Best Things to Do in New Orleans

This Louisiana city located on the Mississippi River is popular for its electrifying nightlife, live jazz music, delectable Cajun cuisine and offers countless number of interesting things to do in New Orleans. Tourists can go on a museum hop-tour and visit famous ones like the National WW2 Museum, the French Quarter, and New Orleans Museum of Arts. If you are travelling with kids, take them to the Audubon Zoo to explore the rich wildlife, or spend some quality time amidst nature at City Park and Crescent Park. Go on an exhilarating ride on The Algiers Ferry ride of the Mississippi river and soak in the astounding views of the rustic city below.

Food lovers can go on a gastronomic tour to some of the best bars and restaurants in the United States and there are many local breweries that are open to the public. Party mongers can head to Frenchman Street to spend a night listening to peppy numbers. During the Mardi Gras Carnival season, tourists can experience the unique New Orleans cultures through lavish krewe balls, parades, and parties. With so many exciting attractions and experiences, we are sure that you will not feel a second of boredom thinking about what to do in new orleans.

New Orleans has something interesting and different to offer to each of its visitors - from history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, foodies, party mongers, couples, families, to holiday makers. Here is a list of 15 mind-blowing things to do in New Orleans to make your trip more memorable.

Visit French Quarters
Visit French Quarters

he French Quarter is one of the oldest parts of New Orleans and is often referred to as the Crown Jewel of New Orleans. The Vieux Carre is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is well-known for its bohemian atmosphere, historical significance, steamboat rides, lively atmosphere on Bourbon Street, and century-old restaurants and buildings. A visit to the historic attractions like the Historic New Orleans Collection , Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Madame LaLaurie’s mansion are a visual treat to the eyes. Tourists can also enjoy spectacular views of the Mississippi from the edge of the Quarter.

Explore Frenchman Street
Explore Frenchman Street

All nights on Frenchmen Street are celebrations complete with neon signs flashing, trombone slides, and surprise performances. The venues themselves are well-known, drawing tourists from all over the world to see performances in genres as diverse as traditional jazz, blues, reggae, and rock. Just walking down Frenchmen Street's club district will expose you to a wide variety of musical genres. If you are party head, then exploring the Frenchmen Street after sunset is one of the best things to do in New Orleans for you.

Visit National WWII Museum
Visit National WWII Museum

Visiting this military history museum, formerly known as The National D-Day Museum is one of the cherishable things to do in new orleans. The museum has displays that tell the personal stories of those who served on both the front lines and the home front during World War II. Tourists can relive history by checking out authentic WWII vehicles like planes, jeeps, and Higgins Boats. The museum also houses a theater with WWII-era musical performance, a restaurant, and a fantastic gift shop with 1940s-inspired gifts and clothing.

 Enjoy at City Park
Enjoy at City Park

The moss-covered oak trees, tranquil walking paths, and native birds make the expansive City Park a really enjoyable place to visit in New Orleans. Tourists can enjoy the swan boat ride over Big Lake, visit the StoryLand, trek along the Couturie Forest, and have fun at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. If you are holidaying in New Orleans with kids and family, this is one of the no-miss things to do in new orleans.

Explore New Orleans Museum of Arts
Explore New Orleans Museum of Arts

Perched cozily at the edge of the Big Lake, NOMA is the oldest museum of fine arts in New Orleans. It houses more than 40,000 pieces of art from the Italian Renaissance to modern works. Tourists can check out the works from Monet, Degas, Rodin and O’Keefe. There are also stunning collections of glass, ceramics, pre-Columbian art, and an extensive photography collection. Entry to the museum is free for all and visiting this museum is one of the few things to do in new orleans without spending money.

Visit Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Visit Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

The MSJE is a private museum that traces the history of Jews in 13 Southern states from the Colonial era to the present day through exhibits and displays. Both the permanent and changing displays examine the myriad ways in which Jews have interacted with and been affected by the South's changing landscape from the colonial era to the present day. Judaica, household items, business records, photographs, letters, and other ephemera make up more than half of the Museum's collection of more than four thousand objects. If you are a history buff wondering what to do in New Orleans, this place holds the answer for you.

Have Fun at Algiers Ferry
Have Fun at Algiers Ferry

One of the most fun things to do in New Orleans is a ride on the Algiers Ferry. The Algiers Ferry ride of the Mississippi river offers the best views of the city. The ferry has been crossing the Mississippi River to Algiers Point since 1827, and the area has preserved much of its 19th-century village look and feel. The ferry operates from 6.00 AM to 9.45 PM from Mondays to Thursdays and from 10.30 AM to 11.45 PM on weekends.

Visit Crescent Park
Visit Crescent Park

Crescent Park is a linear, waterfront park that lies cozily nestled along the curve of the New Orleans crescent bend in the Mississippi River. Spending a laid back day out amidst the lush greenery at this place is one of the enthralling new orleans things to do. Tourists can climb the "rusty rainbow" (a massive steel arch that spans railroad tracks), walk the mile-and-a-half walking trail, watch roller skaters at the Mandeville Wharf, or simply relax and watch massive ships pass by.

Enjoy Art at Jamnola
Enjoy Art at Jamnola

A former warehouse of 5,500 square feet has been transformed into a vibrant and colourful "selfie haven" where local artists' creations pay homage to and promote the region's art, music, and culture. Visitors can take pictures with life-size statues of local musicians, have their picture taken with a giant crawfish, or immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience. For the shutterbugs, checking out this place is one of the no-miss new orleans things to do.

Visit Audubon Zoo
Visit Audubon Zoo

The zoo, which is located in the area immediately behind Audubon Park, is known for its abundance of majestic oak trees, which are home to many peacocks. The animals from Asia, Africa, and South America on display at the Audubon Zoo are some of the best in the world. The amazing zoo also features seals, reptiles, and a small replica of the Louisiana swamp for visitors to enjoy. Cool Zoo water park is a great place to cool off during the summer months. There are also interactive educational programmes and close encounters with animals available at the park which makes visiting this park one of the fun things to do in new orleans.

Explore Local Breweries
Explore Local Breweries

In recent years, New Orleans has seen an influx of new breweries and beer gardens. Beer lovers can relax in the open air at Second Line and Zony Mash, or at one of the many outdoor tables at Wrong Iron or Tchoup Yard. Live music can sometimes be found at the other establishments as well, so be sure to check their schedules. A guided brewery hop tour may be the best answer to what to do in New Orleans that is something different.

Explore Mardi Gras
Explore Mardi Gras

There is no other place like Mardi Gras World when it comes to designing and constructing floats. In this area, more than 80% of the floats that parade through New Orleans' streets during Carnival are created. Mardi Gras World, established in 1947 by float designer and builder Blaine Kern, invites guests to dress up in traditional garb and explore vast warehouses crammed with floats. Today, modern mega-floats, with space for 200 or more masked riders and lighting by fibre optic cables and lasers, keep the tradition alive at Mardi Gras.

Explore New Orleans City

FAQ's of New Orleans

What do I need to know about traveling to New Orleans?

    • You should plan to spend about $191 per day on your trip to New Orleans.

    • Bourbon Street is a no-go zone, especially at night, because it is a place where people usually drink and act badly.

    • From February to May, when the weather is cool and the parties are going strong, then it is the best time to visit New Orleans. If you don't want to see the chaos of Mardi Gras, you should go in December or January, when the city is quiet.

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