Things to do in New Orleans by Locals (Updated 2021)

I would consider my husband and myself as the locals of New Orleans.  We live 30mins away from New Orleans city!

1. Crawfish are in season in the spring months, but usually can be found beginning in January until July. The peak months for crawfish are March, April and May. This is when you will find crawfish boils around town and at local markets.
   In 2021, we paid about $3.99 per lb for boiled Crawfish, this is the takeaway price.  We always get about 7lbs for 2 of us!
   Where to Get Boiled Crawfish in and Around New Orleans: https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-boiled-crawfish-new-orleans-nola
2. Charbroiled Oysters, grilled oysters on the half shell, and topped with butter/garlic/cheese!  They don’t show the price on the menu because it depends on the oyster season.  There are 2 restaurants that we like to stop to have charbroiled oysters in New Orleans, Drago’s and Acme.    I was told that if you order a dozen of Charbroiled Oysters, they always serve 13 (last visited in June 2021, we ordered a dozen and we got 12 LOL!)
3. King Cake The traditional New Orleans Bread!  The normal size is huge as big as a python!  Kingcake season is about January to February.  Some shop offers all year long King cake (Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery).  You may found Kingcake at the airport for both ready-to-eat and a cake mix.
4. Beignet, “French donut” the most popular is at Cafe Du Monde.  But it’s a very long line for Beignets at Café Du Monde in New Orleans on June 2021 (we recently visited).
   No table serves, you have to line up to order then pick up your order to go, you can find a place to sit as you wish but there’s no table service in the Restaurant. We didn’t line up today, it’s really too long and it’s mostly in the sun!  You may find another alternate beignet shop around the French Quarter.
5. Po’boy, a traditional sandwich in Louisiana! There are many Po-boys served in town, try shrimp, crawfish or oyster po’boys. If you have no idea where to get yours, stop at Johnny’s in New Orleans
6. Swamp tour
7. French Market The French market opens every day of the year from approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Now, it’s more than 60% back to normal – just hope all local shops are coming back soon.
8. Bourbon Street The party never ended at Bourbon Street, this is a popular spot to drink and get drunk! The Bourbon street is alsoway the best place to experience the Mardi Gras parade!
9. Hand Grenade and Hurricane cocktail. The “hand grenade” is hands-down the best drink in New Orleans.  The bartender won’t tell you the recipe because it’s top secret!  The drink is pretty sweet but it tastes good. This is an alcoholic drink that you can take away, carry and drink!
   Hurricane, Frozen Daiquiris are the most popular cocktails in New Orleans. I’m not sure that they named this drink after Hurricane Katrina but I did try the hurricane at Drag0’s, I think I like it!
10. Saints
11. Hot Sauce.  If you like “spicy”, you come to the right town!  Buy some local spicy sauce and take home!
12. NOPD T-shirt, you can buy a cool New Orleans Police Department t-shirt at the machine (in the NOPD in French Quarter).
13. Jackson Square and  St Louis Cathedral.  Every day, local artists show up and line the sidewalks and fences with their original artwork.  Recently visited in June, there were not too many artwork shops like it used to be (before Covid-19) but there are still some and I hope they are all coming back soon.
14. Santa’s Quarter.  It looks a lot like Christmas at Santa’s Quarters….all year long.
15. Horse & Buggy Tour ride St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans.  About an hour tour of the French Quarter with a stop and walking tour of the cemetery! It was a very pleasant and informative ride around the French Quarter in New Orleans.  Read more:https://www.somethingjam.com/horse-buggy-ride-in-new-orleans

Read More about Oysters-Bourbon St-French Market-Cafe De Monde-Jackson Square, New Orleans!

New Orleans Cooking Class, we took the hands-on cooking class (2018) “Crawfish Pies, Veal Des Allemands, Bayou Ratatouille and Pecan Pie”.
Read more https://www.somethingjam.com/new-orleans-cooking-class

My first list of 7-Must Try in New Orleans: https://www.somethingjam.com/7-must-try-in-new-orleans-louisiana
My First Mardi Gras experience (2018) https://www.somethingjam.com/my-first-mardi-gras-experience-2018
Endymion Extravaganza – Our first Mardi Gras Ball (2018) https://www.somethingjam.com/2018-endymion-extravaganza-our-first-mardi-gras-ball

Most of the local shops in New Orleans are prefer “Cash Only”.   Howevery The big restaurants/shops will accept the credit card.