Thinking of going to New Orleans, Louisiana, for your vacation? Check out the list of the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana and places to go in New Orleans, Louisiana, below. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Audubon Zoo
- Café du Monde
- City Park
- French Quarter
- Frenchmen Street
- Garden District
- Jackson Square
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- Longue Vue House and Gardens
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
- Mardi Gras World
- National WWII Museum
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Ogden Museum of Art
- Preservation Hall
- St. Louise Cathedral
- Steamboat Natchez
- Studio Be
- The Cabildo
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Audubon Zoo
Looking for a place to spend your family day?
Audubon Zoo will entertain the whole family!
It is situated in the heart of historic Uptown New Orleans. It provides a wide variety of educational courses and animal interactions for visitors.
As a result of the mild temperature in New Orleans, Audubon Zoo has a wide variety of display areas that are well suited to the needs of its animals.
There are many rare and unique animals to see in this zoo, which provides a nice break from the city’s bustle.
Alligators, lemurs, and giraffes are just several of the zoo’s most famous inhabitants. Several of the zoo’s other animals are also popular with visitors.
The zoo allows visitors to bring in their food and beverages. A 28-quart capacity is the maximum size for coolers, backpacks, and suitcases.
Visitors may ride on a “Swamp Train,” a miniature tram that travels via the Reptile Encounter, Sea Lion Encounter, and Louisiana Swamp Exhibit attractions.
The entire trip takes around half an hour, and tickets may be purchased at the railway terminal and are good for the day’s rest.
Don’t forget to add the zoo to your list for a fun family day!
Address: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States
Café du Monde
Be one with the locals in Cafe du Monde!
Located at the French Market’s upper river end, the first Café du Monde opened its doors in 1862.
In the beginning, Café du Monde was nothing more than a little coffee shop.
In the nearly 150 years since it was founded, it has expanded to include eight different venues throughout the city.
Coffee with chicory served with a beignet (a cubical doughnut covered in a pile of powdered sugar) is the only way to order like a resident in New Orleans.
From 9 am to 9 pm, Cafe du Monde sees a high volume of customers. Therefore, you may just have to queue to place an order.
The quietest time to visit is between 6 am and 9 am, or between 9 pm and Midnight.
Visiting on the weekend is probably the best time to visit.
If you want to know what it’s like to live in New Orleans like a local, you should check this out!
Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
City Park
Set up for a family picnic in New Orleans City Park!
Entertainment and activities abound in the more than 1,300-acre New Orleans City Park, which features a botanical conservatory and a gallery dedicated to local art.
New Orleans City Park, located north of the city’s heart on the southern bank of Lake Pontchartrain, is free and available to the public every day of the year.
As the 6th biggest urban park in the United States, it’s a popular visitor destination.
As a result, the park has the world’s greatest number of mature oak trees, including some over 600 years old.
Running, biking and picnicking are all available under the shelter of these Spanish moss-draped trees.
With Storyland and the Train Garden, New Orleans City Park offers much to keep your children entertained.
There are plenty of opportunities to relax, take in the sights, and perhaps have a good time. Be sure to give the park a look!
Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
Discover Louisiana on your next vacation! You have to travel to Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Read and explore the fun things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the best things to do in Shreveport, Louisiana to experience the best!
French Quarter
Looking for the number one tourist spot in New Orleans?
Then, come to the French Quarter!
French roots may be seen in the historic structures, some of which go back to the 17th century, with arcades, corrugated iron terraces, and crimson roofs.
Resorts, cafes, souvenir stores, museums, and a slew of jazz clubs can be found in many structures.
With Bourbon Street at its heart, the French Quarter is a popular tourist destination in New Orleans.
Aside from boisterous pubs, this route is home to several street entertainers and psychics.
Bourbon Street is a must-see for every visitor to New Orleans, but those over 21 will get the most out of the wild nights on Bourbon.
Royal Street is home to upscale boutiques, museums, hotels, rich history, and delectable cuisine.
The Court of Two Sisters, built in 1832, is one of the most noteworthy structures on Royal Street and is noted for its jazzy brunches.
St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, situated just off the harbor, are other must-sees in the French Quarter. Around the area, street performers, musicians, and artisans set up shop.
Come experience the fun French Quarter has to offer!
Address: 600 Bourbon St New Orleans, LA, United States
Frenchmen Street
Are you up for a jazzy music night? Head over to Frenchmen street!
Frenchmen Street is a must-see when visiting New Orleans.
Live jazz, pubs, eateries, clubs, and art museums abound on the four-block length of Frenchmen Street, which locals love. In addition to fewer people, you’ll also discover lower prices on food and drink and greater music.
