New Orleans is one of the cities with a unique atmosphere and a huge range of things to do during your vacation. For years, the city has become a major tourist destination, known for its jazz music, local cuisine, and specific architecture. But here you will also find the famous French Quarter, Mardi Gras festivities, and the banks of the Mississippi River, where you can take a pleasant walk. Most of the sights are within walking distance but choose one with a horse and carriage if you want a more unusual tour.
Here are some of the most interesting things to do during your tour of New Orleans:
1. Visit French Quarter
This is one of the most famous attractions in New Orleans, especially impressive with its architecture. It is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and has many places where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, souvenir shops, and galleries. You will be impressed by the view of the massive metal balconies, red roofs of the old buildings, some of which are more than 3 centuries old. Definitely, here you can feel the French influences in architecture and this attracts millions of tourists.
The most famous part of The French Quarter is Bourbon Street. During the day the atmosphere is calmer, but at night it is the perfect place for a walk and fun.
Royal Street is another famous historic and shopping area. One of the famous buildings here is the Court of Two Sisters, dating back to the early 19th century.
If you want to enjoy the wonderful jazz music Frenchmen Street is the right place, rich in clubs and restaurants.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Best Hotels in French Quarter | Booking.com |
| 🖥 Website | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
Places to Visit and Things to Do in French Quarter, New Orleans
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans. From amazing food to legendary music, you’ll find anything you’re looking for in this neighborhood. You can also explore the beautiful architecture and gardens of the various historic homes and buildings.
1.1 Visit Preservation Hall
The Preservation Hall is one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans known for its jazz events. To this day, various musical events are constantly held here, announced with posters in front of the building. Although small in size, it has a typical city feel and is proverbial as far as the region’s musical history is concerned.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Nearby Hotels | Booking.com |
| 🏠 Address | 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
1.2 See St. Louis Cathedral
This special cathedral, located on Jackson Square, is known as the oldest usable cathedral in the United States, built in the late 18th century. The church was built by a French donor who is investing heavily in the restoration of New Orleans after devastating fires.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Nearby Hotels | Booking.com |
| 🏠 Address | 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
1.3 Louisiana State Museum at the Cabildo
Cabildo is located on the left side of St. Louis Cathedral and was built in the late 18th century to be home to the Spanish governor. Today, the place has been turned into a museum of local history, but in the past, city council meetings and a number of court hearings were held here. The exhibits focus on the history and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Nearby Hotels | Booking.com |
| 🏠 Address | 701 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
1.4 Steamboat Natchez Cruise
One of the best ways to get to know the region, culture, and waters of the Mississippi River is a cruise with Steamboat Natchez. The voyage takes about 2 hours and gives you the opportunity to try Creole cuisine. If you decide to take this walk in the evening, you have a chance to enjoy a live performance of jazz bands.
There are also special events for some major holidays such as Easter and Valentine’s Day.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🏨 Nearby Hotels | Booking.com |
| 🖥 Website | www.steamboatnatchez.com |
| 🏠 Address | 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
2. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
The spacious area of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve comprises six different sections. Two of them are in New Orleans. Barataria Preserve, where in addition to beautiful representatives of the plant world you will find many architectural and historical finds from ancient cultures such as Troyville, Marksville, and Tchefuncte. Chalmette Battlefield is more aimed at tourists who love history and preserves the atmosphere of some of the most famous battles in the region.
| 🖥 Website | www.steamboatnatchez.com |
| 🏠 Address | Marrero, LA 70072, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
3. See Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras is one of the most famous local festivities, spanning a period of two weeks and dotted with many festivals and daily entertainment. The celebration ends with shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
During the festivities, you will see crowds of people on the streets and balconies, and the cheerful mood will surely overwhelm you. The main venue is Bourbon Street. This tradition has existed since the 19th century.
Website: www.mardigrasneworleans.com
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
4. Visit The National WWII Museum
The museum presents a rich historical collection of WWII objects. In general, there are two zones – one that tells the story of the war in the Pacific and the other related to Europe.
