Top Attractions for First-Timers
With centuries of multicultural history and tradition, it’s impossible to see all of New Orleans in one trip. But if it’s your first time in The Big Easy, you’ll want to make sure you experience the classics. Here are the top six attractions and activities we recommend for NOLA newbies.
Wander the French Quarter
No first trip to New Orleans is complete without a stroll through the historic French Quarter. Cobblestone streets lined with iron-laced balconies, 18th-century architecture, and hidden courtyards offer glimpses into the city’s rich past. Be sure to stop for a café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde.
Listen to Jazz on Frenchmen Street
At night, let the sweet sounds of saxophone and trumpet float down Frenchmen Street. Home to renowned jazz clubs like The Spotted Cat and Blue Nile, a musical adventure on Frenchmen is an essential NOLA experience. Don’t miss the lively street performers too!
Eat Beignets at Café Du Monde
A trip to New Orleans without beignets is like red beans without rice. The original Café Du Monde has been serving its famous café au lait and fresh beignets smothered in powdered sugar since 1862. Enjoy this classic 24 hours a day in the bustling French Market.
Tour Mardi Gras World
Can’t make it to Mardi Gras? All year long you can experience NOLA’s biggest celebration at Mardi Gras World. Tour massive float workshops and try on handcrafted costumes. Its gift shop is the perfect place to grab quintessential New Orleans souvenirs.
Dinner and Drinks on Magazine Street
For boutique shopping and al fresco dining, head to Magazine Street. Neighborhood restaurants like Jacques-Imo’s Cafe serve up specialties like alligator sausage cheesecake. Later, stop for handcrafted cocktails on breezy patios.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar
Climb aboard the historic St. Charles Streetcar—the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. Enjoy a relaxing ride under shady oak trees. As an added bonus, the streetcar provides a comfortable way to explore the elegant Garden District with its stately mansions.
How to Get Around New Orleans?
Navigating New Orleans requires some insider knowledge. Avoid transportation hiccups with this NOLA traveler’s guide to getting around the city.
Public Transportation
The St. Charles Streetcar is charming, but New Orleans’ public transportation system as a whole is rather limited. Just one bus line, the Loyola Avenue streetcar, and the airport shuttle connect major districts. Schedules are unreliable and stops are far apart. Walking, renting bikes, or calling an Uber are often better public transit alternatives.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis cruise the streets of the French Quarter and Central Business District but won’t necessarily venture to other neighborhoods. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate citywide and are generally an affordable option if you don’t mind potential surge pricing during peak times.
Charter Buses
For stress-free group transportation, nothing beats a charter bus. At New Orleans Party Bus Company, our modern fleet of buses and shuttles can pick up your group from area hotels, take you directly to top attractions around New Orleans, and have you back in time for dinner. No crowded streetcars, no hassling for Ubers, no maps or tickets to manage. Leave the driving to us!
Ready to Get Started?
We hope our insider’s guide gets you excited to uncover the magic of New Orleans for the first time. Let New Orleans Party Bus Company handle all your group transportation needs, from airport shuttles to outings along the riverfront. Our team has years of experience flawlessly coordinating group travel across The Big Easy. For a free quote on charter buses for your trip, call us anytime at 504-459-0899. We can’t wait to hear from you and share our beloved New Orleans!