Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans

The United States is home to some of the biggest and most vibrant cities in the world.

Be that as it may, there are certain cities that go well beyond the standard touristy sights and sounds.

New Orleans is a classic example of this.

It’s historical and cultural significance coupled with some truly distinct characteristics makes New Orleans a true tourist’s delight.

This is a city that is so much more than just being a megapolis.

You need to dwell deep into the soul of New Orleans to truly comprehend the greatness of the city.

General tourist attractions and sightseeing simply do not do justice to New Orleans.

Therefore, today I wanted to go deeper into how you can actually experience the soul of New Orleans.

How do you understand and soak in the true essence of this historic place?

Let’s find out.

Page Contents

Top 10 things to do to experience the soul of New Orleans
Final thoughts

Top 10 things to do to experience the soul of New Orleans

1) Go on a Ghost Tour

Did you know New Orleans is known as the most haunted city in the United States?

Unfortunately, the city has had a troubled past with slavery, yellow fever epidemic, uprisings, wars, murders and a lot more.

Learning about this part of the city’s history allows you to glimpse into the past and understand the present.

Therefore, going on a ghost tour is one of the best things you can do when in Orleans.

You will learn so much about the true history of the city and the foundations of modern-day New Orleans.

Do not simply go on a ghost tour for the spookiness and thrill, although they are very much part of it.

Participate in a ghost tour to feel New Orleans’ past. Experience and understand the events that took place long ago.

All of these events helped shape the New Orleans that you experience today.

Do note that there are some casual ghost, vampire or occult tours in New Orleans. While those are fun, they are not educational.

Select a ghost tour that takes you to some of the most historic haunted sites of New Orleans with a certified historian. This is where you get to learn the most and truly feel the chill.

I had posted an article titled “Bone Chilling Ghost Tours and Haunted Houses in New Orleans” some time ago.

I strongly suggest to read that to understand ghost tours in New Orleans and select the best one for you.

2) Eat Gumbo or Take a Local Food Tour

Food is such an integral part of the culture in New Orleans.

To experience New Orleans, you need to experience it’s vibrant and eclectic cuisine.

I strongly suggest to take a local food tour that takes you through the best of creole cuisine.

Another thing you must do is eat gumbo when in New Orleans.

It is the one dish that is associated strongly with New Orleans and has its roots in multiple cultures.

It is one of the most soulful dishes you can ever taste and it is basically Louisiana on a plate.

Do read “Eat the Best Gumbo Like the Locals in New Orleans” for the best gumbo restaurants in the city.

3) Hurricane Katrina Guided Walking Tour

Sadly, in August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the state of Louisiana and caused unfathomable damage.

As a matter of fact, Hurricane Katrina is one of the most destructive hurricanes ever recorded in US history.

It completely upended the lives of the people of the state and rendered hundreds of thousands homeless.

At the same time, the aftermath of the disaster showed the incredible resilience of the people of Louisiana.

It showed the true human nature and its zeal to fight back in face of such extreme adversity.

When in New Orleans, do take a guided walking tour learning more about the natural disaster.

You will be taken through some important sites, learning about the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. You will also learn the resilience of the people and how the city has rebuilt since then.

It is a surreal experience and will help you learn so much about New Orleans and the people of Louisiana.

4) Understand Creole History via Plantation Visits

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - Plantation Visit

Plantations have played an important part in shaping the current culture of New Orleans and state of Louisiana.

The history of these plantations will leave you with mixed feelings.

On one hand, they have played a significant role in the growth and development of Louisiana. On the other hand, the history of these plantations can be horrific with the treatment of slaves.

Today, these plantations attract a lot of tourists for their beauty, landscaping and grandeur.

However, some plantations offer history lessons and museums whereby we can learn from the past and build a better future.

As a tourist interested in understanding creole history and culture of New Orleans, do visit a few plantations.

I suggest opting for the Whitney Plantation Museum as a starting point as they provide the best history lesson.

After that, you can opt for day tours to explore Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation. Both have gorgeous settings and are extremely popular tourist attractions.

5) Explore the beauty and history of the swamps on a boat or kayak

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - Explore the swamps

Louisiana’s swamps and wetlands have played a vital role in shaping the states geography, ecology and economy.

