The best things to do in New Orleans

In a calendar packed with festivals celebrating everything from the blues and oysters to zydeco and tomatoes, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—aka Jazz Fest—stands out. Celebrating the culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, it's a festival like no other, where the food is as much a star as the music. Headliners include Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne and The Roots, Burna Boy, The Wailers and New Orleans icons from Irma Thomas and Trombone Shorty to Galactic and Big Freedia. The Expedia Cultural Exchange Pavilion pays tribute to Mexico this year, with artists like Santana, Son Rompe Pera and Mariachi Los Camperos set to perform. The Fest takes place April 24-27 and May 1-4.

As the city’s oldest neighborhood, the Vieux Carre is a must. It’s packed with gorgeous architecture, loads of history, a wealth of food and music and a cast of characters including long-time residents, chatty tour guides and talented street performers. Be sure to take in the views of the Mississippi from the edge of the Quarter while you walk. This month is the perfect time to wander the streets, admire balconies blooming with flowers and enjoy the breeze.

This six-mile stretch has it all: shopping, dining, art galleries, unique architecture, an award-winning zoo and friendly local business owners. Get your steps in as you shop local boutiques, then reward yourself with a meal at one of the many restaurants along Magazine Street that offer sidewalk dining or patios overlooking the hustle and bustle of the street. 

Upriver from the French Quarter lies the Garden District. Take a tour of this neighborhood’s grand mansions and historic cemeteries or stroll around on your own. The houses and history are a draw, but the neighborhood also offers a wealth of shops and cafes, as well as Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Book a tour to hit the highlights and learn the history of the neighborhood.

Spring is peak crawfish season, which means you’ll find plenty of crawfish boils. Pick up a few pounds at local faves like Clesi’s, Castnet, Broadview Seafood or Deanie’s, or plan on stopping by one of the many weekly boils held at top breweries around town. Schedules can change, so check the calendars for each, but Urban South, NOLA Brewing, Miel, Port Orleans and Parleaux host boils throughout the season.

The city's preeminent art museum sits within City Park, at the edge of the Big Lake. NOMA houses more than 40,000 pieces, featuring art from the Italian Renaissance to modern works. Save time for the adjacent Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden, a beautifully landscaped showcase of the Museum’s sculpture collection. Be sure to catch the current exhibit New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations that spotlights the work of four contemporary artists working in cities across West Africa.

Live music is more than just entertainment here; it’s a way of life. From blues and funk to brass and rock & roll, New Orleans offers a symphony of genres, but there’s something uniquely magical about hearing jazz—both traditional and modern—in its city of origin. Catch the city's best jazz musicians at clubs like Snug Harbor, Preservation Hall, Davenport Lounge and many others. 

It's only logical for New Orleans to be home to a jazz museum, for this is the city where the musical genre was born. This repository of artifacts from the early 20th century lets you see and hear the history of jazz. The museum also presents concerts throughout the year and hosts a variety of educational programs.

Wednesdays at the Square is a free concert series that takes place at Lafayette Square in the CBD. Every Wednesday from March 19 through May 7, bring a blanket and a chair to catch some of New Orleans’ favorite local bands. Drinks and food from local vendors are available for purchase, and an arts market features local creatives. Wrap up the series with George Porter Jr. and the Runnin' Pardners on 4/23, Eric Lindell on 4/30 and Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rodailleurs on 5/7. 

The National WWII Museum is a world-class complex with award-winning exhibits showcasing the stories of those who served in WWII and on the homefront. Highlights include actual planes, Jeeps and Higgins Boats, a theater with WWII-era musical performances, a restaurant and a fantastic gift shop with 1940s-inspired gifts and clothing.

Blaine Kern has been building Mardi Gras floats for the various krewes that roll in carnival parades in the weeks leading up to and on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). He's known as "Mr. Mardi Gras" for a good reason, as his designs have delighted the city for over 50 years. Mardi Gras World is near the Convention Center and offers tours that give you a firsthand look at the heart of the Mardi Gras parade experience, regardless of the time of year.

Experience joy, art and music at JAMNOLA, an interactive installation in the Marigny. The massive warehouse space has been converted into a selfie-haven with bright, colorful rooms designed by local artists to celebrate art, music and culture. Walk through the jaws of a gator, snap a pic with an oversized bust of local musicians and see what it's like to be king of a Mardi Gras parade. It’s sensory overload, New Orleans style.

This French Quarter fixture since 1862 serves the best cafe au lait alongside hot, fresh beignets at all hours. Take a peek in the window to see the magic happen, then dive into your order of three. If you make it out without powdered sugar on your shirt, you're doing it wrong.

The 350-acre Audubon Park Uptown stretches between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street. The two-plus-mile paved loop is a favorite of bikers and joggers. Walk under the shade of massive oak trees, watch ducks and swans paddle around or pick a spot to have a picnic. The park is adjacent to the fabulous Audubon Zoo and The Fly—a stretch of park along the riverfront behind the zoo (take a walk back here, and you may hear the monkeys or see a giraffe peeking out from its enclosure).

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a cultural gem that dives deep into the rich and diverse artistry of the 15 states that make up the American South. From folk art to contemporary works, every piece tells a story of the South’s unique culture and history. Don’t miss the rotating exhibitions and special events, like Ogden After Hours, for live music and cocktails. On view now through August is Keith Duncan’s Battle of the Bands exhibition, featuring large-scale fabric paintings and smaller works on paper celebrating Southern HBCU bands.

Looking for a unique gift or souvenir? The monthly Arts Market New Orleans features dozens of local artists selling everything, from painting and ceramics to jewelry, home decor, photography and more, including plenty of NOLA-themed items. The market, featuring live music and food vendors, is held in City Park on the last Saturday of every month.

In a city full of iconic music venues, Tipitina’s stands out. The Uptown joint on Napoleon Avenue was founded in 1977 and is still going strong. For a good dose of New Orleans funk (the venue is now owned by the band Galactic, who continue the tradition of hosting local funk, rock bands and mid-sized national acts), check out the lineup at this local institution. Big shows this month include late night/early morning Jazz Fest shows featuring Dumpstaphunk, Galactic and The Rumble and Tchoup Making Sense, a local tribute to the Talking Heads.

New Orleans’ streetcar system has been rolling since 1835. While you can no longer ride the Desire Line, made famous by Tennessee Williams, the existing lines offer a great way to see the city. The newer red streetcars run out to Mid-City, while the older, original green cars take you down historic St. Charles Avenue, past beautiful houses in the Garden District and Audubon Park.

Spend an afternoon at one of the top zoos in the country. The Audubon Zoo has world-class exhibits featuring animals from Asia, Africa and South America. You’ll also see seals, reptiles and a glimpse of the Louisiana swamp. Looking to cool off? The Cool Zoo water park opens May 3, offering a respite from the heat and tons of fun.

Stretching from City Park to the edge of the French Quarter, this 2.6-mile linear park is a green oasis in the middle of the city. The bike and pedestrian path takes you past playgrounds, native landscaping, art and sports fields. Plus, it's in close proximity to breweries, coffee shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Stop by the Crescent City Farmers Market on the Greenway on Thursday afternoons, or check out one of the many outdoor fitness classes offered throughout the week.