New Orleans Beyond Mardi Gras: What Makes the City Worth Exploring
When most people think of things to do in New Orleans, they picture Mardi Gras crowds or the nonstop party of Bourbon Street. But here’s the truth… those scenes barely scratch the surface of this incredible city. New Orleans is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the United States, full of history, architecture, music, and unforgettable food. For women who prefer travel that feels meaningful, safe, and rich with depth, it’s an absolute treasure.
If you love slow mornings with coffee, strolling through museums, savoring local flavors, or relaxing by the Mississippi River (my personal favorite), New Orleans offers a beautiful mix of experiences.
And if you love cruising, it’s also one of the easiest and most enjoyable homeports in the country. More on that in a bit.
Let’s go beyond the beads and explore the real New Orleans.
Historic Neighborhoods Full of Charm
The French Quarter might get most of the attention, but step just a few blocks in any direction and a completely different world opens up. Many of the most rewarding things to do in New Orleans involve exploring its neighborhoods at a slower pace.
The Garden District
Wander under oak trees, admire 19th-century mansions, and stop at the famous Lafayette Cemetery. It’s quiet, elegant, and feels like stepping into a storybook. The neighborhood developed in the mid-1800s, and many of the Greek Revival and Italianate homes you’ll pass have stories layered deep into their walls. Some are still private residences, others have been beautifully restored, and all feel like quiet witnesses to the city’s past.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Garden District is by hopping on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar. It’s an easy, nostalgic ride that lets you soak in the neighborhood’s charm without rushing and pairs perfectly with a leisurely walk or café stop.
Faubourg Marigny
Faubourg Marigny sits just beyond the French Quarter and feels like a softer, more relaxed version of the city. Colorful Creole cottages, leafy streets, and neighborhood cafés give it a distinctly local feel, and it’s a lovely area to explore at an easy pace. You’ll often hear music drifting through open doors or from small venues tucked along the way.
Frenchmen Street runs through the heart of the neighborhood and is known for live jazz and blues. It’s the kind of place where you can step into a club for a song or two, enjoy the music, and move on when you’re ready. While you’re in the neighborhood, Ayu Bakehouse is a wonderful stop for coffee or a pastry… I’ll share more about why it’s one of my favorites a little later.
Uptown & Magazine Street
Uptown and Magazine Street are perfect for a relaxed afternoon of wandering and browsing. This area is known for its mix of locally owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and casual restaurants, many of them tucked into historic homes.
I love Piccola Gelateria, a unique spot serving small-batch gelato, crêpes, and coffee. It’s a great place to sit for a few minutes before continuing on, and it fits right into the easy, unhurried rhythm of this part of the city. Make sure you try the affogato with amaretto gelato… it’s worth it.
Incredible History That Goes Far Beyond the French Quarter
New Orleans is one of the most historically significant cities in America, and it’s easy to explore that history at your own pace.
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is consistently rated one of the top museums in the country. Through immersive exhibits, personal stories, and interactive displays, it tells the story of the war from an American perspective while honoring the people who lived it.
What makes this museum especially meaningful is how personal it feels. Letters, photographs, and firsthand accounts offer a powerful look at the war that shaped a generation. Plan to spend a few hours here and give yourself time to pause and reflect… many visitors describe the experience as deeply moving.
Historic Homes and Plantations
Several historic homes and plantations outside the city provide a closer look at the region’s architecture and history. Oak Alley, Houmas House, and Laura Plantation are among the most commonly visited, each known for well-preserved grounds and guided tours that explain how these properties were built and used over time.
Tours typically cover the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantations, along with broader historical context. Many visitors choose to visit as a half-day excursion from the city, either by car or with a guided tour, making it an accessible addition to a New Orleans itinerary.
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square sit at the heart of the French Quarter and are among the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The cathedral is one of the oldest continuously active cathedrals in the United States, and Jackson Square is a central gathering place framed by historic buildings, mature trees, and views of the Mississippi River.
Street artists display their work around the square, and nearby shops and galleries showcase local art. Just steps away, the French Market—established in 1791—is an open-air market offering everything from fresh produce to jewelry and souvenirs. Café du Monde is also close by, making it easy to pair a walk through the square with a classic beignet stop (and yes, bring cash).
My Go-To Food Stops in New Orleans
If you love food, New Orleans is your place. The food scene is vibrant and deeply rooted in the city’s culture and history, inviting you to slow down and enjoy each meal.
