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100 CoolThings to Do In New Orleans--What would you add to this list?

Check out this great list from NewOrleans.com highlighting the top 100 coolest things to do in New Orleans.  

One thing that's missing?  A meal at Oceana Grill!  What would you add to this list?


There are easily thousands of cool things to do here in New Orleans, but the NewOrleans.Com staff thought it might be fun to narrow it down to 101. These choices are from our own, personal lists of favorite things to do in the city, so hopefully you'll find at least a few favorites of your own. 
 

1. Try New Orleanians' original cooling method: get a snowball!
Will you head to Plum Street to have your snowball in a pail, or will you wait in line Hansen's to see where the snowball craze began? Stuffed with ice cream? Topped with condensed milk and a cherry? Oh, the possibilities are gloriously endless!
2. Get spooked on a Haunted History Tour.
With vampire tours, voodoo tours, cemetery tours and more, there's a scare for everyone on a Haunted History Tour.

3. Take a guided tour of the Degas House.
Experience New Orleans from the perspective of the artist himself.

4. Enjoy the jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter.
Want to do something different one morning? Go out for a traditional buffet brunch in the picturesque courtyard at the Court of Two Sisters. Sway to the music of the strolling jazz band while you eat!
5. Get a tattoo at Electric Ladyland.
The classic fleur-de-lis? Mom? They'll put whatever you want, wherever you want it. If you have the money, they have the time.
6. Enjoy chicory-laced cafe au lait and powdered sugar-laden beignets at Cafe Du Monde by Jackson Square.
No visit to New Orleans is complete until you've tasted some New Orleans-style coffee and donuts from the historic Cafe Du Monde. It has stood in its present location since 1862!
7. Feed Your appetite on a New Orleans Culinary Tour.
New Orleans is world renowned for its distinct cuisine, and this unique tour explains the history behind the country's only true regional cuisine.
8. Experience all kinds of spirits on a ghost tour!
Join the Haunted Pub Crawl - A Phantasmic Cocktail Paranormal Adventure 5:30 pm nightly enjoy the history and mystery of both types of spirits ever present in New Orleans. The underworld meets the otherworld in a fun, racy and supernatural tour!
9. Ride a steam-powered riverboat on the Mighty Mississippi.
Never been on a steamboat, or want to go again? The Steamboat Natchez is a great way to see the city from a new perspective. They also have tours with live jazz and romantic meals, which are great for anniversaries and mini-vacations.
10. Go on New Orleans’ only Talking Car Tour!
New Orleans’ newest and greenest tour through the city, New Orleans Cruisers is the city’s only talking car tour. This GPS guided tour allows you to move at your own pace all the while seeing and hearing about the important and interesting landmarks of New Orleans. As you cruise by buildings and landmarks, these hip 3 wheeled sport coupes talk to you!

11. Have "A Round with Ryan Tramonte"
Explore the art, culture and social scene in New Orleans and find out what people all over the country love about our fair city!

12. Take Liberties with Old New Orleans Rum!
Come tour the Old New Orleans Rum distillery and see how a smooth, Louisiana rum is hand crafted by our distillers. Our tours conclude with a visit to our tasting room where you can experience the subtle flavors of our distinctive rums.

13. Take a walking tour, without having to walk!
Visit the most scenic parts of New Orleans in two hours on a Segway Personal Transporter. Learn to ride in minutes on the self-balancing base. Glide around the French Quarter, where the British once "walked," to Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, then down the Riverwalk to view the Mighty Mississippi. 


14. Tour one of our Cities of the Dead.
Our cemeteries are legendary for their above-ground tombs. They're often creepy, always beautiful. Guide yourself - in the daytime, of course - or go with a tour guide who knows all of the stories and secrets.
15. Catch as many Jazz Fest acts as possible.
The annual Jazz & Heritage Festival lasts two entire weekends, and a lot of performers will stay during the week and show up at clubs around town. Make a game of it with your friends to see who can get to the most performances.
16. Check out the many sports teams in New Orleans!
From the obvious ones, like the Saints and the Hornets, to the teams for the diehard fans, like the New Orleans Zephyrs, we have a sports team for everyone!
17. Plan ahead for next year's Mardi Gras parades, parties and Bourbon Street fun.
If you plan everything out now, you'll have more time to party later!

