Location: New Orleans
Top Things to do in New Orleans
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in New Orleans That You Shouldn't Miss
Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.
Restaurants in New Orleans
1. The National WWII Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29,577 reviews
The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., and an unforgettable way to experience World War II—from industrial efforts on the home front to the combat experience of the American servicemember abroad. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war: why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Beyond the galleries, the Museum offers unique access to experiential history, including an opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat, tours behind the scenes to handle artifacts alongside Museum curators, and an impressive collection of restored and working macro-artifacts to discover. Open early through 1/2/18, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By J7140OOpauln - Sacramento, United States
The New Orleans National World War 2 Museum brings so much history to life and tells the stories so well that the time flies past. The museum tells the bigger picture of the war and also shows the personal side and the tragic costs of this war, The museum is several very large building with exhibits such as the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo as well as a large exhibit of D-Day. The exhibits are all very well done and the staff is helpful and knowledgable. Please allow at least a full day to see this museum, you will not regret the time spent at this treasure. The optional movie, Beyond All Boundaries is also very well done and worth the time to see. Very highly recommended.
2. Immaculate Conception Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By PatC703 - Baton Rouge, United States
As group of us visited the church for the 3:15 tour offered on Saturday. An excellent docent told us of the history of the church, pointing out the beautiful stained glass windows, mosaics, statues, wrought iron pews and altar. This church is of the old European style, much nicer than the Cathedral!
3. NOLA Tropical Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
NOLA Tropical Winery offers a wide variety of tropical fruit wines, fruit infused wines and wine smoothies. We offer complimentary tasting of all our wines. Write a review on TripAdvisor and receive 10% off your purchase (excludes half and whole case deals).
Reviewed By 795joannec - Clearwater, United States
We stopped in this mall after our paddleboat cruise on the Creole Queen because it was literally right there and who can pass up a mall? We were the only ones in there and then others showed up and we had a mini party. We tried every wine. The lady working was terrific. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name, maybe Phyllis. We bottle several bottles of wine. They aren't cheap, but we felt better for boosting the economy. Highly recommend the Roman Candy chocolate rum. We drank that on the way back to our house.
4. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,252 reviews
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Reviewed By dragondoll
Mardi Gras World attracts a lot of tourists, but for us it was an experience not to be missed. Located in a huge warehouse on the river, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at wonderful huge sculptures created for floats and celebration displays. It was so interesting to witness people hard at work creating these fabulous works of art, many of them recognizable characters from the movies and books. The tour guide gives explanations regarding their creation and origin. Everyone gets a bottle of water and a piece of King cake, a staple of the Mardi Gras celebration. We like the idea that after the presentation you can wander at your leisure around the warehouse to revisit the sculptures seen on the tour and take pictures. They even allow you to try on costumes so you can pose with the characters. This was a true kick and certainly worth the admission fee around $21.00. Look for it on discount sites such as Groupon and you will get it for less.
5. St. Louis Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,299 reviews
The major landmark of the French Quarter is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S.
Reviewed By Michellereneelove - Chaska, United States
Good opportunity to see beautiful art and architecture even if you aren’t Catholic... gorgeous old church that is meticulously maintained.
6. Preservation Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,774 reviews
New Orleans' Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms - Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition.
Reviewed By 226tandyc - Six Mile, United States
Preservation Hall was a lot smaller and more intimate than I had envisioned, but it was perfect, and we loved our experience. We booked tickets ahead of time, which was fortunate since the line of people waiting to get in was extraordinarily long, and those without reservations who were able to buy on-site tickets had to sit on the floor or stand at the back. We sat on a bench at the front; the wooden benches are probably original, hard and unpadded (for those with bad backs). Surprisingly, there are no bathrooms inside; they send people to the bar next door. You can bring food and drinks inside. The musicians are gifted, funny, and engaging. The whole experience was memory-making. So glad we booked this piece of historic New Orleans.
7. New Orleans Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,096 reviews
NOMA is committed to preserving, presenting, and enriching its collections and renowned Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden; offering innovative experiences for learning and interpretation; and uniting, inspiring, and engaging diverse communities and cultures. NOMA is New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution and most ambitious cultural convener. NOMA’s permanent collection is at the heart of all museum programs and has grown from 13 works in 1912 to more than 40,000 today.
Reviewed By loesshawk2015 - Sioux City, United States
Allocated 3hours to visit and easily could have spent more time and will pay a return visit. If you only have a couple of days to see the sites I would certainly put this near the top of your must see cultural attractions. A very nice collection and knowing the history of hurricanes, I am very appreciative that they are open and sharing their collection. Great range of artists and styles and I had a very leisurely visit. Couple this with the sculpture park and you will have a very enjoyable day, of course throw in a unique lunch along the way and cap it off with dinner in the French Quarter. Enjoy!
8. Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
Located in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art and is recognized for its original exhibitions, public events and educational programs which examine the development of visual art alongside Southern traditions of music, literature and culinary heritage to provide a comprehensive story of the South. Established in 1999, and in Stephen Goldring Hall at 925 Camp Street since 2003, the Museum welcomes almost 85,000 visitors annually, and attracts diverse audiences through its broad range of programming including exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and concerts which are all part of its mission to broaden the knowledge, understanding, interpretation and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South.
Reviewed By tilda54 - Washington DC, United States
Great to see the Museum is open, really enjoyed the exhibits. I visit on a timed ticket, and was really impressed with the current exhibits. The Entwined exhibit of eleven contemporary artists who work with textiles and wrapping was particularly great. The current photography exhibit was also very good. There were other visitors, but we behaved responsibly and I felt safe throughout my visit. The museum shop was good as always, and I was told they are currently having a 20% off sale.
9. Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,061 reviews
This huge domed stadium is the home of the city's NFL team, the New Orleans Saints.
Reviewed By rogerh522 - Harrisburg, United States
I went to see the Appalacian State Mountaineers play UAB. App State won. This was my first experience here. I had row nine seats on the 30 yard line. A tremendous experience. All the service people were very friendly and helpful. If you go prepare for domed stadium pricing on refreshments.
10. Hermann-Grima House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
The Hermann-Grima House is a gem in the New Orleans French Quarter. Built in 1831 by Samuel Hermann, this Vieux Carre home is one of the only Federal architectural style buildings in the area. Through ongoing preservation, this historic house museum offers a rare glimpse into life in the 18th century in the French Quarter. This property boasts the only original working open-hearth kitchen in the French Quarter along with an original stable on property. Our hidden courtyard is full of historically accurate roses and other flowering plants too. Learn about the Hermann and Grima families, the enslaved residents, daily urban life, and New Orleans history while on a guided tour, offered six days a week (Thurs-Tues). For group tours and more, please contact us for details.
Reviewed By RandyByfield - Sacramento, United States
Very interesting historical home, great tour staff, very knowledgeable. The home is well appointed and kept immaculate. We happened to tour on a day they have volunteers cooking with historical recipes they explained the food and the cooking methods, fascinating!
