Last week, we went to New Orleans during our teenage kids’ spring break. Whether you’ve been to New Orleans, want to go, or have no desire, you are probably all thinking the same thing: Why would you willingly take your teenagers to New Orleans for spring break? It’s a fair question. It is one of the biggest party cities in the world after all. But New Orleans is also a city with a ton of cool history things to do. I picked out 5 of those things to do on our trip and you can add to your trip too. This will be the beginning of a multi-part series on the city. Without further ado, let’s get to the list!

#1 Check out the National World War II Museum

Touted all over the city as New Orleans’ #1 attraction, the National World War II Museum’s winged Bollinger Canopy of Peace is likely one of the the first things that catches your eye when you enter the city, especially if arriving at night. I am going to go out on a limb and say the National World War II Museum is the reason you should go to New Orleans; it’s just that good. If you walk into the museum with little to no knowledge of World War II, you’ll walk out feeling like you can hold your own in a conversation with an expert. There’s a whole lot to see, so plan on etching in plenty of time for your visit. However, still go if your time is limited. I can’t express enough how valuable it is to visit.

Check out my post on The National World War II Museum.

#2 Visit Chalmette Battlefield

You’ve never heard of Chalmette Battlefield? Well, it is the site of the main engagement of the Battle of New Orleans. You’ve never heard of the Battle of New Orleans? You’re in the majority! However, this was an extremely significant battle that took place during the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Technically, it took place after the War of 1812 (you’ll just have to read more to know what I mean). The battle made a statement to Europe that the United States must be taken seriously as an independent nation. It also propelled future President Andrew Jackson into a national hero. It is a bit of drive from the French Quarter (about 20-25 minutes). But isn’t it worth visiting the place where the United States finally scored a legitimate victory against the military might of Great Britain?

Check out my post on Visiting Chalmette: 7 Interest Things About the Battle of New Orleans.

#3 Tour the Garden District

If you are looking for another excursion outside of the French Quarter, I recommend a visit to the Garden District. This picturesque neighborhood was originally its own city called Lafayette. It is the setting for most movies and TV shows you see set in New Orleans. It is also the neighborhood where celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and the First Family of Football, the Mannings, have called home. Many of the homes have plaques on their fence explaining their historical significance.

I highly recommend taking a tour to get a more in-depth understanding of the neighborhood’s history. We were very pleased with our walking tour by Free Tours by Foot. The company has a unique concept of offering their tours for free and letting the customer decide how much to pay based on how satisfied they were with the tour.

Check out my post A Beautiful Walk Through the Garden District!

#4 Take a Ghost Tour of the French Quarter

There are a lot of ghost tours on offer in New Orleans. After all, it is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world. Many of the tours focus on entertainment with guides wearing skeleton masks and actors jumping out from dark places to scare the living daylights out of customers. That’s fine and all, but when entertainment is the focal point, the true stories that led to these alleged hauntings can take the backburner. Therefore, I recommend taking a ghost tour rooted in history. It’s certainly a unique way to experience the French Quarter.

We went with a company called Haunted History Tours. As their name implies, the focus is on the history. And based on some of the true stories we heard, the history itself was gruesome enough. No masks or jump scares needed here!

Check out my post on my French Quarter Ghost Tour!

#5 Jazz

For the last thing on this list, let’s do a little math. If you take New Orleans and add music, what do you get? If you said jazz, then you’re right! No trip to New Orleans is complete without heading to one of the many establishments playing some cool jazz music. To learn about some of jazz’s history, head on over to Louis Armstrong Park right next to the French Quarter. It houses Congo Square, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (not accessible during our visit), and many other things related to jazz history.

I wouldn’t have called myself a jazz enthusiast going into the trip, but there is just something about this music when you hear it live in its birthplace. I can’t seem to go a day without listening now. And I can’t be happier!

Check out my post Jazz Up Your Trip to New Orleans and Life at Home!

Experience New Orleans History

When you go to New Orleans, you’ll want to try some Cajun food, have a beignet with your cafe au lait, and take a swamp tour. Yes, and probably check out Bourbon Street. And you should! We definitely did…at least most of those things. I invite you to also consider adding one or more of these 5 history things to your trip. You’ll be happy you did.

There are lots of other history things to do in New Orleans. Let me know in the comments below if there is anywhere in New Orleans you think visitors should check out to get a taste of history.