Third Times A Charm!! For the Love of NOLA

Question

This will be my 3rd trip to NOLA and I really want to see things that I missed on my first 2 trips —- Frenchman street, more museums, the garden district, Treme, etc.

What would you recommend for someone that has seen plenty of the French quarter and main attractions, and now wants to visit more of the city, enjoy food that the locals eat, etc.

Answer

For a third trip to New Orleans, you’re in the perfect position to dive deeper into the city’s neighborhoods, music, culture, and local cuisine beyond the French Quarter and classic tourist spots. Here are some suggestions to experience more authentic NOLA:

Neighborhood Exploration:

Frenchmen Street: Known for live jazz, intimate music venues, and local bars. Great for an evening of music without the Bourbon Street crowds.
Garden District: Explore historic mansions, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and Magazine Street for boutique shopping and local eateries.
Treme: Dive into African-American history and music heritage. Check out the Backstreet Cultural Museum and local jazz spots.
Marigny: Vibrant area with colorful Creole cottages, local art galleries, and cafés. Often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Museums and Cultural Spots:

The National WWII Museum – a world-class museum often missed on casual trips.
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.
Historic Voodoo Museum or Voodoo Spiritual Temple for niche cultural experiences.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art – showcases regional artists and Southern culture.

Food & Local Dining Experiences:

Try po’boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern or Domilise’s.
For classic Creole fare, visit Dooky Chase’s Restaurant or Coop’s Place.
Local seafood: Acme Oyster House or Casamento’s for oysters and Gulf specialties.
Café du Monde is still worth a visit, but explore smaller local bakeries in Marigny or Bywater for beignets away from crowds.

Other Experiences:

Take a streetcar ride along St. Charles Avenue for scenic views of historic homes.
Walk along the levee and enjoy the Mississippi River views, especially at Woldenberg Park.
Consider a guided food tour in neighborhoods like Uptown, Treme, or Bywater to taste local flavors and learn history.
Attend a second-line parade if your timing aligns – a quintessential New Orleans experience.

With this itinerary, you can experience a deeper, local side of New Orleans while enjoying music, history, and food that many visitors miss on their first trips. Mixing daytime cultural spots with evenings on Frenchmen Street or Magazine Street will give a well-rounded, authentic experience.

Third Times A Charm!! For the Love of NOLA

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