Planning your visit to the Big Easy soon? Or maybe your trip is already booked, but you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your time in NOLA. As locals, we’re experts on the top things to do in New Orleans during your stay.

We hope you booked a long weekend…or an even longer stay! But if not, you’ll just have to start planning your next visit now. 

Here are our recommendations for you to make the most out of your trip to New Orleans.

 

Places

For a smaller city, New Orleans has so much to offer. We can’t list all of the places you should see while you’re here, but we’ll list a few of our favorites, including some family friendly stops.

Stroll through the Garden District – Victorian-style mansions abound in this New Orleans neighborhood, and they’re just a streetcar fare away. Take the streetcar just one and a half blocks from the Lanaux Mansion down the Riverfront to St. Charles. Ride down St. Charles to view the columns and estates, or wander on foot past regal homes and preserved buildings. This neighborhood is known for its homes and gardens, not to mention the unique shopping opportunities and fantastic restaurants. 

Explore French Quarter Architecture – The French Quarter was New Orleans’ first neighborhood and as such is home to some of the city’s most historic homes. The architecture throughout is a mix of French and Spanish with influences from Europe and the Caribbean. Keep an eye out for our street tiles on the corners. Take note of ornate ironwork and the colorful array of facades. If you prefer to learn about historic homes rather than just view them, walking tours and home tours are available daily.

Swing down Frenchmen Street – Live music is the soul of New Orleans, and one of our favorite places to soak it in is on Frenchmen Street, just steps from the Lanaux Mansion. Find live shows, pop-up musicians, dancing, and jazz all evening. Let the music guide your feet onto the dance floor at The Spotted Cat or The Maison. When you’re ready to rest your dancing feet, finish the night with a late bite at Willie’s Chicken Shack or another one of Frenchmen’s local eateries. 

Things

Things to do, things to see, and even more to remember. New Orleans culture floods the French Quarter and there are some things you can’t miss during your visit. 

Peruse Art in Jackson Square – There’s an incredible amount of history in Jackson Square but we’ll let you in on those secrets another time. The Square itself boasts a beautiful garden, water feature, and statues. It’s  overlooked by the mighty St. Louis Cathedral. On any given day, you can take a stroll under the oaks and enjoy the art hung on the iron gates. You’ll also find tarot readers, street musicians and other performers to entertain you. Take a stroll to view the art or purchase a piece of the Crescent City to take home with you. When you’ve had your fill, Cafe du Monde is just across Decatur for a spot of breakfast or an afternoon treat. 

Relax on the River – The mighty Mississippi carries much in her stream, yet her waters are perfect for cruising. Hop on the ferry to visit historic Old Algiers or the Chalmette Battlefield. You can even book a riverboat cruise with live music, dancing, food, and drinks on the Creole Queen. For less sea-worthy legs, tour the Riverboat Louis Armstrong for a piece of jazz history.

 

Looking for more recommendations? Please feel free to reach out to us! There’s always something popping up in the Big Easy. 

Still looking for a unique place to stay in New Orleans? Join us at the Lanaux Mansion! We are perfectly located to access each of these places and things to do. To book your stay, visit https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations

 

Spring has arrived in New Orleans, and you can feel it in the air. Mardi Gras has come and gone, but the festivities are far from over. 

We’re just getting started. 

Everywhere you turn, you can feel the buzz. Everyone you talk to is bursting with energy. The weather is delightful, and the soul of the city is on full display. 

New Orleans is a city of resilience, and this spring feels to many like the end of an exceptionally long winter.

And the city is celebrating even more than usual as a result. 

Need a few reasons to plan your next visit? We’ve got so many. Pack a bag, or maybe two…because once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.

 

Festivals and Events

Springtime in New Orleans is all about the outdoors. This year, we’re seeing the return of many festivals and events that have not taken place since the early months of 2020.

YLC’s Wednesday at the Square – This free, weekly music fest brings local music to the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, with live music, food, and local art. This concert series runs through May. For the music lineup and more information, visit: https://ylcnola.org/ylc-wednesday-at-the-square/

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival – Louisiana strawberries are unlike any others! This year, the free 50th Annual Strawberry Festival will host food, music, and more from April 8 to 10. For more information, including music lineups, visit http://lastrawberryfestival.com/.  

Crescent City Classic – Looking for some exercise? One of the oldest 10K races in the United States will take place on April 16. Join over 20,000 athletes in a race across the city on a beautiful spring morning. For more information or to register, visit https://ccc10k.com/

New Orleans Poetry Festival – The 7th annual Poetry Festival takes place this year from April 16 to 24, featuring poetry readings both live and virtual, the Small Press Fair, and a myriad of events featuring all things poetry. For more information, visit https://nolapoetry.com/

French Quarter Festival – The French Quarter’s biggest free festival returns this year from April 21 to 24 along the riverfront featuring hundreds of musicians, food vendors, and artists. For the music schedule and more information, visit https://frenchquarterfest.org/

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – Two weekends of jazz and good times are right around the corner. This year’s Jazz Fest takes place from April 29 to May 1 and from May 5 to 8. Headliners include The Who, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Ludacris, and many, many more. You’ll also find a plethora of New Orleans best food and art at the fest. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.nojazzfest.com/.

 

As you can see, there’s never a shortage of festive fun in the Big Easy…and the season is just getting started.

 

Limited Time Only

History and Art – This spring, the Queen Nefertari Exhibit makes its final stop on tour at the New Orleans Museum of Art. For tickets or more information, visit: https://noma.org/exhibitions/queen-nefertaris-egypt/

Crawfish Season – That’s right; they’re here! The best time to enjoy a crawfish boil is spring. It’s also the easiest time to find them. If you’re looking for crawfish in the French Quarter, try the Original French Market Restaurant or Deanie’s Seafood for crawfish by the pound. If you’re looking for a boil, the Three Legged Dog usually hosts crawfish boils three times a week!

 

New Orleans is a city that’s always buzzing, and she truly comes alive in the springtime. There is much more to come in April, including French Quarter Fest and the famous Jazz Festival. Come see for yourself why New Orleans is a destination you’ll never forget, and stay tuned for next month’s blog with more information!

 

Stay with us! Step outside the Lanaux Mansion and cross the street to explore the fascinating walkways of the French Quarter, or simply turn the corner for the lively music scene on Frenchmen Street. You’re less than a block from either. To book your stay, visit: https://secure.thinkreservations.com/thelanauxmansion/reservations.