9 Fun Things To Do In New Orleans For Adults - Experience The Best Of The Big Easy

9 Fun Things To Do In New Orleans For Adults - Experience The Best Of The Big Easy

Fun Things To Do In New Orleans For Adults

Why should your next getaway be New Orleans? New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is a place that has something for everyone. From unique neighborhoods and shopping to festivals and museums, there are plenty of things to explore.

Whether you want to learn more about the birthplace of jazz, are intrigued by ghost stories, or just want to soak up the rich history and vibrant culture, you will enjoy taking the Crescent City by storm.

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Ghosts of the French Quarter TourFrom $49$39View tour

Here are 9 fun things to do in New Orleans for adults that will get you up and running:

 

1) Fun Things To Do – Drinks And Ghosts

At New Orleans Secrets Tours, we are excited to show you the best of New Orleans, Louisiana. We offer tours that single adults or couples will enjoy. Whether it’s a date day learning the history behind some of New Orleans’s favorite cocktails or a group of friends wanting to learn more about the ghosts that haunt the city at night, we have tour options for you:

  • New Orleans Cocktail Tour – Slip on your walking shoes and prepare for a one-mile walk around the French Quarter. Our expert local guide will reveal fascinating details about the New Orleans cocktail scene. During the tour, discover the events and people who have shaped NOLA’s culture and cocktail history while imbibing at some of our favorite cocktail spots.

  • Ghosts Of The French Quarter – The Big Easy has faced many hardships in its 300 years. Our guide will take you back in time to reveal the stories behind the city’s paranormal activity.

Ready to dive into the magic of New Orleans? Your adventure is just a click away, so come on down and let the Crescent City charm you with its vibrant culture and rich history. Don’t miss out on the fun and stories that make New Orleans unforgettable!

Visit our website today to book your tour and start your adventure in the Big Easy!

 

2) The French Quarter – The Place Where It All Began

New Orleans’s history begins here. The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous section. French colonists settled in the area in the 1700s and brought their love of leisure activities and food. For history lovers, there is plenty to explore:

  • Jackson Square – Located near the Mississippi River, Jackson Square is home to St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, and the statue of Andrew Jackson.

  • The Cabildo – The Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies took place here. Today, it houses some of the rarest historical artifacts.

  • 1850 House – The house showcases middle-class life in 1850 and contains art, decorations, furniture, a gift shop, and more.

Did You Know? For a time, the French Quarter was under Spanish rule. Spain began a 40-year rule in 1762, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s architecture.

 

3) Mardi Gras World – A Party All Year Long

Many people flock to New Orleans to see the infamous parades. However, have you ever considered the work that goes into making the floats and organizing city-wide parades that run concurrently for over two weeks straight? Mardi Gras World opened its doors in 1984, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look.

What to expect during your visit:

  • The tour lasts an hour and runs every 30 minutes, so you have lots of chances to join and see the magic of Mardi Gras up close.

  • Watch a 15-minute video that gives you a fun look at Mardi Gras, showing how the amazing floats and parades come together.

  • Enjoy a free shuttle from Canal Street to Mardi Gras World, making it super easy to start your exciting visit.

Fun Fact: In 1875, Mardi Gras became a legal holiday in Louisiana, thanks to the Mardi Gras Act signed by Governor Warmoth.

 

4) The Garden District – Explore NOLA

The Garden District may not be as famous as other NOLA areas, but it is a quiet, lovely place filled with beauty and history. It is a great spot to spend a long day or a weekend. Here are some experiences to enjoy:

  • Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – A must-see for its above-ground tombs, rich history, and unique cultural significance. It offers a memorable experience for adults interested in New Orleans’s heritage.

  • Magazine Street Adventures – From antique stores and boutiques to charming cafes and cocktail bars, it’s the perfect place for adults to explore, indulge, and unwind.

Did You Know? Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is renowned for its above-ground tombs and has been featured in numerous films and literature.

 

5) New Orleans Festivals – Where Adults Play All Day

New Orleans does not party just during Carnival. The city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Here are a few popular events:

  • French Quarter Festival – This annual event celebrates the heart of New Orleans with live music, local food vendors, and a lively atmosphere.

  • Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – A food lover’s dream, this festival is dedicated to the iconic po-boy sandwich. Adults can indulge in creative variations of this classic dish while enjoying music and the charming Oak Street vibe.

