Non-Drinker’s Guide to New Orleans

Along with the food, alcohol and spirits play a role in the culture of New Orleans, but while the city’s world-famous nightlife is lots of fun, booze is not required to enjoy NOLA to the fullest. After all, the Crescent City’s signature brand of hospitality ensures that drinkers and non-drinkers alike can experience all the beauty, culture, and excitement that NOLA has to offer.  

Below are just some of the many ways to enjoy a trip to New Orleans sans alcohol. 

Sip on Mocktails

While almost every bartender can craft an alcohol-free beverage, many local bars and restaurants have specialty mocktail menus that are both fun and delicious. The city also has many great spots for fresh juice and locally-made kombucha to enjoy. 

Relax Using Our Wellness Guide

New Orleans may be known as a place to overindulge, but there are also lots of great options to relax and unwind. Check out one of the many spas, parks, healthy dining options, yoga classes, and more to help you enter that New Orleans “laisses-faire” state of mind. 

Visit a Local Coffee Shop

No matter where you roam in NOLA, you’re likely to be near one of many local coffee shops. Whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur or just need a cup of joe to start your day, these cafés have got you covered.

Check Out a Museum

The museums of New Orleans run the gamut of sizes and topics – after all, it’d be hard to fit over 300 years of history in just one building. You can learn the history of the city’s free people of color at Le Musee de fpc, interact with local art, culture, and music at JAMNOLA, get a taste of the culinary traditions the Southern U.S. at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum – just to name a few.

Indulge in Personalized Perfume or a Candle-Making Class

Tijon is a luxury fragrance brand with a location in the French Quarter. Their Mix & Match classes are a lot of fun, and every guest walks out having made three perfumes and bottling the one they like best, in addition to a complimentary gift bag of Tijon products. It’s an activity that everyone can do together, while each developing a custom product that’ll last for months to come. Wicks NOLA Candle Co. also offers custom candle-making classes for those who prefer to scent their spaces over themselves. You’ll leave with a personalized candle and matching room and linen spray­–and best of all, the experience is able to come directly to you and your krewe.

Immerse yourself in dining experiences

Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at Senegalese restaurant Dakar Nola or Cajun concept Mosquito Supper Club. Le Petit Chef at Criollo is an immersive dining experience featuring a seasonal five-course dinner and the cinematic 3D storytelling of TableMation Studios™. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Catch and Cook program allows for a day full of fishing followed by a meal prepared by a New Orleans chef. Simply looking for a private dining room for your party? See here for our favorite restaurants with private rooms.

Enjoy the Outdoors

There are tons of ways to take in the natural beauty around (and just outside of) the city. Unlock your adventurous spirit while kayaking on Bayou St. John or soaring through the swamp at Zip NOLA, exploring the city by bike, hitting some of our favorite running paths, enjoying an afternoon of golf, and much more. Or you could combine art and the outdoors with a visit to the Besthoff Sculpture Gardens, located in City Park just next to the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Take a Cooking Class

Hone your culinary skills with some fantastic local chefs at one of NOLA’s many cooking schools and classes. Not only is this an opportunity to sample some of the city’s world-famous cuisine, but you also get an awesome souvenir – the ability to get a taste of New Orleans back home whenever you’re feeling nostalgic.

Plan the Perfect Escape

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, an “escape the room” experience is a great way to challenge yourself in a fun and competitive setting. Located in the French Quarter, The Escape Game is a 60-minute, interactive experience that utilizes clues, group communication, and a whole lot of fun in order to complete the mission of getting yourself and the team out of the puzzle by the time the timer reaches zero.