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Things to Do in New Orleans | Attractions

New orleans offers myriad ways to educate and amuse.

From historic homes and streetcar rides to above-ground cemeteries and world-class museums like the National World War II Museum, the opportunities for exploration in New Orleans are truly endless. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or just looking to experience the city’s rich history and culture on a deeper level, you’ll find a variety of attractions that are sure to pique your interest. 

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Orleans, LA

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

New Orleans is one of America's most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can't find anywhere else. Known the world over for jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a diversity that is reflected in everything from the music and food to the language and architecture.

Most of the attraction for tourists is centered around the French Quarter , with the infamous Bourbon Street at the heart of the district. Along the Mississippi River, which borders the French Quarter to the south, are horse-drawn carriages waiting to take visitors on a tour, the Steamboat Natchez docked along the shore, and tourists lined up to buy beignets.

Beyond the French Quarter, the city has many quaint areas worth exploring, from the trendy Warehouse District to the posh Garden District.

New Orleans is a great walking city, with many of the main things to see and do located in or near the French Quarter, but to explore the Garden District, you may want to hop on a historic street car. Buses are also a great way to get around, particularly for visiting attractions like the zoo that are further afield.

Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in New Orleans.

1. French Quarter

2. mardi gras, 3. national wwii museum, 4. jackson square, 5. preservation hall, 6. st. louis cathedral, 7. city park, 8. louisiana state museum at the cabildo, 9. garden district, 10. audubon park & audubon zoo, 11. steamboat natchez, 12. mardi gras world, 13. new orleans museum of art, 14. audubon aquarium of the americas, 15. ride the historic streetcars, 16. jean lafitte national historical park and preserve, 17. crescent park, where to stay in new orleans for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to new orleans, map of tourist attractions in new orleans, la, best time to visit new orleans, la.

The French Quarter of New Orleans is what most tourists come to see when they visit the city. Set along a bend on the Mississippi River, the main attraction here is the architecture, but it is also a great area for dining and entertainment.

The old buildings, some of which date back 300 years, show French influences, with arcades, wrought iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, and picturesque courtyards. Many of these buildings now contain hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries, and a profusion of jazz spots with entertainment of varying quality.

The most famous street in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street , but it is not necessarily the highlight of the area. This street is relatively benign by day but at night transforms into a loud and boisterous pedestrian area that may not always feel safe.

Royal Street offers a great mix of history, fine cuisine, and unique shopping opportunities, with some higher end stores, galleries, and hotels. One of the notable buildings on Royal Street is the Court of Two Sisters (1832), now a restaurant known for its jazz brunch.

To hear some quality musicians playing traditional jazz music, Frenchmen Street is the place to go. Good restaurants can also be found along here, and artists frequent the area.

Also not to be missed in the French Quarter are Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral , located just off the waterfront. Buskers, musicians, and artists set up around the square.

Mardi Gras is New Orleans' signature event, with celebrations that span a two-week period, ending with the finale on shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

Celebrations include almost daily parades and all kinds of entertainment and festivities that increase in intensity as the event draws closer to the end. Onlookers crowd the balconies and sidewalks to watch the parades and catch strings of beaded necklaces tossed from the outrageously decorated floats.

Bourbon Street is one of the main areas where people congregate, but the whole French Quarter is generally packed. The tradition was introduced to the city by French settlers and became particularly popular by the end of the 19th century.

Official site: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

The National WWII Museum is an outstanding museum with engaging exhibits and documentary snippets that tell the history of WWII as it was fought in Europe and in the Pacific.

The museum is divided into three sections, with one section devoted to the war in the Pacific, another devoted to the war in Europe, and a third building that houses WWII aircraft.

A film entitled Beyond All Boundaries , produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, is shown in the 4D Theater, with chairs that rumble as tanks go by on the screen, and stage props that turn the film into a full on sensory experience.

As you move from room to room through the exhibits, short black-and-white documentary-style film segments give a real-life look at how the items on display were involved in the war. Oral histories add to the impact.

You are assigned a profile of someone who was in the war, and oral updates are available at stations throughout the complex to follow the soldier's progression through war time.

New, starting in November 2022, is the Expressions of America outdoor show. This show is billed as an "outdoor immersive show," and takes place in the evenings at the museum on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground. You'll be amazed as the latest technology takes you back to the 1940s and wartime through light and sound special effects.

Although the main show takes place outdoors, the beginning of the show starts indoors at BB's Stage Door Canteen, with live performances, and then flows outdoors. The outdoor portion of the show is designed to be observed while standing; however, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/

Jackson Square is the main square in the heart of the French Quarter, originally known as Place d'Armes . In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, is an equestrian statue (1856) of General Andrew Jackson.

Standing prominently at one end of the square is the landmark St. Louis Cathedral , with its white façade and cone shaped spires. Also in the vicinity of the cathedral are the Presbytere and Cabildo, both Louisiana State Museums.

The area in front of the cathedral, along the iron fence that surrounds the square, has long been an artist's hang out, and nearby are shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists.

The whole area is very attractively laid out along the banks of the Mississippi, with the Riverboat Docks, the promenade known as the Moon Walk, and the Millhouse, as well as a variety of stores.

Preservation Hall is an unassuming old building that has long been an institution in New Orleans known for jazz music. The historic hall still features traditional jazz by local artists .

The building is small, creating an intimate setting, and seating is limited. Patrons are all seated upon arrival on bench seats with no back support. Unless you've reserved the front bench, you'll be seated where space is available. Standing room tickets are also available. Preservation Hall sells out most nights, and performances are generally 45 minutes in length.

Opening times and events are listed on the website two weeks in advance of the following month. If you are really lucky, you might get same-day tickets, but chances are slim. It's best to keep your expectations in check; some bands are definitely better than others.

Address: 726 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: www.preservationhall.com/

On the north side of Jackson Square is the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, a landmark structure in New Orleans. It was built in 1794 on the site of two earlier churches and is known for being the United States' oldest cathedral in continuous use. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987.

The church was built through contributions from Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman who spent money from his fortune to rebuild New Orleans after the second great fire.

Address: Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/

New Orleans City Park covers more than 1,300 acres and contains numerous attractions and things to do, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden. Generations of families have spent warm, summer weekends here since the mid 19th century.

