Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Nightlife
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Doctor Gumbo Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,069 reviews
Food and Cocktail History Tours of New Orleans, Louisiana. Locally-owned and operated. The cure for the common tour!
2. New Orleans Secrets
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,782 reviews
Tours & Adventures to Unlock New Orleans! Small Group Food, Cocktail, Voodoo, Ghost, History, and Nightlife Tours That Ensure Personalized Attention. Private Tours and Corporate Events, Too! Award-Winning!
3. Confederacy of Cruisers Bike Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,608 reviews
Ride with us through the New Orleans neighborhoods we live in with the cities original and oldest bike tour company. It’s been over 11 years of great tours and great customers, making us feel like the luckiest folks every day at work. Tours that we have developed over the years include the Creole tour (our culture and history ride), the culinary bike ride that eats its way through 4 local restaurants, the history of drinking tour (which is exactly what it sounds like) and our Ninth Ward Tour that shares the story of the rebuilding and why it was so important to us. The rides are relaxed, with plenty of time to ask questions, and a stop along the way at a neighborhood bar on our Creole tour where you can find out all you want about local life while drinking a delicious Bloody Mary, if you like (water or nothing are also fine choices). All tours have one speed, slow. Call or email us, we don't use computer booking...old fashioned is how we roll on wheels and in the shop.
4. New Orleans Urban Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 593 reviews
NOLA Tour Hub offers unique and authentic tours around New Orleans. They range from 2 hour to 1 day adventures and uncover back streets, hidden gems, and fascinating sights. Step into the lives of locals, find out what makes the city tick, and get acquainted with the local food, culture, and traditions of New Orleans. A local expert guide will provide the knowledge and lead you through a fantastic urban experience. Tours may be purchased in combinations, for a more comprehensive experience. Any customization or Private Version is also available- please contact the office for more information regarding these options.
5. Need A Ride Pedicabs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Need a Ride Pedicabs offers green eco-friendly rides and tours throughout New Orleans. Our three-wheeled "bike taxis" and trained drivers provide a fun, practical, and stylish way of hittin' the NOLA scene. Ask about our customizable, personal, and fun pedicab tours - Marigny, Treme, French Quarter, Audubon Park, Creole Esplanade Ridge, and Garden District!
6. Destination Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 917 reviews
Dedicated to Fun fabulous TOURS in New Orleans most visited neighborhoods. Curator of fun and memorable tours. - FOOD TOURS - FOODIE TOURS; FOOD & COCKTAIL TOUR COMBO; HISTORY TOURS; GHOST TOURS; GARDEN DISTRICT TOURS; FRENCH QUARTER; UPTOWN FUNKY FRERET in New Orleans, LA. Walking tours. Tastings. Restaurants. Foodie Venues. Cooking Classes. Arsty Finds w/NOLA local love. Food network STOPS, Girl Get-Aways, Celebrations, Corporate,Date Night.TOURS, CITY TOURS, PRIVATE, PUBLIC, Cajun Country, Custom. Culture w/a Culinary Twist! #NewOrleansByMouth! #MustdoNola #DKFoodie
7. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 611 reviews
A restaurant, bar and jazz club all under one roof.
Reviewed By wendyl901 - Evanston, United States
Although we came too early for the music, we were treated to an unbelievably good seafood meal. The bartender at our hotel (Julie, the Jung Hotel) recommended this to us and we were not disappointed. Because we came on the early side we did not have a wait, and the service was brisk and efficient. The BBQ shrimp dish was so good! It came with a very generous serving of large shrimp, which was more than I could eat (these are the peel and eat variety). I ended up taking a doggy bag back to the room with us for a snack the next day. I would not recommend this, however, as despite refrigeration, the shrimp smell permeated the fridge and hotel room all day ( I felt bad for the maids!) The venue of this restaurant on Frenchmen Street is ideal for those looking for music and food. The interior is a bit small and seating is tight, but it has a lovely atmosphere and the food was exceptional.
8. Pub Crawl New Orleans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Pubcrawlneworleans.com ... Experience the ultimate night out in New Orleans! Space is limited so book now!
9. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,936 reviews
Arguably the city's most historic bar, the Blacksmith, dates to 1772.
Reviewed By gooseboy54481 - Boonton, United States
This historic bar on the eastern half of Bourbon Street has been operating since 1772. The atmosphere inside is fun and inviting. The drinks, even at Mardi Gras, were also very reasonably priced. This is a must-see spot in the French Quarter.
10. Tropical Isle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
The downstairs Tropical Isle bar presents live entertainment seven nights a week featuring Debi & The Deacons, Captain Leo, Rhythm & Rain and other great bands specializing in Trop-Rock. The upstairs “Top of the Trop” area has a wrap around balcony with a fabulous view of Bourbon Street, big screen TVs, a pool table and a jukebox filled with lots of Jimmy Buffet music. The world famous Hand Grenade, Tropical Itch, Horny Gator and Shark Attack are served at both bars. The perfect place for your special event or private party. Check out our live webcam of the outside entrance and also our live streaming webcam of the stage.
Reviewed By Hunnybunch776 - Dallas, United States
I had never been to NOLA until this past weekend but I KNEW I would HAVE to have a hand grenade! They have regular and skinny. Frozen and on the rocks. They are $10 and if you keep your cup the refills are $9. Careful, these things can creep up on you! The frozen is sweeter than the rock but the Rocks is stronger. All very tasty. Went back the next day because someone told me I had to try the Shark Attack. All I can say is... definitely get a shark attack!! SO AWESOME HOW THEY SERVE IT! SO FUN! There are 2 or 3 locations. They check ID's coming in. Will definitely be back when I am back in NOLA!