In addition to quaint Creole-style homes and fascinating cultural boutiques, you’ll also find all the usual tourist attractions absent from Bourbon Street’s crowds.
While jazz and blues are well-known, there is a slew of other musical subgenres to explore.
Frenchmen Street may be easily reached by foot from the French Quarter or by vehicle or cab.
By 7 in the evening, the nightlife and live music events take up, and the masses begin to arrive, making this the greatest time to explore Frenchmen Street.
Visit the street and experience nightlight like no other!
Address: Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Up for an adventure? Louisiana has a lot to offer! Discover our travel guides to Metairie and Lafayette. Don’t forget to also see the exciting things to do in Metairie, Louisiana, and the best things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Garden District
Drive around beautiful mansions surrounded by nature in the Garden District!
With its beautiful houses, old trees, and beautiful greenery, the Garden District is arguably the conventional picture of the Southern States held by many visitors from outside of the region.
When it comes to the front gardens, you’ll find magnolia, fruit trees, and plenty of bougainvilleas. The pathways are shaded by centuries-old southern living oak trees.
Visitors will be amazed by the architectural splendor of the homes.
In fact, several visitors favored the Garden District over Bourbon Street because of its tranquil ambiance and very well houses.
This neighborhood is home to a few high-profile residents.
Most people come here to relax and take in the scenery, but there are also stores and coffee places nearby if they’d want to do some shopping and relax.
The Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ top restaurants, is also located here.
Visit the district and admire the combination of beautiful houses and nature!
Address: St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Jackson Square
The Jackson Square is one of the top attractions in Louisiana.
A visit to historical places is always going to be a fascinating trip.
Jackson Square is one of the most significant places in New Orleans!
It was renamed “Jackson Square” to recognize the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson, and has been a popular tourist destination ever since.
It was previously called “Place d’Armes” in the 18th century before being renamed.
Public executions at Place d’Armes were well-known in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.
There were three hangings at the plaza after the German Coast Uprising, regarded as the country’s greatest slave revolt in 1811. The heads of several of those beheaded were also displayed at city gates.
Ever since the Civil War, it has been recognized for its chicory-based coffee and its beignets, which have been served there every day since.
There have been hundreds of live music concerts held at Jackson Square.
With its white exterior and cylinder towers, the famous St. Louis Cathedral stands out in the middle of the plaza.
Visit the plaza and absorb its historical past this weekend!
Address: 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
If you’re a nature and history lover, you will never get bored at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve!
Located in the southeast of Louisiana, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve are comprised of 6 distinct locations.
Over 9,000 hectares make up the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
Wild dike woods, riverbeds, wetlands, and marshlands make up the park.
Remains of Marksville, Tchefuncte, and Troyville civilizations have been discovered at archaeological sites in this area.
Visitors may learn about New Orleans’s past and the Mississippi Delta’s numerous cultures at the French Quarter Visitor Center, which includes information on linguistics, songs, and art.
While visiting the Chalmette Battlefield, visitors may relive a significant American triumph against British forces in New Orleans in January of 1815, which was a turning point for both sides in World War I.
The Barataria Preserve, located in Marrero, Louisiana, is home to crocs, reptiles, and tortoises, as well as wetlands, marshes, and oak forests.
Visit the preserve and be one with nature while learning about its history!
Address: 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Want to walk around a mansion like an elite?
Then, try Longue Vue House and Gardens!
The Longue Vue House and Gardens is a stunning example of Southern beauty and heritage.
Only a couple of miles from the heart of New Orleans, you’ll find the beautiful Longue Vue House and Gardens.
In addition to a gallery and an immersive Discovery Garden, the historic house has a total of eight acres of flowerbeds featuring local vegetation.
A house that was built in 19th-century architecture, Longue Vue, is among the last remaining mansions that include a beautiful garden.
Edgar B. Stern, an entrepreneur and benefactor, and his spouse Edith lived in the mansion, which was built in the late 1930s.
It has 20 bedrooms, a cellar, and a huge collection of antiquities from both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Artworks by contemporary artists are on exhibit around the estate, so visitors may take a walk of the whole property.
A souvenir shop is available on-site for people who want to remember this magnificent estate tangibly.
The site is available from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Visit the mansion and purchase some of their memorabilia!
Address: 7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
Louisiana Children’s Museum
There are few destinations for kids in New Orleans, so you should go to the Louisiana Children’s Museum if you are bringing them along!
In the Warehouse District, South of the French Quarter, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is open to the public.
Established in 1986, the Louisiana Children’s Museum was a favorite of families with kids because of its informative yet lighthearted approach to subjects like the ecosystem, healthcare, and culture.
Displays in the museum encompass a wide range of subjects, from human anatomy to design. There are a lot of special events at the museum, from almost daily storytimes to holiday-themed events.