Kids and families will love the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with its 18 rides, including the Tilt-a-Whirl, Red Baron Mini Plane, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, just to name a few. In addition to the rides, the amusement park has a classic carousel, dating from 1906, complete with intricately carved and painted wooden horses. If you and your crew tire of walking, hop on the miniature train. It circles the park on narrow gauge tracks and has long been a favorite of all ages.

Also on-site are tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course , as well as beautiful areas for walking. The park claims to have one of the world's largest stands of mature live oak trees, including several that are almost 800 years old.

The Cabildo, to the left of St. Louis Cathedral, was built in 1795 as the residence of the Spanish governor. It is noteworthy both as a historic building and for the museum and its outstanding collection.

The first town council met here in 1799, and the Louisiana Purchase was agreed to here in 1803. It was at one time the Louisiana Supreme Court, but today the Cabildo houses the Louisiana State Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum's collections focus largely on the history of New Orleans and Louisiana, particularly the people of Louisiana and the many ethnic groups that make up the population today.

Address: 701 Charles Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/

The Garden District is a prosperous residential area with lovely mansions, mature trees, and lush gardens, and is probably, in some respects, the stereotypical image many foreigners have of the Deep South.

The area can be easily explored on foot, and some companies offer guided tours, which can be a good way to learn the history and see the sights. First Street, Camp Street, and Prytania Street are some good places to see large, elegant 19th-century houses with extensive grounds. The historic and famous Lafayette Cemetery #1 is also located here.

Some famous celebrities have homes in this area. Most visitors come to enjoy the tranquil environment and see the houses, but there are also boutiques and coffee shops in the area, although they are spread out, and finding a lunch spot may be more difficult than expected.

A delightful way to visit the Garden District is to take the St. Charles streetcar. Get off at 1st Street, and walk south to enter the heart of the area as indicated on the map below.

Southwest of the Garden District in Uptown New Orleans is Audubon Park, established on the grounds of what had been the site of the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884. This is a fair distance from the French Quarter but provides a good excuse to see this part of the city.

One of the highlights in the park is the Audubon Zoo . This is a fun escape from the busy city, with lush grounds and a good selection of domestic and exotic animals. Some of the most popular residents of the zoo are the giraffes, jaguars, leopards, orangutans, elephants, rhinos, lemurs, and alligators (including the rare white alligator) just to name a few.

A small tram called the Swamp Train, runs throughout the zoo and passes by the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, sea lions, and Reptile Encounter areas. The complete ride takes about 30 minutes, tickets are available at the train station and are valid all day.

During the summer months, the zoo offers a chance to cool off in the splash park, known as the Cool Zoo.

Also within Audubon Park are fine stands of oaks, a butterfly garden and insectarium, hothouses, the Audubon Golf Club, a number of small lakes, and plenty of open green space.

Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo

A cruise on the paddle steamer Steamboat Natchez is a wonderful way to experience the Mississippi River and a unique way to see and learn about the city.

The harbor cruises take about two hours and provide narration on the sites, with an optional lunch of creole cuisine. The dinner cruise features a live jazz band, buffet-style dinner, and of course, wonderful views of New Orleans.

Special events cruises are also available seasonally, with special cruises offered for such occasions as Easter, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, and other holidays.

It's a good idea, particularly during high season, to book a Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise in advance. This tour guarantees your spot on the boat and also the lowest prices.

Official site: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/

New Orleans is world famous for its elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations, drawing people from all over the world who come to enjoy the festivities that consume the city during this time period.

For a glimpse of what's involved behind the scenes in this huge event, visitors can take a Mardi Gras World tour to see working studios. The Blaine Kern Studios is one of the leading producers of floats in the world and is highly involved in the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans each year.

You can see sculptured props, huge floats, outrageous costumes, and all kinds of figures. This is a great way to gain a good sense of the size, color, and imagination that goes into the floats and the parade. Guided tours are offered regularly each day through the workshops where artists and sculptors work.

Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: http://www.mardigrasworld.com/

In the south part of City Park is the New Orleans Museum of Art, one of the finest of its kind in the South. The museum features an excellent collection of French and American art, as well as African and Japanese pieces.

On site and another of the institutions highlights is the outdoor Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with more than 60 sculptures, as well as walking paths, lagoons, and mature live oak trees.

Be sure to check the museum's calendar for temporary exhibitions and a variety of themes.

Address: One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana

Along the waterfront in downtown New Orleans, within walking distance of the French Quarter, the aquarium focuses on species found in North, Central, and South America. The museum has an impressive collection of over 3,600 animals spread across over 250 species.

Beginning in the north, visitors can learn about creatures that lurk below the surface of the nearby surrounding waters, with exhibits that highlight freshwater fish of the Mississippi River and marine life from the Gulf of Mexico. This includes everything from sharks and stingrays to sea turtles.

The Great Maya Reef can be viewed from a 30-foot-long walk-through tunnel and is designed to look like a sunken Maya city, with fish swimming among the ruins.

The Amazon Rainforest offers a look at the colorful birds, exotic fish, and even the snakes of this region of South America.

Always popular are the sea otters and penguins, as well as the wildlife encounter programs. Available as optional extras are hands-on experiences with the African penguins and a chance to SCUBA dive or snorkel the Great Maya Reef.

Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Official site: http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium/

As you wander throughout New Orleans, it's hard to miss the old streetcars rumbling along the rails. One of the best deals around at $3 a day, this wonderfully preserved public transit service is a real bonus for visitors. Not only are the streetcars fun to ride, they actually go where you want to visit.

It's easy to hop on and hop off — stops are everywhere, and service is frequent, meaning you'll rarely need to wait long for a ride. Red-colored streetcars have air-conditioning; the green ones do not but have windows that open. The green ones are the oldest; most date from the early 1920s.

One of the most popular routes is the historic St. Charles Line; streetcars first rolled along here in 1835. It's one of the best ways to get to and from the Garden District.

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve consists of six physically separate sites in southeastern Louisiana.

Two of these sites are in the New Orleans area and are well worth a visit. The Barataria Preserve offers a chance to see some of Louisiana's natural treasures.

