10 Hidden Gems in New Orleans You Can’t Miss

10 Hidden Gems in New Orleans You Can’t Miss. New Orleans is a city famous for its rich culture, historic background, and famous sites such as the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Garden District. But the city has numerous lesser-known gems that provide an authentic and distinct experience. If you’re keen on experiencing the less known side of New Orleans, here are 10 little-known gems you would not like to miss.

1. The Backstreet Cultural Museum

Hidden in the Treme district, the Backstreet Cultural Museum presents New Orleans’ African American heritage, specifically its Mardi Gras Indian ethnic group, jazz funerals, and second-line parades. The museum provides a detailed insight into the city’s rich and underappreciated cultural practices. It’s a tiny, intimate place with much heart and history.

2. St. Roch Market

While the French Market is a tourist hotspot, St. Roch Market in the neighborhood of Bywater provides a more laid-back and local atmosphere. This vintage food hall boasts several food stands offering up everything from seafood to specialty coffee. It’s a great spot to try New Orleans’ version of Southern cuisine in a hip but relaxed environment.

3. The Music Box Village

Situated in the Bywater, The Music Box Village is an interactive museum piece that incorporates music and architecture. It consists of a series of sound-making houses that can be played by the guests. Visitors can play on the otherworldly, musical houses and enjoy a really immersive sensory experience. The village also has live performances so it is not to be missed by music enthusiasts.

4. Louis Armstrong Park

While everyone else descends upon the well-known French Quarter, Louis Armstrong Park in Treme is a serene haven honoring the iconic jazz great. The park boasts the Congo Square, where African slaves used to congregate to dance and drum and where jazz was born. It’s a great place to get some peace and quiet while indulging in the city’s musical history.

5. The Old U.S. Mint

One of the city’s lesser-known historical treasures is the Old U.S. Mint, found in the French Quarter. This was originally a federal mint but is now home to the New Orleans Jazz Museum. It’s an excellent destination to research the history of jazz, not to mention the city’s contribution to American music. There are exhibits, live performances, and educational offerings all year round.

6. The Bayou St. John

A short drive from the downtown chaos, Bayou St. John provides a serene oasis for nature enthusiasts. This picturesque waterway is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a relaxing walk along the water. Bayou St. John also boasts some quaint cafes and restaurants, so it is an excellent destination for a relaxing afternoon in New Orleans.

7. The Musicians’ Village

In the 7th Ward, the Musicians’ Village was created after Hurricane Katrina so that displaced musicians could come back to the city. This lively neighborhood is lined with painted houses, murals, and live music. Tourists can take a walking tour to find out more about the history of the village and the artists who live there. It’s a great spot to hear local music in an intimate, grassroots environment.

8. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

For those who want to learn about the city’s mystical and spiritual aspects, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum provides an interesting glimpse into the history and culture of Voodoo in New Orleans. In the French Quarter, the museum is filled with artifacts, exhibits, and displays that chronicle the origins and impact of Voodoo in the Crescent City. It’s a must-see for those interested in New Orleans’ supernatural past.

9. Magazine Street in Garden District

Although the Garden District is famous for its mansions, one of the finest ways to explore this neighborhood is by walking down Magazine Street. This six-mile-long road is lined with eclectic boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and neighborhood coffee shops. Magazine Street provides a more relaxed, local atmosphere than the more touristy areas of the city.

10. The Cemetery Tours

New Orleans is renowned for its cemeteries above ground, but one of the best-kept secrets is St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, which is in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood. This less-touristed cemetery is full of stunning and historic tombs, some of which are from the 19th century. The cemetery is less crowded and quieter than the more popular St. Louis No. 1, providing a serene experience for history and architecture enthusiasts.