The 8.5-acre museum site includes an interpretative wetland environment, an agricultural garden, and the main building on a lake’s borders.
There is a model market and a bubble workshop here, and the 30-meter Mighty Mississippi display will illustrate the route of this great river from Lake Itasca toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 noon to 4:30 pm on Sundays.
If you’re traveling with your kids, this museum should be on your list!
Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
Mardi Gras World
The Mardi Gras World is one of the best things to do in Louisiana.
Wondering how floats are made?
Come see for yourself in the Mardi Gras World!
You don’t have to wait until next year’s Mardi Gras to relive the excitement; you may do it any moment!
The colorful floats and outfits of New Orleans’ legendary Mardi Gras celebration are displayed at Mardi Gras World.
In the port region of New Orleans, a warehouse displays stories and mysteries about Mardi Gras, which is, in essence, America’s greatest free party.
A storage facility in which current floats are being finished and old floats can be kept for future reference.
If you’re interested in learning more about the festival’s history, go on a guided walk around the props or attend an audiovisual lecture.
You’ll see the artists at work as they construct their very own float inside!
More than seventy percent of the floats paraded during the festival were created here by artists and designers who worked on them for months.
If you want to experience the spirit of Mardi Gras, be sure to visit the Mardi Gras World!
Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
National WWII Museum
History buffs should not miss out on the experience the National WWII Museum offers!
At the National WWII Museum, visitors may learn about the conflict in Europe and the Pacific through fascinating displays and short documentary clips.
The museum opened on June 6, 2000, on the 56th anniversary of D-Day.
It has an amazing collection of artifacts and educational films about all parts of World War II, from D-Day to the Holocaust to the Pacific War.
While walking around the exhibitions, you’ll see a series of brief monochromatic documentary-style film clips depicting how the things on show were involved in World War II first-hand.
Attractions include a theater featuring WWII-era musical performances, an excellent gift store with 1940-inspired items and clothes, and a restaurant with 1940s-themed fare.
Although some of the items may be too unpleasant for youngsters to see, the museum provides a fascinating learning opportunity for visitors.
Visit the museum and learn about its significant history!
Address: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
New Orleans Museum of Art
If you want to see artworks from different countries in one place, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art.
You’ll find a great art museum at City Park’s southern end, the New Orleans Museum of Art. Japanese, African, French, and American art are all well-represented at the exhibit.
There are more than forty thousand artworks in the museum’s collection, ranging from Renaissance art to contemporary art.
If you have the time, stop by the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which is located just next to the museum in City Park.
There are over 60 sculptures from sculptors from all around the globe scattered among the park’s Spanish moss-covered oak trees.
Guests will be able to tour the museum from 10 am to 6 pm on Thursdays through Sundays.
If you really are a fan of art and history, you should definitely give the New Orleans Museum of Art a visit!
Address: 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Wondering about how medicines were used back in the day?
See it all in the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum!
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum honors the city’s rich medical and pharmaceutical history in the heart of the French Quarter.
Louis J. Dufilho Jr., a Louisiana native and the country’s first certified pharmacist has a permanent exhibit in the Louisiana museum.
The structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places displays a pharmaceutical business from the mid-nineteenth century.
Vintage surgical tools, injections, and suppository molds are on display on the first level, as well as descriptions of shady medical operations and containers of voodoo concoctions and equipment for creating fragrances.
There is a well-preserved doctor’s office and sick room up top and an impressive eyeglasses collection.
The detailing is astounding with devices like wooden mixers, crushers, and lenses.
The exhibit is usually open from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Make sure to visit the museum if you’re going to be in New Orleans this weekend!
Address: 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Ogden Museum of Art
Immerse in the history of the South in Ogden Museum of Southern Art!
From the year it was founded in 1999, the museum has been housed at Stephen Goldring Hall, where it has shown artifacts dating back to 1733.
There is no other art institution that has the nation’s biggest and most complete inventory of artwork from the South.
The Ogden originally displayed its treasures from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries in Goldring Hall, a 50,000-square-foot, 5-level steel and glass tower devoted to the honor of New Orleans benefactor Stephen Goldring.
The multiple-story auditorium, gorgeous exhibitions, attractive rooftop patio, staff room, and elegant museum shop are all housed within the structure.
With instructional programs for guests, the Ogden Museum highlights the distinctive culture of the American South, which is showcased via its graphic art collection.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the arts, you still wouldn’t want to miss this museum!
Address: 925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Preservation Hall
I hope you like jazz!
At its St. Peter Street location, Preservation Hall hosts small, acoustic New Orleans Jazz performances every year on more than 350 occasions.
