New Orleans is so much more than just Mardi Gras! Travel guru Michelle Newman stopped by to share her favorite local treasures and insider tips for exploring the city like a true New Orleanian.

Michelle has visited New Orleans countless times, and each trip brings something new and exciting. From historic landmarks to world-class museums, NOLA is a city that’s alive with energy and impossible to fully experience in just one visit. Once you’ve been, you’re hooked.

For history lovers, the French Quarter is a must-see. Founded in 1718, it’s home to Jackson Square, the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, and a lively mix of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers. Visitors can enjoy a buggy ride through the streets or shop at the French Market, all while admiring the Spanish-influenced architecture with its signature lacy ironwork.

Mardi Gras may be the city’s most famous celebration, but its history is preserved year-round at places like The Presbytère, Mardi Gras World, and the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture.

Foodies will find paradise in New Orleans. The New Orleans School of Cooking offers hands-on classes and demos, plus a gift shop full of Cajun seasonings and cookbooks. Restaurants like Court of Two Sisters, Commander’s Palace, Parkway Bakery, Central Grocery, Mother’s, Brennan’s, and Café du Monde serve up unforgettable meals—from po’boys and muffulettas to bananas foster and beignets. Don’t miss Angelo Brocato for Italian pastries and spumoni.

Music fills the air day and night, from street corners to legendary venues like Preservation Hall. Even the city’s voodoo heritage is part of the experience, with shops selling potions and dolls, and the Historic Voodoo Museum offering a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Marie Laveau.

New Orleans also celebrates its Italian and Sicilian roots. Between 1850 and 1870,more Italians lived in NOLA than anywhere else in the U.S. The French Quarter was once known as “Little Palermo,” and the American Italian Cultural Center honors the contributions of these immigrants in music, sports, and business. Many arrived from Sicily on lemon boats, creating a “citrus connection” that shaped the city’s culture.

Whether you’re exploring the Garden District, diving into more museums, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, New Orleans offers endless discoveries beyond Mardi Gras.

Culture Vulture
@CultureVulture18
NewOrleans.com