Lifestyle in New Orleans

New residents in New Orleans won’t be disappointed when it comes to the city’s wide range of lifestyle offerings. With such a wealth of vibrant and varied entertainment options, New Orleans is undoubtedly deserving of its reputation as “the Paris of the South”.

As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is known the world over for its nightlife, and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to evening entertainment. Foodies, too, will be well taken care of in New Orleans. The city boasts a seemingly endless range of gastronomic delights, from Southern soul food and Creole cuisine to international fusion foods.

New arrivals will find plenty of exciting things to do with their downtime in New Orleans, which is full of life, colour, and vibrancy. 

Arts and culture in New Orleans

Art, theatre and music are the lifeblood of New Orleans. The city has an impressive history when it comes to the arts. In 1796, New Orleans played host to the first documented opera performance in the US and became home to the first ever commercial movie theatre on Canal Street in 1896. It is also, of course, the undisputed home of jazz. 

New Orleans is home to a rich stock of museums and art galleries: from the world-renowned National WWII Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art to slightly more quirky offerings such as Mardi Gras World, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and the Historic Voodoo Museum.

Eating out in New Orleans

New Orleans has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the USA’s food capitals. The food scene is a real mix of tradition and innovation. From Creole delicacies such as the iconic gumbo or mouth-watering jambalaya to more eclectic offerings featuring flavours from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and beyond, New Orleans has something to suit even the most worldly and sophisticated of palates. 

New residents will be thankful to learn that eating out in New Orleans doesn’t need to cost the earth. While there are certainly plenty of opportunities to get a fine-dining fix when you're looking to push the boat out, New Orleans is very much about comforting soul food. This can be found dished up at an array of humble eateries and markets throughout the city. 

Nightlife in New Orleans

As the sun goes down, New Orleans comes to life –  and you’d expect nothing less from a city that produced musical giants such as Louis Armstrong, Dr John and Trombone Shorty. From the smooth sounds of live jazz clubs to quirky cabaret shows, there's fantastic entertainment on every street corner. 

Nightlife spots in New Orleans are strewn across the city, so there's plenty to explore. A stroll from Frenchmen Street through to the French Quarter will reveal block upon block of lively little cafés, music clubs and restaurants. In the French Quarter, the world-famous Bourbon Street is a highlight, while Bywater, a bit further down the river, also showcases some brilliant local talent. 

Sport and outdoor activities in New Orleans

Sports fans won’t be disappointed with a move to New Orleans. NFL fans can get behind the New Orleans Saints while basketball enthusiasts will love following the New Orleans Pelicans in their NBA games. The New Orleans sporting calendar is full throughout the year, so there's unlikely ever to be a dull moment. 

If you're keen on spending time outdoors, you'll find plenty to do in New Orleans, as long as the weather behaves. The city is home to a number of lovely parks that are perfect for a lazy day in the sun. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River provides an array of options, from boat rides to fishing trips.

See and do in New Orleans

French Quarter 

Exploring the streets of the French Quarter is a must for anyone new to the city; the quaint Creole townhouses will transport visitors to a bygone era. The Vieux Carre is full of top-notch restaurants, vibey bars, antique shops, eclectic clothing boutiques and mysterious voodoo dens.

Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is the brainchild of Blaine Kern, or ‘Mr Mardi Gras’, who has been building floats for the city’s famous Fat Tuesday parade for over 50 years. Here, visitors can take a tour on the history behind the Mardi Gras experience. Expats can get wonderful insight into one of New Orleans’s signature festivals.

Steamboat Natchez

New Orleans was once the centre of the Mississippi River’s shipping and steamboat travel industry. Nowadays, Steamboat Natchez is the only working steamboat left. A ride aboard this historic vessel can take visitors into the past, and the dinner jazz cruise is a particularly memorable experience.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Naturally, as the home of jazz, New Orleans would be the place to visit a jazz museum. The New Orleans Jazz Museum provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about a genre of music that lies at the heart of this city. The museum hosts a spectacular array of concerts throughout the year, including various kids programmes.

What's on in New Orleans

With more than 100 festivals taking place each year, New Orleans residents always seem to have a reason to celebrate, and new arrivals are sure to find an event that is right up their street. 

Mardi Gras (February)

Traditionally, Mardi Gras was a celebration of Fat Tuesday, but lately the entire season from Epiphany until Ash Wednesday is considered a celebration. Festivities centre around the French Quarter, Marigy and Bourbon Street.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (April)

For more than 20 years, NOWFE has showcased the city’s best culinary experiences along with fabulous wines from around the world and demos by top local and international chefs. There is also a range of seminars, wine pairings and breakfast events to keep festivalgoers occupied throughout the day.

Essence Festival (July)

Since the 1990s, the Essence Festival has been a popular music event dedicated to contemporary black music and culture. For three days in July, New Orleans welcomes established and up-and-coming black musicians at the Superdome stadium. Events such as the Essence Marketplace add to the buzz.

New Orleans Film Festival (October)

With a rich history in film and a reputation as "Hollywood South", New Orleans fittingly hosts the New Orleans Film Festival. The festival showcases the talent of filmmakers, actors, producers and scriptwriters in the film industry. With around 200 movies on the circuit each year, this event is a must for any movie buff.

Where to meet people and make friends in New Orleans

New Orleans is filled to the brim with social events and opportunities to make friends if you look in the right places and are open to new experiences.

World Kickball Association New Orleans

Kickball is a fun sport for all ages and a popular social sport in New Orleans. The WKA has leagues in many states, and joining is a great way to get fit and meet new people.

NOLA Social Ride

The NOLA Social Ride club comes together to celebrate a love of bikes. They ride them, build them and enjoy each other's company on bikes. Weekly "Happy Thursdays" events are the perfect opportunity for bike-loving expats to socialise.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

This enchanting venue, built in the early 1700s, is rumoured to be America's oldest bar. A great place to order a pint and make new friends.