Things to do in New Orleans

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New Orleans
French Quarter which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Bourbon Street which includes street scenes, nightlife and a city
City Park which includes a park
Frenchmen Street which includes street scenes and a sunset

New Orleans Attractions

Known for coming alive during Mardi Gras, the Big Easy actually has far more to offer than colorful beads and lots of partying. Things to do in New Orleans include enjoying live jazz music, going on paddlewheel river steamboat tours, walking through sculpture gardens, and eating lots of local Creole and Cajun cuisine. There is a great deal of history in this southern city, a fact that will appease both history buffs and patriotic travelers alike. And you will never have a shortage of haunted attractions in New Orleans, where both the historical significance and strong spiritual vibe of the city and Louisiana lend themselves to lots of ghostly stories.


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Most popular activities in New Orleans

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What to do in New Orleans

Free Things to Do in New Orleans

Vacationing on a budget in New Orleans? Spend time, not money, on great experiences.

Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum - Bring the whole family and embark on a fascinating adventure through history with one another.

The New Orleans Artworks at the New Orleans GlassWorks & Printmaking Studio - Satiate your hunger for arts and culture here and witness creativity and talent at work.

John P Lyons Memorial Center - Plenty of excitement is in store for you at this great place.

Spanish Plaza - If you're an admirer of modern-style architecture, add this landmark to your schedule.

Spring Fiesta Historic House - If you'd like to explore the history of the area through its landmarks, include this one on your sightseeing schedule.

Lafayette Square - This is a bustling area where you can soak up the vibe and appreciate local life.

McDonogh Monument - If you'd love to explore a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Immaculate Conception Church - No matter your religious leanings, this site will inspire a sense of reverence.

New Orleans Musical Legends Park - Grab your picnic blanket, pack some food and find a shady area to relish nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in New Orleans

A trip to NOLA has made its way onto more than one bucket list, appealing to night owls, families, and foodies alike. Whether you want to take a walk though streets and attractions steeped in rich tales or sit down at a new trendy restaurant, New Orleans is ready to welcome you with open arms on your next vacation.

French Quarter — This well-known district stands out for its colorful history and raucous bar scene, making it a popular stop on any vacation to New Orleans. Things to do here include touring historical homes and the famed Bourbon Street.

Art District — If you’re artistic, a walkabout in the art district is in order. In this unique stretch of New Orleans, industrial buildings have been transformed into vibrant open spaces.

Lakeview — Just a short distance from downtown, Lakeview gained its moniker from its location near Lake Pontchartrain. This neighborhood is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting New Orleans who has an interest in throwing a line in the water or taking a lazy, thoughtful stroll along the shore.

New Orleans tours and day trips are always available to take you through the most popular areas.

What to See in New Orleans

Once upon a time, the cabaret shows in The Big Easy were frowned upon, but these days they are definitely something to see while you’re in New Orleans. Other sites that attract people from around the country include the New Orleans Opera and the Chickie Wah Wah jazz and dance club.

Sightseeing in New Orleans

People-watch on Bourbon Street, eat lots of Creole food, and pay a visit to the Voodoo Museum. There is lots for tourists to do in the heart of Louisiana. Home to St. Louis Cathedral and its fair share of above-ground cemeteries, New Orleans is worth its weight in history and you’ll never find a better bowl of gumbo anywhere else. Don’t leave without a visit to French Market, which is the oldest public market in the nation, and eat a delicious beignet at Café Du Monde. Tour Jackson Square and catch some of the best jazz performances in the world on Frenchmen Street. Thankfully, tours in New Orleans make it easy to see this memorable city, so you don’t have figure out how to cram it all on in your own.

Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in New Orleans. Here are a few family friendly experiences to do together that are certain to make your escape unforgettable:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in New Orleans

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in New Orleans

French Quarter which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

French Quarter

4.5/5(9,221 area reviews)

Historic buildings and lively atmosphere entice tourists and locals alike, offering live music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see spots include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde.

French Quarter
Canal Street showing a city and street scenes

New Orleans Central Business District

4.5/5(8,219 area reviews)

Dynamic and mixed-use, this neighborhood boasts professional offices, historic buildings, and numerous restaurants and clubs. Explore museums like the National WWII Museum and Ogden Museum of Southern Art, or visit Harrah's Casino and Piazza d'Italia.

New Orleans Central Business District
National World War II Museum which includes a city, street scenes and a bridge

Arts/Warehouse District

4/5(890 area reviews)

Get to the heart of modern New Orleans and explore renovated warehouses and modern galleries in this chic district.

Arts/Warehouse District
Garden District which includes flowers, a garden and a house

Garden District

5/5(40 area reviews)

Well-preserved historic mansions and striking architecture define this area. Explore Colonel Short's Villa, George Washington Cable House, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, or shop at The Rink, with easy streetcar access on St. Charles Avenue.

Garden District
Mardi Gras World showing art and interior views as well as an individual femail

Lower Garden District

4/5(482 area reviews)

Lower Garden District is highly notable for its beautiful gardens, and you might want to visit top sights like Port of New Orleans and National World War II Museum. See more of New Orleans by jumping on the metro at St. Charles at St. Andrew Stop or St. Charles at Josephine Stop.

Lower Garden District
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Uptown Historic District

4/5(263 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and picturesque gardens, there's plenty to explore in Uptown Historic District. You can visit top attractions like Audubon Zoo and Magazine Street, and jump on the metro at St. Charles at Jefferson Stop or St. Charles at Valmont Stop to see more of the city.

Uptown Historic District

 

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Popular day trips from New Orleans

Frequently asked questions

Is New Orleans worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the cultural hotspots and local charm or try regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans.
How do I spend a day in New Orleans?
Bourbon Street and Canal Street are two good places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in New Orleans while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Orleans?
Bourbon Street is one of the top tourist attractions in New Orleans and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New Orleans?
Three days in New Orleans is more than enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers book for three days on average. Bourbon Street, Canal Street and National World War II Museum are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Kenner.
Is New Orleans a walkable city?
Some top sights in New Orleans, like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.4 miles from the city center of New Orleans is New Orleans Central Business District and French Quarter is 0.6 miles away.
What are some activities to do in New Orleans with kids?
Planning what to do in New Orleans with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in New Orleans for adults?
Café du Monde and Lakefront Arena are just a few of the things to do in New Orleans. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in New Orleans?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in New Orleans is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Bourbon Street is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.