The preserve consists of natural levee forests, bayous, swamps, and marshes. Archeological sites here have been found to contain remnants of the ancient Troyville, Marksville, and Tchefuncte cultures.

For a more historical experience, the Chalmette Battlefield preserves the site of the January 8, 1815 Battle of New Orleans, which was a decisive American victory over the British at the end of the War of 1812.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm

This park was created in 2014, when a formerly derelict area of the city near the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods was targeted for redevelopment.

The park runs along the river; it is 1.4 miles long and is spread out over 20 acres. The main attraction in the park, apart from the pleasant green spaces, is the Piety Street Bridge . This arch spans the railroad tracks and allows access to the waterfront.

Come here if you are in the nearby areas and want to enjoy a bit of a local secret. Looking for the ultimate photo of downtown New Orleans? Snap it from the top of the bridge and catch the curve of the river in the foreground of your shot.

To experience the real charm of New Orleans, the best place to stay is in the famous French Quarter. Many of the hotels here are housed in historic buildings and exude their own unique character. Below are some highly-rated hotels in or near the French Quarter .

Luxury Hotels :

• In a great location at the foot of Royal Street is the historic Hotel Monteleone , a landmark building in the French Quarter, built in 1886. This high-end luxury hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites and a rooftop heated pool.
• The recently renovated Omni Royal Orleans is another elegant top-end hotel with a fabulous location in the French Quarter.
• With a more contemporary feel, the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans is located in the heart of the action, just off Bourbon Street, and within easy walking distance of the city's major attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• In the heart of the French Quarter but offering a peaceful and quiet experience is the Hotel Mazarin . With a quaint courtyard; an outstanding complimentary breakfast; and large, luxurious rooms; this hotel is perfect if you don't need a pool.
• Also well positioned in the French Quarter and offering a free breakfast is the Hotel Le Marais , with a beautiful courtyard; small pool; and secure, quiet rooms.
• One block north of Bourbon Street Grenoble House has only 17 suites but offers a charming atmosphere, with exposed brick walls, tasteful décor, and an outdoor pool.

Budget Hotels :

• At the high end of the budget range but well positioned in the French Quarter is the Inn on St. Ann , with classic New Orleans style architecture featuring wrought iron balconies, exposed brick walls, and antique décor.
• In a similar style and with a convenient location on the edge of the French Quarter is the Inn on St. Peter .
• Outside the French Quarter but only a five-minute drive away is The Treme Hotel , with basic but comfortable rooms.

Sightseeing:

• To see the sites at your own pace and learn a little of the city's fascinating history, the best option is to take a Hop-on Hop-off Tour on an open-top, double-decker sightseeing bus. This tour stops at 18 locations around the city and gives you the option to get off wherever you like, or you can choose to stay on the bus for the full two-hour loop. Also part of this tour is a guided walking tour of the Garden District.

Bayou Tours:

• Getting out into bayou country is one of the most popular things to do around New Orleans. The Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride from New Orleans is the easiest way to experience the beauty of the bayou, with transportation right from the French Quarter to the wetlands. Visitors are then taken on a two-hour wildlife-viewing boat ride through the swamps, with opportunities to see alligators, snakes, birds, and other animals. Total tour time is about four hours.
• Another option, if you are looking for more of a thrill ride, is a New Orleans Airboat Ride. This two-hour fast-paced ride takes guests through the cypress swampland, not far from Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Tours are offered in the morning or afternoon, and visitors can choose a small or large-boat tour (eight person or 25 person tours).

The best time of the year to visit New Orleans is February through May, when Mardi Gras festivities are underway and temperatures are comfortable. If you do plan to visit during this popular time of the year, you will want to book hotel rooms up to a year in advance.

Mardi Gras events take place over several weekends from February to early March, with specific dates changing each year. This is the best window to see the elaborate parades, floats, and festivities surrounding this annual event.

Mardi Gras is the most exciting time of the year to visit New Orleans, but if the steep prices are a deterrent, you can travel at the end of January, when rates for hotels are lower and Carnival season is already underway.

You can still see parades heading through the streets in January, and enjoy the celebrations without the crowds and high prices that tick up in February.

Tourists visiting New Orleans outside of Mardi Gras season can still get a taste of the festivities by visiting Mardi Gras World , the city's only museum dedicated to this annual celebration. Visitors can see floats, costumes, and other parade props, and can also watch artisans work on next year's biggest and best decorations.

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21 Best Things To Do In New Orleans: The Ultimate Bucket List

March 11, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you planning a trip and looking for unforgettable things to do in New Orleans? Then look no further, this list is perfect for you!

Planning your trip to New Orleans last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in New Orleans in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!

Top Experiences And Tours In New Orleans:

• Evening Jazz Cruise On Steamboat (Likely to sell out!)
• Ghosts, Vampires + Voodoo Tour (Unique French Quarter tour!)
• High-Speed Airboat Ride (Super fun for the whole group)
• Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark (Very popular tour with 4.5/5 stars)

Top recommendations for accommodation In New Orleans:

• Sonesta New Orleans ES Suites (Downtown with views)
• Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter (Chic Bourbon Street location)
• The Brandywine Sextant (Rooftop pool!)
• NOPSI Hotel New Orleans (5-star luxury hotel!)

If you’ve never been to NOLA, you’re missing out! It is a city full of history, exciting adventures, and delicious restaurants. A lot of people don’t visit because they are worried about the crowds, and it is a popular city. But if you can, brave the crowds and check out this beautiful Southern city.

Whether you have a week or only 3 days to visit , you’ll want to check out some of these activities. We’ve found something for everyone on this list. From history buffs, foodies, and art and music lovers, there is a fun thing to do for you on this list. There are even fun things to do in New Orleans with kids! So, let’s take a look at 21 unforgettable things to do in New Orleans!

21 Unforgettable Things To Do In New Orleans

Eat out at a black-owned restaurant.

New Orleans has a large Black community that is very active. Because of this, there are over 80 Black-Owned restaurants in the city. They vary from cafes, seafood, Creole and Cajun, vegan, and everything in between. Take a look at the New Orleans directory for Black-Owned restaurants and pick one to check out. You’ll be supporting a local business owner all while getting to enjoy some delicious food.

One of our favorite places is Fritai . They used to be inside the St. Roch Market, but they are actually moving to their own space. Fritai is a black-owned Haitian restaurant. It is affordable and so delicious! They even have vegetarian options on their menu. Definitely make sure you check it out!

This is one of our favorite things to do and you should add it to your Weekend In New Orleans Itinerary.

Visit the Carousel Bar

The Carousel Bar is a really unique bar in New Orleans. It is located in the upscale Hotel Monteleone, but anyone can come into the bar and it is free. If you want to take a picture at the iconic bar or explore before it gets too crowded, we suggest going early. You’ll want to get there a little before it opens at 11am. If that’s too early for you to get a drink, then you can go at a later time, but expect it to be busy.

The actual bar is shaped like a carousel and even spins around like one. No matter when you take the time to visit, it’s worth the trip. It is one of the most unique New Orleans activities and you won’t forget it. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In New Orleans!

Admire Street Performers in Jackson Square

One of the best things to do in New Orleans is to see the street performers in Jackson Square. Jackson Square is a central part of the French Quarter and you’ll find a lot of interesting things to do there. One of the most entertaining is the street performers.

Daily there are street performers who come out to Jackson Square and put on performances. Most of them are musicians or even whole bands who set up for several hours, or even the day. You’ll also find human statues, artists, and so much more. If you really enjoy the performance, consider tipping the artists to help keep the tradition of street performers in Jackson Square going.

Find the Cutest Streets 

New Orleans is full of cute streets that you’ll want to stroll down. You’ll obviously want to enjoy Royal Street in the French Quarter. But that’s not the only cute street in New Orleans. If you’re looking for a street full of things to do in New Orleans, then you can’t go wrong strolling down Decatur Street.

Or maybe you want to admire the beautiful old homes of New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue. To get a good look at the famous streetcars, head down Canal Street. With so many cute streets in New Orleans, you’re bound to find one you love strolling down for hours.

The National WWII Museum

History buffs will want to check out the National WWII Museum. The museum opened its doors in 1991 and has since been designated by congress to be the official WWII museum. In the museum you’ll find immersive experiences, first person oral histories, and an extensive collection of artifacts. The museum is the authority in the United States on WWII history.

It is a large museum campus that has galleries and even a canteen. The BBs Stage Door Canteen offers period authentic entertainment, as well as a place to grab a bite to eat. Whether you want to stay for a few hours or the whole day, there is plenty to do and see at the National WWII Museum.

Voodoo Tour

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without learning about the cities Voodoo history. There are several different types of Voodoo Tours . Some combine ghost stories with the history of Voodoo, while others focus just on Voodoo history. These tours are typically walking tours and usually last for about two hours.

Voodoo is an important part of the history of New Orleans as well as being very unique. There are few places in the United States where you can learn about the Voodoo practice, so make sure you do while in New Orleans.

Antique Shopping

Unless you’ve got deep pockets, you might not leave New Orleans with an antique. But that shouldn’t stop you from window shopping. New Orleans is home to some of the world’s most famous antique shops on Royal Street. Stepping into one of the antique shops is like stepping into a fancy museum.

The antiques you’ll find will be absolutely one of a kind, but they come with a one of a kind price tag. Even so, it’s worth the trip to Royal Street to admire the beautiful items. If antiques aren’t really your thing, we still suggest admiring the shop windows while you explore Royal Street. It may be the only opportunity you have to see some of these beautiful and unique items for sale.

Ride a Streetcar

One of the best things to do in New Orleans is to head to St. Charles Street to ride a streetcar. The St. Charles streetcar is dark green and is actually the oldest running streetcar in the world! At just $3, it is a super cheap but unique to New Orleans activity. Riding the streetcar is a perfect New Orleans activity to do when you need a break from all the walking. You’ll be able to stretch back, relax, and enjoy the views of the city. It is an absolute must-do when you visit the city!

Tremé is a neighborhood in NOLA that is known for its Black and Creole heritage. Tremé is known for its many soul food joints, jazz clubs, and even cultural centers. You can find performers in Louis Armstrong Park, admire colorful cottages, and admire St. Augustine’s Church.

Tremé naturally has a bit of Voodoo history as well. At St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 you can view the tombstones of many early residents, including the famous Voodoo Priestess, Marie Laveau. If you want to learn more about NOLA’s early Black and Creole residents, a trip to Tremé is a must.

Go on a Ghost Tour

NOLA is supposedly a very haunted city. The city has a dark past, from it’s participation in the slave trade, several wars, and even more natural disasters. All of that pain and turmoil has led to an endless amount of legends and ghost stories. If that sort of thing interests you, then you’ll want to go on a ghost tour .

There are several different types of ghost tours that you can choose to take. The best ones make sure to infuse a bit of theatrics, the true history of the area, and a great storyteller.

The tours are all walking tours and usually last around 2 hours. You can choose what part of the city you’re interested in as well as what kind of paranormal or occult practices intrigue you. NOLA is the perfect city to enjoy a good night of spooky storytelling.

Don’t forget to check out some of the most Haunted Hotels in New Orleans!

Visit the Garden District

The Garden District is where you’ll be able to admire some of NOLA’s prettiest old homes. It is actually the perfect place to stop after your trip on the St. Charles Street streetcar. You’ll be shaded by the large old oak trees as you stroll the streets admiring some of the oldest homes in the city. There isn’t a house in the area that you won’t want to take pictures of, so make sure to bring your camera.

Steamboat Ride

The Steamboat Natchez is one of the oldest running steamboats on the Mississippi. Whether you’ve ridden on a steamboat before or not, it is a perfect New Orleans activity.

The Steamboat Natchez offers several different cruises, including a Day Cruise . The Day Cruise is the perfect way to take a break from all the walking you’ll be doing while you explore NOLA. You’ll get to admire beautiful and unique views of the city while you learn a little bit about the area.

Visit Studio BE

Studio BE is a fairly new addition to the city, but the artist who owns it is not. Brandon ‘Bmike’ Odums is a Black local artist who uses his work to highlight the stories of everyday New Orleanians. Odums’ art is housed in a 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

It is his first solo show and has quickly become a popular New Orleans attraction. The Studio BE is perfect to spend a few hours and learn about the lives and experiences of the people of modern-day NOLA.

Mardis Gras World

Mardis Gras is probably the most popular time of year to visit NOLA. But not everyone feels comfortable dealing with large crowds. If you want to experience Mardis Gras, any time of the year, then check out Mardis Gras World . Mardis Gras World was opened in 1984 by the studio that has created some of the most iconic Mardis Gras floats.

The Kern Studios are now open for the public to get a view of historic and modern Mardis Gras Parade items. You’ll learn what it takes to create these amazing floats, get a behind the scenes peek at the next years floats, and even some older floats. Mardis Gras World is one of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, but it’s a fun experience for all ages.

Sidewalk Food Tour of New Orleans

New Orleans is known for having an amazing assortment of delicious foods. So what could be better than sampling some of the best restaurants? Take a Sidewalk Food Tour of New Orleans and do just that. They offer two different food tours, one focuses on the French Quarter and the other focuses on the Lower Garden District. Both areas of the city are incredibly popular with foodies.

In each tour, you’ll learn a little bit about the food history of the area. The best part though is obviously the food. You’ll hit the popular spots, but you’ll also get to try some of the best-hidden gems and mom-and-pop shops in the city. This is an awesome New Orleans activity for foodies that you won’t forget!

Cemetery Tour

New Orleans is full of beautiful and historic cemeteries. If you want to visit them, learn about their history, and maybe even hear a ghost story or two, then take a Cemetery Tour . There are several different types of cemetery tours you can take. From daytime tours of cemeteries and churches to more spooky nighttime tours. If you’re tired of walking, they even offer bus tours of the area’s famous cemeteries.

Stroll Through Audubon Park

Audubon Park is a great thing to do in New Orleans with kids. The park itself is a large green space in New Orleans, similar to Central Park in NYC. At Audubon Park, you’ll find plenty of space for you and the family to spread out and enjoy a picnic. There are also playgrounds, soccer fields, a golf course, and even a pool!

If you are looking for somewhere to get out some energy, Audubon Park is for you. The park even has a Clubhouse Cafe, so you can spend several hours there before heading back into the city. Walk the 1.8-mile jogging path, admire the animals in the lagoon, or just relax on the grass. No matter what you decide, Audubon Park is a great place for a little relaxation when you need a break from the city.

Take a Jazz Cruise

If you want to combine riding the Steamboat Natchez with a night of dining and Jazz, then consider taking a Jazz Cruise . The Steamboat Natchez offers almost nightly cruises. There are two options for the evening cruise.

You can opt-out of dinner and just enjoy the music while you admire the city. Or you can have a delicious dinner while you listen to an award-winning Jazz band and admire the city. The price of the cruise changes depending on which option you pick, but it’s a fun thing to do in New Orleans either way.

Alternatively, if you want to get out on the water in a different way, you can check out some of the best beaches near New Orleans!

Airboat Ride

Want to add a little adventure to your New Orleans trip? Consider taking an Airboat ride . Airboats are those boats you see speeding through the swamps with the big fans at the back powering them. There aren’t many places in the US that you can ride an Airboat, so take advantage of being in Louisiana and give it a try. While on the Airboat, you’ll learn about Louisiana’s swamps, the wildlife that calls them home, and of course, you’ll look for alligators. It’s one of the best fun things to do in New Orleans!

Eat Beignets

No trip to NOLA would be complete without trying one of the most notable New Orleans foods, the beignet. There are a few places where you can try them, but we suggest Cafe Du Monde or Cafe Beignet .

Both make delicious beignets, but they offer a different experience. Cafe Beignet can be found in several places throughout the city of New Orleans, but we prefer the French Quarter location. They also serve other items, so they may be a good stop for lunch and a beignet.

Cafe Du Monde’s menu is small and focused on beignets. So it’s perfect for satisfying your beignet craving, but it’s not really a great choice for breakfast or lunch. We suggest visiting both cafe’s, so you get a full New Orleans beignet experience.

Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum

Jazz music was born in New Orleans, so it only makes sense to learn more about the American music genre while you’re touring New Orleans. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a great place to learn about the history of all things Jazz. The museum has a performance center where you can listen to live music, an area to explore interactive exhibits, and over 25,000 artifacts relating to the history of Jazz. It’s one of the best things to do in New Orleans if you love music and history, or even if you just want to learn something new.

We hope you enjoyed this list of 21 Unforgettable things to do in New Orleans! Have you gotten the opportunity to experience any of these fun things to do? If you haven’t what activity do you think you’ll do first next time you visit New Orleans? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

The 11 best things to do in New Orleans

Apr 4, 2023 • 11 min read

The Zulu Crewe perform as part of the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans ©Bob Sacha/Getty Images

The New Orleans menu is long and storied. And yes, we mean the food, but also the… everything . As the city that commands access to the Mississippi River, it’s perhaps appropriate that New Orleans rewards immersion. The city's best experiences require visitors to dunk themselves in.

In New Orleans , the rainbow palette of the houses is a feast for your eyes. The music breathes pure sonic fire into your ears. The roots of the live oaks shred the sidewalk beneath your feet. The flavors of the food delight the tongue. The scent of angel’s trumpet flowers fills residential side streets. Every corner of the city treats visitors to a new sensation, and from there, a new way of seeing and appreciating the world, especially this particular world, built on Caribbean folkways, the African diaspora, French and Iberian culture, and a specifically Southern American embrace of exuberance and community.

These are the 11 best things to do in New Orleans.

1. Catch some music on Frenchmen Street

New Orleans produces a plethora of art, but none of the creative output has left such a palpable imprint on the world as music. Jazz was born here. The granddaddy of modern pop music was a synthesis of African rhythms kept alive by slaves and free people of color, European harmonies, and brass instruments introduced by marching bands.

Jazz is often thought of as prestige music, but it largely grew out of Storyville, the city's infamous Red Light District, which was destroyed in 1917. This was the music of New Orleans' seedy underbelly, and while the music has evolved, the city has never lost touch with its muddy roots.

Although New Orleans is getting more expensive, working musicians still live by their gigs here, and the most accessible way to see them is on Frenchmen Street, in Faubourg Marigny. There are several clubs here, each within a few city blocks of one another. These include the Spotted Cat and d.b.a ., where shows kick off regularly, usually around 6pm and 9pm.

And jazz isn’t the only game in town. On St Claude Avenue, you might catch a DJ spinning bounce music – The Big Easy’s native twerking dance genre – or burlesque at the Hi Ho Lounge . The Saturn Bar is the place to go for an R&B dance party.

Planning tip: There’s a lot of music on tap in New Orleans. To find it, WWOZ’s Livewire puts together an exhaustive list of local live gigs which is painstakingly updated daily.

2. Experience a Mardi Gras parade

It may be celebrated in other cities, but there is no Mardi Gras like New Orleans Mardi Gras. This is a party where the city’s penchant for hedonism is cranked up to the highest possible setting, then unleashed on her citizens in a riot of intensely creative costuming and joyful parades.

It’s worth noting that there is no one way to Mardi Gras – the holiday has as many ways of being enjoyed as there are New Orleanians – and Fat Tuesday itself is the culmination of roughly two and a half weeks of gradually intensifying partying otherwise known as Carnival season.

Planning tip: During Mardi Gras, it’s easy to watch parades if you join the crowds along St Charles Avenue who throng the floats for trinkets (“throws”) tossed to the masses. Smaller walking parades are another big part of the Mardi Gras experience, and anyone who wants to join one is usually can. The caveat is: you need to wear a costume, and you need to know where the walking parades are. On Mardi Gras day, the biggest walking parade is the Society of St Anne procession, which can be caught around 9am anywhere around Burgundy and Louisa Streets in the Bywater.

3. Stuff your face at a local restaurant

The sensory pleasure most people immediately think of when they hear “New Orleans” is food. This city has been doing locavore and slow eating and seasonal menus for (literal) centuries before those words became the buzzy marketing nomenclature attached to restaurants all over the US. Chefs here realized they were in a different place, and adapted the ingredients of Louisiana’s seas and swamps and woods into one of North America’s great hyper-regional cuisines. Maybe that’s why this city so dominates lists like the James Beard awards , despite its relatively diminutive size.

But New Orleans food isn’t the only food you can find here. Waves of immigrants have brought their own dishes , and even the city’s grande dame old-line restaurants increasingly incorporate international influences. And yet, the food culture here remains kind of old-school. People here value eating and put great stock into, well, stock – and whatever else goes into the gumbo pot.

So eat. Eat. Eat some more. Don’t worry about the calories. They’re the evidence of time well spent. There are as many New Orleans food experiences as there are local cooks, but crawfish boils, which occur in spring, with their mix of communal good times, cold beer, and messy mastication, are a quintessential experience.

Local tip: You’ll hear the word “lagniappe’” (lan-yap) come up a lot on the New Orleans dining scene. It’s Louisiana French for “a little extra,” and is usually some kind of small dessert or amuse-bouche, likely off-menu, that is offered to diners on the house.

4. Walk down Royal Street

The French Quarter is undoubtedly the most iconic New Orleans neighborhood, which is kind of ironic because the Quarter has few actual permanent residents. This is largely a tourist area, but this doesn’t make it any less engaging. While Bourbon St grabs a lot of the headlines, parallel Royal Street is where you can find a lot of what makes the Quarter still so very special.

Here you’ll find antique shops, art galleries, cafes and a pedestrian-only area where street performers bring the music of the city to life with a backdrop of elegant Caribbean townhouses framed by wrought iron balconies on their upper floors.

Detour: Royal Street runs past the back end of Jackson Square , perhaps the most recognizable public space in the city. Head here to listen to street musicians (please tip) or get your palm read by a tarot reader.

5. House Hunt on St Charles Avenue

The city’s most beautiful avenue follows the curve of the Mississippi, running through neighborhoods like Uptown and the Garden District . St Charles Avenue is blessed with shade from enormous live oaks, which grow through sidewalks that run by some of the largest mansions in the city.

Whatever else you may think of these giant homes, they are beautiful, and on a pleasant afternoon or evening, strolling past them is a dreamy prospect. If you want to see similar homes on a less-trafficked throughway, try parallel Prytania Street.

Planning Tip: If you’re going to be on St Charles Avenue, hop on the St Charles Avenue streetcar , which ferries passengers on its iconic green rail cars throughout the day.

6. Immerse yourself in artsy Bywater

The candy-colored homes of Bywater have been attracting transplants to New Orleans for decades – this district is relatively close to the French Quarter while still feeling a world away. Once a largely African American neighborhood, it is now majority white and full of the sort of artisanal goods stores and vintage shops and restaurants and bars (including one with a lovely hidden pool in the back ) that are the telltale signs of hipness.

The debate over whether the Bywater has been gentrified or revitalized is ongoing, but what cannot be denied is that this is the center of gravity for tourists seeking a New Orleans that blends contemporary bohemian culture with the rainbow palette of homes that is very much the architectural fabric of the 19th century.

Detour: If you want to see the Mississippi (or jog by it), head to Crescent Park , a waterfront park that extends from here all the way to Faubourg Marigny, at the edge of the French Quarter.

7. Relax along Bayou St John

Firmly off of the tourist radar, Bayou St John is a quiet inland urban waterway surrounded by a small strip of green grass, crossed by a few bridges, including the pedestrian Cabrini Bridge, and framed by houses that run the gamut from mansions to pretty cottages (as well as the Creole style home of the city’s first mayor).

Come out here to people-watch, to see the sun dip behind the homes and the oak trees, and to enjoy a scene of surprising zen and serenity in a city otherwise known for loud good times. Even locals – especially locals, really – like to take a break from this town's penchant for excess. When they need to just relax, breathe and enjoy some gentle beauty, they often head to Bayou St John, and it makes sense for you to join them.

Detour: It makes the most sense to drive or bicycle up Esplanade Avenue , another one of those beautiful New Orleans streets lined with gorgeous old homes. You can walk along Esplanade, but if you do so, the safest area is from Broad Street up to City Park.

8. Get enjoyable lost in City Park

To be fair, the name City Park is a slight misnomer. The park isn’t technically owned or operated by the city of New Orleans but this is semantics. City Park is a wonderful green space in the heart of town that houses the New Orleans Museum of Art , forest trails, waterways, enormous live oak trees, playgrounds, the gorgeous Louisiana Children’s Museum , a sculpture garden , and a singing tree , among many other attractions.

The trails through Couturie Forest, off of Harrison Avenue, give visitors a taste of the bottomland forests that once carpeted so much of South Louisiana.

9. Ramble in the shade in Audubon Park

Located smack in the middle of Uptown New Orleans, just off of patrician St Charles Avenue, Audubon Park is another impossibly green space dappled with Spanish moss and edged with huge mansions cut through by a walking and biking trail.

It’s much beloved by locals and students at nearby Tulane and Loyola universities, and an easy spot for parents to bring kids, especially given that part of the park is given over to the exceptionally fine Audubon Zoo . Make sure to walk the dirt paths that run along the perimeter of the park along the yards of the aforesaid mansions; the gardens, landscaping, and occasional rope swings attached to trees all make for a lovely tableau.

Detour: Running along the Mississippi River just south of Audubon Park, the Fly is a green space largely given over to sports fields, although there are also lawns on the waterfront that are perfect for a picnic.

10. Have a drink at a neighborhood bar

New Orleanians swear by their local gin joints. But locals aren’t all about the alcohol-pocalypse of Bourbon Street. This is the city that (arguably) invented the cocktail, drinks generally made for sipping and taking the edge off, not getting smashed. There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to bars here, from some of the best dive bars in the country to fancy hotel bars. In the latter category, the bar at the historic Hotel Monteleone, which literally rotates (slowly), is always a favorite.

The city’s neighborhood bars are something special, though, and as varied as the neighborhoods themselves. On Magazine Street, you’ll find classy cocktail lounges and Tulane graduates; in the Marigny, a mix of LGBTQ+ friendly spots and hip drinking holes; near Tulane and Loyola, student bars abound. Yet everywhere, people are happy to chat with strangers and strike up a conversation. Don’t leave town without trying a sazerac, the native blend of rye whiskey, bitters and absinthe that is the Platonic ideal of the New Orleans drink; Bar Tonique , at the edge of the French Quarter, makes a legendary version.

11. Pay your respects at a cemetery

Sure, New Orleans is lively, but some of its most fascinating urban geographies house the dead. The cemeteries of New Orleans drip with Southern gothic grandeur and vibe. Best known for their above-ground tombs and mausoleums, each one of the city’s many cemeteries is a window into the past, cast in stone. In some “blocks” of these cities of the dead, you’ll see the communal vaults of families or even professional associations; and because there simply wasn’t much space for cemeteries, mixed faiths can often be found sharing the same acres of land.

The above-ground tombs of New Orleans supposedly owe their existence to the city’s high water table, but these days, historians seem to acknowledge the real reason for the raised vaults is cultural; the original colonists in New Orleans came from France and Iberia, where there is a long tradition of above-ground cemeteries.

The city maintains an extensive website on local cemeteries and when they’re open to visitors. If you want to find a cemetery that mixed above-ground tombs with “regular” burial plots that are rarely visited by tourists, check out Carrollton Cemetery No. 1 , also known as the Green Street Cemetery, a few blocks off Carrollton Avenue in Uptown New Orleans.

This article was first published July 2021 and updated April 2023

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17 Best Things to Do in New Orleans

Renowned for its mix of cultures, cuisines and music scenes, New Orleans is one of the most rewarding and unique cities to visit in the States. Set in southeast Louisiana and surrounded by swamps, it boasts interesting historic tourist attractions, attractive architecture, incredible live music, nightlife and street celebrations.

Lying alongside the Mississippi River, the ‘Big Easy’ has a rich history and heritage to delve into with its French, Spanish, Caribbean and Creole cultural influences. Due to its amazing multicultural makeup and lively ambience, the city is a treat to explore with enticing things to do in New Orleans itself and its surroundings.

With delicious local dishes, picturesque plantations to visit and fun-filled festivals, like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, one could spend weeks if not months getting to grips with New Orleans’ unique identity.

17. Longue Vue House and Gardens

Just ten minutes drive northwest of the center you can find lovely Longue Vue House and its gorgeous gardens. Now protected as part of a museum, the historic house exhibits exquisite architecture and its surrounding grounds are equally delightful to explore.

Built in 1939 for Edith and Edgar Stern, the massive four-story mansion has twenty finely decorated rooms full of English and American antiques. A stroll around the estate’s lush gardens is a must to view the fetching fountains and flowerbeds.

16. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is right in the heart of the French Quarter. Wonderfully well-preserved, the historic apothecary shop is laden with intriguing jars, bottles, instruments and antiques.

Now a museum, the Creole townhouse was formerly the home and shop of Louis J. Dufilho Jr. – the first licensed pharmacist in the States – who started the business in 1823. Besides seeing surgical instruments, voodoo potions and perfumes, you can also learn about questionable medical practices from the past and spend some time in its attractive old courtyard.

15. Preservation Hall

One of the most popular live-music venues in the city, historic Preservation Hall hosts unforgettable jazz performances almost every night of the year.

Formerly an art gallery, it began to host local jazz concerts in the fifties with its talented performers soon drawing great acclaim for their pure jam sessions. Nowadays, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band tours all around the world.

14. Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo is situated just twenty minutes drive southwest of the center. It houses a staggering array of animals, with everything from tigers and gorillas to alligators, elephants and orangutans on show.

While the site has housed animals since the 1884 World’s Fair, the zoo only opened in 1914. Its world-class exhibits now include animals and ecosystems from Africa, Asia and South America. Particularly popular are its superb Louisiana Swamp and Reptile Encounter exhibits.

13. Steamboat Natchez

A lovely way to see as much of the city and its surroundings as possible is to take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River aboard Steamboat Natchez. From the decks of the pretty old paddle steamer you can learn about the history of New Orleans as you bask in views over the city and river.

While the Natchez has been transporting people and goods up and down the Mississippi since 1823, the current steamboat with its bright red paddle dates to 1975. The Natchez offers brunch, dinner and jazz cruise options.

12. Oak Alley Plantation

Named for the beautiful double row of trees that welcome you to the property, Oak Alley Plantation is a popular place to visit on the outskirts of New Orleans. Located around an hour’s drive west of the center, it is well worth visiting for its attractive antebellum architecture, interesting past and gorgeous grounds.

