As the sounds of jazz music fill the air as you stroll down the streets of New Orleans' French Quarter, you will begin to see why people quickly fall in love with the Big Easy. It's a city known for its macabre past, its mystical practice of voodoo and its undeniably flavorful and delectable food.
But in order to soak up the true culture and flavor of New Orleans, you will want to step outside the confines of the hottest tourist attractions in town and begin to discover the best unknown places to see in New Orleans.
These eight hidden gems in New Orleans will unveil the inner beauty of this city, showcasing locations that not every tourist will get to see.
1. Frenchmen Street
- Location: 7th Ward
- Known For: Offering a glimpse of local culture and flavor away from the touristy buzz of the French Quarter.
- Key Features: Excellent jazz clubs, delicious local restaurants, live music
Seemingly hidden between the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods is Frenchmen Street, a street that is bursting with all the culture and flavor of New Orleans, minus the tourists. It was once considered New Orleans' best kept secret and was a prized gathering spot among locals, but it is inching its way into mainstream popularity. Still, visitors who are looking for a truly authentic experience will love visiting Frenchmen Street, which is known as one of the best spots for live music in the city
2. Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
- Address: 820 St. Louis Street
- Known For: Being two of the best-preserved 19th century homes in the city.
- Key Features: Historic house tours, including a specialty tour about urban enslavement.
As the French Quarter changed and developed throughout the 20th century, some of the more iconic historic spots were lost. Visitors who are interested in experiencing the history and charm of the city will love touring the Hermann-Grima and Gallier Historic Houses, which are situated in the heart of the French Quarter and allow visitors to step back into time as they tour the home and learn more about the historic collections that are preserved there.
3. Toulouse Theater
- Address: 615 Toulouse Street
- Known For: Being the largest, independently-owned, artist-operated venue in the French Quarter.
- Key Features: Large bar, various live shows and events throughout the year.
First established in 1977, the Toulouse Theater was recently revived and brought back to life in 2021, making it one of the newest hidden gems in New Orleans. As an independent live music venue, visitors can expect an authentic and immersive experience unlike anything else they will find in New Orleans. Live music performers across all genres are invited to perform here throughout the year, giving everyone a chance to try something new, no matter when they plan to visit New Orleans.
4. Fritzel's Jazz Club
- Address: 733 Bourbon Street
- Known For: Excellent live jazz music
- Key Features: Nightly jazz performance and outdoor seating for those who want to soak up the ambiance of Bourbon Street.
It may be located on Bourbon Street, the epicenter of activity and music in New Orleans, but Fritzel's Jazz Club remains as one of the city's best-kept secrets. Situated in an unassuming historic building, it would be easy to walk right by, but you would be passing by an incredible experience. Fritzel's Jazz Club has been welcoming the best performers in the city since 1969 and to this day, it offers nightly jazz performances that allow you to feel the pulse of the city with your entire body and soul.
5. Treme Hideaway
- Address: 1234 North Claireborne Avenue
- Known For: Being a local gathering spot, excellent live music and exceptional seafood dishes
- Key Features: Nightly specials, live music and patio dining.
True to its name, the Treme Hideaway is tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, but it brings the noise with its live music performances. Attracting both local and national artists, Treme Hideaway provides visitors with a chance to live like a local in New Orleans. Be sure to arrive early and grab a meal as you won't be disappointed by the array of fresh seafood dishes available. Then once your dinner is settling down, you can relax and enjoy some of the best live music that New Orleans has to offer.
6. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Address: 514 Chartres Street
- Known For: Being located inside the apothecary of the country's first licensed pharmacist.
- Key Features: Impressive collection of 19th century medicinal artifacts
When you step inside the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, you will feel as if you have been transported back in time to the 19th century, when locals would have had to go to the apothecary for all of their healthcare needs. Housed in the apothecary of the country's first licensed pharmacist, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum pays homage to the role that pharmacists have played in our lives for centuries. The museum's impressive collection consists of more than 18,000 pharmaceutical items from the 19th and 20th centuries, including more than 10,000 medical artifacts and more than 2,000 books and periodicals.
7. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
- Address: 626 Frenchmen Street
- Known For: Being a casual local eatery with excellent live jazz music.
- Key Features: Intimate atmosphere, unique balcony seating
Situated just outside the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has been a local watering hole for more than 30 years. The bistro attracts some of the most accomplished local jazz musicians from around the area. Patrons love the fact that they can indulge in a casual meal in an intimate atmosphere where they can fully appreciate the music. Arrive early to get a seat as seating is limited, with some of the best seating being available on the balcony. Once you have experienced jazz at this bistro, you may find that nowhere else compares.
8. Backstreet Cultural Museum
- Address: 1531 St. Phillip Street
- Known For: Being the city's best museum dedicated to the history of Mardi Gras
- Key Features: Its rich and varied collection that highlights the cultural traditions of Mardi Gras.
Established in 1999, Backstreet Cultural Museum may seem like a relative newcomer to the city's museum scene, but over the past 25 years, it has earned a reputation for offering one of the most complete and authentic collections of Mardi Gras history. While it can easily be overlooked for other more prominent museums, the Backstreet Cultural Museum is a must-do for anyone who wants to fully understand and appreciate the culture and traditions of Carnival celebrations, jazz funerals and second-line parades. It's one of the best places to get a first-hand glimpse at these moments and to learn more about the role they have played in the city's growth and development through the centuries.
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