Jenny Peters

It’s not just Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, Jazz Fest and famous restaurants that attract visitors to New Orleans—the history, music scene, art, architecture and overall vibe also draw enthusiastic travelers from around the world. There are endless things to do in New Orleans to soak up the essential flavor of the city, plus a slew of attractions that are must-sees for visitors and locals alike. Whole neighborhoods like the Garden District and the French Quarter are attractions in themselves, with unique architecture and plenty of stories to tell. The best New Orleans attractions link the past and the present, as the city is a reflection of its many cultural influences. From award-winning museums and historic homes to serene parks and iconic properties, here’s how to fill your time when not eating, drinking or dancing. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best cheap hotels in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in New Orleans  

Who doesn’t like fried dough? From donuts and funnel cakes to churros, buñuelos and zeppole, there’s nothing like this hot, fluffy treat. In New Orleans, the iconic beignet is the fried dough delicacy of choice. In their original and simplest form, the fried, pillowy squares are piled high with powdered sugar, producing a cloud of sweet joy with each bite (if you’re not covered in white powder, you’re doing it wrong). The best beignets in New Orleans include this traditional version as well as other creative interpretations both savory and sweet. From an order of three and a chicory cafe au lait at the famous Cafe du Monde to delicate, blue crab-stuffed versions at white tablecloth establishments, beignets are served at restaurants throughout the city. Innovative options include tantalizing, praline-filled beignets or indulgent beignets bursting with the likes of crawfish etouffee. You can sample some of the best and most creative versions at the annual Beignet Festival in October, or work your way through this beignet bucket list, one by one. You’ll definitely want to try them all.

New Orleans is pretty much number one for having a good time. The city is known for its amazing food, music and culture, and it takes every opportunity to celebrate these things that make the city so unique. There’s a festival dedicated to almost everything, from musical styles (jazz, zydeco and blues) and iconic foods (like crawfish, gumbo and beignets) to specific neighborhoods and cultures that define the city. The best festivals in New Orleans feature music, food, dancing, art and a non-stop good time. While not a traditional festival by definition, Mardi Gras (and the preceding Carnival season) is the best-known celebration in New Orleans. However, there are so many other festivals that, regardless of the time of year, there’s probably a festival happening. Spring and fall, with the great weather they bring, are the most active times for festivals. Here are some of the best festivals in New Orleans that are worth a spot on your bucket list for a chance to experience the city’s food, culture and music all in one spot. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

As the sun rises over the Crescent City, you’re bound to catch the scent of strong chicory coffee brewing. There are many ways to start the day here, be it with a cafe au lait and a fresh-baked croissant or a hearty spread starring eggs Benedict or thick French toast. Cafes and restaurants serving up breakfast in New Orleans have just the thing to fuel you up. It’s worth leaving the house a little earlier to spend your morning at these breakfast spots. From neighborhood cafes where regulars meet to start the day to famous restaurants that make any breakfast a special occasion, you’ll find classic breakfast fare and creative dishes that highlight the French, Creole, Italian and other influences that make the city’s food scene shine. You can wake up with beignets, praline bacon, pecan waffles, breakfast wraps or a simple, delicious pastry. Late risers (or those recovering from a night out at New Orleans’ best bars) can enjoy one of the city’s best brunches, but whatever time you get started, these New Orleans breakfast spots are the best way to enjoy the most important meal of the day. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in New Orleans