New Orleans in Sept: Top Activities & Things to Do

So, you’re thinking of checking out New Orleans in September? Very good choice! New Orleans, even with its bit of heat in September, has just a slightly different type of magic than you would see during the wilder times like Mardi Gras. That said, imagine enjoying the sounds of amazing music, experiencing amazing dishes, without as many crazy crowds, and honestly it might be your ideal vacation! That’s exactly what September offers. It’s more or less a sweet spot, where the city displays a certain cozy appeal as summer eases its grip. We’ll have a look at top things that might spark your interest.

1. French Quarter Exploration: Beyond Bourbon Street

Okay, you cannot visit New Orleans and, well, completely skip the French Quarter. In some respects, everyone must see the French Quarter at least once. Bourbon Street is what people tend to think of, with all the music, shops and experiences, but the French Quarter has more things. You will want to move just beyond the typical tourist spots, like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral (both worthy spots). It’s almost as if there are these quiet streets where you can see hidden gardens and courtyards; it could be the spot that’s a photographer’s dream, so get that camera ready!.

Explore Pirates Alley, tucked right next to the cathedral, very likely filled with local artists selling pieces. Then, walk down Royal Street where that’s often filled with fantastic antique shops and galleries that should speak to your inner antique lover. You should allow yourself the room just to drift a little bit to discover hidden corners, experiencing those lovely balconies dressed in flowers. To be honest, a walking tour really does make these stories of New Orleans come alive. As a matter of fact, the city has an awesome, layered history!

2. Food Adventures: Beyond Beignets

Now, you have probably already heard about beignets, those puffy, powdered-sugar donuts of complete perfection. As I was saying, go ahead and try those! It’s almost a requirement! Explore past Cafe Du Monde though because it’s more than the sugary delights that New Orleans boasts!. New Orleans is a very significant spot on the global culinary scene. Actually, it really is!. That food is just really very spectacular!.

Find those neighborhood spots where the chefs pour their hearts into gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. Places you should definitely try could be Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (a civil rights landmark that makes great Creole), or Jacques-Imo’s Cafe (for the unconventional!). Listen, you need to save room for trying a proper po’boy. Domilise’s is somewhere everyone talks about with long lines to be proud of. You will want to try and discover these unassuming spots that are more or less cooking up magic!.

3. Festivals and Events: September Highlights

September could very likely mean festival season kicks off in New Orleans! Of course, you should make sure you look at a local calendar when planning, but these festivals might pop up. Typically, September plays host to the New Orleans Film Festival, which pulls indie cinema and huge premieres into old theaters. This festival tends to be amazing!. Also, for anyone that loves dance, there might be a festival for that! It will vary!

There might just be local fairs going on that show the art, food, plus a taste of New Orleans vibes you probably want! Also, September provides sports events like the start of football season; in other words, you have an experience with very, very loyal Saints fans. Getting involved can mean total fun, regardless of whether you’re there for the sports!

4. Swamp Tours: Encountering Louisiana’s Wild Side

In a way, leaving New Orleans without exploring a swamp might be just missing a major part of what makes Louisiana, Louisiana. So, many different tour options go from airboat journeys where they skim right on the surface, or you have a slow boat ride with the naturalist telling interesting stories. That can teach all things regarding ecology, the stories of Cajuns. Alligators are seen. The place could come alive with a lot of wildlife activity in the milder days of September, though some insects could show up.

Be sure and grab the chance for seeing these magical landscapes that sit right beyond New Orleans, even though they seem like an entire separate world. A bit more like an outdoor cinema, nature offers up scenes from nature that’s both really awesome and educational!.

5. Garden District: Mansions and History

Take St. Charles Avenue with its swaying oak trees and beautiful mansions: a relaxing escape. Those grand houses show styles, a little like Greek Revival to American Victorian, which sit surrounded by totally lush gardens, which kind of is how this neighborhood got its name! It might just offer a total change from the French Quarter’s high vibes, with the peaceful feel. In some respects, walking is your preferred means to experiencing, the mansions.

But, take the streetcar; this is really fun; this goes all through St. Charles, providing total views without actually having to walk it all on foot! Be sure you explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – historic, above-ground, this city of the dead shares something so historical in character. It is just lovely!