If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in the winter then you’re probably wondering about things to do around town while you’re there. While this destination may not be the place for winter sports, you’d be surprised at how much there is to do around town.
Read on for tips on things to do while visiting New Orleans in the winter.
What’s happening in New Orleans in the winter?
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s nice to plan a getaway sometime in the month of January or February to relax and unwind after all the chaos that starts with Halloween and doesn’t seem to end until after New Year’s.
While international travel may not be your interest or within your budget, there are plenty of dreamy opportunities for domestic travel. One that should absolutely be on your winter “must visit” list is New Orleans, Louisiana.
When you’re trying to relax, what sounds better than a city known as The Big Easy? Not many places! So, let’s dive into why you’ll have an amazing time visiting New Orleans in the winter!
Sweet Treats
It’s no secret that part of the magic of the holiday season is all the homemade, sugary delights that are always around the house or anywhere you’re visiting. Well, if you’re in New Orleans in the winter you’ll find it doesn’t disappoint in desserts no matter what time of year!
Southerners know the cozy qualities of desserts, and The Big Easy is no exception. Your selection isn’t just limited to bananas foster (which is a must-try in New Orleans).
We recommend the bread pudding souffle from Commander’s Palace or a beignet from Cafe Du Monde. And, of course, a cup of famous New Orleans coffee to compliment them.
Antique Shopping Is World Class
Not limited to The Magazine, but there are plenty of fabulous opportunities to find rare antiques in the city. The Magazine does offer a dazzling selection of boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops to peruse – you could easily spend an entire day strolling the area.
Whether you’re looking for antique sapphire jewelry or a designer handbag, you can find it there. Other noteworthy shopping destinations in New Orleans are Canal Place and Riverwalk.
If you’re in the French Quarter, there are unique places to pick up an authentic voodoo doll and other cultural icons native to the city. No matter what your shopping tastes are, Crescent City can deliver.
For The Art Lovers
New Orleans is a city brimming with creativity and not just their music scene. It’s important to know that whether you’re heading to New Orleans in the winter or spring that art galleries are abundant!
So, if that’s an activity you tend to gravitate towards while visiting other big cities, you’ll have an easy time doing the same thing on your Louisiana visit.
Some of the better-known venues are Prospect New Orleans and The New Orleans Museum of Art (NoMA). If you’re into botanical gardens, you don’t want to miss the NoMA’s structured garden park.
In addition to more prominent museums, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stumble upon smaller galleries (some off the beaten path of the city streets) and a chance to pick up affordable pieces from up-and-coming artists if you’re a collector.
Kings Day Celebration
An absolute must-do when visiting New Orleans in the winter is during the first week of January when you’ll get to experience a truly magical celebration – Kings Day on January 6th.
Kings Day – also known as Twelfth Night and the Epiphany – is the official start of the Mardi Gras season. This season ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent.
You might have so much fun in Crescent City that you decide to stay all the way through Mardi Gras! But, either way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the city’s infamous King Cakes.
The Architecture
New Orleans is known for its historic French architecture, primarily in The French Quarter. You could grab a guidebook and stalk a favorite celebrity who may call the city home – Anne Rice and Trent Reznor, to name two – or you can marvel at the seriously stunning homes lining the streets of this world-famous neighborhood.
There are hints of modern architecture around the city too, so if buildings and all their beauty are something you enjoy in your sight-seeing, New Orleans in the winter will not disappoint you.
Charming Dinner Cruise
Saving arguably the best for last on your New Orleans “to-do” list would be a fantastic dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. This steamboat is the last remaining authentic steamboat left on the Mississippi River.
That alone makes the experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In addition to the history of the steamboat, it offers both daytime and dinner jazz cruises, so you’re experiencing the authentic music of the region along with delicious dining on the famed river.
The cruise will start in The French Quarter and travel along the Mississippi to show you the entire city from the water. It’s not only breathtaking but a fun and lively experience whether you’re in New Orleans for the winter or any time of year. But especially during the holidays.
New Orleans is an American icon, a place that we all should visit at least once in our lives. If you’re in the South, it’s a short flight or road trip from you. But, no matter where you live in the country, New Orleans in the winter is worth the visit. Happy Trails!
1 Comment
I am French from Paris and I went to Tulane U. so I know both cities quite well. I can tell you that the architecture of the French Quarter is not French from France, we do not have anything like that in France. It’s probably Acadian or creole from the islands, with Spanish and Caribbean influences to be sure. I once walked in the French Carre and was told by tourists that I must have been happy to see my style of buildings in America when in fact, I had never seen such architecture before coming to New Orleans! Visitors to New Orleans must think that when they go to Paris they will see the same iron balconies and facades when they won’t!