New Orleans is among the best cities in the world. If you are an out of towner visiting New Orleans, definitely try these dishes, visit these places, and partake in these activities. If you are a local and you’re currently in New Orleans, I'm so jealous of you! You have all of this at the tip of your fingers. If you are from New Orleans but are not currently there, this list will probably make your mouth water and make your heart clench. Just think of it as something to look forward to!

1. Gumbo, Jambalaya, & Red Beans and Rice

The Holy Trinity. Eating these classics is truly a religious experience.

Gumbo - Galatoire's
Jambalaya - Mother's
Red Beans and Rice - Willie Mae's Scotch House

2. The Saenger Theatre

Not a bad seat in the house.

3. Andouille Sausage

Proof that not all sausages are created equal.

4. St. Charles Avenue

Be sure to drive the entire length of this beautiful thoroughfare.

5. Baked Alaska at Antoine's

So. Good.

6. Po-Boys from Domilise’s

Simply the best.

7. St. Roch Market

Mmm mmmm good!

8. The Superdome

9. Muffulettas

Want a good one? Go to Central Grocery and Deli.

10. City Park

Home of 300+ year old oak trees, a 24 hour coffee shop, a golf course, a sculpture garden, and the New Orleans Museum of Art!

11. Beignets

… from Cafe du Monde, of course!

12. French Quarter Festival

Is there anything better than free, live entertainment? Didn't think so.

13. King Cake

Regardless of whether you prefer getting yours from Haydel’s, Randazzo’s, Rouses, or Sucré, King Cake season is the best season!

14. Drago’s Charbroiled Oysters

You will never be the same after you try them. Never.

15. Bananas Foster at Brennan’s

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

16. Crawfish Boils

*sigh*

17. Tabasco Sauce

Made in Avery Island, LA. We drench everything in this stuff.

18. Pralines

Praline flavored ice cream is a game changer. Just saying. And if you really want to go crazy, get the praline beignets from Loretta's Authentic Pralines!

19. Brunch at Cafe Atchafalaya

Great food, great staff, great ambiance (including live music)! Get the Eggs Atchafalaya and raid their Bloody Mary Bar!

20. Hansen’s & Plum Street Sno-Balls

If you aren’t getting the Cream of Nectar Sno-Ball, you aren’t doing it right.

21. Drive-Thru Daiquiri’s

Don't drink them while you drive, though!

22. Abita Beer

A festive craft brewery in Covington, LA.

23. Fried Chicken Festival (and every other food festival New Orleans has)

God bless Raising Cane's (another local favorite) for sponsoring this, and god bless New Orleans in general for always celebrating good food. If you're an out of towner visiting NOLA, get online to see which festivals are taking place during your stay (trust me, there will be at least one).

24. Zapp’s Potato Chips

The Voodoo flavor is particularly tasty.

25. Mardi Gras

Need I say more?

26. Mardi Gras Break

It’s hard to believe that everywhere else, Fat Tuesday is just another Tuesday.

27. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Where the magic is made!

28. PJ's Coffee of New Orleans

Starbucks is irrelevant in New Orleans. Sorry not sorry.

29. Popeyes

Perfection.

30. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

THE Fest.

31. Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest

Ugh.

32. Crawfish Bread at Jazz Fest

UGH.

33. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Every Halloweekend. Every year. Worship the music.

34. The Red Dress Run

When men and women alike run through the city in red dresses to raise money for breast cancer research.

35. Streetcars

Does an author named Tennessee Williams ring a bell?

36. Champions Square

People from New Orleans know how to tailgate, that's for sure.

37. Celebration in the Oaks

A beautiful Christmas celebration in City Park.

38. Lavender Honey Ice Cream at Creole Creamery

Believe the hype.

39. Dat Dog

Just look at the picture.

40. Camellia Grill

Not only is it delicious, but the staff and ambiance is so much fun. Try the Chef's Special Omelet!

41. Audubon Park

42. St. James Cheese Company

A cheese education.

43. The French Quarter

I mean, of course.

44. Buku Music + Art Project

Another weekend, another above-average music festival.

45. The Roosevelt Hotel During Christmas

***heart eyes emoji***

46. Galatoire’s

They have been serving some of the best French-Creole food in New Orleans for over a century. Try their Grand Gouté: Shrimp Remoulade, Crabmeat & Crawfish Maison, and Oysters en Brochette all on one plate!

47. Treme

A television series that follows the lives of ordinary New Orleans residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

48. The National World War II Museum

This place is incredible. Be sure to catch a showing of Beyond All Boundaries in their Solomon Victory Theater. Tom Hanks narrates.

