New Orleans instantly felt different from anywhere else we’ve visited. From the sound of jazz spilling into the streets to late nights on Bourbon Street and quiet rides on historic streetcars, the city pulled us in from the moment we arrived. By the end of the trip, we were already planning a return visit for Mardi Gras 2027.
Planning a visit to the French Quarter in New Orleans? During our week-long stay, we explored Bourbon Street, rode the historic streetcars, visited Mardi Gras World and the National WWII Museum, enjoyed incredible Creole food, and discovered some unforgettable live music spots in the heart of New Orleans.
New Orleans isn’t just a place you visit.
It’s a place you experience.
The music spills into the streets, food smells drift from every doorway, streetcars rumble through historic neighborhoods, and every block seems to have its own personality. One minute you’re walking past beautiful wrought-iron balconies and street performers, and the next you’re listening to live music while crowds dance in the middle of Bourbon Street.
It’s chaotic, loud, historic, gritty, and somehow incredibly charming all at the same time.
- Camping at Bayou Segnette State Park
- Exploring the French Quarter
- Riding the Historic Streetcars
- Our Favorite Food Stops
- Historic Bars and Live Music
- Mardi Gras World Changed Our Future Plans
- The National WWII Museum
- Swamp Tour Adventure
- A Souvenir That Meant Something
- Things We Didn’t Expect About New Orleans
- Tips for Visiting the French Quarter
- What We Spent in New Orleans (Approximate)
- Our Other Louisiana Posts
- Other Things To Do In New Orleans
- Final Thoughts
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Camping at Bayou Segnette State Park
Instead of staying downtown, we camped at Bayou Segnette State Park.
For RVers, this was a fantastic option. The campground gave us a much quieter place to relax after long days in the city while still being close enough to easily drive into New Orleans. After spending hours in the crowds and noise of the French Quarter, it was nice returning to a peaceful campground surrounded by trees and bayou scenery.
If you’re visiting New Orleans in an RV, Bayou Segnette makes an excellent basecamp.
Exploring the French Quarter
Driving into the city honestly wasn’t nearly as bad as we expected.
We found reasonably priced parking near the corner of North Rampart and Conti Street, which turned out to be a great location for exploring the French Quarter on foot. Once parked, we spent most of our time simply wandering through the city.
That’s really the best way to experience the Quarter anyway.
Some of our favorite moments happened when we had no real destination in mind and simply explored side streets, listened to random musicians, or stopped somewhere that smelled amazing.
Of course, we spent time walking along Bourbon Street.
And yes… it absolutely lives up to the reputation.
The street is packed with neon lights, music, bars, restaurants, street performers, and crowds carrying oversized drinks from one place to the next. Every doorway seems to have a different band playing, all competing with each other for attention.
It’s sensory overload in the best possible way.
Riding the Historic Streetcars
One of the things we really enjoyed was riding the historic New Orleans streetcars.
There’s something cool about climbing aboard a streetcar that feels like a rolling piece of history while watching the city pass by outside the windows. It also gave us a chance to explore beyond just the French Quarter and slow things down a bit between all the walking.
The streetcars are more than transportation in New Orleans — they’re part of the experience.
Our Favorite Food Stops
One thing New Orleans absolutely gets right is food.
Honestly, we had several really good meals during our visit, but a few places definitely stood out.
My personal favorite was NOLA Po’boys on Bourbon Street. There’s just something about walking through the French Quarter and grabbing a great po’boy that feels like part of the full New Orleans experience.
Lisa’s favorite stop was Willie’s Chicken Shack. After walking all day through the Quarter, it definitely hit the spot.
But our best overall meals were probably at Zesty Creole on Canal Street. The food there was excellent, and after trying several places around the Quarter, that ended up being one of the restaurants we kept talking about afterward.
Of Course We Had Beignets
No first trip to New Orleans would be complete without trying beignets, so of course we made a stop at Cafe du Monde.
The famous square pastries arrived buried under a mountain of powdered sugar, and there really isn’t a clean way to eat them. By the end, we had powdered sugar everywhere, but that’s part of the fun.
We skipped the coffee and simply enjoyed sitting there, people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere of New Orleans. Sometimes it’s the simple moments like sharing a plate of beignets that end up becoming some of your favorite memories from a trip.
