Location: New Orleans
Top Things to do in New Orleans
Top 10 Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana (LA)
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. French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,334 reviews
The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, a must-see for its high energy, rich history, diverse architecture, music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, lively nightlife and the finest art galleries and restaurants in the city.
Reviewed By clarissajg1 - East Haven, United States
the music the people the history the mystery the atmosphere the lore the legends the smell the eclectic air its all the French quarter. you either love it or hate it. I love it it is a part of me. there are great restaurants fun shops wonderful music amazing architecture people watching shopping walking cocktails - its truly amazing -- wear your walking shoes and come experience life
3. 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.
4. Audubon Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,886 reviews
Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. Unique natural habitat exhibits—such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle—showcase the relationship between people and nature. Don't miss the daily animal presentations, chats and feeds; our highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards and orangutans; our white tiger; and our mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is often ranked among the country’s best for innovation and entertainment value!
Reviewed By debram0ss - Danville, United States
The zoo was one of the most beautiful zoos that I have visited. The animals seem to be thriving in there habitats. The staff was very knowledgable and caring of the animals. Beautiful mature trees and plants added to the charm of the zoo. The children in our group loved water area and the train ride was enjoyed by all ages in our group.
5. Jackson Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,042 reviews
Fun area with street painters, musicians and jugglers.
Reviewed By debbiesE2403PL
Jackson Square is a beautiful little area filled with local artists, music, gorgeous flowering plants (these are inside the gated area), horse-drawn carriages, and tons of opportunities to people watch. A definite must-see when visiting New Orleans.
6. Garden District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,808 reviews
An area of the city that features numerous historic homes.
Reviewed By bron1962 - Dural, Australia
Beautiful area and we just took streetcar and walked around ourselves - lovely houses, beautiful mansions and easy just to wander through the streets. We got off at washington street and walked down various streets and got back on streetcar at Louisanna Street
7. 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.
8. New Orleans City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,252 reviews
One of the largest urban parks in the country, City Park has golf, tennis and horseback riding.
Reviewed By marion542017 - Manchester, United Kingdom
New Orleans City Park has plenty of art and nature attractions: wonderful Oak trees dripping in Spanish Moss and a beautiful lake; New Orleans Botanical Garden; Storyland; Carousel Gardens Amusement Park; City Putt; Louisiana Children’s Museum; New Orleans Museum of Art and The Sydney and Walda Besthoff; Sculpture Garden; Train Garden; City Park Birding Corridor. The park has plenty of scope for recreational activities too: Bayou Oaks Golf; City Park / Pepsi Tennis Center: 2019 Outstanding Facility Award recipient; Big Lake; NOLA City Bark Dog Park; City Park Snoballs; Boating & Biking; Couturie Forest; Playgrounds; Festival Grounds; Fishing; Birding; Equest Farm; Disc Golf; Sports Fields; Walk, Bike or Run. There are regular featured events: Thursdays at Twilight; Garden Concert Series and Celebration in The Oaks. If you are in need of refreshment, I can recommend the Cafe Du Monde, located in the Park's Casino Building, for traditional New Orleans beignets and coffee. The Casino Building also has a Park gift shop and public restrooms.
9. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,785 reviews
Founded in 1789, this cemetery is the oldest in New Orleans and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By ALEXP241 - Moscow, United States
There seems to be some misunderstanding in some of the recent reviews. There is a $20 per person admission fee now and that does include an tour by a knowledgeable guide. There also are several tour companies that will be at the cemetery at the same time. You don’t need to use one of these companies because the cemetery has their own guides as well. There is a man usually right outside the cemetery gates that will sell you water for two dollars a bottle. I’d recommend you take a bottle especially on a hot day. The tour is very informative and covers the history of this cemetery including the famous Nicholas cage pyramid and of course the mystery of the voodoo queen crypt. Definitely worth the time just for the history of burials in New Orleans.
10. Frenchmen Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,859 reviews
Reviewed By Turbayveronica - Washington DC, United States
What can I said, this place has it all, music, great bands, if you are a foodie...this place has great restaurants with live music, local artist, perfect for a short walk while admiring the area and everything NOLA has to offer.
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