49. Prytania Theatre

A small theater atmosphere with a unique showing selection. Great for family night!

50. The Garden District

Some of the most beautiful houses you'll ever see.

51. Magazine Street

One of the best streets in New Orleans. Hands down. A multitude of boutiques, restaurants, and organizations are packed onto this narrow little street.

52. Lemon Icebox Pie at Clancy’s

Superb.

53. Turtle Soup at Commander’s Palace

If the President eats here when he visits, you know it’s good.

54. Potholes

... Even though they almost swallow our cars on a daily basis, New Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans without them!

55. New Orleans Museum of Art

The oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans. NOMA always has an exciting, funky collection of pieces.

56. George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog Paintings

Iconic.

57. Louisiana Children’s Museum

The mock-cafe is the place to be when you're a kid.

58. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

It’s mind-boggling that people actually run marathons longer than this thing!

59. Shaya

Heavenly. The best Mediterranean food in town.

The hummus. The pita. The tabouleh. The baba ganoush. The falafel. Everything is mind-blowing.

60. The Company Burger

Home of one of the country's best burgers, according to Thrillist.

61. The Fly

You won’t find a better view of the sunset over the Mississippi.

62. St. Louis Cathedral

Spectacular, inside and out.

63. Oak Alley Plantation

Because what local wasn’t dragged here on a school field trip at least once? And it's pretty impressive.

64. Swamp Tours

65. Cemeteries

We bury our dead above ground, effectively creating what many call the "Cities of the Dead."

66. Ashley Longshore Gallery

Check her work out. You won't regret it.

67. Bourbon Street

What a time.

68. The French Market

Food, clothes, and souvenirs (namely Mardi Gras masks) can be purchased here!

69. The Saints

All hail Breesus.

70. The Boot

A popular bar near Tulane University.

71. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

One of the oldest bars in the country.

72. Hurricanes and Hand Grenades

Also, to-go cups are a thing here!

73. Shotgun Houses

They’re so cute.

74. Second Lines

Anyone can join in on a celebration in New Orleans!

75. Crawfish and Goat Cheese Crepes from Muriel’s

Don't knock it until ya try it.

76. BBQ Shrimp from Pascal’s Manale

I don't think I've ever met a person who doesn't like their BBQ shrimp.

77. District Donuts

So many unique flavors.

78. Cookies + Milk from Willa Jean

For dessert... or breakfast!

79. New Orleans Greek Fest

Baklava. Gyros. Calamari. Souvlaki. Why wouldn't you go?

80. Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone

Is this place real life? Yes, yes it is.

81. The Anne Rice House

Brad Pitt! Tom Cruise! Interview with a Vampire!

82. The Chalmette Battlefield

Where the Battle of New Orleans (the final major battle of the War of 1812) took place.

83. Zulu Coconuts

Yes, these are on display in my house year-round. Yes, people actually buy and sell these coconuts on eBay.

84. Bayou St. John

You can basically kayak right though Mid-City. A great way to exercise and see New Orleans' unique architectural styles.

85. Tipitina’s

The place to go for good live music.

86. Jackson Square

87. Superior Grill

Everyone from New Orleans has a good Superior Grill story.

88. Shoes from the Krewe of Muses

Their most popular throw. People go crazy for these things.

89. Peche Seafood Grill

GET THE WHOLE FISH.

90. The Algiers Ferry

If you go on as a pedestrian, don't get wet! The Mighty Mississippi might just splash you!

91. Seersucker Suits

Ah, Southern attire.

92. Giving Directions NOLA Style: Uptown, Downtown, Riverside, Lakeside

Wait… Which way is East?

93. The Natchez Steamboat

94. The Crescent City Connection

Shoutout to the City of New Orleans for getting rid of the toll!

95. The Cabildo

Where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803.

96. John Besh

Chef and owner of tons of good restaurants in NOLA, including Restaurant August, Domenica, Lüke, and The Caribbean Room! Where would our tastebuds be without him?

97. Perlis Clothing

If you’re from New Orleans, there is a 100% chance you know about their Mardi Gras polo.

98. Louis Armstrong was born here.

Only one of the most influential figures in jazz music (which was born in New Orleans, btw). There's also a park named after him.

99. Lil Wayne was born here.

“Born in New Orleans, Raised in New Orleans

I will forever remain faithful, New Orleans” - "La La La"

100. Étouffée

Are you hungry yet?

...100 reasons later and I've barely even scratched the surface of why/how much I love New Orleans!