New Orleans has always had this reputation for being a city shrouded in mystery and voodoo magic, lightly dusted with clouds of powdered sugar from the numerous stores that sell puffy beignets. Truth be told it’s hard, to sum up, this vibrant city in just a few paragraphs. One must get there to truly experience the whole New Orleans package. There are unusual activities that give away the tiny secrets stored in every corner of this beautiful paradise. Be it the lakes, the food, the culture and the festivals, you can start with the most famous things in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1. The Voodoo Museum
Let’s start with the mysterious side of New Orleans, shall we? On top of our list is New Orleans’ historic Voodoo Museum, where you can learn more about the city’s voodoo heritage and culture. Dispel myths, learn about the secrets, and even converse with voodoo practitioners keen to share their knowledge. A visit to the Voodoo Museum will definitely open your eyes to this oft-misunderstood religion.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Address: 724 Dumain Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD (regular), 5.50 USD (seniors, military, college students), 4.50 USD (high school students), 3.50 USD (children 12 and under)
2. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Known as the longest bridge over a body of water in the entire world, it’s easy to see why the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the most famous things (or rather, attractions), in New Orleans. The whole bridge spans a total of 24 miles (38.62 kilometers), connecting the north shore communities with the Greater New Orleans area. If you plan on driving through the bridge to the north shore, take note that tolls are only collected if you’re traveling to the metro area from the suburbs.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Address: Louisiana, USA
Website: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
3. St. Charles Streetcar Line
Moving on from the world’s longest bridge over water, we set our sights on the St. Charles Streetcar Line. What makes it so special is that it is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. That’s right! It’s been running on the same tracks, ferrying commuters back and forth, since 1835. No wonder it’s one of New Orleans’ icons, becoming one of the city’s many symbols.
St. Charles Streetcar Line
Website: St. Charles Streetcar Line
Opening hours: 24/7
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4. Creole food
When in New Orleans, do as the locals do! You won’t hear any complaints from us when it comes to food as New Orleans’ Creole cuisine is known for being soulful and honest-to-goodness delicious. Get a piece of paper and list down all these dishes you need to try: braised rabbit, poulet Rochambeau, creole jambalaya, shrimp creole, and of course, a good and hearty bowl of gumbo (don’t get it confused with its Cajun version).
5. Dental floss
Today in “Things You Never Knew You Needed to Know,” we touch on the origins of dental floss, which is apparently traced back to New Orleans. According to most reputable sources, we have Levi Spear Parmly, a New Orleans dentist, to thank for the invention of the dental floss in 1815. Back then, it was only a thin silk thread, but bigger companies like Johnson & Johnson caught on and created their own unwaxed silk dental flosses. So, after you feast on Creole food, don’t forget to floss for good dental hygiene.
6. Tombs and cemeteries
Big Easy has its own fair share of interesting tombs and cemeteries. No ordinary cemeteries, these areas are known as “Cities of the Dead,” laid out like small villages for the deceased. Spooky as it may seem, touring one of these “cities” also offers a glimpse of New Orleans’ colorful past and history. Unsure on where to start? Make Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, as your starting point.
7. Bourbon Street and its jazz culture
Bourbon Street is New Orleans’ party central, located in the French Quarter. It’s touristy, sometimes rowdy, and one of New Orleans’ most famous attractions. The entire street is lined with a variety of bars and strip clubs, so exercise caution when you’re traveling with underage people. The best thing about Bourbon Street, however, is that it is said to be the birthplace of jazz culture. Legends such as Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver started out in Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street
Address: New Orleans, LA, USA
Opening hours: 24/7
8. Mardi Gras festival
When talking about New Orleans, it’s impossible not to touch on the subject of the most highly anticipated party in the city. While Mardi Gras is celebrated all over Louisiana, the celebrations in New Orleans are the biggest and most colorful, attracting thousands, if not millions, of tourists to the city every year. Contrary to popular belief, it’s also entirely possible to enjoy the festivities if you’re traveling with the rest of the family.
Mardi Gras festival
Address: 2020 New Orleans Mardi Gras
Website: Mardi Gras festival
9. French Market
For the best shopping in New Orleans (and a healthy dose of history), all you need to do is head to the French Market District. You can explore the dining scene in the area, find great deals at the flea market, and purchase fresh produce from the farmers’ market, all while learning about the French Market’s extensive history that spans 300 years.
French Market
Address: 1008 N. Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: French Market
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
10. Swamp Boat Rides (from USD 89.0)
New Orleans’ is surrounded by expansive swampland, which makes boat rides out in the swamp one of the most famous activities in the Big Easy. Aside from the treat of getting to see local flora and fauna, there’s also the added excitement knowing there are alligators hiding out there. Swamp boat rides are also often accompanied by a knowledgeable guide so you can learn more about the area.
New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Did we miss something?
Comment below and tell us all about your famous things in New Orleans. For more information on New Orleans, don’t hesitate to browse our website to access countless other New Orleans travel guides. You can build your itinerary from here, based on your pace and preference.
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