One thing we learned quickly is that New Orleans is definitely not the place for dieting.
And honestly, that’s part of the fun.
Historic Bars and Live Music
The thing that stood out most to us was how much live music fills the city.
You don’t have to search for it.
Music is everywhere.
Bands were playing in bars, street performers lined the sidewalks, and random brass bands seemed to appear out of nowhere. Some places were polished performances, while others felt completely spontaneous.
Our favorite live music spot ended up being Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar in the French Quarter. The crowd interaction, nonstop singing, audience requests, and high-energy performances made it one of the highlights of our trip.
There’s just something fun about a packed piano bar where the entire crowd ends up singing along to songs everybody somehow knows.
We also really enjoyed visiting Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. Beyond the drinks and atmosphere, the history of the place was incredibly cool. Sitting inside one of the oldest bars in the United States while listening to stories about pirates, smugglers, and old New Orleans gave the experience a completely different feel than the more modern bars along Bourbon Street.
The dim lighting, historic brick walls, and old-world atmosphere made it feel like stepping back in time.
That mix of nightlife and history is part of what makes New Orleans so unique.
Mardi Gras World Changed Our Future Plans
One of the biggest surprises of the trip was visiting Mardi Gras World.
We had no idea how much work and creativity went into building the massive Mardi Gras floats until we saw them up close. Walking through the warehouses surrounded by giant colorful floats, props, and sculptures was incredibly impressive.
Seeing where Mardi Gras comes to life gave us a whole new appreciation for the celebration.
In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we’re now planning a return trip in February 2027 specifically to experience Mardi Gras in person.
The National WWII Museum
We also spent time exploring The National WWII Museum, and it absolutely deserves the reputation it has earned.
The museum is incredibly well done and far larger than we expected. Between the exhibits, artifacts, immersive displays, and personal stories, it’s easy to spend an entire day there.
For anyone visiting New Orleans, it’s a must-see attraction.
Swamp Tour Adventure
On our final day, we took a tour with Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours.
After spending most of the trip surrounded by music, crowds, and city streets, the swamp tour gave us a completely different side of Louisiana. Cruising through the bayous while learning about the wildlife and ecosystem was both relaxing and fascinating.
It was the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Book Your New Orleans Adventures
Ready to experience New Orleans for yourself? From swamp tours and food tours to cemetery walks and Mardi Gras experiences, there are plenty of unforgettable adventures waiting for you.
Browse New Orleans ToursA Souvenir That Meant Something
One of our favorite discoveries during the trip happened while exploring the French Quarter shops.
At Idea Factory, we found a souvenir we couldn’t pass up — an antique post office door that had been transformed into a keepsake box.
The moment we saw it, we knew exactly what we wanted to use it for.
Going forward, we plan to collect postcards from our travels and store them inside the box. On each postcard, we’ll write about what we did at each stop so we can look back on the memories years from now.
Honestly, it ended up being one of the most meaningful souvenirs we’ve ever purchased.
Every postcard we add to that antique post office box will remind us not just of where we traveled, but how those places made us feel. And New Orleans definitely left an impression.
Things We Didn’t Expect About New Orleans
Every destination seems to have a few surprises, and New Orleans certainly delivered.
Live Music Really Is Everywhere
We expected great music, but we didn’t expect it to be quite this constant. From jazz musicians performing on street corners to bands playing inside bars and restaurants, music seemed to follow us everywhere we went.
The French Quarter Is Incredibly Walkable
Once we parked near North Rampart and Conti Street, we hardly needed the car at all. The French Quarter is easy to explore on foot, and some of our favorite discoveries happened while simply wandering around.
How Much We Enjoyed Riding the Streetcars
Originally, we thought the streetcars would simply be a way to get around the city. Instead, they became one of our favorite parts of the trip. There’s something special about riding a piece of New Orleans history while watching the city roll by outside the windows.
The Food Was Outstanding Everywhere
Of course, we expected good food in New Orleans. What surprised us was how many great meals we had, even at smaller, less flashy places. Some of our favorite food experiences came from restaurants we simply stumbled upon while exploring.
The Amount of History Packed Into the City
From historic bars and centuries-old buildings to the National WWII Museum and Mardi Gras traditions, history seems to be woven into nearly every corner of New Orleans.