Bands are drawn from the city’s top collective of more than 100 expert musicians.
The simple old structure known as Preservation Hall has long been a jazz music landmark in New Orleans.
Since his arrival as a manager in 1961, Alan Jaffe has been instrumental in shaping the establishment into what it is today.
To keep the jazz tradition alive and give ailing and old players a cause to pick up their instruments again, he made it a priority to hire musicians who had been active during the first generation of jazz.
While most prominent concert venues allow customers to sit on chairs and couches, Preservation Hall does not. There is no food or drink service, and there is not a single speaker or microphone in sight.
You can only remain for one of the 45-minute sets. As a result, you must buy a brand new ticket to return to the event at any point during the event.
Give the hall a try for a jazzy night experience!
Address: 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
St. Louise Cathedral
The St. Louise Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Louisiana.
Although cathedrals are not the typical destination for tourists, you still wouldn’t want to miss out on St. Louise Cathedral.
A New Orleans icon stands at Jackson Square’s northern end: St. Louis Cathedral.
It was finished in 1727 and was dedicated to King Louis IX of France, the Crusading King, who was later made a saint.
The oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States is still in use.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral.
To admire Jackson Square’s symmetrical front, which features three towers, window entablatures, pairs of Doric pillars, and beautiful scallop moldings, take a few moments.
Take a look at the Rococo altar, which is plated and decorated in elegance, and the numerous colorful stained glass constructed in remarkable design when you visit St. Louis Cathedral.
Many cultural activities, such as live music, are hosted here, in addition to religious ceremonies.
There is nothing wrong with admiring the church’s splendor, even if you don’t plan on attending a service!
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Steamboat Natchez
Have you ever experienced riding a steamboat?
If not, you should try it on Steamboat Natchez!
Steamboat Natchez, the city’s sole sternwheel steamboat, first sailed the Mississippi River back in 1975 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.
For those who want to discover more about New Orleans and the Mississippi River, this tour offers a variety of excursions, including port cruises, lunch cruises, and evening cruises.
They hope to create an environment that takes visitors back in time, with the captain speaking via a microphone and vintage music filling the air.
On board, there is a souvenir shop, a café, and a two-hour tour that includes a symphony and a presentation of significant information.
On the boat, you have the option of inside and outdoor seats.
This is one of the tourist attractions in New Orleans.
If you’re planning to experience the steamboat, it is recommended to book a reservation!
Try it out this weekend!
Address: 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Studio Be
Discover history through art!
In Studio Be, you’ll witness arts about African American history!
It’s hard to miss Studio Be, a gigantic warehouse in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood that’s been transformed into a stunning installation of street art.
A local artist, Brandon Odums, has work on display there. He is recognized for his huge paintings reflecting African American culture in the city, and his workshop features floor-to-ceiling images of African American leaders and legends.
There are four structures and up to 5 levels in the sprawling facility, 35,000 sq ft in total.
It is the largest open art display in the southern part of America in a single location, which is why it’s so popular with visitors from all over the planet.
Spray painting and graffiti methods are used extensively in the showcases, and the whole piece lasts six months to finish.
If you are fond of art, Studio Be should not be missed!
Address: 2941 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, United States
The Cabildo
Curious about how New Orleans came to be?
Learn all about it in the Cabildo!
Spain’s government began using the Cabildo in 1799 when it was built as the country’s administrative center.
Afterward, this Spanish-themed structure functioned as a municipal hall and the High Court following the Louisiana Purchase.
The Louisiana State Museum has a section on the third level of the Cabildo, which houses artifacts from the state’s Native American and Spanish periods.
A whole level is dedicated to Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 disaster that ravaged New Orleans and the nearby areas.
In this exhibit, you’ll find interactive exhibits and memorabilia from Hurricane Katrina and Rita’s cleaning efforts.
The building’s architectural design is another reason it’s one of New Orleans’ most popular tourist attractions.
It is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm except for Mondays and holidays.
If you want to take in New Orleans’ history, stop by the Cabildo!
Address: 701 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Would you like to help out at an animal shelter in your area? Animal shelters are places where homeless or unwanted animals can stay temporarily and get care.
Volunteering helps to promote awareness and contribute to the solution to pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.
Examples of volunteer opportunities include: walking dogs at a nearby shelter, working with a rescue group to foster kittens, stuffing envelopes for a nonprofit organization, helping with fundraising or planning events for nearby animal charities, and participating in community activities to promote animal welfare, to name a few!
Check out the list of animal shelters in New Orleans, Louisiana, where you can help animals in need. Lend a helping hand today!
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Need more convincing to travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, right? Click here for why visit New Orleans, Louisiana, at least once in your lifetime here.
