St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans. This historic burial ground is located just outside the French Quarter and is the final resting place of legendary New Orleans voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Walking through the rows of elaborate above-ground tombs is an eerie yet fascinating experience. The elaborate stonework and ornate designs make this cemetery feel like a maze and an architectural wonder. Be sure to stop by Marie Laveau’s tomb to pay your respects and leave a small offering if you’d like. Local legend says that by knocking on her tomb three times, marking an X, spinning around three times, and shouting your wish, the voodoo priestess may grant your request from beyond the grave. Just be respectful when visiting and take care navigating the crumbling walkways.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 482-5065
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Step back in time to an era of soda fountains, leeches, and bizarre medical practices at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. This museum is housed within an 1823 apothecary shop in the French Quarter, making it the oldest pharmacy in the United States. The museum has an extensive collection of medical equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including primitive surgical tools, mysterious elixirs, and voodoo potions. Some of the strangest artifacts include a kit for bloodletting, primitive contraceptives made of crocodile dung, and cocaine-laced toothache cures. The museum also features antique glassware, a fully-restored soda fountain from the 1890s, and authentic pharmacist tools. It’s a quirky and fascinating look into the early days of medicine and pharmaceuticals in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 565-8027
Louis Armstrong Park
Dedicated to the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong, this park is a celebration of New Orleans’ musical heritage. Louis Armstrong Park spans 32 acres in the Tremé neighborhood and is home to historic Congo Square. This famous square is considered the birthplace of jazz and was once a gathering place for slaves on Sundays to sing, dance, and play music. The park is filled with live oak trees, sculptures, and musical tributes to Armstrong. Be sure to visit the striking Louis Armstrong statue and catch a free concert at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park inside the park. From jazz history to Mardi Gras Indian suits on display, Louis Armstrong Park immerses you in New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind music culture.
Louis Armstrong Park 729 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 558-6001
The New Orleans Healing Center
This vibrant community center celebrates the heart and soul of New Orleans. The New Orleans Healing Center is housed in a historic former department store building on vibrant St. Claude Avenue. It’s home to over 40 local shops, art galleries, and holistic wellness centers all under one roof. You can get your tarot cards read, browse works by local artists, indulge in a yoga class, or explore the on-site organic juice bar and vegan cafe. The Healing Center hosts community events, movie screenings, poetry readings, and various classes nearly every day of the week. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local creative scene and discover local hidden gems in New Orleans.
New Orleans Healing Center 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 301-1177
The Music Box Village
This quirky art installation is like nothing else you’ll find in New Orleans. The Music Box Village is an outdoor art exhibit made up of handcrafted “music boxes” that stand over 10 feet tall. Each structure is designed and built by local artists and musicians, creating a whimsical village hidden away under the Claiborne Avenue Bridge. As you wander through the village, you’ll hear the structures play an array of music, from classical to jazz to zydeco. The village comes alive on weekends with live music performances. It’s the perfect spot to experience local art and talent in a completely unique environment. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos channeling your inner giant among these larger-than-life music boxes.
The Music Box Village 4557 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 301-1177
The New Orleans Streetcar
Riding the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar is a quintessential New Orleans experience. These antique streetcars have been running along St. Charles Avenue since 1835, making them the oldest continuously operating streetcars in the world. The green streetcars roll past stately mansions, lush gardens, and sprawling live oaks as they make their way from Canal Street to Carrollton Avenue. Locals love riding the streetcar to experience classic New Orleans charm and see the city from a new perspective. You can ride the entire length of the line or hop on and off to explore different neighborhoods. Don’t forget to snap a few photos aboard the streetcar! With vintage wooden seats and brass fittings, they’re quite photogenic.
St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Permits and Schedules (504) 248-3900
Crescent Park
Get away from the bustle of downtown and experience some serenity at Crescent Park. This waterfront green space runs along the Mississippi River, offering stellar views of the New Orleans skyline. Mature live oaks line the walking and biking paths that wind through the park. You can admire public art installations, relax in the grassy fields, or check out the rusty ruins of an abandoned wharf. Make sure to walk out on the grand archway that extends out over the river for a one-of-a-kind perspective on New Orleans. Pack a picnic or just find a bench to sit and soak in the peaceful river views at this hidden local gem. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city skyline.
Crescent Park Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 658-3200
The Fly
This vibrant community park is located along the Mississippi River near the Audubon Zoo. While it’s popular with families and joggers during the day, The Fly really comes alive at night. Local artists have covered the pavilions and structures with dazzling LED light displays that pulse in time with the music. On weekend nights, you can catch DJs spinning tracks, poets doing readings, and musicians jamming out as the park glows around them. Grab a snack from a food truck on site and wander through the colorful scene at this urban park. The Fly is a totally unique experience that showcases New Orleans’ thriving arts community.
The Fly 6000 River Rd, New Orleans, LA 70118
Plan Your Trip With Charter Buses New Orleans Louisiana
Now that you’ve discovered some of the top hidden gems scattered throughout New Orleans, it’s time to start planning your trip! The best way to experience these local favorites is by renting a charter bus from Charter Buses New Orleans Louisiana. Our charter buses and minibuses provide safe, comfortable transportation for groups of any size. Let us handle driving your group around the Big Easy while you focus on exploring these amazing attractions. Our team are experts on navigating New Orleans’ narrow streets and know the most efficient routes to avoid traffic. On board our buses, you’ll enjoy amenities like plush reclining seats, climate control, luggage storage, power outlets, and free WiFi. We can accommodate any group size from business travelers to school field trips. Don’t waste time and energy trying to coordinate rides or find parking. Leave it to the professionals at Charter Buses New Orleans Louisiana! Ready to book your New Orleans charter bus? Call us anytime at 504-459-0880 and we’ll help you find the perfect transportation for your group. We look forward to helping you experience the hidden charms of New Orleans!