french quarters new orleans

New Orleans Visit: What Places To See

New Orleans is a city like no other. New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures and experiences, from the elegant French Quarter to the lively Mid-City neighborhood. The city is renowned for its food, music and architecture, and its unique history is displayed everywhere.

Founded in 1718 by French settlers, New Orleans has been shaped by various influences, from Spanish colonists to enslaved Africans to American immigrants. Today, the city is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, and its citizens are proud to carry on the legacy of their ancestors.

If you are planning a visit to New Orleans, here are the top 10 things you must do in New Orleans:

Stroll Through the French Quarters

The trip is incomplete without visiting French Quarter, the historic heart of New Orleans. With its wrought iron balconies and stately mansions, the Quarter is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood that oozes charm and character.

french quarters new orleans

Stroll down Magazine Street and pop into the many art galleries, antique shops, and stylish boutiques. Or take a break in one of the casual cafes or lively bars to try Cajun cuisine.

Explore the National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is one of the places you should visit if you are a history and art lover.

Thousands of people visit the museum each year to learn about the history of World War II and see artifacts from the conflict.

National WWII Museum New Orleans

The museum is located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, making it easy to get to anywhere you’re staying. And once you’re there, you’ll be able to explore different exhibits. One of the most popular is the Battle of Normandy exhibit, which features a replica of Omaha Beach complete with life-size soldiers.

Spend a Day at New Orleans City Park

New Orleans City Park is one of the oldest urban parks in the United States. Spanning nearly 1,300 acres, the park is a veritable oasis.

There is no harm in spending a day at New Orleans city park, as it is home to a golf course, athletics fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and museums.

New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park | Image Source: Britt Reints / Flickr

The park also contains several historic structures, including the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

In addition to its many recreational and cultural offerings, New Orleans City Park is also an important refuge for local wildlife.

The park’s wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of bird species, and its bayous are home to alligators and turtles. So with so much to offer, visiting the New Orleans City Park is a must!

Interact with Animals at Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is one of the city’s most beloved attractions to be visited along with kids.

It is home to more than 2000 animals. From lions and tigers to monkeys and reptiles, you can get a chance to see a variety of animal species.

macaw at Audubon Zoo

In addition to its impressive animal collection, the zoo also features several educational exhibits and programs.

You and your kids can learn about the zoo’s animal, their habitats, and how to help protect them.

The zoo also offers a variety of entertainment options, including a carousel and a train ride.

Explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a great way to learn about the history of Louisiana. The park is named after the French pirate Jean Lafitte.

You can explore the park to learn about Lafitte’s life and times and the history of piracy in the region. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plant and animal life.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park - Barataria Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve | Image Source: Bruce Johnson / Flickr

The preserve includes several different ecosystems, such as wetlands, bayous, and forests. This makes it a great place for bird watching, as well as for observing other wildlife.

And finally, the park is simply a beautiful place to spend time outdoors. With its lush vegetation and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no wonder that Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is one of Louisiana’s most popular tourist destinations.

Take a Honey Island Swamp Tour

There are many reasons to love New Orleans – the food, the music, the deep-rooted history.

And while many people come to the city looking for a fun time, there’s another side to New Orleans that’s well worth exploring. We are talking, of course, about the swamps.

Honey Island Swamp Tour New Orleans
Honey Island Swamp Tour | Image Source: leighklotz / Flickr

Yes, swamps may not sound like the most exciting tourist destination, but trust us, they’re worth a visit.

For one thing, they’re incredibly beautiful in their strange way. The Spanish moss hanging from the cypress trees, the sunlight filtering through the leaves – mesmerizing.

But beyond that, swamps are also home to various wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot an elusive wildcat or two.

So if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, be sure to add a swamp tour to your list of things to do in New Orleans.

Satisfy your Taste Buds at Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a must-stop when visiting New Orleans, especially if you are a foodie.

The coffee is strong and rich; the beignets are piping hot and covered in powdered sugar. But there’s more to this iconic café than you imagine.

cafe du monde french quarter new orleans
Cafe Du Monde, French Quarter | Image Source: Jim Nix / Flickr

Café du Monde has been serving fresh beignets since 1862. That’s right – this place has been around for over 150 years!

And it’s not just tourists who love it – locals come here for a quick breakfast before work or a late-night snack after a night out on the town.

Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans is one of the country’s largest aquariums.

They have over 10,000 animals on display, representing over 500 species from all over the world. They have everything from Penguins to Stingrays; you can even see an albino alligator!

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas New Orleans
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas | Image Source: Gary J. Wood / Flickr

In addition to the wide variety of animals, they also have an impressive array of interactive exhibits.

You can touch a stingray, watch a shark feed, or pet a jellyfish.

They also have a 4D theatre and an underwater swamp walk where you can get up close and personal with some animals.

Attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

If you visit New Orleans in spring, such as April or May, don’t forget to attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Hundreds of music lovers descend on New Orleans for the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Spread out over 10 days; the festival features a diverse lineup of musical acts, ranging from world-renowned headliners to up-and-coming local talent.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

In addition to the music, the festival also offers food from some of the city’s best restaurants and local vendors’ art and crafts.

It’s an opportunity to experience the best of what New Orleans offers, all in one place.

Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art

One of the many great things about New Orleans is that there is always something new to see and do. This is especially true when it comes to the city’s museums.

Located in City Park, the Museum of Art features a wide variety of exhibits, with something to appeal to everyone.

New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Museum of Art | Image Source: Wally Gobetz / Flickr

The museum houses a collection of over 400,000 works of art. The museum also has a well-stocked gift shop and a cafe, making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

It is a great place to spend your afternoon in New Orleans.

Top 10 Things You Must Do In New Orleans:  Conclusion

There are so many fun things to do and places to visit in New Orleans.

We hope our shortlist has helped you start planning your visit to this beautiful part of Louisiana. 

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