There are dozens of lists of “must-eat” restaurants in New Orleans, but these are a few of my personal favorites. They’re comforting, classic, and feel like the heart of the city.
Café du Monde
A visit to New Orleans never feels complete until I’m sitting in the open-air café on Decatur Street with a plate of warm beignets and a café au lait. It’s simple, classic, and just part of the city’s rhythm. Don’t forget cash… they don’t accept credit cards.
Pro tip: If you want to enjoy your beignets later, order from the to-go window and ask for the powdered sugar on the side. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer, then sprinkle with sugar.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
If you want to taste a true New Orleans classic, head straight for a po’boy. Parkway Bakery & Tavern is one of my longtime favorites—casual, beloved by locals, and full of old-school charm. The walls are lined with history and signed photos of famous visitors (as so many NOLA restaurants are). The roast beef po’boy is legendary, and the shrimp po’boy is piled high and perfectly seasoned.
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Domilise’s is an out-of-the-way, hole-in-the-wall counter-serve spot that’s been serving po’boys since 1924. I first spotted it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (total dive), and it’s still my top pick for a shrimp po’boy.
Ayu Bakehouse
Ayu Bakehouse is another favorite, located right on Washington Square. It’s warm, inviting, and the kind of place that encourages you to slow down. Croissants, pastries, beautiful breads, and great coffee make it an ideal stop during a leisurely morning of exploring. It’s women-owned, and everything they make is consistently excellent.
Mother’s Restaurant
Mother’s is a New Orleans institution—plain and simple. It’s casual, bustling, and known for hearty comfort food. Their baked ham and the “Ferdi Special” po’boy are famous, but honestly, everything on the menu tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen.
Be prepared to stand in line. You order and pay first, then find a seat. If you want classic New Orleans flavors without any fuss, Mother’s belongs on your list.
A City Best Enjoyed at a Slower Pace
New Orleans is a city that rewards slowing down. Beyond the well-known attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city at an easy pace, whether that means spending time outdoors, immersing yourself in history, or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Steamboat Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi
A steamboat cruise is a relaxing way to experience the river while listening to live jazz. The steady rhythm of the paddlewheel and the views along the Mississippi make this a peaceful option, especially if you enjoy sightseeing without being on your feet all day.
Streetcar Ride Along St. Charles Avenue
This is one of my favorite ways to experience New Orleans (watching the barges on the river is the other). The historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar offers a relaxing and inexpensive way to see grand homes and oak-lined streets. I love bringing a book or listening to a playlist while riding all the way to the end, sometimes hopping off to explore Audubon Park.
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a quiet escape from the busier parts of the city, with shaded walking paths, lagoons, and wide green spaces. It’s an easy place to enjoy a morning stroll or take a relaxed break during the day.
The park is also home to the world-renowned Audubon Zoo, known for its natural habitat exhibits. You can easily reach the zoo via the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, making it a convenient stop without worrying about parking.
Garden Tours & Architecture Walks
Garden and architecture tours provide a focused way to learn about New Orleans’ historic homes and neighborhood design. Many highlight private courtyards, classic Creole cottages, and 19th-century mansions while offering historical context along the way.
Popular options include guided Garden District walking tours and organized courtyard tours in the French Quarter. These tours cover a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time and work well if you enjoy walking, learning, and having a bit of structure built into your day.
Why I Love Cruises Departing from New Orleans
If you want a convenient and enjoyable way to start a cruise vacation, New Orleans is hard to beat.
- The Port of New Orleans is close to downtown hotels.
- The river sail-away is memorable as you cruise slowly along the Mississippi before reaching the Gulf.
- Hotels and restaurants are plentiful and walkable.
- It’s easy to plan a pre- or post-cruise stay filled with meaningful cultural experiences.
For women traveling together, it’s a friendly, vibrant city that sets a wonderful tone for the journey ahead.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to meaningful things to do in New Orleans, the city offers far more than Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. New Orleans is a city shaped by history, culture, and food, with neighborhoods and experiences that reward travelers who take their time. From historic streets and museums to meals meant to be enjoyed slowly, it’s a destination that works especially well for travelers who value depth over distraction.
If New Orleans is calling your name, whether for a city stay or a cruise that begins right here in NOLA, I’d love to help you plan an itinerary that feels relaxed, meaningful, and perfectly suited to you.