Places to Visit in New Orleans

New Orleans has won many an admirer after a single visit, and many of the city's unique experiences are on bucket lists of all types. Whether for the home-grown jazz, the colorful, food-forward festivals, the unique neighborhoods, or the iconic foods served at the city’s top restaurants, the best places to visit in New Orleans attract visitors from all walks. Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street are also a draw, but the city is more than just a party. New Orleans has world-class attractions like the National WW2 Museum,  amazing architecture, history, and natural beauty. 

Cocktail enthusiasts have many award-winning choices among New Orleans’ best bars. History buffs can explore the city’s varied influences at museums like the Cabildo, the Historic New Orleans Collection, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. And while the city may not have mountains or beaches, the bayous, lakes, and parks offer a chance to soak up the charm of Southern Louisiana. Put these places to visit on your list, and you're sure to fall in love as many others have.

New Orleans Travel Guide

Destination Info
  • IATA Code MSY
  • Airport Name Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Airport Address 1 Terminal Dr, Kenner, LA 70062, United States
  • No. of Runways 2
  • Airport Enquiry No. +1 504-303-7500
  • Official Site https://flymsy.com/
  • Country Code +1
  • Currency USD
  • Ideal Duration 2 to 3 Days
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Best Time to Visit January, February & March
  • Airline Serving Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines
  • Attractions The National WWII Museum, Jackson Square, New Orleans City Park, St. Louis Cathedral

List of 10 Places to Visit in New Orleans

  • 1
    French Quarter

    The first and oldest place to visit in New Orleans is the French Quarter. As the oldest neighborhood of the city, you can witness the marvellous architecture full of history loaded with music. If you are a history buff, this place is heaven for you. After exploring the history marvel, you can also enjoy the best views of the Mississippi River from the end of the Quarter. Do you know the fun fact about this place that it is known as the Crown Jewel of New Orleans? Don’t forget to visit the old boutiques and restaurants in the quarter to cherish the history and the mixed cocktails. 

  • 2
    Jackson Square

    It was once called Place d'Armes. In the middle of the square, surrounded by trees and plants, stands a figure of General Andrew Jackson on horseback that was made in 1856. The St. Louis Cathedral, with its white façade and cone-shaped spires, stands prominently at one end of the square. In addition to the cathedral, there are two Louisiana State Museums located nearby: the Presbytere and the Cabildo. The place is popular among tourists because of its shops, restaurants, and a hangout place for artists. 

  • 3
    National WWII Museum

    Immersive halls and exhibits, interactive experiences, oral histories, and other things bring to life what it was like to be an American during World War II. You shouldn't be in a hurry here. You should set aside at least half a day to see everything in this world-class museum. The exhibits here make it one of the best places to visit in New Orleans. You can also see indoor and outdoor shows related to the history of America. 

  • 4
    Preservation Hall

    Are you a fan of Jazz Music? You can still find local artists performing traditional jazz at the historic hall. Additionally, please note that seating is limited. Upon arrival, patrons are seated on bench seats that lack back support. If you haven't made a reservation for the front bench, you will be seated wherever space is available. Additionally, there are standing-room tickets available. 

  • 5
    Oak Alley Plantation

    For a very long time, New Orleans has had lots of Oak plantations, but now this Oak Alley plantation has become a historical landmark that you can witness on your trip to the city. You can explore the exhibits here and the oldest oak trees as well. Slavery at Oak Alley, the ‘Big House,’ Sugarcane Theater, People of Oak Alley, and the Blacksmith Shop are must-visit exhibits, to name a few. The oak alley plantation is a great place to enjoy your sunny afternoons in the shed of these oak trees.

  • 6
    Mississippi River

    The Mississippi River is a major part of New Orleans's landscape if you are in New Orleans. Whether you are strolling at Bywater, watching the stream boats cruising the French Quarter, or picnicking by the river bank, you just can’t miss this river. The pristine beaches of New Orleans are an addition to the Mississippi River’s beauty. Imagine just sitting by the river bank at sunset as the backdrop of the Mississippi River is the best thing to do with your partner. You can also cross the Mississippi River bridge to explore the other side of the river. 