  • Beignet Fest – Held at New Orleans City Park, this festival offers a sweet and savory twist on the beloved beignet. It’s a fun way for adults to explore local flavors and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors.

Pro Tip: Before your trip, check NOLA’s calendar of events to find activities that appeal to you. Special events will add another element of fun to your visit.

 

6) Green Getaways In New Orleans

For nature lovers, the city’s parks are the places to be. Whether you want to play a round of golf or take a stroll hand in hand, the parks are perfect for play, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors.

New Orleans City Park is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature in the city:

  • New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) – Explore the museum’s world-class collection and visit the adjacent Sculpture Garden.

  • Botanical Garden – Wander through beautifully curated gardens filled with vibrant plants and flowers.

  • City Putt – Enjoy mini-golf at this charming and well-maintained course.

  • Live Oaks – Admire the world’s largest collection of mature live oaks, some nearly 800 years old.

  • Beignets – If all the exploring leaves you needing a snack, grab beignets at Cafe do Monde and enjoy them while appreciating the grandeur of the Southern landscape.

Audubon Park is a peaceful oasis perfect for leisurely exploration:

  • Audubon Golf Club – Play a relaxing round of golf on this beautiful course.

  • Audubon Zoo – Visitors can see a diverse range of wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

  • Walking and Biking Loop – Enjoy a scenic 1.8-mile paved trail under majestic oak trees.

  • Labyrinth Trail – Experience a meditative walk designed for reflection and mindfulness.

  • The Fly – Relax along the Mississippi River at this riverside spot for stunning views.

Did You Know? The magnolia is New Orleans’s official city flower. The flower, with fragrant white petals and glossy green leaves, represents the city’s charm and beauty.

 

7) Audubon Aquarium Of The Americas – Discover The Underworld

Aquariums are not just for children. The aquarium offers a world-class marine experience right in the heart of New Orleans. From wine tours to touch pools, there is plenty of adult fun:

  • Exhibits – Visit vibrant aquatic life, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and even creatures from the Great Barrier Reef. The Amazon Rainforest exhibit adds a lush and exotic touch with its greenery and wildlife.

  • Interactive Experiences – Get hands-on with stingray touch pools and enjoy seasonal activities like wine and aquarium tours.

Did You Know? The aquarium houses endangered African penguins, making conservation a central focus of its mission.

 

8) Bourbon Street – The Heartbeat Of New Orleans’ Nightlife

Known for its neon lights, live music, bars, and energy, Bourbon Street is the destination for adults looking for a night out. Get ready to party:

  • Music Venues – From jazz and blues to rock and zydeco, venues like Preservation Hall and Maison Bourbon Jazz Club keep the music alive.

  • Cocktails & Signature Drinks – Try the iconic Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s or a Hand Grenade – the “strongest drink in New Orleans.”

  • Street Performances – The street comes alive with performers, creating a lively, open-air show.

Did You Know? Bourbon Street gets its name not from a drink but from France’s House of Bourbon, paying homage to the city’s colonial past.

 

9) Steamboat Natchez River Cruises – Time For Some Romance

All aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River! Feel the gentle breeze as you glide along the water, with day and evening cruises offering unique experiences:

  • Take a look around the steam engine room and see how this amazing boat works up close.

  • Hear interesting stories and history as you cruise along the Mississippi River.

  • Enjoy live music from talented New Orleans musicians, making your trip even more special.

  • Grab a drink from the fully stocked bar and relax as you sail down the river.

Did You Know? The Steamboat Natchez features a 32-note steam calliope, a musical instrument powered by steam that fills the air with music as the boat departs.

 

New Orleans Is A Fun Place For Adults

Uncover the fun of New Orleans! From green spaces to vibrant streets and iconic attractions, the Big Easy is calling. Let New Orleans Secrets Tours guide you beyond the ordinary with insider experiences and fun tours you won’t find anywhere else.

Jump into a world of unforgettable experiences and vibrant stories. Let the charm of New Orleans captivate your senses. Book your tour today and dive into the heart of the Big Easy!

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 9

Magazine Street Foodie Tour

Magazine Street is where New Orleans actually eats.

