New Orleans rewards curiosity. Turn any corner and you'll find brass bands, centuries-old architecture, a corner bar with a story, or a plate of food you'll be talking about for years. If you're planning your first visit, or your fifth, this guide rounds up the best things to do in New Orleans, with tips on getting around from The Jung Hotel & Residences on historic Canal Street.
Getting Around: Start on the Canal Streetcar
One of the easiest ways to explore is right outside our front door. The Canal Streetcar stops in front of the hotel, linking you to the edge of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River in one direction, and to Mid-City and City Park in the other. Add a short walk or rideshare and most of the city's top New Orleans attractions are within easy reach.
Wander the French Quarter
No list of things to do in New Orleans starts anywhere else. The French Quarter is just steps from Canal Street, and it's best explored slowly.
- Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral: The heart of the Quarter, ringed by street performers, artists and the Pontalba Buildings.
- Royal Street: Antique shops, galleries and some of the best street musicians in the city.
- The French Market: Browse local crafts, snacks and souvenirs near the river.
- Bourbon Street: Loud, lively and worth seeing at least once, especially after dark.
Go early in the morning for quiet streets and good light for photos, then come back at night to see a completely different side of the neighborhood.
Hear Live Music on Frenchmen Street
Just past the French Quarter in the Marigny, Frenchmen Street is where many locals go for live music. Clubs line both sides of the block, and on a good night you can hear jazz, blues, funk and brass in a single stroll. Many venues have no cover or a small one, so it's easy to wander in and out.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District
The historic St. Charles line rolls beneath live oaks past grand mansions and Tulane and Loyola universities. Hop off in the Garden District to walk among 19th-century homes and gardens, then browse the shops and cafés along Magazine Street. It's one of the most relaxing ways to see the city, and one of the best places to visit in New Orleans for photographers.
Spend an Afternoon at a World-Class Museum
- The National WWII Museum: In the Warehouse District, this museum is one of the city's most visited attractions. Plan at least half a day.
- New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden: Set inside City Park, easy to reach by streetcar from Canal Street.
- The Sazerac House: A short walk from the Quarter, with exhibits and tastings on the city's cocktail history.
- Mardi Gras World: See giant parade floats being built and learn how Carnival comes together each year.
Relax in City Park
City Park is larger than New York's Central Park and full of things to do: century-old live oaks, the Botanical Garden, paddle boats, and Café Du Monde's City Park location for beignets in the shade. Take the Canal Streetcar toward City Park and Museum for an easy half-day outing.
Catch a Show, a Game or a Concert
Downtown New Orleans is an entertainment district in its own right. The historic Saenger Theatre is right around the corner from the hotel and hosts Broadway tours, concerts and comedy. The Orpheum Theater is home to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center host Saints and Pelicans games plus major concerts, all a short ride away.
Take to the River
Walk to the riverfront at the foot of Canal Street to watch the ships on the Mississippi. A sightseeing cruise on a paddlewheeler is a classic way to see the skyline from the water, and the Algiers ferry offers a quick, inexpensive ride across the river with great views back toward the city.
Eat Your Way Through the City
Food is one of the best reasons to visit New Orleans. Try beignets, a roast beef or shrimp po-boy, gumbo, red beans and rice, and a Creole fine-dining dinner at least once. For ideas, see our guide to the best restaurants in New Orleans, and start your morning with coffee at The Daily Grind in our lobby.
Plan Around the City's Festivals
There's almost always something happening in New Orleans, from Mardi Gras and French Quarter Fest to Jazz Fest and Essence Festival. Check our New Orleans events and festivals guide and the area events calendar before you book.
Make The Jung Hotel Your Home Base
After a full day of New Orleans sightseeing, come back to modern rooms, suites and residences, a rooftop pool with skyline views, a fitness center and a drink at the Lobby Bar. With the streetcar at the door and the French Quarter steps away, The Jung Hotel & Residences puts the city's best attractions within easy reach.
Ready to explore? See current offers and book your stay directly for the best rates.