New Orleans Travel: Beyond Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street: Okay, I know I said “beyond Bourbon Street,” but let’s be real: you can’t travel to New Orleans and not hit the iconic heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to snag a neon green Hand Grenade, sit on the patio at Pat O’Brien’s with a fruity Hurricane, and immerse yourself in over-the-top kitsch at Tropical Isle, home of the Shark Attack.

Bike tour: My personal favorite way to explore a new city, biking allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour without jumping on a huge hop on/hop off bus. FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours has options for everyone, from group tours to self-guided instructions to electric bike tours.

Ride on a streetcar: Step back in time and see the Crescent City from a charming streetcar! The St. Charles line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, so make sure to hop on a dark green trolley when you can.

Cemetery tour: Because of New Orleans’ geographical location, graves in and around the city are entirely above ground to protect against hurricanes and floods. Take a tour of one of the dozens of cemeteries around the city to learn more about the city’s history and culture surrounding death.

Hex: Old World Witchery: this shop is a can’t-miss for anyone who is magically inclined. You’ll find a huge supply of witchy supplies such as ritual tools, crystals, and books, and you can get a psychic reading or cast a spell at the Witches’ Altar.

Museums:

WWII museum: A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, this military history museum focuses on the United States’ contribution to the Allied victory in World War II.

Mardi Gras World: If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras, this is the place for you! You can tour the massive warehouse and watch next year’s floats being made.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: The first licensed pharmacist in the US lived in this classic creole townhouse. Now, you can learn about the history of the industry and view the country’s largest collection of pharmaceutical memorabilia.

Doullut Steamboat Houses: While most of the Lower 9th Ward neighborhood was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, these unique homes were able to withstand the tragedy due to their architecture, which was modeled after the classic New Orleans steamboats. You can’t go inside, but take a tour with French Quarter Phantoms to learn more about them.

Day trips

Swamp tour: Explore the marshes and swamps of southern Louisiana on a boat tour that gets you up close and personal with the official state reptile - the alligator! Jean Lafitte National Park is just 30 minutes outside of the city, so you can easily make it a half day trip.

Plantation tour: Slavery was a shameful period in American history, but it’s important to acknowledge and remember the events that shaped the South, including Louisiana. Visit a plantation by itself or pair the experience with a nearby swamp tour.

Eat:

Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe: fFamily-owned Creole joint, open for breakfast and lunch.

Chicken’s Kitchen: gGood old Southern comfort food. Menus change daily and lines form quickly (but move just as fast).

Saint Germain: Dabble in New Orleans’ French history at this tasting menu restaurant and wine bar with a garden patio.

Drink:

Sazerac House: Part museum, part tasting experience located just a few feet away from where the classic cocktail was first invented.

The Spotted Cat Music Club: Experience nightlife like a local at this intimate yet lively Frenchmen Street jazz bar.

The Station Coffee Shop & Bakery: Get your caffeine fix at this purple-roofed cafe serving up pastries made in-house and Chemex & V60 pourovers. Try their chai; they make the blend themselves!

Sweets:

Cafe du Monde: Not exactly off the beaten path, but once again, you’d be remiss to travel to New Orleans and not visit this iconic cafe serving up beignets and chicory coffee.

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz: Get out of the humidity and cool off with a local treat at this historic stand: a snoball is similar to a snow cone, but with a smoother, more pillowy texture.

Sucré: To satisfy an upscale sweet tooth, head to this Insta-worthy patisserie shop for macarons and other French-inspired desserts.