New Orleans is an iconic U.S. destination, and for good reason — its unique attractions and things to do are hard to find anywhere else in the country. Cajun food, a haunted past, and beignets galore are just a few reasons to visit New Orleans. But more than that, the legendary French Quarter houses live music and stunning architecture all times of year. Plus, if you travel to NOLA during Mardi Gras, you can join the never-ending party and cross the celebration off your bucket list. Continue reading for some of the best things to do in New Orleans.
When people talk about New Orleans, images of French Quarter landmarks appear in their heads. The downtown area hosts the some of the best places to visit in the city. Plan to spend a portion of your time in New Orleans exploring the French Quarter attractions.
The best attractions in New Orleans include:
Cafe du Monde, a renowned open-air coffee shop in the French Quarter
Watching live music at the Preservation Hall
Watching a New Orleans Saints’ game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Feeling spontaneous? New Orleans has plenty of attractions to discover. Start at the French Quarter and move to the surrounding streets — there are plenty of fun things to try.
Exciting activities near New Orleans include:
Looking into the past at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Exploring the foodie history of Southern Food and Beverage Museum
If anything, the best of New Orleans should be experienced at night. With well-lit streets, sounds crowding every corner, and spooky ghost tours, there’s plenty of nighttime attractions offered in New Orleans.
Nighttime activities near New Orleans include:
Taking a peek at Harrah’s New Orleans
Sneaking into Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar
Booking a night at the theatres at Canal Place
Listening to live music at the Spotted Cat Music Club
Starting up French Quarter Ghost and Legends Tour (New Orleans Ghost Tour)
Though New Orleans may be a playground for adults, there’s plenty to of NOLA kid-friendly activities too. Take them to the aquarium, zoo, or amusement park to keep them entertained.
Family-friendly things to do near New Orleans include:
Seeing the marine life at Aquarium of the Americas
Exploring wildlife in a natural habitat-style exhibits at Audubon Zoo
Planning a day trip to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Learn something new at Louisiana Children’s Museum
Taking the storybook sculpture playground for a whirl at Storyland
With so much hustle and bustle, you need to know where the relaxing spots in New Orleans are located. Take a self-guided tour of a museum — it’ll help you recharge while also exploring the city’s unique culture.
Things to do indoors near Near Orleans include:
Exploring all that New Orleans Museum of Art has to offer
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which tells stories of NOLA’s mystic past
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, a retired apothecary dedicated to exhibiting early medicine
Burgundy Picture House, an underground cinema on the cutting edge
Tour the Cabildo, the seat of the Spanish cultural seat of New Orleans
Sports and outdoor activities in New OrleansView All
Some of the most quirky, historic, and delicious U.S. landmarks and attractions can only be found in The Big Easy. Explore its voodoo past, get rowdy on Bourbon Street, and visit the famous New Orleans bayous.
Outdoor activities in New Orleans include:
Seeing all there is to see at Woldenberg Park
Learning more about the Old Ursuline Convent
Exploring Bayou Segnette State Park
Visiting the chapel at the St. Roch Cemetery
Stopping to smell the flowers at Longue Vue House and Gardens