Location: Baton Rouge
Top Things to do in Baton Rouge
Top Restaurants in Baton Rouge
What to do and see in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LA): The Best Free Things to do
Settled by Europeans on Native American hunting grounds, the city of Baton Rouge has grown up under the influence of English, French, Spanish, and native cultures. The city is proud of its Cajun and Creole heritage, with clubs famous for playing the blues, and streets full of restaurants serving up everything from spicy Bayou foods to Caribbean home cooking. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi delta, visitors can watch the sun set over the levees or ride on a riverboat casino.
Restaurants in Baton Rouge
1. East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By yeahisaidit - Baton Rouge, United States
1/27/2020 I visited this library for a work event and was very pleased with the facility, it was clean and well ventilated. I didn't have to ask for assistance but I'm sure the staff would be happy to assist.
2. Louisiana State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Louisiana's top university since 1860 has a beautiful, tree-covered campus and lots of attractions to visit, like the Union Art Gallery, Museum of Art, Greek Theatre and Museum of Natural Science.
Reviewed By drmommca - Asheville, United States
On our way to visit "Mike", we drove through the LSU campus, which is truly one of the most beautiful campuses in the state! Azaleas were blooming and the signs of winter were gone. Building upkeep is excellent!
3. Louisiana State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 724 reviews
This art deco masterpiece has been the site of a bombing, an assassination and the infinite machinations of state kingpins and politicos.
Reviewed By edieann - Denver, United States
Having been very disappointed by the Florida capitol “skyscraper” I had few expectations for the tallest of the capitol buildings: Louisiana. I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous art deco rotunda, House and Senate. We were lucky to arrive at the start time of a tour. Without our tour guide Bernard we would have missed out on the history, creation and stories of the current capitol building and the governor who created the building and was also shot there, Huey Long. We spent more than an hour touring the first floor, marveling at the incredible beauty of the marble, depiction of Louisiana’s history in bas relief just below the ceiling circling the rotunda, and in the solid bronze doors leading to the chambers. Not to mention the statuary, ceiling patterns and pencil like wood shard imbedded in the ceiling of the senate, a reminder of the dynamite bomb that had been planted and detonated in 1970. We also heard a number of conspiracy theories regarding the shooting of Governor Long plus got to see the two unfilled bullet holes left from the shooting.
4. Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Louisiana's Old State Capitol sits on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. Completed in 1849, the castle-like fortress has been restored to its original grandeur. It houses both traditional and state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a multi-media film presentation. Audio tours available in English, French, German and Spanish. Free admission.
Reviewed By BHartMich - Northville, United States
We walked in on a whim, and enjoyed a short time walking around the old state capitol. Upon entry we were greeted by a guide who gave us an quick overview, and then gave us a sheet enabling us to do a self guided tour. We could have spent longer than the 20 minutes we did, but we wanted to walk around the city a bit more. It is a beautiful building inside and out, with some very interesting history, and well worth stopping by.
5. Red Stick Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By BeachBums16 - Baton Rouge, United States
Pleasantly surprised by the quality of vendors, the variety of offerings and the kindness of the people! We’ve been to a few markets, and this one is definitely one of the better ones! Be sure to check out the mushroom stand!
6. Mike the Tiger's Habitat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By jasoncastano - Dripping Springs, United States
We see Mike VII everytime we are in town. It is great habitat. He is not always out, so do not be surprised if he is inside. He does what he wants. He is still young, so if you do see him, you may notice how big his paws are for his body. The picture on my avatar was taken about 6 hours before kick off of game. A few things to clear up: 1) Mike VII, like his predecesors, is a rescue tiger. Meaning, LSU found him at a big cat rescue, Wild at Heart Wildlife Center, where he was rescued by Wild at Heart, when they took over from the prior owner who abused him; 2) Tigers do not live in prides. They are solitary cats and in the wild only come into contact to mate or if mama is raising babies. I have seen people say he should be in a pride in the comments. Just want clarity since I have read some comments that say he does not belong in the habitat and should be free. I get the sentiment. But, he is a rescue cat, born in captivity, not by LSU, but now taken care of by LSU.
7. University Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By SunflowerDay - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Great place for daily walks/jogs/bike rides. The scenery is breathtaking and the houses you pass by are stunning. The trail is well maintained and marked.
8. Tin Roof Brewery
9. Raising Cane's Dog Park
10. Downtown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 175 reviews
Downtown Baton Rouge is a great place to hang out with its riverfront area, historic neighborhoods, Old State Capitol building and numerous restaurants and dance clubs.
Reviewed By California_momofsix
So many travel guides and blogs advised me that Baton Rouge is "ugly and industrial". I was positively surprised during our brief visit. The water front promenade looked nice, both the old and new state capitols were unique and worth a look and the parks and streets looked generally well maintained. I would come back once Covid has passed and more things are open to tourists. When we visited the streets were virtually deserted.
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