Lying alongside the Mississippi River, Oak Alley was founded in 1837 with the mansion exhibiting delightful Greek Revival features. While exploring the estate you’ll learn all about the enslaved people who worked on the plantation and be able to snap photos of its incredible oak-lined avenue and historic house.

11. New Orleans Museum of Art

The outstanding New Orleans Museum of Art can be found at the southern end of City Park. Regularly ranked among the best art institutions in the country, it occupies an elegant and imposing building with a stupendous sculpture garden lying alongside it.

Founded in 1911, its collection now encompasses over 40,000 artworks including photos, ceramics and sculptures. European masterpieces and local Louisiana artists are displayed next to African, Asian and Oceanic art. With big names such as Monet, Renoir and Picassos, the museum is certainly well worth checking out if you have the chance.

10. St. Louis Cathedral

The striking St. Louis Cathedral and its three soaring spires overlook the historic Jackson Square, in the center of the French Quarter. Dedicated to King Louis IX of France, it is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the States, having been built in 1789.

The third cathedral to be set on the same site, it boasts a beautiful facade with stained glass windows lining the sides of the Spanish Colonial structure. Inside is just as alluring with fine religious artworks, a huge altar and an organ. The historic cathedral still hosts important masses, gatherings and celebrations.

9. New Orleans Cemeteries

New Orleans is famed for its historic cemeteries, so you should make time to explore at least a couple of its atmospheric and eerie graveyards. More than forty of them are dotted about with Lafayette Cemetery No 1 and Saint Louis No 1 counting among its most popular, important and impressive.

Due to their distinctive above-ground tombs and ornate and elaborate mausoleums, the cemeteries are architecturally very interesting to walk around. In addition, they also contain influential figures from the city’s past and the overgrown grounds and weathered graves only adding to their appealing aesthetic. Having also featured in numerous films, the centuries-old ‘cities of the dead’ and their crumbling crypts and majestic mausoleums are definitely not to be missed.

8. Mardi Gras World

Lying right next to the Port of New Orleans is the massive working warehouse of Mardi Gras World, where flamboyant floats are made for the famous parade. On tours of the complex, you can see how the gigantic figures, floats and props are produced. There are thousands of colorful costumes and old floats decorating the interior.

As you wander around the warehouse you’ll get to see painters and sculptors working on their latest creations and learn all about the history of Mardi Gras. Besides getting a feel for the festival, guests can also snap photos of the amazing figures and floats, and even dress up in some carnival costumes.

7. Take a Swamp Tour

Since the city is literally surrounded by swamps, it is well worth taking a tour to see the beautiful bayous that are synonymous with southern Louisiana. Sprawled across a huge area, the wetlands are a treat to explore, with stunning landscapes, scenery and nature wherever you look.

Numerous companies run excursions out to the swamps and the gorgeous Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve being a particularly popular destination. Aside from guided hiking and kayaking trips, you can also arrange exciting airboat tours where you stand a great chance of seeing submerged alligators amidst the murky waters of the swamp.

6. Frenchmen Street

Vibrant Frenchmen Street is lined by some of the best live music venues in the city. Set a short stroll from the French Quarter, it stretches several blocks with countless restaurants and art galleries, bars and boutiques.

The laid back street attracts people with its excellent, authentic and unpretentious live music venues. These include not only The Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor, but Favela Chic too, with the charming Creole cottages that line the street adding to the area’s appealing ambience.

5. National WWII Museum

A fascinating place to visit, the magnificent National WWII Museum boasts a staggering array of artifacts and exhibits. Mainly focusing on America’s contribution to the Allied victory in WWII, its captivating collection occupies a state-of-the-art campus in New Orleans’ Warehouse District.

Opened in 2000, its extensive galleries and exhibitions are wonderfully well-presented. Artifacts and displays on show include photos, films and other immersive multimedia. Its 250,000 or so objects, vehicles and aircraft tell the story of not only America’s amphibious invasions of the Pacific, but hard fought battles on the D-Day beaches, in the trenches and skies too. A must for anyone interested in history, the moving museum is certainly one of the top things to see in the city.

4. City Park

Sure to delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike, City Park sprawls across a huge part of New Orleans and is larger than Central Park in New York City. Besides its lush green spaces and waterways, the park has countless attractions, such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and Louisiana Children’s Museum.

Protected since 1854, it contains the world’s largest collection of mature live oaks and these towering moss-coated trees make the park atmospheric to wander around. In addition to plenty of paths, picnic areas and playing fields, there are botanical gardens and sculpture gardens to enjoy as well as several small theme parks.

3. Jackson Square

One of the most popular places to visit in New Orleans, Jackson Square lies right at the historic heart of the French Quarter. Lined by beautiful buildings, such as the Saint Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo and Pontalba Buildings, the historic park marks the spot where the famous Louisiana Purchase took place.

This is widely considered to be one of the greatest public spaces in the States and was even declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Lying at the center of its pristine lawns is a striking statue of the seventh US president, Andrew Jackson, with numerous street artists, musicians and fortune tellers adding to its lively atmosphere.

2. French Quarter

The undoubted highlight of any trip to New Orleans is exploring the vibrant French Quarter. The city’s oldest and most famous neighborhood. It is packed with interesting historic sights, live music venues and bustling businesses, with something for everyone.

Founded in 1718, the Quarter’s compact cobbled streets are lined by attractive old buildings that are now home to innumerable shops, restaurants, bars, and music clubs. Infamous Bourbon Street is not to be missed for its pulsating nightlife, wealth of street performers and fortune tellers.

1. Mardi Gras

A colorful and chaotic celebration like no other, Mardi Gras is held every February or early March throughout the whole of Louisiana. Nowhere is the carnival more widely and wildly celebrated than in New Orleans with fun festivities, float-filled parades and costumed balls taking over the center.

While ‘Fat Tuesday’ is actually only the climax of the carnival, raucous street parties and wild and free celebrations are held over the course of two weeks in the run up to Lent. Due to the intoxicating atmosphere and unfettered revelry, attending Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience with brightly colored costumes, elaborate floats, amazing music and performers wherever you go.

Map of Things to Do in New Orleans

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