In the furnished 4D theater you can see historical films such as Beyond All Boundaries, which will take you to the real world…
| 🤩 Tours & Tickets | Check here |
| 🖥 Website | www.nationalww2museum.org |
| 🏠 Address | 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
5. Visit City Park
On its 1,300 acres, New Orleans City Park houses attractions such as the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Art. You will definitely not be bored if you visit Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Storyland, City Splash water park, golf course, or tennis courts. Of course, the park has a number of areas for walking and a relaxed atmosphere for picnics and relaxation.
6. Garden District Tour
The Garden District is an area that will impress you with beautiful mansions and endless greenery. You can choose to tour the place alone or with a guide who will tell you more about the local history. Some of the tourist areas here are First Street, Camp Street, and Prytania Street. Not one but two celebrities also have houses here. Of course, you can also choose between a number of cafes and restaurants if you get tired of walking and sightseeing.
7. Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
The park was built on the lands where the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition was located in the past. Today it is a major tourist destination, although it is far from the French Quarter, and the pearl in its crown is the Audubon Zoo. Here you will find exotic animals such as giraffes, orangutans, lemurs, jaguars, and alligators. A small train called the Swamp Train travels through several sections of the zoo to make your experience even more enjoyable. You can buy a ticket upon boarding.
During the warmer months, additional fun is the local splash park.
Things to do in Audubon Park
- Audubon North Oak Allée
- Audubon Zoo
- Hyams Fountain Gardens
- Aquarium
- Explore Nature Center
- Planetarium
- Golf
| 🤩 Audubon Park Tours and Tickets | Check here |
| 🖥 Website | https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-park |
| 🏠 Address | 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
8. Visit Mardi Gras World
As already mentioned, Mardi Gras is one of the biggest holidays in New Orleans and attracts millions of tourists every year. For those who want to get to know the backstage better, guided tours are offered, which will take you to the costume workshops, you will see some of the huge figures and non-standard costumes.
One of the largest studios involved in preparing for the holidays is The Blaine Kern Studios. Visit all corners and see how sculptors and artists work to give you visual pleasure during Mardi Gras.
| 🏠 Address | 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| 🖥 Website | www.mardigrasworld.com |
9. New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art presents incredible collections of French and American art, as well as separate exhibits of Japanese and African culture. The museum is located in City Park and in addition to the indoor exhibitions will amaze you with Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where you will find over 60 impressive sculptures and many places to relax and walk.
| 🏠 Address | 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
10. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is located near the French Quarter and presents over 250 species of marine life from different parts of America. Here you can also learn a lot about the inhabitants of the waters of the Mississippi River.
The Great Maya Reef takes you as if to another world, where thousands of fish swim as if between the ruins of an ancient Mayan city.
Last but not least, here you can take part in more exciting experiences such as close encounters with penguins, scuba diving or snorkeling around the reef.
| 🤩 Tours & Deals | Check here |
| 🖥 Website | audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium |
| 🏠 Address | 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
11. Crescent Park
The park, which is relatively new, built in 2014, covers 1.4 miles along the Mississippi River and provides a peaceful walk in nature. The most interesting landmark is Piety Street Bridge. Your walk along the arch of the bridge will reveal beautiful views of the river and an ideal place for photos.
New Orleans is a place with many different attractions and entertainment – music festivals, restaurants, historical and cultural attractions, museums and galleries, parks. Your visit here will surely remain an unforgettable and exciting experience.
| 🏠 Address | Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
12. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
The spacious area of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve comprises six different sections. Two of them are in New Orleans. Barataria Preserve, where in addition to beautiful representatives of the plant world you will find many architectural and historical finds from ancient cultures such as Troyville, Marksville, and Tchefuncte. Chalmette Battlefield is more aimed at tourists who love history and preserves the atmosphere of some of the most famous battles in the region.
| 🏠 Address | Marrero, LA 70072, United States |
| 📌 Map | Open in Google Maps |
