Logical Alternative’s Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans
- Squeeze into Preservation Hall for a history lesson and amazing music. You might just find yourself watching a living legend on the stage.
- Eat homemade gumbo while sitting feet from a legendary musician performing at Kermit’s Treme Mother In Law Lounge.
- Admire the size and artistry of Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World. Or if Mardi Gras isn’t your thing and history is, the National WWII Museum is a broad and deep exploration of that period of history. (Band of Brothers and MCU fans, represent!)
- Splurge for brunch at Commander’s Palace. Or for a budget splurge, get to Acme Oyster House by 11:30AM for some of the best oysters and po’ boys in town.
- Nerd alert! Catch one of the best and quirkiest Mardi Gras parades of the year on Saturday, Jan 20: Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus! This parade is SciFi themed and centers accessibility, inclusivity, geekdom, and DIY ingenuity. All hail the drunken wookie!
- Get an overview of the city and visit neighborhoods you might have missed otherwise: City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. (Are you a fan of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire? We are, too! It’s worth it to take a tour of the IwtV locations.)
- Of course you won’t want to miss the charm and 18th century architecture of the French Quarter, but avoid Bourbon Street. Instead, check out the shops on Royal Street; stop for a “Megamosa” at Stanley on Jackson Square; check out the Cabildo if you have time, and don’t miss the fabled Pirate’s Alley.
- Oh la! Our favorite New Orleans night market: The Palace Market Frenchmen Art Bazaar. This also puts you on Frenchmen Street. Bands are playing on the street and in the clubs. Some of the best music in town is on Frenchmen Street. We especially like Maison, Spotted Cat, d.b.a., Blue Nile, Apple Barrel, and Three Muses. And, of course, you can always finish out the night with piping hot coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. They taste best after 2AM.
- Take the $2 ferry from the French Quarter to Algiers Point to explore the 2nd oldest neighborhood in town.
- Looking for something to do on Thursday night? Check out our personal favorite, Robin Barnes, the New Orleans Songbird at the Kimpton Hotel, Thursdays 8-10PM. Robin at the Peacock Room
EXTRA for the foodies! If you love rustic Italian food, make a reservation at Mosca’s. It’s cash only and takes a bit of time to get to, but their old family recipes… *chef’s kiss!* (and if they’re not open, or you can’t make it across the water, you’ll also find incredible Italian food and a local’s experience at Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House.)