  • 7
    Audubon Park and Zoo

    Another best place to visit in New Orleans for kids is Audubon Park and Zoo. It is a place full of animals and beautiful creatures of nature. Animal favorites include elephants Jean and Panya, the Komodo dragon, and King Zulu, a rare white tiger from California. But also look for bears, monkeys, snakes, orangutans, elks, and more exotic animals than you can imagine! By taking a houseboat, you can witness the 14-foot alligators on a lagoon in the zoo, along with some playful black bears. After a full day's exploration, there are cafes and restaurants to enjoy some drinks and snacks.  

  • 8
    Lafayette Cemetery

    Have you ever imagined a cemetery listed among the best places to visit in New Orleans? Well, Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans is different. It is a historic site in New Orleans that takes you back to its people who were first settlers in the city. The Cemetery has 1,100 family tombs and over 7,000 people buried here. 

  • 9
    New Orleans Museum of Art

    If you want to explore the city's culture, then the Museum of Art is the best place to visit. You can witness French and American art, photography, glass, and African and Japanese works in the museum. Every day hundreds of visitors pass the door of the museums to witness the marvellous art kept for years and years. Some renowned art pieces are sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries; European and American prints and drawings; Asian, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art. It has a collection of more than 90 modern and contemporary sculptures kept beautifully. 

  • 10
    Audubon Aquarium

    Another marvel gem to visit in New Orleans is the Audubon Aquarium, located against the Mississippi River. It is home to more than 3,600 animals and 250 species. The best part about this aquarium is that you can interact closely with some of the amazing creations of the oceans. African penguins, moon jellyfish, potbellied seahorses, and even a Louisiana alligator, to name a few. This is a great place to enjoy and teach your kids about marine life and animals. You can witness 60 flying colorful birds from different species in an Amazon Gallery. 

  • 11
    Crescent Park

    If you love nature and gardens, this new attraction in New Orleans will make you spellbound. Crescent Park is the new green space in New Orleans in front of the river providing breathtaking views of the city. You can simply spend your evening by the river bank admiring the sunset. Remember to click photos at this most special place in New Orleans. 

  • 12
    Besthoff Sculpture Garden

    The jaw-dropping art sculptures in the garden will make you feel that you are in a different world. Each piece is carefully positioned within a mature landscape adorned with pines, magnolias, and live oaks, which are gracefully adorned with Spanish moss. The peaceful setting is made even better by the fact that there are two lakes nearby. If you are a lover of art, then this place in New Orleans is your must-visit. You can enjoy freshness in this garden while enjoying the art sculptures and many more. 

New Orleans Monthly Temperature

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Low 44°F48°F56°F62°F69°F75°F76°F77°F74°F65°F53°F50°F
High 62°F68°F74°F79°F86°F91°F92°F92°F90°F82°F72°F66°F

FAQs About Places to Visit in New Orleans

1 What in New Orleans shouldn't I miss?

The National World War II Museum, Frenchmen Street, the Garden District, Jackson Square, City Park, the French Quarter, Preservation Hall, and Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World are some of the best places to visit in New Orleans on your trip to this beautiful city. 

2 What should a person do on their first trip to New Orleans?

When people visit New Orleans for the first time, they like to check out the French Quarters, cruise along the Mississippi, eat at some of the famous restaurants, go to music festivals, check out the city park and the national museum, and walk around the beautiful neighborhood. 

3 Is New Orleans a good place for kids?

Yes, New Orleans is a great place for children. You can take your kids on horse-drawn carriage rides to the French Quarters and Kern's Mardi Gras. You can also take your kids to Jackson Square to watch the street artists. 

4 What can you do in December in New Orleans?

People often attend the Faulkner at Words & Music Festival or the Luna Fete events at Lafayette Square in December. You can ice skate at NOLA Christmas Fest and see the Winter Wonderland at Roosevelt in December.

5 What are some fun things for two people to do in New Orleans?

In New Orleans, couples can take a romantic dinner cruise on the Mississippi River or a carriage ride through the French Quarters. You can listen to jazz music or even take a tour of the city from a chopper.

6 How many days do you need to see everything in New Orleans?

To explore the major tourist attractions in New Orleans, you will need at least 4-5 days.