New Orleans is a vibrant and eclectic place that infuses a diverse mix of cultures. Visitors will notice the unique architecture that boasts a strong French influence with colorful charming homes and friendly energy from the Creole people. Come and enjoy delicious gastronomy at historic Antoine’s - a restaurant that has been serving authentic dishes for over 175 years. The city has also been popularized by the annual Mardi Gras carnival. However, there is so much more to do in this Louisana town. If you are planning to spend a weekend here then these are the top things to do on the weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1. Soak up positive vibes at the Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a cherished park in the heart of the Mardi Gras haven, that is New Orleans. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. A trip to New Orleans comes full circle once you have set foot at the square where you will have an opportunity to take amazing photographs and roam around the iconic site. Pack your picnic basket and come enjoy the lovely scenery while enjoying the tranquility that the park has to offer.
Jackson Square
Address: 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Website: Jackson Square
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Sample delicious food at the classic Antoine’s restaurant
Why order just one thing, when you can have it all?! #AntoinesNOLA #WineAndDine
Posted by Antoine's Restaurant on Thursday, 23 May 2019
Treat yourself with delicious food at the classic Antoine’s, a 175-year-old restaurant famous for its French-Creole fine dining. This restaurant is credited to have created many culinary classics such as the Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardo. It serves many other French classics as well. It is a harmonious infusion of palates that form what is known as the French-Creole cuisine. The high-end restaurant offers private dining facilities and reservations are highly recommended.
Antoine’s
Address: 713 Saint Louis Street
Website: Antoine’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Sun: 10:30am - 2pm
3. Take a cocktail and food history tour (from USD 140.0)
Combine your love of food and history as you embark on this culinary journey that takes you through time. You will have the opportunity to sample delicious food and cocktails that have been a favorite for the people of New Orleans throughout the years. Viator offers visitors a comprehensive tour to eight different locations throughout the city that include Creole restaurants, cocktail lounges, sandwich shops, and pre-Civil War bars.
New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
Duration: 4 hours
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4. Dig into the history behind voodoo culture (from USD 30.0)
New Orleans has a strong voodoo culture that dates back over 100 years and spiritual enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn about African-based spiritual folkways as you make your way to through the back streets of the city. The informative experience will take you on a quest to visit real voodoo altars, and hear stories about voodoo practices. You will also learn about voodoo spells and rituals and the people who practiced it.
New Orleans Voodoo History 90-Minute Nighttime Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
5. Get spooked on a haunted ghost tour at night (from USD 30.0)
This spooky night tour is not for the faint-hearted! You will get goosebumps and the hairs at the back of your neck will stand up as you embark on this adrenalin-pumping tour that dabbles into the spirit world. For a duration of two hours, you will be guided to the French Quarter’s most infamous and eerie locations, these are known hotspots for paranormal investigators and historical videographers. This is a great experience where you will get to hear the tales that are told about famous hauntings.
New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour with Guide
Duration: 2 hours
6. Discover the absoultely amazing Garden District (from USD 30.0)
This two-hour mission lead by an experienced tour guide takes you on a journey where you will have an opportunity to visit the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of New Orleans’ best-known above-ground cemeteries. It is also the location of scenes from many films and TV shows. On your way to the cemetery, you will pass through the gorgeous Garden District where you will have a chance to walk along elegant tree-lined streets and discover the neighborhood’s distinctive architectural style.
New Orleans: Explore the Garden District with Storytelling
Duration: 2.0 hour
7. Explore the world-famous WWII Museum (from USD 36.56)
Visit the famous WWII Museum while in New Orleans. The museum has a vast chronicle of America’s contribution to World War II. You will get to visit the buildings that were used during the war and see what the brave American men and women had to endure and fight for the rights and freedom that we currently enjoy.
New Orleans: The National WWII Museum Ticket
8. Enjoy the Mardi Gras carnival (from USD 22.0)
New Orleans is home to the Madi Gras carnival and no trip to this Southern town would be complete without getting an opportunity to experience what goes on at one of the world’s most famous carnivals. This tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look into the festival, where you will have the opportunity to see the artistry that goes into preparing for the annual celebration. You will learn about the history of the event, and see fantastic floats and props.
New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
9. Explore the French Quarter district on a segway (from USD 65.0)
Explore one of the most famous districts in New Orleans on a segway. You will be guided by an experienced tour guide who will give you a run-through of the town and show you all the iconic sites and attractions that the city has to offer. At the start of your journey, you will be given a brief lesson on how to operate your segway before making your way down to Bourbon Street. Glide along the mighty Mississippi River, and visit the Louis Armstrong Park and Jackson Square.
New Orleans French Quarter Segway Tour
Duration: 3 hours
10. Visit the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to learn about nature conservation (from USD 24.0)
If you looking to do something different away from the central part of the French Quarter then why not get in touch with the natural side of Louisiana and visit one of the four museums that make up the Audubon Nature Institute. This particular tour allows you to have the freedom to set aside your own schedule where you can have the opportunity to get in touch with nature and learn about the various species of insects and nature conservation amongst other things. There is a combo ticket that allows you to visit Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, or the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
Audubon Nature Institute Museums Admission
Get the most done in 48 hours in New Orleans
If you only have a limited time to explore this culture-rich town then make sure to select from this curated list of things to do over the weekend in New Orleans. You will have a fun time filled with lots of insight into the history of this eclectic town while having the opportunity to explore the mysteries and tales that have been shared over the years.
History
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