Your first trip to New Orleans is a memorable one. Wandering the French Quarter, savoring beignets at Café du Monde, and swaying to jazz on Frenchmen Street—these quintessential experiences are exactly what your introduction to the Big Easy should be all about. But if you find yourself craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a deeper dive into the region’s charm, it might be time to step outside the city limits and head across the Mississippi River to Gretna.

Situated on the West Bank, Gretna is the second-largest city in Jefferson Parish and home to one of the most extensive national historic districts in the state. This charming town knows a thing or two about history and culture. It also boasts a rich food scene, distinctive architecture, and locals sporting that unmistakable NOLA accent. While Gretna’s laid-back vibe is a contrast to its lively cousin city, its offerings are equally unforgettable. Here’s how to spend a day exploring Gretna, Louisiana.

What To Do

Explore The German-American Cultural Center

Fun fact: Gretna, originally known as the village of Mechanikham, was founded by German immigrants in 1836. Today, the German-American Cultural Center  Museum keeps the city’s heritage alive through events, educational programs, and free museum exhibits. Visiting during October always promises a fun time as the GACC hosts its annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Bavarian music as you indulge in juicy bratwursts, freshly-baked pretzels, homemade sauerkraut, and chilled German beer—all prepared and served by the organization’s members.

gacc-nola.org; 519 Huey P Long Ave, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-363-4202

Take In The Scenery At St. Joseph Church and Gardens

Historic landmarks are around every corner in Old Gretna, and perhaps one of the most beautiful is the Spanish Baroque-style Catholic church at 610 Sixth Street. Inside, ornate stained glass windows and intricately carved marble sculptures narrate the church’s spiritual legacy, which began in 1857, while the adjoining Holy Family Memorial Garden offers a quiet space for reflection. If you time your visit right, you just might hear the church bells ringing from the iconic bell tower.

explorelouisiana.com; 610 Sixth Street, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-363-1580

Visit The David Crockett Firehouse

Gretna’s rich history remains full of interesting tidbits, as the city is also home to the country’s oldest volunteer fire department. Make sure to visit the Louisiana Fire Museum, housed inside of the 1859 firehouse, to see the department’s “pride and joy,” an 1876 steam fire pumper that remains in excellent condition.

davidcrockettfire.com; 205 Lafayette St. Gretna, LA 70053; 504-368-8236

Shop Local At The Farmers Market & Art Walk

Saturday mornings in Gretna are best spent at the weekly farmers market. Open year-round from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this open-air market offers a chance to connect with local vendors selling fresh produce, prepared meals, and homemade goods. On the second Saturday of each month (from September to December and March to May), there’s even more to explore as the market combines with the Art Walk, showcasing some of the best artistic talent in southeastern Louisiana.

gretnala.com; 40 2nd Str. Gretna, LA 70053, 504-363-1500

Celebrate Culture At Gretna Fest

What started as a small community event in 1994 has since evolved into one of the largest and most beloved festivals in Louisiana. Every October, Gretna Fest invites you to “revel on the river” as you immerse yourself in the city’s diverse cultural heritage. This 3-day event features nearly 100 food vendors, cultural villages representing European, Asian, and Latin communities, and live music performed on three main stages. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with a newfound admiration for the people who call this place home.

gretnafest.com; 327 Huey P Long Ave, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-361-7748

What To Eat

Spice Up Your Breakfast Experience At Toast

Toast has become a go-to breakfast spot for residents of Gretna, and that’s no surprise considering the breads, biscuits, jams, custards, and curds are all made in-house daily. The menu covers a lot of ground, featuring sweet crepes, pancake balls, a selection of savory toasts (topped with everything from  fried oysters to crawfish), and all the classic breakfast favorites. The restaurant also has two other locations at the French Quarter and Fairgrounds in New Orleans, but the Gretna location, tucked inside a charming baby-blue residential house, has a cozy, neighborhood vibe that can’t be beat.

toastneworleans.com; 1711 Hancock St, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-267-3260

Grab A Treat At Amore Bakery and Cafe

If you find yourself craving a good cup of coffee and a sweet treat, look no further than Amore, a quaint and elegant bakery making its mark in Historic Gretna. With a generous variety of French and Italian pastries, a full case of gelato, and thoughtfully curated menus for coffee, breakfast, and lunch, the options are practically limitless. Try and visit during Mardi Gras season, so you can also try the award-winning Dong Phuong king cakes, which the bakery stocks.

amorebakeryandcafe.com; 307 Huey P Long Ave, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-322-2122

Bring Your Appetite To Cafe 615 (Home of Da Wabbit)

When you see a vintage neon Bugs Bunny sign, you’ll know you’ve reached the home of “da wabbit,” where the prices are fair and the portions are generous. Cafe 615 first opened its doors as a drive-in restaurant in 1948, but in recent years, under the ownership Eric and Dawn Savoie, it has evolved into one of the West Bank’s favorite destinations for Creole-inspired comfort food. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but some standout options include the crawfish etouffee, po’boys, and stuffed artichokes.

cafe615.com; 615 Kepler St, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-365-1225

Savor Thai Cuisine At Banana Blossom

Much like New Orleans, Gretna also has some international gems up its culinary sleeve. Banana Blossom, a family-owned restaurant in historic Gretna, prides itself on serving contemporary takes on authentic Thai recipes. You’ll notice many dishes also have regional influences, like the crawfish basil fried rice and the crab claws in Thai barbecue  sauce. Between the vibrant selection of signature ramen bowls and classic Thai dishes, one trip simply might not be enough.

504bananablossom.com; 500 9th St, Gretna, LA 70053; 504-500-0997

Where To Stay

Unwind With A 5-Star Stay At Windsor Court Hotel

While you won’t find many unique stays in Gretna, this luxury New Orleans hotel places you just 10 minutes from your destination. Opened in 1984, the Windsor Court Hotel is consistently ranked among the top luxury stays in the state. This British-inspired gem stands out with its grand marble floors, intricate woodwork, and Downton Abbey-style furnishings. After a day of sightseeing, relax at the full-service spa, listen to live jazz, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Le Salon.

thewindsorcourt.com; 300 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130; 504-523-6000