Things To Do in New Orleans For Couples: Weekend in NOLA
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A list of great things to see and do in New Orleans to fill your itinerary.
We spent a long weekend in the famed party city of New Orleans. The city is known for its all-night party scene and the world-famous Mardi Gras festival. It also has a vibrant food scene with regional culinary delights.
We positioned ourselves at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside with a tower view room that had a spectacular view of the Mississippi River. The hotel was located within walking distance of practically everything we wanted to visit and was at the end of the main streetcar line.
Without further adieu, here are our 7 things to see in New Orleans.
Cafe du Monde
Nothing starts your day in New Orleans better than a visit to the famed coffee shop, Cafe du Monde. Order a café au lait (that’s coffee with milk) and a small order of beignets. The original location is on Decatur Street, with branded locations located elsewhere in the city.
Be prepared to wait in line for 10-20 minutes if you’re visiting during the morning rush and make sure to bring cash.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
For a macabre trip into New Orleans’ dark side take a visit to one of the nation’s oldest cemeteries. This unique cemetery, built-in 1789, has an eerie old-timey feel. The above-ground tombs and crumbling stones may send chills down your spine.
Be sure to bring an offering for Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, a gorgeous free woman of color who practiced Louisiana Voodoo. She became a local hero and legend after nursing people to health during the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 19th century. Legend says she still works her magic from beyond the grave.
You must join a guided tour to visit. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm, and Sunday at 10 am.
French Market Outdoor Bazaar
Located need the Market Cafe the French Market Outdoor Bazaar is a two-block-long covered indoor/outdoor market. The market is a combination of a farmer’s market and a local artisan market. Inside you’ll find plenty of good things to eat and drink, unique souvenirs, and tacky local flare (like gator skulls).
Mardi Gras World: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience
One of the coolest things we did during our visit was the tour of Mardi Gras World. Inside a huge complex people work year-round building the iconic floats for the Mardi Gras festival. A guided tour allows you to see the work in progress and some of the history of the parade. Plus the warehouse is PACKED with pieces from floats past. (Read our full review here).
Haunted Mansion House
You know how much we love Disney, so we had to include the house that inspired the design of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Colonel Short's Villa, a mansion built in 1859, is at the corner of Fourth and Prytania streets in The Garden District.
While you’re in the garden District you should take a free self-guided walking tour of the historic and beautiful homes and gardens in the area. Numerous options are available with a quick Google search.
Bourbon Street
Oh yes, the debauchery. We spent a few hours walking the dark and dirty street watching tourists from around the world drink the night away. It’s not pretty, but it is iconic and shouldn’t be missed. The best part about the street is the open container law. Unlike almost anywhere in the US, you can walk down the street from bar to bar with your drink in hand (as long as it’s not glass).
Food
The list of must-eats in New Orleans is too much to handle on a long weekend. The food scene here is top of the nation with unique items that can only be imitated outside the city limits.
To get you started, try the gumbo, crawfish, jambalaya, oysters, and the po-boy sandwich. None of this will disappoint your taste buds.
Things To See in New Orleans:
Cafe du Monde
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
French Market Outdoor Bazaar
Mardi Gras World: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience
Haunted Mansion House
Bourbon Street
Food
