5 Experiences You Can't Miss in New Orleans — Including One That Will Completely Transform How You See Yourself

New Orleans is a city that gets under your skin in the best possible way.
It’s vibrant, soulful, and unforgettable—and if you're planning a visit, there are a few experiences you simply can't afford to miss.

Here’s your guide to doing New Orleans right:

1. Indulge in the Flavors of the City
Food isn’t just a pastime here—it’s a way of life.
Start with iconic beignets from Café du Monde, then dive into gumbo, crawfish étouffée, po’boys, muffulettas, and pralines that melt on your tongue.
From the French Market to tucked-away neighborhood gems, every bite tells a story.
Come hungry—and leave blissfully full.

2. Immerse Yourself in a Festival (Big or Small)
In New Orleans, celebrations happen year-round.
Whether it’s the legendary Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Fest, or an impromptu second line winding through the streets, you’re never far from a party.
Music, art, culture, and pure joy spill into the air—if you hear a band playing, follow it.
That's how some of the best memories are made here.

3. Capture Your Power with a Boudoir Session at Bad Kitty Photography
Some souvenirs are meant to last a lifetime—and this one will.
At Bad Kitty Photography, it’s not just about beautiful photos (although you’ll absolutely get those).
It’s about experiencing yourself in an entirely new way: strong, radiant, magnetic.

Guided by Master Photographer Cinnamon Gray and her all-female team, you’ll be pampered with professional hair and makeup, coached into poses that highlight your natural beauty, and celebrated every step of the way.
Whether you arrive a little nervous or ready to shine, you’ll leave with a gallery that reminds you just how extraordinary you truly are.

And yes—it’s surprisingly accessible:

• $175 for the session

• $40 each for hair and makeup

• Photo packages beginning at $275

Empowerment. Confidence. Art.
It’s the memory you’ll treasure long after the beads have been packed away.

4. Take a Gator Tour Through the Bayou
The wild beauty of Louisiana’s swamps is something you have to see to believe.
Booking a gator tour gets you up close (but not too close) with the state’s most iconic locals.
Moss-draped cypress trees, mirrored waters, and a glimpse into a completely different side of Louisiana life—it’s a thrilling, unforgettable experience that adds a little edge to your trip.

5. Stroll the French Quarter with Eyes Wide Open
The French Quarter is the beating heart of New Orleans—and it’s worth savoring beyond the famous Bourbon Street.
Meander through Royal Street’s galleries and antique shops.
Listen to street performers who could easily headline a concert.
Visit Jackson Square, where artists line the fences and fortune tellers set up shop at dusk.
Every corner holds a piece of history, mystery, and pure, untamed spirit.

In Short:
New Orleans isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that transforms you if you let it.
Taste everything.
Dance with strangers.
Step in front of the camera and see yourself through a whole new lens.
Let the music, the magic, and the memories weave themselves into your story.

You’ll leave with a full heart, a few happy blisters, and proof that you were, for a moment, completely, unapologetically alive.

And trust me—there’s no better souvenir than that.