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must do when in new orleans ?

**The Big Easy’s Must-Do Experiences: Your New Orleans Guide**

New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s an experience that wraps you in the soul of the South, dipped in jazz, voodoo, and the sweet-and-spicy allure of Creole culture. Whether you’re here for a first trip or revisiting, these activities promise to immerse you in *La Nouvelle-Orléans* magic.

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### 1. **Walk Among the Tombstones: Explore the Haunted Cemeteries**
New Orleans’ cemeteries aren’t spooky—they’re **art museums above ground**. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lets you stroll between elaborately decorated tombs like LaLaurie’s, with stories as twisted as its history. The **City of the Dead** is a chilling yet fascinating peek into French tradition.

**Tip**: Book a guided tour for insider tales!

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### 2. **Let Jazz Fill Your Day in Tremé**
The “Birthplace of Jazz” isn’t just a slogan. The Tremé neighborhood thrives with soul. Join locals for a second-line parade, grab beignets (don’t skip Café Du Monde!), and soak in live music at the Maple Leaf Bar. This district’s streets pulse with the heartbeat of NOLA’s musical past.

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### 3. **Ride the Streetcar (and Live Like a Local)**
Hop on the Saint Charles Streetcar, a scenic route gliding past antebellum mansions in the **Garden District**. This 100+year-old transit isn’t just transport; it’s a postcard of Southern elegance.

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### 4. **Meet Mardi Gras Year-Round at Mardi Gras World**
See **parade floats towering at 40+ feet** at this museum. Even off-season, this exhibit explains the carnival’s artistry and history. Costumes, masks, and behind-the-scenes trivia will leave you ready to throw beads yourself.

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### 5. **March Through History at Chalmette Battlefield**
This battlefield honors the 1815 Battle of New Orleans (where Andrew Jackson triumphed over the British). Its museum offers *living history* exhibits, and the battlefield itself offers a serene walk through memory.

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### 6. **Indulge in Art & Nature**
– **Audubon Nature Institute** blends zoo, aquarium, and gardens into educational fun.
– **Longue Vue House & Gardens**: A garden district mansion showcasing modern art and lush greenery.
– **Besthoff Sculpture Garden**: Free and sprawling, part of the New Orleans Museum of Art.

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###7. **Step Inside Quirky Museums**
– **National WWII Museum**: A must for history buffs, with immersive exhibits. A sobering yet gripping look at the war’s impact.
– **New Orleans Pharmacy Museum**: A tiny gem revealing the city’s medical past.
– **Voodoo Museum**: Led by **Doctor John’s** collection, delve into Louisiana’s voodoo roots.

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###8. **Celebrate Local Flavors**
– **Dining**: Savor crawfish étouffée at Commander’s Palace, or grab a *po-boy* (baguette sandwich with shrimp/meat). Don’t skip a Hurricane drink at Pat O’Brien’s.
– **Markets**: French Market, open-air since 1791, sells handmade crafts and beignets.

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###9. **Swing to Jazz in **Frenchmen Street**
By night, this pedestrian alley becomes a live-music playground. From blues to brass bands, it’s where locals dance under string lights.

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###10. **Unwind on the Lakeshore**
Visit City Park, home to the **Balkam Garden** and the **City Park Labyrinth**, a peaceful escape. The Parkview Health Center offers live jazz in the evenings!

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### Bonus: **Dive into Voodoo’s Mystique**
At the **New Orleans Voodoo Museum**, a guide (or just wandering solo) reveals rituals, charms, and even Marie Laveaux lore.

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### Pro Tips from the Locals:
– “*Be Nice or Leave*” signs line streets as a friendly reminder—go with patience and respect.
– Avoid the French Quarter’s tourist traps; quieter areas like Bywater offer authentic art and bars.

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**Final Thought**
New Orleans doesn’t just entertain; it *envelops you*. Whether tracing jazz roots, wandering spookily beautiful cemetary trails, or dancing to the latest beat at Frenchmen Street, you’ll leave with a soul soundtrack of Southern soul. Let the city’s tropical rhythms guide you—the “**Things Must Do** list is incomplete without it.

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*Ready to dive in? Pack your jazz boots, an appetite, and a sense of adventure—NOLA will do the rest.* 🎷✨

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*Inspired by sources from U.S. News, Lonely Planet, and local guides. Plan smart, and laisse les bons temps rouler!*

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**Bon voyage!** Let these tips be your compass, but let the city’s charm redirect the map.

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*Check tripadvisor reviews for event times, and remember—the best discoveries are off the list.*

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This guide blends culture, flavor, and *la vie créole* (Creole lifestyle) to craft an unforgettable NOLA adventure!

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*Ready to explore? Your next move: *Vive la city of jazz and *joie de vivre*.*

*Virtually yours,*
[Your Blog Name]

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*P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a camera—this city’s beauty is framed to surprise.*

*#NewOrleansAdventure #BigEasyMagic*

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*Sources referenced include expert insights from travel.usnews.com, lonelyplanet.com, and local blogs, ensuring an itinerary that speaks authenticity.*

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This structure blends key attractions from provided sources, highlights the city’s unique aspects, and adds travel advice. Would this cover most “must-dos”? Let me know!

**Why You’ll Love It**
– Mardi Gras magic anytime of year
– Ghostly beauty of cemeteries + art-filled gardens
– Music that syncs with your soul

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Plan your trip and let Nola’s *joie de vivre* steal your breath!

*—The End—*

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*This post is part of our #TravelCuriosities series, where the usual rules fly out the window. New Orleans isn’t toured—it’s *lived*.*

*P.P.S.* **Safety Note**: Check cemetery hours; some have restricted visiting times. Respect local norms—this city does things at its own pace.

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**Happy travels!** 🎶柩