Do you ever wonder why they call New Orleans “The Big Easy?” It stems from the slow and easy-going way of life in New Orleans. However, with its fast-paced schedule and hundreds of sessions to explore into a few days, ISTELive is an entirely different experience. Nevertheless, we want to make sure you get to enjoy NOLA and all it has to offer, so we’ve put together 10 ways that you can make the most out of ISTE.
Take a step back in time
Breathe in the history of New Orleans by exploring historic neighborhoods like Treme or Faubourg Marigny. Better yet, fully immerse yourself in history by visiting The National World War II Museum, where you can go back in time and understand the American experience in the war that changed the world.
Eat
You’ve probably heard of the infamous Café Du Monde or seen the pictures of their beignets covered in sky-high powdered sugar. It’s worth the hype. Grab one to try for yourself and wash it down with a cup of coffee and chicory.
Eat again …
The food in New Orleans is phenomenal, and what better way is there to recharge from a busy day at ISTE than with a delicious dinner? Try the fried chicken at Dooky Chase’s or visit the birthplace of bananas foster at Brennan’s. There seems to be no limit on the number of restaurants, so make sure you check out the most famous here.
Tours, tours and more tours!
If you’re interested in exploring the area, then doing a tour is for you. It was too hard for us to pick one, so depending on your mood there’s a swamp tour, cemetery tour or a free walking tour of the Garden District. For a more casual stroll, head to New Orleans City Park.
French Quarter
There are so many streets to explore in New Orleans, but if you’re as busy as we are, there’s also so little time to see them all. Try hitting the main drags first in the French Quarter, where you can see The Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. Then, meander down to Frenchman and Bourbon Street to complete your walking tour.
Take a photo with Hipi
If you’re having a busy day at ISTE, bring the city to you. Stop by our booth (1530) to snap a picture with our New Orleans-themed Hipi. You can also learn more about how Hāpara powers awesome learning and pick up some fun swag.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Visit the NOMA, the city’s oldest fine arts museum, featuring over 40,000 objects from throughout time. Queen Nefertari’s Egypt is currently on exhibit until July, and you can explore different artifacts, including wooden coffins, stone sarcophagi, jewelry and much more from her time. You can also browse contemporary art, works in stone or the sculpture garden.
Audubon Nature Institute
Hit the trifecta of the natural world at the Audubon Nature Institute by visiting the aquarium, zoo and insectarium. If you don’t have time to meet the animals or tour the planetarium, Audubon Park is home to miles of greenery where you can go for a jog, have a picnic or take in the beauty of the ancient live oak trees.
Ride a streetcar
At this point, you have probably had enough standing and walking. So take a ride on a streetcar! Though the Tennessee Williams’ Desire line no longer exists, there are plenty of options to take you around town. You can go to Mid-City, the historic St. Charles Avenue, or all the way to the Garden District and Audubon Park.
Listen to some tunes
Also known as the “birthplace of jazz,” New Orleans doesn’t disappoint with its live music scene. Stop by The Spotted Cat Music Club to hear some old-school jazz or Tipitina’s for an unforgettable night of dancing.
Do you have any ideas that we didn’t mention on the list? Send us a tweet @Hāpara_team of your discovery so that we can share it with other ISTE attendees!
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