18. Get to "Cooking with Honey & Sugarboy" and discover some local home-cooked recipes.
Frank and Luel Lodato have been living in the Greater New Orleans Area all of their lives, and so have their families. Now, they are sharing their family cookbook with you!
19. Visit historic sculptures and famous paintings at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
This is great when you feel like partaking in a bit of culture on a rainy day.
20. Adopt a pet from the LASPCA!There are so many animals out there who need your love! Pick a pet from the LASPCA and take it back to your loving home!
21. Stroll through the Crescent City Farmers Market and support our local farmers!
Doesn’t a fruit salad taste so much better when the fruit is fresh and organic? Then why are you still going to chain grocery stores for your fruit? Come meet the farmers who grew what's going on your plate.
22. Get artsy at the New Orleans Museum of Art's outdoor sculpture garden.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is right smack in the middle of City Park, and the scenery - from an upstanding, larger-than-life, blue safety pin to tiers upon tiers of violins standing in a pond - is a great conversation starter. And admission is free, making it a great first date! 


23. Enjoy fantastic live music nightly at the Circle Bar!
From bands stopping here on tour with all their equipment, to random locals walking in with a single instrument, the music at this local haunt will always be entertaining.
24. Get to know some of the best chefs in New Orleans.
We all have to eat, and in New Orleans, you'll definitely enjoy it! Why not try a new place and broaden your horizons? You only live once.
25. Sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make some famous Creole dishes back at home.
Not only is cooking fun and healthier than eating out, it's also cheaper! Learn how to make jambalaya and gumbo at home for yourself!
26. See what's behind the red curtain at local theatres tonight!
Nothing good playing at the cinema? Support our local actors by watching them perform your favorite plays instead.
27. Spend a lazy afternoon browsing art and antiques on Royal Street.
Tired of looking at that empty spot on your coffee table? Try to find something unique to put on it at one of our many, many, many antique shops. You never know what you might find!
28. Go to GreenNola.org and read their tips.
Try to save New Orleans - and the earth - one day at a time by following this website's helpful tips. If you know it all already, then go share your tips on the forum.
29. Try the more daring local fare. Taste test some crawfish, shrimp or alligator.
Get a group of friends together for a Louisiana seafood boil. If you don't have a pot big enough, then get everyone together and go to a festival.
30. Have a famous New Orleans drink - a Sazerac, perhaps? -at home!
Eat New Orleans, drink New Orleans, be New Orleans.
31. Go to the zoo, the aquarium... or both!
Who doesn’t love going and looking at animals? No matter your age, it’s always fun to see what those orangutans are up to today. And there's a steamboat that will take you back and forth between the two! Sounds like a whole day to me.
32. Spend the day surrounded by streetcars and live oaks on a Garden District tour.
So many beautiful houses, so much history. Take a walk around one of New Orleans' most beautiful neighborhoods and try to pick a favorite house. When your feet get tired, hop on the streetcar! 


33. Get some homemade pralines at Southern Candy Makers.
Candy! Buy some for family and friends back at home, and most importantly, get some for yourself.
34. Spend a night or two at a charming B&B on Esplanade Avenue.
There are quaint little places all up and down Esplanade Avenue, one of the best streets in the city. A night or two hidden away with your sweetie and you'll check out feeling you've had a fantastic vacation!
35. Come face-to-face with Normandy Beach at the National WWII Museum.
Go have a history lesson of your own at the country’s official World War II museum. Celebrate the American spirit with veteran volunteers.
36. Tour Jackson Square and visit the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo and the Presbytere.
It's easy to make a whole day of it. If you bring a picnic to eat in the square, Café du Monde can be your dessert.
37. Visit Magazine Street's antique shops and unique stores.
Aren’t little knick-knack shops great? Even if you don’t have any money, window-shopping is at its best here.
38. Savor some gelato at Gelato Pazzo Caffe on Oak Street.
Mmm… New Orleans' own Italian caffé, complete with anywhere from 15-20 fresh gelato flavors. They use real fruit, nuts, imported chocolates and no preservatives!

