A Weekend Getaway In New Orleans: What To See and Do

New Orleans just radiates energy, so it’s no surprise that so many people choose this city for their weekend getaway. But two days aren’t that long if you spend them in such a lively area! That’s why you have to be selective with the places you visit, and the activities that you decide to do. There is something for everyone, from Vodoo tours and spooky cemeteries to art museums and fun bars. So if you are still looking for some tips on what to do on your New Orleans weekend getaway, here are our recommendations.

Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art

The New Orleans Museum of Art contains more than 40,000 works of art pieces, from paintings, sculptures, and everything in between. The museum is more than 100 years old, as it first opened its doors in 1911. Which makes it New Orleans‘ oldest institution for fine art. The extensive collection of this museum includes works from early Asia as well as 16th- through 20th-century European masterpieces. Even though there is so much to see, the museum itself is pretty compact. So it’s easy to see all of the exhibits in a single visit. Make sure you don’t skip the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is always a must-do, no matter if it’s your first or hundredth time visiting The Big Easy. You just can’t skip walking through this magical and historic place. The Vieux Carre, the city’s oldest area, is home to stunning architecture, a ton of history, and a wide variety of food and music. You’ll see a colorful cast of characters that includes long-time locals, chatty tour guides, and skilled street performers. You can even admire the Mississippi river from the edge of the Quarter.

Visit local cemeteries

New Orleans was constructed on swampland, so they can’t exactly dig graves to bury their deceased locals. That’s why this area is filled with cemeteries. And is there a better way to get to know the history of a place than by visiting local cemeteries? There are even guided tours available, and if you are feeling extra brave, you can book one during nighttime. ‘The City of the Dead’ is New Orleans’ oldest and best-known cemetery. Its ornate stone structures and creepy sculptures that tower over the maze-like network of linked pathways give the cemetery an unsettlingly gloomy touch, which is especially spooky at dark.

Enjoy a carriage ride

In the early days, the only transportation option for getting around town was by horse and carriage. These days, the carriages may be seen in Jackson Square by Decatur Street and are drawn by mules. Why not take advantage of this and experience this historic city like they did hundreds of years ago? Book a mule and carriage tour, and get to know New Orleans like you never did before. You will have the chance to see all of the most iconic locations while sitting comfortably in the carriage and enjoying the company and commentary of your travel buddy.