12 Irresistible Ways to Fall in Love with New Orleans, Louisiana: The Big Easy!
Floating atop the mighty Mississippi, New Orleans is a living tapestry of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures—where every street corner hums with jazz, every plate overflows with gumbo, and every night feels like a celebration. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good time, “The Big Easy” delivers. Here are twelve unmissable reasons to make 2025 your year for NOLA magic.
12 Irresistible Ways to Fall in Love with New Orleans, Louisiana!
From its storied music scene and culinary wizardry to its haunting beauty and festive spirit, New Orleans is a city you must experience to believe. Plan your 2025 escape now—and get ready for twelve days, two weeks, or even twelve months of unforgettable NOLA adventures!
1. Immerse Yourself in the Soul of Jazz
From intimate clubs on Frenchmen Street to legendary spots like Preservation Hall, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. Hear trombones and trumpets echo off wrought‑iron balconies as world‑class musicians riff and improvise in grand tradition.
2. Revel in the French Quarter’s Timeless Charm
Stroll cobblestone streets lined with pastel Creole townhomes, winding balconies, and cozy cafés. Duck into Jackson Square to admire street artists, street performers, and the open‑air St. Louis Cathedral—America’s oldest cathedral still in use.
3. Feast on Iconic Creole and Cajun Cuisine
Dive into a bowl of rich, roux‑thick gumbo, sample spicy andouille‑laden jambalaya, or indulge in a plate of fresh‑caught Gulf shrimp étouffée. Don’t miss beignets from Café du Monde—the powdered‑sugar‑dusty pillows that have fueled late‑night revelers for nearly two centuries.
4. Float Through the Bayous on a Swamp Tour
Just beyond the city’s edges lie moss‑draped cypress trees and mysterious waterways. Guided airboat or pontoon tours reveal alligators, herons, and ancient oaks in a serene, slightly spooky ecosystem you’ll only find in Louisiana.
5. Wander the Elegant Garden District
Marvel at antebellum mansions draped in creeping ivy, ornate ironwork, and lush magnolia trees. A guided walking tour brings to life tales of legendary residents, historic architecture, and the famed Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with its above‑ground tombs.
6. Sip Sazeracs and Handcrafted Cocktails
As the official birthplace of the cocktail, New Orleans elevates happy hour to an art form. Order a classic Sazerac at the Roosevelt Hotel’s Carousel Bar, or explore the burgeoning craft‑cocktail scene in hidden speakeasies around town.
12 Irresistible Ways to Fall in Love with New Orleans, Louisiana!
7. Hop Aboard an Authentic Mississippi Riverboat
Step back in time on a paddle‑wheel steamboat cruise, complete with live jazz band, Southern‑style buffet, and panoramic river views. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and scenic beauty—champagne flute in hand.
8. Dance Through Dozens of Festivals
Beyond Mardi Gras in February, New Orleans is a year‑round festival city. Scribble in your calendar for Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Voodoo Music + Art Experience, and countless neighborhood fêtes celebrating everything from oysters to onions.
9. Explore Hauntingly Beautiful Cemeteries
With graves above ground like miniature “cities of the dead,” NOLA’s graveyards are both eerie and strikingly beautiful. Book a lantern tour for spine‑tingling ghost stories and Creole voodoo lore beneath ancient oak canopies.
10. Shop for One‑of‑a‑Kind Souvenirs
Browse the funky boutiques of the Bywater and Marigny districts for locally made art, colorful Mardi Gras masks, handmade jewelry, and bottles of house‑infused bitters to recreate New Orleans flavors back home.
11. Experience the Soul of Gospel and Second‑Line Parades
On Sunday mornings, Black churches open their doors to rousing gospel choirs—an emotional, musical revival you’ll never forget. And on any given weekend, brass bands lead impromptu “second‑line” parades through the streets, inviting you to grab a parasol and join the procession.