39. Go browse the French Market.
They have lots of different things to look at, and it is a great place for finding presents. Bring some cash, haggle with the vendors and make your own gift baskets.
40. Eat one of the best fried oyster po-boys in the city.
If you can’t handle it, I suppose you could order something else.
41. Let the kids play while they learn at the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Don’t let the name fool you; grown-ups have a great time here, too! With a curious mind and a sense of humor, you'll want to stand inside that humongous bubble, too!
42. See Louis Armstrong, Frankenstein and Napoleon... at the Musee Conti Historical Wax Museum.
Tired of Photoshopping yourself into pictures with your favorite celebrities? Go take pictures with some wax ones instead!
43. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers of New Orleans, and learn what they mean.
Ever wonder what the real meaning of your favorite flower is? Why not have a look at our guide and then go try to find them?
44. Buy some fantastic cookbooks by local chefs and authors.
This lady knows her food; haven’t you been to the restaurants she's suggested?! Buy these books and try your hand at Bananas Foster or Eggs Sardou in your own kitchen.
45. Try to spot yourself in the crowds from Wednesdays at the Square 2008!
Look through them all to try and find your friends!
46. Go ride the mechanical bull at Bourbon Cowboy
Too scared just yet? Why not go have some drinks first? Next time you go, you’ll probably want to ride before you take that many shots.

47. "Get the Delicious Dish" from Kendall Gensler, editor of Culinary Concierge Magazine
Kendall features main ingredients like crawfish or trout and offers recipes you can use or restaurants where they are prepared the best!
48. Take a dance class!
We have loads in this city, from swing to hip-hop to belly dancing. It’s a great, fun way to stay fit!
49. Find out what the future holds for you.
Foggy, mysterious Jackson Square is the perfect place to have your tarot cards or palm read. Psychics line up nightly all around the Cathedral, just waiting for curious passers-by.

50. Hear why New Orleans is famous for live local music.
Check out the bar around the corner and see what's playing. Don’t like it? Go to the one around the corner from that! With our eclectic tastes in music we’re sure you’ll find something you like.
51. Tour an antebellum plantation.
All along the river, centuries-old plantations still stand, some with rows of oaks and some with intact slave quarters. Take in a bit of history and see how people lived before the internet.
52. Tired of TV? Go see some performing arts!
Whether it’s ballet, the symphony or the opera you fancy, New Orleans offers them all.

53. Take a historic tour of the French Quarter.
Why not learn why the balconies were put there in the first place? Hint: It's not so you could throw beads at people.

54. Glide past the alligators on a swamp tour.
Keep all arms and legs inside the boat please! Where else would you learn that alligators actually love to eat marshmallows?
55. Go check out the Insectarium!
Like bugs? Hate bugs? Aren't scared to eat bugs? The new Audubon Insectarium is fun for everyone!
56. Try New Orleans-style coffee and chicory from the New Orleans Coffee Company.
Can’t function properly in the morning without a cup of joe? Neither can we. Go get an original New Orleans cup to start your day right.
57. Reserve a limousine for a city tour or a big night out.
Don’t you want to be that idiot hanging out the moonroof of a limousine? Get some friends together and do it big.
58. Check out Cool Things for Kids to Do in New Orleans.
New Orleans has fun for more than just grown-ups! From camping to interactive museums to watching candymakers at work, I bet you won't hear, "Moooom, I'm hungry..." for hours!
59. Charter a boat and go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Bring some friends, a few beers and don’t forget the bait! You'll come back with a bit of a sunburn and fresh-caught dinner for tonight!
60. Throw a Mardi Gras party anytime of the year.
In New Orleans, you never need a reason to throw a party. Go down to Bourbon, catch some beads and have a party at your place, complete with Moon Pies and feathered masks.

