When imagining your upcoming New Orleans vacation, you may find yourself conjuring up visions of a rowdy and bawdy French Quarter, where jazz music emanates from the windows and the smell of beignets fills the air. The French Quarter — and all of the top tourist hot spots in New Orleans — are a must for any trip to the Big Easy, but to develop a deeper appreciation for this city's culture and community, you will want to check out these off the beaten path destinations.
These are some of the hidden gems in New Orleans that will infuse a touch of local heart into your itinerary.
Experience the Artistic Vibes of the Marigny and Bywater Neighborhoods
Located side-by-side, the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods are considered to be the beating heart of the local arts scene in New Orleans. If you ask anyone who lives in the city, they will tell you that these eclectic neighborhoods have a sassy yet welcoming vibe, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy an authentic New Orleans experience. While in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, you can step into dozens of local galleries, catch a performance at a nearby venue or spend the day meandering through Crescent Park, which offers captivating riverfront views.
Go Beyond the French Quarter for Authentic Beignets
Beignets are a Creole staple with universal appeal, which is why many tourists consider them to be a must-try delicacy during their time in New Orleans. These airy, flaky, deep-fried dough balls are dusted with powdered sugar and practically melt in your mouth, and you'll find places serving them throughout the city. While it is easy to grab a beignet from any vendor in the French Quarter, you will find that stepping off the beaten path will allow you to enjoy the freshest, most delicious beignets that the city has to offer. Locals often get their beignet fix at places like the Morning Call Coffee Stand near City Park or The Vintage restaurant, which features indoor and outdoor seating on Magazine Street.
Learn About the History of Jazz in New Orleans at Treme's Petit Jazz Museum
Jazz music is often referred to as the soundtrack of New Orleans, with the soulful sounds of saxophones, trombones and trumpets permeating the city's atmosphere. To develop a deeper, richer understanding of the history of jazz, spend a day at Treme's Petit Jazz Museum. Located in the historic Treme neighborhood, this museum is considered to be one of the hidden gems in New Orleans that provides an educational and cultural experience for locals and visitors alike. This community-rooted museum provides an intimate experience in which visitors learn more about jazz music's global roots and its journey to New Orleans.
Discover the Power of Community at the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum
New Orlean's Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood has a tragic and storied past, and the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum was founded in 2011 to pay homage to the strength, tenacity and perseverance of the people who have long called it home. Devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this neighborhood is still in the rebuilding phase, and only about 20 percent of residents have been able to return home.
The Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum celebrates the community that exists within this neighborhood and shares the stories of the people who live there now and who have lived there in the past. Throughout the six rooms of exhibits, you will be able to hear oral histories from residents and experience the art created by community members all while learning more about key events that shaped this neighborhood through the years.
Shop at the City Park Farmer's Market and Walk Along the Bayou St. John
Stretching for more than 1,300 acres, City Park is a welcome respite for locals, and visitors will find that it is a perfect escape from the chaotic energy surrounding the top tourist attractions in New Orleans. On Sundays, you will find residents shopping for fresh products and artisan goods at the farmer's market, and throughout the week, this park is a haven for those who want to enjoy the beauty and charm of the city. If the idea of walking along stone-covered bridges underneath the peaceful shade of Spanish moss dripping from centuries-old live oak trees sounds like heaven to you, then you simply need to make time in your itinerary for an afternoon at City Park.
Tour the BK House, One of the Last Remaining French Quarter Hidden Gems in New Orleans
The Historic BK House and Gardens is tucked away in the French Quarter, making it easy to miss for tourists focused on the city's most well-known attractions. This legendary home provides a glimpse into the city's past, giving guests an opportunity to learn more about those who lived and labored on the property throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Search for Souvenirs on Magazine Street
If you are looking to bring a little piece of NOLA home with you, skip the souvenir stalls in the French Quarter and head to Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans. Here, you will find a shopping district that stretches for more than 6 miles that is mostly comprised of locally-owned businesses. Fleurty Girl is a popular souvenir shopping destination, while Funky Monkey is an excellent place to find unique New Orleans apparel. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll and explore this vibrant district, as there are endless shops, restaurants, coffee shops and art galleries to check out.
Enjoy an Immersive Stay in New Orleans at the International House Hotel
Providing guests with an inviting atmosphere and luxe touches, the International House Hotel is a boutique hotel in New Orleans that honors the city's authentic culture. Its premier location in the heart of the downtown area gives you unparalleled access to the best things to do in New Orleans as well as the off the beaten path destinations that make it a city like no other in America.
At the International House Hotel, we joyfully celebrate the architecture, food, music, culture and people of New Orleans. We offer each guest a bespoke experience, ensuring that they have a place to rest, relax and revive themselves while enjoying unique things to do in New Orleans.
Book your stay at the International House Hotel today.
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