Six miles of shotgun storefronts, century-old corner spots, and kitchens that have been perfecting the same dishes longer than most cities have had restaurants. This is the Garden District's main artery: colorful, alive, and layered with food culture that runs so deep locals will exchange recipes at the dinner table and then go back to the same place the next morning with their “mom ‘n dem.” If you want to understand this city, you eat here.

This three-hour walk takes you through it all. Stroll past the places that have been feeding New Orleans families for generations, behind the stories of the people who built them, and straight to the kind of meal that makes a vacation nap feel earned. No tourist menus. No manufactured atmosphere. Just the real thing.

You'll eat at five stops — seven dishes, minimum — and every one was chosen because the food means something here. There's history in every delicious bite! And stories behind them that most visitors never hear, since this tour takes you way beyond gumbo, beignets, and muffulettas. In fact, this tour was specifically designed to feed you dishes that locals love, but most visitors would never think to order them on their own!

Your guide handles everything. The reservations, the introductions, the bill. You show up curious and leave knowing New Orleans the way a local does — through what it eats, how it cooks, and why it matters. To enhance your experience, we’ll even include a local beer, poured exactly where it belongs.

Groups stay small — nine guests maximum — so you're never waiting in a pack or shouting over a crowd. You're just eating, talking, and working your way through one of the best streets in one of the best food cities in the world.

This New Orleans food tour walk covers 1/2 mile and will be held rain or shine. This tour does not accommodate vegan, low or gluten-free, kosher, or reduced-sodium dietary restrictions. This tour may not be a good fit for diets that prohibit both seafood and pork, since many dishes contain one or the other. A minimum of 2 people are required for this tour to run (may be booked separately).

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Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 9

Vegan New Orleans Food Tour

Yes, vegan food in New Orleans! Hear us out.

This city built its reputation on butter, lard, and things pulled straight from the Gulf — and somehow, it's also home to some of the most creative plant-based cooking in the South. That's not a compromise. That's a culinary dare, and the chefs taking it on are winning.

Over three hours in the French Quarter, you'll eat your way through stops that reveal themselves as you go. The dishes are real food: the kind that fills you up and makes you talk about it at dinner the next night. One vegan beer or soda is included because this is New Orleans and you should always have something in your hand.

You don't have to be vegan to book this tour. You just have to be hungry and a little curious about what this city can do when it plays by different rules.

No more than nine guests on our regularly-scheduled tours. Ever.

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Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 7

Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour

New Orleans has always been a food city. But the version most visitors experience is a fraction of the story. This is the rest of it.

NO Secrets takes you Uptown, into the Audubon neighborhood, where the restaurants are quieter, the menus are more deliberate, and the locals actually book reservations. Over three hours, you'll move through a progressive dinner at three celebrated restaurants, with multiple dishes at every stop, that begins with cocktails at the bar and ends at one of the most respected tables in the city.

Seven guests maximum. Twenty-one and older. Three hours in a part of New Orleans most visitors fly home without ever finding.

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Duration
2 hours
Group Size
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Mysteries of Voodoo Tour

Most visitors leave New Orleans thinking they understand Voodoo. They don't — because what they saw was the tourist version. The real story is older, more complex, and far more interesting than anything you'll find on a shop shelf on Bourbon Street.

Vodun began as a sophisticated West African spiritual tradition, crossed the Atlantic through the slave trade, and put down deep roots in Louisiana. Here it collided with Catholicism, colonial power, and the fierce determination of a community that refused to disappear. On this two hour walking tour, you'll finally hear that story told the way locals tell it.

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Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
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New Orleans Cocktail Tour

New Orleans didn't invent drinking…but it did invent doing it better! The Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, and the Grasshopper weren't accidents. They were born in the bars, parlors, and back rooms of the French Quarter by people who believed a great drink deserved a great story.

This is a small-group walking tour through the heart of one of the world's great drinking cities. You'll visit some of the oldest and most storied bars in the country, taste cocktails that defined American drinking culture, and hear the real history behind what's in your glass. Not the rehearsed version, the actual one.

Your guide keeps the group small, just nine guests maximum, so you're never shouting over a crowd, never rushed, and never part of a pack. Drinks aren't included in the tour price, and that's by design: whether you want to share a round with friends, order your own, or simply soak it all in, the choice is entirely yours.

By the time the evening ends, you won't just know what you drank. You'll know why it matters.

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