French Quarter & Central Business District
Activities that may or may not include drinking but don’t necessarily have to or activities to in between eating and drinking and seeing music...
French Quarter
1.
Preservation Hall: An old building off Bourbon Street, established in 1961, meant to preserve the art of jazz in its purest form. The place gets absolutely packed, and you have to wait in line to obtain tickets for around 30-45 minutes usually. From there, each performance is 45 minutes. The band that plays there is now a major touring act as well.
2.
Jackson Square: A beautiful square in the French Quarter that is a masterpiece, and seen in New Orleans as a significant symbol, similar to the Eiffel Tower is in Paris. The dramatic courtyard lay in front of St. Louis Cathedral. It does have a Parisian-feel in the sense that there are plenty of artists and musicians that surround it.
3.
Walk!: Walk around the French Quarter. There are hidden treasures everywhere. One of my favorite streets is Royal Street, as it’s decked with antique furniture stores and art galleries. The colors of the buildings ignite the city in a way that feels like you are in another country. One of the classic hooks that Tulane admission uses is going to Tulane is the closest thing to studying abroad within the United States. If not Royal Street, check the riverwalk. There are miles along the Mississippi River to explore. One of my parents’ favorite things to do is to walk Bourbon Street in the early morning. The city power washes the streets of its filth from the night before daily. Evidently, the Bourbon asphalt is sparkling clean before noon. I was never able to verify this testimony.
4.
Shopping: Some of the best shopping in the city is in this area. Find shops along Peters street. Additionally, there are fancier shops at Canal Place if that suits you. Another famous market with everything from food to art is on the border of the French Quarter and the Marigny area called the French Market. It is outdoors but covered and you can have a Cafe Du Monde beignet before perusing.
5.
Touristy things: If you are feeling extra touristy, check out a riverboat cruise on the Creole Queen or go on a haunted tour of the city. MAYBE even an escape room!
6.
Art markets: Several open-air art markets open up at night in both the French Quarter and the Marigny. There is a magical art market located on Frenchmen Street, while the others are scattered across the French Quarter.
Central Business District
1.
WWII Museum: Widely considered the Official World War II museum in the nation. It is relatively new, and there is an interactive tour. The place is HUGE, but you could get a lot done in a short amount of time or spend the day there.
2.
River Walk: There is a lovely walk along the Mississippi River. It is paved with art installations along the way. There are also shops to check out.
3.
Audubon Aquarium: The Audubon Institute also has an aquarium that is worth checking out if aquariums are your thing.
4.
Art Galleries: Plenty of artists have studios scattered around the Central Business District. Overall they present a Southern flair to contemporary art. All very visually appealing.