Sundays in New Orleans: Best Activities and Attractions

Sundays in New Orleans, the lively city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and spirited atmosphere, truly come alive. With a variety of activities and attractions, from delightful jazz brunches to colorful second line parades, there’s never a dull moment in the Big Easy. Here’s a guide to the best ways to spend your Sunday in New Orleans.

In This Article

TL;DR

Kick off your day with a mouthwatering jazz brunch at popular spots like Apolline, Ralph’s on the Park, or Napoleon House.
Explore the vibrant outdoor markets, such as the Crescent City Farmers Market or French Market, for fresh produce, seafood, pastries, and handmade crafts.
Immerse yourself in the lively tradition of second line parades featuring brass bands and joyful street dancing.

Jazz Brunch Hot Spots

Start your Sunday off right with a mouthwatering jazz brunch at one of New Orleans‘ celebrated restaurants. Apolline Restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, along with enticing entrées like Prime NY strip steak, grilled vegetable omelets, and brunch burgers. For a more upscale experience, head to Ralph’s on the Park, where you can indulge in appetizers like shrimp skully, truffle fries, and salmon toast, followed by omelets, burgers, and their signature BBQ shrimp & grits. If you’re in the mood for a classic New Orleans vibe, Napoleon House is the place to be, with spinach artichoke dip, bruschetta, and cheeseboards to start, followed by their famous muffuletta sandwiches and po-boys.

Address: 4729 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504) 894-8881

Sunday Brunch: 10am – 2pm

Address: 900 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Phone: (504) 488-1000

Sunday Brunch: 10:30am – 2pm

Address: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 524-9752

Sunday Hours: 11am – 10pm

Outdoor Markets

After brunch, immerse yourself in the local flavors and crafts at one of the city’s bustling outdoor markets. The Crescent City Farmers Market at City Park is open every Sunday from 8am to 12pm, offering a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, pastries, and flowers. For a more extensive shopping and dining experience, visit the French Market, open from 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Here, you’ll find an array of local food and craft vendors, along with live music performances that add to the lively ambiance. If you’re in the mood for art, head to the Palace Market Art Show on Frenchmen Street from 7pm to 12am, where over 100 local artists showcase their handmade goods.

Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

Hours: Sundays: 8am – 12pm

Address: 1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Sunday Hours: 10am – 5pm

Address: Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Sundays: 7pm – 12am

Second Line Parades

No Sunday in New Orleans is complete without experiencing the joyous tradition of second line parades. These festive street processions, led by brass bands, invite everyone to join in the dancing and revelry. Dozens of second line parades are held throughout the year, mainly on Sundays, and are open for anyone to participate. The parades are characterized by colorful outfits, parasols, banners, and a spontaneous energy that is deeply rooted in the African American community organizations of New Orleans.

Live Music Venues

As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans boasts an incredible live music scene, and Sundays are no exception. For a lively spot to hear great local jazz acts, head to d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street. The Toulouse Theatre also offers a diverse live music calendar on Sundays, with performances ranging from local favorites to touring acts. Sip on cocktails and dance the night away to the soulful sounds of New Orleans.

Address: 618 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Phone: (504) 942-3731

Sunday Hours: 3pm – 2am

Address: 615 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 581-1103

Check website for Sunday show times and tickets

Other Sunday Activities

If you’re looking for more ways to spend your Sunday, consider strolling through the picturesque Garden District, admiring the stunning mansions and lush gardens. For a unique outdoor adventure, take a steamboat or kayak swamp tour to explore the fascinating ecosystem surrounding the city. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Audubon Zoo, which can be reached via a scenic riverboat ride or the historic streetcar. For a glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted past, tour the city’s famous cemeteries and learn about the intriguing history of voodoo.

Address: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Phone: (504) 861-2537