What to do in New Orleans, LA

Activities, attractions and tours

New Orleans
French Quarter showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans

New Orleans Attractions

Known for coming alive during Mardi Gras, the Big Easy actually has far more to offer than colorful beads and lots of partying. Things to do in New Orleans include enjoying live jazz music, going on paddlewheel river steamboat tours, walking through sculpture gardens, and eating lots of local Creole and Cajun cuisine. There is a great deal of history in this southern city, a fact that will appease both history buffs and patriotic travelers alike. And you will never have a shortage of haunted attractions in New Orleans, where both the historical significance and strong spiritual vibe of the city and Louisiana lend themselves to lots of ghostly stories.

Areas & Neighborhoods

A trip to NOLA has made its way onto more than one bucket list, appealing to night owls, families, and foodies alike. Whether you want to take a walk though streets and attractions steeped in rich tales or sit down at a new trendy restaurant, New Orleans is ready to welcome you with open arms on your next vacation.

French Quarter — This well-known district stands out for its colorful history and raucous bar scene, making it a popular stop on any vacation to New Orleans. Things to do here include touring historical homes and the famed Bourbon Street.

Art District — If you’re artistic, a walkabout in the art district is in order. In this unique stretch of New Orleans, industrial buildings have been transformed into vibrant open spaces.

Lakeview — Just a short distance from downtown, Lakeview gained its moniker from its location near Lake Pontchartrain. This neighborhood is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting New Orleans who has an interest in throwing a line in the water or taking a lazy, thoughtful stroll along the shore.

New Orleans tours and day trips are always available to take you through the most popular areas.

What to See in New Orleans

Once upon a time, the cabaret shows in The Big Easy were frowned upon, but these days they are definitely something to see while you’re in New Orleans. Other sites that attract people from around the country include the New Orleans Opera and the Chickie Wah Wah jazz and dance club.

Things to Do & Attractions in New Orleans

People-watch on Bourbon Street, eat lots of Creole food, and pay a visit to the Voodoo Museum. There is lots for tourists to do in the heart of Louisiana. Home to St. Louis Cathedral and its fair share of above-ground cemeteries, New Orleans is worth its weight in history and you’ll never find a better bowl of gumbo anywhere else. Don’t leave without a visit to French Market, which is the oldest public market in the nation, and eat a delicious beignet at Café Du Monde. Tour Jackson Square and catch some of the best jazz performances in the world on Frenchmen Street. Thankfully, tours in New Orleans make it easy to see this memorable city, so you don’t have figure out how to cram it all on in your own.


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Most fun & popular experiences in New Orleans

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What to do in New Orleans


Discover the most popular places to visit in New Orleans

Explore areas of New Orleans

French Quarter showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

French Quarter

4.5/5(557 area reviews)

Historic buildings and lively atmosphere entice tourists and locals alike, offering live music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see spots include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Café du Monde.

French Quarter
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New Orleans Central Business District

4.5/5(448 area reviews)

Dynamic and mixed-use, this neighborhood boasts professional offices, historic buildings, and numerous restaurants and clubs. Explore museums like the National WWII Museum and Ogden Museum of Southern Art, or visit Harrah's Casino and Piazza d'Italia.

New Orleans Central Business District
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Arts/Warehouse District

4/5(40 area reviews)

Get to the heart of modern New Orleans and explore renovated warehouses and modern galleries in this chic district.

Arts/Warehouse District
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Garden District

5/5(1 area review)

Well-preserved historic mansions and striking architecture define this area. Explore Colonel Short's Villa, George Washington Cable House, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, or shop at The Rink, with easy streetcar access on St. Charles Avenue.

Garden District
Mardi Gras World featuring art and interior views as well as an individual female

Lower Garden District

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Lower Garden District is highly notable for its beautiful gardens, and you might want to visit top sights like Port of New Orleans and National World War II Museum. See more of New Orleans by jumping on the metro at St. Charles at St. Andrew Stop or St. Charles at Josephine Stop.

Lower Garden District
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Uptown Historic District

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and picturesque gardens, there's plenty to explore in Uptown Historic District. You can visit top attractions like Audubon Zoo and Magazine Street, and jump on the metro at St. Charles at Jefferson Stop or St. Charles at Valmont Stop to see more of the city.

Uptown Historic District

 

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Day trip destinations from New Orleans