Explore These 5 Hidden Gems In New Orleans And Go Beyond The Tourist Spots

New Orleans is a bustling city full of mystery and historical significance. Many cultures, including Spanish, French, and African American, have shaped the city's culture, so it's no wonder it's one of the most remarkable and visited melting pots across the globe. From the birthplace of jazz to stunning French and Spanish-inspired architecture, New Orleans overflows with culture and mystery waiting to be discovered.

If you want to explore beyond the tourist spots on Bourbon Street or Jackson Square in the French Quarter, stick around to discover the hidden gems of New Orleans, which are less well-known by fellow travelers.

 

1) Let Tour Orleans Lead You To New Orleans Hidden Gems

There are endless things to see and do while visiting The Big Easy, but if you only stick to the top tourist spots, you'll miss out on so many hidden gems! Our professional tour guides at Tour Orleans are native to the area and know the streets of New Orleans like the back of their hands. We offer an array of exciting tours that let you explore the city your way.

Whether you want to explore the great Mississippi River or wander down the storied streets of the French Quarter, Tour Orleans is a great place to start! Check out all the hidden gems you can discover on our many tours:

• Hop On Our Tour Orleans City Tour - This bus tour will take you to neighborhoods like the Garden District, Upper 9th Ward, Bayou St. John, and so much more as our professional guide entertains you with 300 years of history and lore.

• Garden District Walking Tour - You'll find fine dining establishments, intimate cafes, and lively bars on Magazine Street. The Garden District is also home to many celebrity homes featuring stunning architecture.

• Join A Spooky Tour - We have tours featuring stories of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, ghost tours that will take you into haunted locations, and excursions where you'll learn of vampires, voodoo, and more!

Let us help you unlock the hidden gems of The Big Easy! Dive into the heart of New Orleans with our expert-guided tours that reveal the city's best-kept secrets and hidden gems.

Don’t just visit—experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and unforgettable sights like a local. Ready to make your trip legendary? Visit our website now and book your adventure today!

 

2) Explore The Historical Significance Of The Treme Neighborhood

The Treme area of New Orleans is a hidden gem you don't want to miss. Located upriver and west of the French Quarter, Treme is regarded as the birthplace of jazz and is the oldest black neighborhood in the country. This part of town remains the center of African American and Creole culture in New Orleans.

Here are a few of the hidden gems you will find in Treme:

• Louis Armstrong Park - Wander this absolutely gorgeous park, complete with ponds, fountains, plenty of open space to relax, and statues of Satchmo himself!

• Congo Square - This historical site is located in Louis Armstrong Park and was once the meeting place for enslaved people in the 19th century. Now, it's still regarded as a powerful place for local voodoo practitioners to meet and perform rituals.

• Backstreet Cultural Museum - Peruse a massive collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia from the Mardi Gras Indians and much more in this culturally rich hidden gem!

Fun Fact: Treme is known for its festive traditions, including second-line parades and lively jazz funerals filled with celebration and music.

 

3) Wander Off The Beaten Path To Discover The Jazz Vibes In The Faubourg Marigny Neighborhood

Faubourg Marigny is another influential neighborhood that tourists do not often explore. No other neighborhood in the country has as strong a jazz heritage as the Marigny. As you wander through the maze-like streets of this beautiful area downriver from the French Quarter, live music spills from clubs and bistros to greet you along the way.

Here are just a few hidden gems waiting for you in Faubourg Marigny:

• Frenchmen Street Fun - A vibrant music scene awaits you on this lively street. From clubs like The Spotted Cat Music Club and the Blue Nile, there's no shortage of live music, especially jazz, in this area made for music lovers.

• Take In The Atmosphere At Crescent Park - Crescent Park has a beautiful view of the mighty Mississippi River and the skyline of New Orleans. If it's a casual hangout spot you're after, you won't want to miss this hidden gem.

• Take In A Show - Visit the Marigny Opera House to bask in this iconic venue's stunning architecture and rich history while taking in a show!

Pro Tip: This neighborhood is one of the best places for live entertainment outside of the French Quarter. Skip searching through random Marigny streets and head straight to Frenchmen Street! There's always a bustling energy and great music playing here.

 

4) Immerse Yourself In History At An Orleans Museum

History lovers will be amazed by New Orleans' incredible collection of museums and art galleries. New Orleans has several different places to explore if you want to learn more about the history of The Big Easy, but we've narrowed your search down to some of our favorites!

Check out some of these spots while you're in town:

• Visit The New Orleans Museum Of Art - The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest Art Museum in the area and lies in the heart of City Park. Explore exhibits from around the world, from ancient to modern times.

• The Ogden Museum Of Southern Art - Head to the Warehouse Arts District in downtown New Orleans to discover this museum. You'll meander through exhibits solely focused on the history of American art from the South.

• Explore The Sydney And Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden - This impressive sculpture garden spans 11 acres of the stunning City Park and is just steps away from the Museum of Art.

Pro Tip: There's no lack of artistic significance and history in New Orleans, but if you want to make the most of your trip, stick to the City Park area to fill your day with artistic spaces!

 

5) Get Up Close And Personal With Local Wildlife

Who doesn't love a good wildlife experience? New Orleans is more than just jazz shows at Preservation Hall and partying on Frenchmen Street. Here are our favorite spots to see the amazing wildlife that calls New Orleans' backwaters and swamps home:

• Fontainebleau State Park - This state park is perfect for those looking to escape from the city's hustle and bustle of tourism. Wander hiking trails, relax on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, or see how many birds you can spot!

• Audubon Zoo - You'll find this amazing zoo right in the city! Learn more about the local animals and see rare species like a white alligator in their natural habitats.

• Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge - This is one of the last remaining marsh areas that's adjacent to Lake Pontchartrain! Take a journey down the boardwalk pathways through marshlands to see wildlife up close and personal.

Fun Fact: Some of the animals you might see when visiting New Orleans are alligators, opossums, turtles, and many bird species just to name a few!

 

Soak In The Culture And History Of New Orleans

Now that you see all the different options you have for entertainment here in The Big Easy, let our staff at Tour Orleans help you make the most of your stay! Our tours offer you the opportunity to explore the area any way you want and on your terms.

Whether it's a walking tour, bus tour, or food and wine excursion you're interested in, we can help you choose the right option for you! Ready to uncover the true spirit of New Orleans?

Dive into unforgettable adventures and hidden gems with us—book your tour today on our website and start making memories that last a lifetime!