How Quickly We Started Planning Another Trip
This may have been the biggest surprise of all.
Before our week in New Orleans was even over, we were already talking about coming back. After visiting Mardi Gras World and learning more about the celebration, we immediately started planning a return trip for Mardi Gras in February 2027.
That’s usually a pretty good sign that a destination left an impression on us.
Tips for Visiting the French Quarter
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll walk a lot in the French Quarter, and many of the streets and sidewalks are uneven. Between the old brick streets, crowds, and long days exploring, comfortable shoes make a huge difference.
Don’t Stress Too Much About Parking
We found reasonably priced parking near North Rampart and Conti Street, which worked out really well for exploring the French Quarter on foot. Parking slightly outside the busiest areas can save both money and frustration.
Expect Heat and Humidity
We visited in early May, and it was already warm and humid. Thankfully, it was still manageable compared to the brutal summer heat New Orleans is known for. Lightweight clothes and staying hydrated definitely helped.
Slow Down and Wander
Some cities reward tight schedules and detailed itineraries.
New Orleans rewards wandering.
Some of our favorite moments happened when we had no particular destination in mind and simply explored side streets, listened to live music, or stopped somewhere because the food smelled incredible.
Visit Bourbon Street During the Day and at Night
Bourbon Street has a completely different atmosphere depending on the time of day. During the day, things are more relaxed and easier to take in. At night, the street transforms into a nonstop party filled with music, crowds, and energy.
Experiencing both versions is worth it.
Early Mornings Are Best for Photography
As photographers, we really enjoyed getting out earlier in the morning before the biggest crowds arrived. The softer light, quieter streets, and cleaner views of the architecture made it much easier to capture the character of the French Quarter.
Mix the Tourist Stops with Local Experiences
Places like Mardi Gras World and The National WWII Museum were absolutely worth visiting, but some of our favorite memories came from smaller moments like listening to live music, riding the streetcars, or hanging out at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and Ticklers Dueling Piano Bar.
That combination of major attractions and spontaneous experiences is what makes New Orleans so memorable.
What We Spent in New Orleans (Approximate)
Travel costs can change over time, but these were our approximate expenses during our May visit to New Orleans.
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Bayou Segnette State Park | $35 per night |
| French Quarter Parking | $19 per day |
| New Orleans Streetcar Pass | $3 per day |
| Mardi Gras World | $25 per person |
| National WWII Museum | $38 per person |
| Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour | $30 per person |
Overall, we found New Orleans to be more affordable than we expected, especially considering how much there is to see and do. Between the reasonably priced attractions, inexpensive streetcar transportation, and great food options, it’s possible to experience a lot of New Orleans without completely blowing your travel budget.
Our Other Louisiana Posts
If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, be sure to explore our other New Orleans travel guides for more tips, attractions, and photography locations from our visit.
Other Things To Do In New Orleans
Travel Gear We Used in New Orleans
We packed pretty light for our week in New Orleans, but these three items made exploring the city much more enjoyable.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – We spent hours exploring the French Quarter and riding the streetcars, so good walking shoes were an absolute must.
- INIU 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger – Between taking photos, navigating the city, and looking up restaurants and attractions, our phones got a real workout. This is the charger we personally use and travel with.
- Lightweight Daypack – Perfect for carrying water, souvenirs, and camera gear while wandering around New Orleans.
If you’re planning your own New Orleans adventure, these simple items can make long days of exploring a lot more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The French Quarter isn’t polished or perfect.
It’s crowded, noisy, sometimes overwhelming, and completely unforgettable.
That’s exactly why people love it.
Between the incredible food, nonstop live music, historic streets, streetcars, swamp tours, and constant energy, New Orleans feels more like an experience than a typical vacation destination.
Camping at Bayou Segnette State Park gave us the perfect balance — exciting days exploring the city followed by quieter evenings back at the campground.
And every postcard we add to that antique post office box will remind us not just of where we traveled, but how those places made us feel.
And New Orleans made us feel alive.
We can’t wait to go back.
And after this trip, one thing is certain:
We’ll definitely be back.
Have you visited New Orleans or experienced Mardi Gras? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments — especially restaurants, live music venues, and hidden gems we should check out when we return for Mardi Gras 2027.
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