
Ask locals for recommendations—they often point to hidden gems off the beaten path.

In summary, for a non-Bourbon Street experience, focus on live music on Frenchmen Street, historic walking tours in the Garden District, casual neighborhood dining on Magazine Street or Bywater, and enjoying outdoor spaces like City Park. You can combine these activities with unique local restaurants for an authentic New Orleans experience.