61. Pretend to be a tourist and take a walking tour of a neighborhood you don't know.
We all see them stick out like sore thumbs; why not join them for a day? Throw on some beads, a shirt listing another city and some good walking shoes... and don’t forget your camera!
62. Check out blogs on the GLBT scene in New Orleans by Mary Griggs!
Mary Griggs is the General Manager of the New Orleans branch of the Forum For Equality.
63. See modern art exhibits at the Contemporary Arts Center in the Arts District.
Go check out their website and see if anything tickles your fancy. Buy your tickets now!
64. Research family history in the archives at the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Go research your family and get in touch with your roots.
65. Listen to local music on WWOZ.
Listening to our independent radio station is a great way to show support for the city's musicians, and to find out where they'll be appearing on stage tonight!
66. Listen to a live jazz performance at Preservation Hall, where jazz has been kept alive for generations.
This place is all about keeping New Orleans jazz alive just as it was in the beginning. When you step through those iron gates, you'll feel like you stepped back a century or two.
67. Spend a hungover Saturday chatting with people on the NewOrleans.com Forums.
Make yourself a Bloody Mary to help with that headache, lay around and type away.
68. Attend an authentic Cajun Fais-do-do at Tipitina's one Sunday!
Every Sunday, Tipitina's hosts a real deal Cajun dance party. Even if you don't know how, Cajuns are known for their hospitality: There's bound to be someone there who would love to teach you the two-step!
69. Check out Snug Harbor for a great meal with live jazz music.
Who doesn’t enjoy some good music with their meal? Afterwards, sit around and enjoy a romantic evening.
70. Visit Mardi Gras World.
No matter what time of year it is, it’s always Mardi Gras here! Come take a look behind the scenes of Mardi Gras and see how floats are made!
71. Walk through history at the Mardi Gras Museum inside Arnaud's Restaurant.
Why not come have a look at the private side of Mardi Gras? Accompany this with a meal and you can make a whole afternoon of it.
72. Try out your luck at one of our casinos!
Are you feeling lucky today? Why not cash in on it, literally!?
73. Go to Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl.
Have a few drinks, miss the lane a few times and listen to some great music.
74. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Cafe Giovanni in the historic French Quarter.
Chef Duke likes to call his food "New World Italian Cuisine." That translates as 'delicious.' Join that with impeccable service, a piano player and even an opera singer, and you'll have a night to remember.
75. Go to Pirates Alley.
This alley is famous as a hangout for pirates, like Jean Lafitte, who loved visiting New Orleans. Go at night and see if you can still hear the sounds of dueling swords, or even get married here.
76. Discover New Orleans bars with long happy hours and cheap drinks.
We called practically all of New Orleans' bars to find out their happy hour specials. Take advantage of our hard work after a long day at your work.

