Things to do

Question

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

Best happy hour? Best place for grilled oysters?

Answer

New Orleans has so much to offer beyond Bourbon Street, especially for visitors looking for good food, drinks, and authentic local experiences. Since you’ve already done swamp tours and cemetery tours, you can focus on music, food, and unique neighborhoods.

For things to do and explore:

Frenchmen Street: Less touristy than Bourbon Street and full of live music venues, bars, and local art. Great for jazz and blues, with a lively but authentic atmosphere.
Magazine Street: A great area for boutique shopping, galleries, and cafés. Ideal for strolling and finding local crafts and goods.
City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art: Beautiful outdoor space for walking, especially in the mornings. Even if you’re not museum-goers, the park itself is lovely.
Riverfront Walk: Scenic strolls along the Mississippi River, including spots for pictures and casual dining.
Garden District Tour: Self-guided walking or streetcar ride to see historic homes, oak-lined streets, and architecture without the typical tourist crowds.

For food, New Orleans has some fantastic local options that go beyond typical tourist spots:

Acme Oyster House or Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Both are iconic for grilled oysters and classic NOLA seafood dishes.
Coop’s Place: Great casual Creole/Cajun food, with jambalaya, gumbo, and seafood favorites.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Traditional Creole cuisine with deep local history; great for lunch or dinner if you want authentic flavors.
Cochon Butcher: Known for sandwiches, small plates, and casual dining with local ingredients.

Best happy hour spots:

The Rusty Nail: Laid-back bar in Bywater neighborhood with local crowd and craft cocktails.
Bar Tonique: Small cocktail bar with creative drinks and good happy hour specials.
The Bulldog: Great beer selection and casual vibe; usually has drink specials.
Frenchmen Art Market area bars: Many of the smaller Frenchmen Street bars have early evening specials, especially for local beers and cocktails.

Additional tips:

Try to hit Frenchmen Street in the evening for music, and consider starting earlier on Magazine Street or the Garden District for a relaxed daytime experience.
Grilled oysters are best fresh; late afternoon or dinner time at Acme or Felix’s ensures freshness without long lines.
Many happy hours run 3–6pm, so planning an early cocktail before dinner can save money and offer a more relaxed vibe.

With this approach, you’ll get authentic New Orleans food, drinks, and music without the heavy tourist crush of Bourbon Street.