The swamps around New Orleans are intriguing with outstanding biodiversity, greenery and mystery.

You can explore these swamps around New Orleans via large boats or kayaks.

Do remember these are protected wetlands and you need to respect the natural fauna and flora around you.

The sights and sounds are outstanding. In terms of wildlife, you can see alligators, turtles, snakes, exotic birds and lots more.

The swamps can provide a feeling of calm as well as excitement.

I feel exploring these swamps with a guide is a must-do activity when in New Orleans.

You will get to learn about the history and function of the wetlands while enjoying incredible natural beauty.

Our recommended Swamps Boat Tour

Our recommended Kayak Swamps Tour

6) Walk through the historical sights of the French Quarters

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - French Quarters Walking Tour

The French Quarters in New Orleans is often considered as the most historic, popular and intriguing part of the city.

As the name suggests, it was founded in 1718 by the French. However, today the historic neighborhood is a confluence of cultures creating its own distinct characteristic.

Some of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks, attractions, eateries and pubs are located in the French Quarters.

Even many of the voodoo and vampire stories of New Orleans come from this location.

Taking a walk around the vibrant French Quarters is full of excitement. The sights, sounds and tastes are out of this world.

Walking around the French Quarters either on your own or on a guided walking tour lets you learn so much.

This is definitely on my top things to do in New Orleans to understand the soul of the city.

7) Explore St. Louis Cemetery

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - Explore St Louis Cemetery

Exploring a cemetery may sound odd but it is actually one of the top things to do in New Orleans.

Specifically, you should explore the St. Louis Cemetery which is actually three historic cemeteries in the city.

St. Louis Cemetery 1 is the most famous of them all. It is the final resting place for a number of high-profile individuals from the past.

Notably, it is also the final resting place of voodoo queens, pirates and other controversial figures.

All of the tombs are unique with being over ground like vaults.

St. Louis Cemetery is not like any other cemetery you may have visited.

Ideally, you should take a guide tour of the cemetery. It will give you access to some of the important landmarks and help you understand the history behind the tombs.

Learning about the famous people buried here will give you a much better understanding of New Orleans itself.

8) Explore the Garden District

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - Explore the garden district

The Garden District is one of the most famous and historic neighborhoods of New Orleans.

The entire neighborhood is replete with grand old mansions, fantastically landscaped gardens, iconic houses and streets shaded with oak trees.

It is a truly beautiful neighborhood with a rich history.

As you explore the Garden District, you will understand the surreal charm of New Orleans.

You will get an idea of the grandeur of the past while reflecting on its influence on the present.

Do enter some of the boutique shops around the Garden District or indulge in a local meal at a restaurant.

The Garden District is definitely worth the visit and understanding the southern charm of New Orleans.

9) Explore the Wild Bayou Country on an Airboat

A bayou is a slow-moving waterbody found in low-lying areas that often act as a protective barrier for the inland.

Wild Bayou Country around New Orleans is one of the most famous of these waterbodies in Southern USA.

The best way to explore the Bayou Country is through an airboat.

These airboats are not just fun, they allow you to get quite close to the waterbody and the wildlife.

As mentioned earlier when talking about the swamps, the wildlife and biodiversity of Bayou Country is superb.

There are alligators and a number of incredible wildlife all around the place.

You will definitely enjoy the ride with the forest and the water creating an enchanting environment.

10) Sail Mississippi River on a Riverboat with Jazz Music and Creole Dinner

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans - Mississippi River Cruise

The Mississippi River means a lot to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.

It was responsible for shaping the city’s trade and economy. It is also part of the cultural identity of Louisiana.

Therefore, one of the best ways to spend an evening in New Orleans is on a Paddlewheel Riverboat sailing the Mississippi River.

What is even better is if you sail with the sunset, jazz music and a nice creole dinner. It really makes you connect with all things New Orleans.

This would be a wonderful way to end your day in New Orleans with further cultural wisdom.

Final thoughts

New Orleans is so much more than just a big city.

Its spirit, culture and identity are deep rooted in historical and natural events that gives the city a unique characteristic.

Do try to dive deep into the soul of New Orleans and comprehend its true essence.

Things To Do to Experience the Soul of New Orleans