Curator’s statement
Searching for the perfect way to celebrate a birthday in the Big Easy? Look no further! In this guide, we've curated a list of the best New Orleans birthday ideas to ensure your special day is filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. From indulgent brunches and historic tours to live music performances and romantic carriage rides, discover a plethora of ways to make your birthday celebration in New Orleans truly extraordinary.
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NEW ORLEANS BIRTHDAY IDEAS
Brunch at a Historic Restaurant: Start the day with a decadent brunch at a historic New Orleans restaurant like Brennan's or Commander's Palace, where you can indulge in classic dishes like eggs Benedict and Bananas Foster.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn the art of Cajun and Creole cuisine together with a hands-on cooking class, where you can create delicious dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines.
Enjoy a Jazz Brunch Cruise: Combine brunch with a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, where you can enjoy live jazz music, breathtaking views and delicious food aboard a paddlewheel riverboat.
Explore the French Quarter: Spend the day exploring the historic French Quarter, wandering through charming streets lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops and art galleries.
Visit a Historic Cemetery: Take a guided tour of one of New Orleans' historic cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where you can learn about the city's unique above-ground burial traditions and fascinating history.
Have a Picnic in City Park: Pack a picnic basket and spend the afternoon in City Park, one of the nation's oldest urban parks, where you can relax by the lagoons, explore the Botanical Garden or take a ride on the antique carousel.
Attend a Live Music Performance: Experience the vibrant music scene of New Orleans with a live music performance at one of the city's iconic jazz clubs, blues bars or music venues.
Take a Romantic Carriage Ride: Explore the French Quarter in style with a romantic carriage ride through the historic streets, complete with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories and history along the way.
Enjoy a Dinner Cruise: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner cruise aboard a paddlewheel riverboat, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine, live entertainment and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Visit a Plantation: Take a day trip to one of the nearby plantations, such as Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, where you can tour the historic homes and grounds and learn about the area's rich history.
Indulge in a Spa Day: Relax and unwind with a luxurious spa day at one of New Orleans' top spas, where you can enjoy massages, facials and other pampering treatments.
Take a Swamp Tour: Experience the natural beauty of the Louisiana bayous with a swamp tour, where you can spot wildlife like alligators, birds and turtles while cruising through scenic waterways.
Go on a Ghost Tour: Explore the haunted history of New Orleans with a ghost tour of the French Quarter, where you can hear spooky stories and legends from the city's past.
Attend a Cocktail Class: Learn how to mix up classic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac and the Hurricane with a cocktail class at a local bar or distillery.
End the Night with Beignets and Coffee: Finish off the birthday celebration with a late-night snack of fresh beignets and coffee at the iconic Café du Monde, where you can enjoy the sweet treats while people-watching in Jackson Square.
Need to know
Celebrating a birthday in New Orleans offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences, from indulging in historic brunches and exploring the French Quarter to enjoying live music performances and romantic carriage rides. With an array of unique activities like jazz brunch cruises and swamp tours, there's no shortage of New Orleans birthday ideas to create cherished memories for years to come.
In need of further inspiration? Check out Gillian Spatz’s trip report, Fun Stuff To Do in New Orleans. This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans.
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