While the perfect day in New Orleans is full of sunshine, Gulf breezes, and a crystal-clear sky, sometimes storm clouds stop by to visit.
But if your trip to NOLA lines up with a rainy day, don’t worry – there are tons of indoor activities all over the city that are entertaining, fun, and essential for any New Orleans adventure.
Ready for your perfect rainy day itinerary? Here’s some of the best activities to do in New Orleans when skies are grey.
Take a Cooking Class
New Orleans is world-famous for great food. There’s plenty of outstanding restaurants to enjoy while you’re here, but you can also learn how to make your own NOLA-inspired meal to bring home!
Enjoy the Fun, Food, and Folklore with a Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Photo courtesy of New Orleans School of Cooking via Flickr.com
Local cooking classes are the souvenirs that keep on giving. You can learn the secrets behind classic New Orleans recipes and recreate them for family and friends.
Find rewarding, fun, and festive cooking classes at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum and New Orleans School of Cooking with plenty of topics to suit your tastes.
Visit a Museum
New Orleans is full of history, art, and culture, and you can see it all in the incredible museums that the city has to offer.
The NOMA is a Perfect Spot for a Rainy Day Adventure. Photo courtesy of neworleansonline.com
The New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Contemporary Arts Center are essential spots for art-lovers looking to get out of the rain and into the heart of NOLA’s creative energy.
The National WWII Museum offers visitors a first-hand glimpse of the war that changed the world. (Photo courtesy Chris Waits via Flickr)
More of a history buff? Be sure to check out the National World War II Museum, the Nationally-recognized institute with award-winning exhibits, and learn the fascinating story of the city’s development at the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Enjoy Some Rainy Day Shopping
French Quarter window-shopping is tough to do in nasty weather, but you can comfortably shop and stroll through the Shops at Canal Place or the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk.
Each of these malls has plenty of eye-catching brands, offering everything from upscale styles to iconic design boutiques.
Enjoy Top of the Line Shopping at the Shops at Canal Place. Photo by Bruce Laker via Flickr.com
The Shops at Canal Place also has a movie theater inside that includes cushy seating and a full menu to enjoy while you watch – and the Riverwalk has an indoor Café du Monde location where you can grab some beignets – an essential NOLA treat!
Tour Mardi Gras World
Every day, rain or shine, it’s always Carnival season at Mardi Gras World.
You can get your Fat Tuesday fix (complete with a slice of king cake) at this uniquely-NOLA warehouse full of Mardi Gras magic.
See the Iconic Floats of Mardi Gas Up Close and Personal at Mardi Gras World. Photo Courtesy of MardiGrasWorld.com
Mardi Gras World is a sprawling complex along the Mississippi River that hosts daily tours of the in-house art space of Kern Studios – the artist collective that designs the famously dazzling floats in New Orleans’ iconic Mardi Gras parades.
Your day will brighten right up with their guided tour – learn the history, try on costumes, and see the artists bring their creations to life.
Every Day is a NOLA Adventure at Bienville House
With our ideal location in the heart of the French Quarter, you’re just moments away from the best New Orleans attractions. No matter what the weather brings, you can enjoy these special NOLA spots just beyond your door when you book your stay at Bienville House!