77. Ride the Live Oak Ladybug at City Park Amusements!
A special favorite for any New Orleanian under the age of 12 or so, the small amusement park in the middle of City Park is the perfect way to spend a nice afternoon.
78. Go sing some karaoke!
We all do it, the singing and dancing in front of the mirror. Now go out and do it in public! Don't worry, if you need a drink for encouragement, they have a fully stocked bar.
79. Try some brand new Truth-Beauty Chocolates! Like truffles? This guy knows more about them than Godiva herself. With over 50 original recipes, he’ll even create one especially for you if you want a specific taste.
80. Browse the pushcarts and shops at the Riverwalk.
This is a great all-day shopping venue for a rainy day. They have lots of unique shops, the Fudgery and the New Orleans Food & Beverage Museum, all inside! When it’s nice out, make sure to sit outside by the fountain for a while.
81. Go to the Amistad Research Center.
Visit the nation’s largest independent archive specializing in the history of African-Americans and other ethnic groups.
82. Get some Roman Candy.
Come on, when was the last time you treated yourself to one? Go hunt down Sam and his wagon and get some to share with a friend. Or be greedy and keep it all to yourself.
83. Visit art galleries in the Warehouse District.
Come out and support local artists. The first Saturday night every month, many of these galleries are open late and offer wine and refreshments.
84. Attend one of the festivals in the area. If it’s a culture, food or type of music, we have a festival for it!
Go peruse our festival page and plan out every weekend of the whole year! There really is something for everyone, and a lot of them are completely free!
85. Enjoy the great outdoors... find a place in or near the city to jog, hike or kayak.
New Orleans is surrounded by a truly unique environment and landscape. There are so many beautiful places to go right outside city limits, but many don't realize they’re there. Go do some exploring and get a big breath of fresh air.
86. Play some volleyball at Coconut Beach.
Whether you’re looking for a regular game, extreme volleyball or just to hang out, Coconut Beach has got you covered. With 22 sand courts and summer league tournaments, it's the largest beach volleyball complex in the United States!
87. Take a nature walk with the Louisiana State Park Service.
Go appreciate some nature with people who can teach you all about it.
88. Go see New Orleans' own roller derby league, the Big Easy Rollergirls!
Go cheer them on while they literally plow down the competition.
89. Enjoy a Commander's Palace lunch complete with 25 Cent Martinis.
Really? I need to say something else? If you don’t like martinis, then take a friend who does for their birthday. Don’t you love cheap dates?
90. Go check out our event calendar.
Don’t know what you want to do this weekend? Well we have all your options right here! Go have a gander.
91. Plan a party on a Bourbon Street balcony!
Don’t you want to be the person up on that private balcony for once? It sure is a nice change from trying to dodge the beads as you walk down the street.

92. Help rebuild New Orleans.
Volunteer to do your part in helping. Everyone has a talent or skill that can be shared, and everyone needs a little help at some point in their life. It'll be great for your karma!
93. Discover a slice of New Orleans history with Nancy Brister.
Find out interesting historical facts and stories about this beautiful city we live in.
94. Enjoy a delicious cupcake at Cake Café.
It all started when he sold cake door to door, but now he’s so popular that we go to him! And believe us, it’s worth it.
95. Start training now for the Crescent City Classic.
Every spring, runners from far and wide come down to New Orleans to participate in this 10K. Of course, the party afterwards is legendary, too. Make this year the year you join in on the fun!
96. Sign up for one of the NewOrleans.Com newsletters to keep up with the food, music or festival scene.
Delivered free to your inbox once a week, these newsletters have coupons, recipes, stories and reviews. Priceless!
97. Discover the world of wine with Joe Briand
Want to know what you’re talking about in terms of wine, or at least sound like it? Go study up, then test out your skills at a meal with friends.
98. Visit the storied Oak Alley Plantation.
Once you see it, you're bound to recognize it from a movie... or six. Take a drive down River Road and find out the real story behind this historical house.
99. Learn the fine art of glass blowing.
Whether you want to be hands on or just watch, you can watch glass blowers at work here, and then buy their finished products! It’s not just about glass, either; they also offer classes in metalwork, silver jewelry making and book binding.
100. Learn about our local musicians and buy their CDs!
Go peruse through all the categories and have a listen. If you like it, why not buy a CD, or at least try to make it to an upcoming show?

Oceana Grill, located on the corner of Conti and Bourbon St., is deep in the heart of the historic New Orleans French Quarter. A local favorite for many years with fine cuisine and a great atmosphere. Dine in one of our beautiful and unique dining rooms, or weather permitting, dine in our beautiful courtyard. Our dining rooms upstairs have access to our balconies that overlook the world-famous Bourbon Street.

Oceana Grill is located just steps off of Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter. You will be mesmerized by the exquisite renovations of this historic building. The ambience and the cuisine are a dynamic duo. Browse through our menu and see what the famous Oceana Grill has to offer. With Chef Specials daily, Oceana Grill is sure to have exactly what you are looking for... a Great Atmosphere, and Great New Orleans Food!