Back to ExplorePlan a trip
New Orleans, United States

Destination Guide

New Orleans

United States

Best things to do in New Orleans

36 curated attractions in New Orleans, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

February - May, September - November

Average temp

21°C/70°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a cultural city shaped by its French and Spanish colonial history, music, and cuisine, which is so unique that even the gumbo seems to have its own passport. The French Quarter is where the nightlife lives, and Bourbon Street, with its live music and revelry, is the epicenter of this celebration. But the real heart beats in the jazz clubs along Frenchmen Street and the many festivals like Mardi Gras that throw the streets into an exhilarating chaos. The city's layout reflects its age, with a mix of narrow lanes and broad avenues lined with historic buildings. People come for the food and the music, and to get swept up in a culture that knows how to throw a party, which is helpful because they might need a drink after navigating the crowds.

Who it's for

People who enjoy lively atmospheres, music, and unique food experiences will thrive here. Not ideal for visitors seeking tranquility, as the energy can be overwhelming, and the humidity might add to the discomfort for those not accustomed to it.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Walking is the best way to explore the French Quarter, which is compact and full of attractions
  • The streetcar on St
  • Charles Avenue is a pleasant ride and connects to uptown sites
  • Public transport is reliable, but taxis can get gridlocked during events
  • The airport is about a twenty-five minute ride from downtown, depending on traffic
Crescent Park

Crescent Park

City parks
Audubon Park

Audubon Park

City parks
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Science & natural history museums
St. Charles Avenue Streetcar

St. Charles Avenue Streetcar

Streets & neighbourhoods
St. Roch Market

St. Roch Market

Food markets & food halls
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

National parks & nature reserves
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Cemeteries & tombs
The Cabildo

The Cabildo

History museums
Algiers Point

Algiers Point

Streets & neighbourhoods
Royal Street

Royal Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Bridges
Garden District

Garden District

Streets & neighbourhoods
French Quarter

French Quarter

Streets & neighbourhoods
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

History museums
Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo

Zoos
The Old U.S. Mint

The Old U.S. Mint

History museums
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Art museums & galleries
Rock 'n' Bowl

Rock 'n' Bowl

Live music venues & clubs
The Shops at Canal Place

The Shops at Canal Place

Malls & department stores
Smoothie King Center

Smoothie King Center

Stadiums & sports venues
French Market

French Market

Local & craft markets
Magazine Street

Magazine Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Steamboat Natchez

Steamboat Natchez

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
The Saenger Theatre

The Saenger Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
National WWII Museum

National WWII Museum

History museums
Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall

Live music venues & clubs
New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans Museum of Art

Art museums & galleries
Jackson Square

Jackson Square

Squares & plazas
The Presbytère

The Presbytère

History museums
Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Benz Superdome

Benz Superdome

Stadiums & sports venues
Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Aquariums
Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World

Specialty & quirky museums

Where to eat in New Orleans

The places worth planning a meal around.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Bar · $

★ 4.6 · 11,854 reviews

Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace

Creole · $$

★ 4.6 · 8,623 reviews

Cochon Butcher

Cochon Butcher

Cajun/Creole · $10–$20

★ 4.8 · 2,658 reviews

Things to do in New Orleans

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

Travel Tools

Check visa for United StatesEstimate costs for New OrleansCompare New Orleans with another cityPacking list for New Orleans

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to New Orleans?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →