1
Explore the French Quarter
No list of the best things to do in New Orleans would be complete
without exploring the historic French Quarter.
Why go:
The French Quarter is the city's most recognizable historic
neighborhood, known for its Creole architecture, balconies,
courtyards, restaurants, shops, galleries, and lively streets.
What to see:
Walk along Royal Street, Bourbon Street, Chartres Street, and
the surrounding blocks while looking for historic buildings,
local shops, restaurants, courtyards, and street performers.
Best for:
First-time visitors, photographers, food travelers, history lovers,
couples, and travelers who want to experience the city's distinctive
architecture and atmosphere.
Best time:
Morning can be a good choice for quieter sightseeing and photography.
Evenings are livelier, particularly around entertainment areas.
Travel tip:
Wear comfortable shoes and allow several hours rather than trying
to rush through the neighborhood.
Combine it with:
Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Frenchmen Street, the
Mississippi Riverfront, or a French Quarter food tour.
2
Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the
heart of New Orleans' French Quarter.
Why go:
The historic square is surrounded by important architecture,
including St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytère,
while artists and performers contribute to the area's atmosphere.
What to see:
Walk through the square, admire the cathedral and surrounding
historic buildings, and explore the nearby streets and riverfront.
Best for:
History travelers, photographers, families, architecture lovers,
and first-time visitors.
Travel tip:
Combine Jackson Square with a broader French Quarter walking route
instead of making it a stand-alone stop.
Combine it with:
The French Quarter, Café du Monde, French Market, Mississippi
Riverfront, and nearby historic museums.
3
Experience Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of New Orleans' best-known destinations and
an important part of the city's nightlife and entertainment scene.
Why go:
The street is lined with bars, restaurants, music venues, historic
buildings, and entertainment establishments in the heart of the
French Quarter.
What to see:
Walk the street and surrounding French Quarter blocks, but remember
that Bourbon Street represents only one part of New Orleans'
broader music, food, and cultural scene.
Best for:
Adults, nightlife travelers, groups, first-time visitors, and
travelers interested in the city's famous entertainment district.
Travel tip:
The atmosphere can be loud and crowded, especially at night.
Travelers looking for a quieter experience may prefer daytime visits
or other French Quarter streets.
Combine it with:
Royal Street, Jackson Square, French Market, and other French Quarter
attractions.
4
Walk Through the Garden District
The Garden District offers a very different atmosphere from the
busy French Quarter, with grand historic homes, gardens, and
tree-lined streets.
Why go:
The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, large
residences, landscaped gardens, and distinctive streetscapes.
What to see:
Walk along Magazine Street and the surrounding residential blocks
to see historic homes and architectural details.
Best for:
Architecture lovers, photographers, couples, history travelers,
and visitors wanting a slower-paced neighborhood experience.
Travel tip:
Be respectful of residential properties and stay on public sidewalks
while photographing the neighborhood.
Combine it with:
Magazine Street, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 area, Lower Garden District,
or a streetcar ride along St. Charles Avenue.
5
Visit The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is one of New Orleans' major museums and
provides an extensive look at the history of World War II.
Why go:
The museum uses exhibits, artifacts, personal stories, aircraft,
vehicles, and multimedia presentations to explore the American
experience during World War II.
What to see:
Allow plenty of time for the museum's galleries and major exhibitions.
Visitors interested in military history can easily spend several hours
exploring the campus.
Best for:
History travelers, families with older children, museum visitors,
and anyone interested in World War II history.
Travel tip:
Check current admission information, exhibit schedules, and visitor
details before your visit.
Combine it with:
The Warehouse District, Arts District, Convention Center area,
or a meal nearby.
6
Listen to Live Music on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is one of the city's best-known areas for live music,
nightlife, restaurants, and local entertainment.
Why go:
The area is closely associated with New Orleans' live music culture,
with clubs and venues offering jazz, blues, funk, and other styles.
What to do:
Explore the street and nearby Marigny neighborhood, listen to live
music, and stop at restaurants or music venues that fit your interests.
Best for:
Music lovers, couples, adults, nightlife travelers, and visitors
looking for an alternative to Bourbon Street.
Travel tip:
Music schedules and venue policies change, so check current listings
before planning your evening.
7
Explore New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park provides a large green space away from the
busiest parts of the city.
Why go:
The park features mature oak trees, walking areas, gardens, museums,
recreational spaces, and attractions spread across a large area.
What to see:
Explore the park's landscapes and attractions, including the
New Orleans Museum of Art and Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture
Garden.
Best for:
Families, photographers, couples, art lovers, outdoor travelers,
and visitors wanting a break from downtown sightseeing.
Travel tip:
City Park is large, so identify the attractions you want to visit
before arriving.
8
Visit Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo provides a family-friendly attraction with animal exhibits,
landscaped areas, and educational experiences in New Orleans.
Why go:
The zoo features animals from around the world along with exhibits
and educational programming.
What to see:
Explore the zoo's animal habitats and themed areas while allowing
enough time for walking between exhibits.
Best for:
Families, children, animal lovers, and travelers looking for
an outdoor attraction.
Travel tip:
New Orleans can be hot and humid, so plan outdoor visits around
the weather and bring water.
9
Explore Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the
floats, sculptures, and creative work associated with New Orleans
Mardi Gras celebrations.
Why go:
The attraction provides insight into the craftsmanship and
preparation behind the elaborate floats used during Carnival.
What to see:
Visitors can see large-scale sculptures, float designs, costumes,
and artwork while learning more about Mardi Gras traditions.
Best for:
Families, photographers, Mardi Gras enthusiasts, first-time visitors,
and travelers interested in local culture.
Travel tip:
Check current operating hours, admission information, and tour
availability before visiting.
10
Enjoy the Mississippi Riverfront
The Mississippi River is an important part of New Orleans' history,
geography, and identity, and the riverfront provides another way
to experience the city.
Why go:
The riverfront offers views of the Mississippi River and access
to downtown waterfront areas near the French Quarter and French Market.
What to see:
Walk along the riverfront, watch river traffic, explore nearby
attractions, or consider a sightseeing cruise or ferry experience.
Best for:
Families, photographers, couples, history travelers, and visitors
looking for a slower-paced outdoor activity.
Travel tip:
Combine the riverfront with the French Quarter so you can cover
several nearby attractions without unnecessary driving.
How Many Days Do You Need in New Orleans?
For a first visit, three days in New Orleans is a useful starting point.
A long weekend gives you enough time to explore the French Quarter, visit
major historic attractions, experience live music, enjoy local food, and
spend time in another neighborhood without trying to see everything at once.
| Trip Length |
Suggested Plan |
| 1 Day |
Focus on the French Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral,
French Market, Mississippi Riverfront, and an evening of music or
dining.
|
| 2 Days |
Add the Garden District, Magazine Street, National WWII Museum,
and Frenchmen Street.
|
| 3 Days |
Add City Park, Audubon Zoo or another major attraction, plus
additional time for food, music, neighborhoods, and museums.
|
| 4–5 Days |
Add more museums, historic neighborhoods, cultural attractions,
swamp or bayou experiences, food tours, and nearby Louisiana
destinations.
|
New Orleans One-Day Itinerary
Morning
Start in the French Quarter with Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral,
the surrounding historic streets, and the Mississippi Riverfront.
Continue through the French Market area before lunch.
Afternoon
Continue exploring the French Quarter or visit the National WWII Museum
if you prefer a museum-focused afternoon. If you want a neighborhood
experience instead, consider exploring nearby Marigny.
Evening
Have dinner in or near the French Quarter and spend the evening listening
to live music. Frenchmen Street is an option for travelers interested
in a broader New Orleans music experience.
New Orleans Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — French Quarter and Downtown
French Quarter → Jackson Square → St. Louis Cathedral → French Market →
Mississippi Riverfront → Evening dining and live music.
Day 2 — Garden District and Museums
Garden District → Magazine Street → National WWII Museum →
Warehouse District → Frenchmen Street.
New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — French Quarter
French Quarter → Jackson Square → St. Louis Cathedral → French Market →
Riverfront → Evening music.
Day 2 — Garden District and Arts
Garden District → Magazine Street → National WWII Museum →
Warehouse District → Frenchmen Street.
Day 3 — City Park and Uptown
City Park → New Orleans Museum of Art or sculpture garden →
Audubon area → Uptown or additional neighborhood and food exploration.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
New Orleans can be visited year-round, but the best time for your trip
depends heavily on weather, festivals, crowds, and the type of experience
you want.
-
Spring:
A popular period for walking tours, outdoor dining, festivals, gardens,
and neighborhood exploration. Crowds can increase around major events.
-
Summer:
Expect hot, humid conditions and the possibility of heavy rain or
thunderstorms. Plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening
and allow indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
-
Fall:
Often a comfortable period for sightseeing as temperatures become
more manageable. Festival schedules can also make this an active
season in the city.
-
Winter:
Generally offers milder weather for sightseeing, although conditions
can vary. Carnival season can bring major crowds and higher demand
around specific dates.
If your main goal is sightseeing, choose dates that fit your preferred
weather and event schedule. If you specifically want to experience Mardi
Gras, plan well ahead and expect a very different visitor experience from
a normal weekend.
How to Get Around New Orleans
-
Walking:
The French Quarter, Jackson Square, French Market, and nearby downtown
attractions are easiest to experience on foot.
-
Streetcars:
New Orleans' streetcar system provides a useful way to experience
routes such as St. Charles Avenue while connecting different parts
of the city.
-
Public transportation:
RTA buses and streetcars can be useful for travelers staying outside
the French Quarter and downtown.
-
Rideshare:
Rideshare services can be convenient for moving between neighborhoods,
especially when visiting attractions outside the central tourist areas.
-
Car:
A rental car is usually more useful for destinations outside central
New Orleans or for broader Louisiana trips than for a French Quarter
sightseeing itinerary.
Parking and Driving in New Orleans
A car is not necessary for many first-time New Orleans trips, particularly
if you plan to stay in or near the French Quarter and focus on central
attractions.
The French Quarter, Jackson Square, French Market, Riverfront, and several
nearby attractions can be combined into a walking itinerary. Streetcars,
buses, and rideshare services can help connect the French Quarter with
neighborhoods such as the Garden District and Uptown.
If you are driving, parking conditions and rates vary by neighborhood,
attraction, event, and time of day. Check current parking information
before leaving your vehicle, particularly during festivals and major events.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
-
French Quarter:
Best for first-time visitors who want immediate access to historic
streets, Jackson Square, restaurants, nightlife, and major attractions.
-
Central Business District:
Convenient for travelers who want access to the French Quarter while
also being close to museums, restaurants, conventions, and streetcar
connections.
-
Warehouse District:
A useful choice for travelers interested in museums, restaurants,
the National WWII Museum, and the downtown arts scene.
-
Garden District:
Good for travelers interested in historic architecture, Magazine Street,
restaurants, and a more residential neighborhood atmosphere.
-
Marigny and Bywater:
Useful for travelers who want access to local restaurants, music venues,
and neighborhood experiences near the French Quarter.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans
-
Walk the French Quarter:
Exploring the neighborhood's public streets and architecture is free.
-
Visit Jackson Square:
The square provides a free way to experience one of the city's
best-known historic settings.
-
Explore the Mississippi Riverfront:
Walking along the riverfront provides views of the river and
downtown without requiring an admission ticket.
-
Walk through the Garden District:
The neighborhood's public sidewalks provide an inexpensive way
to see historic architecture and landscaped streets.
-
Explore City Park:
Many public areas of the park can be enjoyed without admission,
although individual attractions may charge fees.
-
Walk Magazine Street:
Browsing the shops, restaurants, architecture, and neighborhood
streets can be part of a budget-friendly itinerary.
-
Use public transportation:
Streetcars and buses can reduce the need for parking and rideshares
when moving between major neighborhoods.
New Orleans Itinerary Planning by Traveler Type
Best New Orleans itinerary for first-time visitors
Prioritize the French Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral,
Mississippi Riverfront, and a live music experience. Add the Garden
District or National WWII Museum if you have additional time.
Best New Orleans itinerary with kids
Families can combine the French Quarter with City Park, Audubon Zoo,
museums, and daytime sightseeing. Consider the weather carefully,
particularly during the hottest summer months.
Best New Orleans itinerary for couples
Couples can combine French Quarter architecture with a relaxed meal,
Garden District sightseeing, live music, and an evening walk. Leave
enough flexibility to explore restaurants and music venues rather than
filling every hour with scheduled attractions.
Best New Orleans itinerary for history travelers
Focus on the French Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral,
historic museums, Garden District architecture, and the National WWII
Museum. Allow extra time for museums and guided tours if history is
the primary focus of your trip.
Best New Orleans itinerary for food travelers
Combine the French Quarter with neighborhood restaurants, Magazine Street,
the Garden District, Marigny, and other areas outside the busiest tourist
blocks. Leave room in your schedule for meals because New Orleans is a city
where food is an important part of the travel experience.
New Orleans Travel Tips
-
Start with the French Quarter if this is your first visit.
-
Wear comfortable shoes because many major attractions are easiest
to explore on foot.
-
Plan outdoor activities around the weather, especially during summer.
-
Use streetcars or rideshare services when moving between major
neighborhoods instead of driving everywhere.
-
Allow extra time for museums and neighborhoods rather than trying
to visit too many attractions in one day.
-
Check current schedules for festivals, live music, museums, tours,
and seasonal attractions.
-
If visiting during Mardi Gras season or another major event, plan
accommodations and transportation well in advance.
-
Consider staying near the French Quarter or along a convenient
streetcar route if you want to minimize driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Orleans
What are the top things to do in New Orleans?
The top things to do in New Orleans include exploring the French Quarter,
visiting Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, experiencing Bourbon
Street and Frenchmen Street, walking through the Garden District,
visiting the National WWII Museum, exploring City Park, and enjoying
the city's food and music scene.
What is New Orleans best known for?
New Orleans is best known for its distinctive music traditions,
Creole and Cajun influences, French Quarter architecture, Mardi Gras,
historic neighborhoods, Mississippi River setting, and food culture.
Is the French Quarter free to visit?
Yes. Walking through the public streets of the French Quarter is free.
Individual museums, tours, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment
venues have their own costs.
Is New Orleans good for a weekend trip?
Yes. A weekend can cover several major New Orleans attractions,
particularly if you focus on the French Quarter, Jackson Square,
one or two museums or neighborhoods, and an evening of live music.
What should you not miss in New Orleans?
First-time visitors should prioritize the French Quarter, Jackson Square,
and the city's distinctive food and music experiences. If you have
additional time, add the Garden District, National WWII Museum,
City Park, and Frenchmen Street.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
Three days is a useful amount of time for a first visit. Two days can
cover the major French Quarter attractions and several additional
experiences with careful planning, while four or more days allow
additional time for museums, neighborhoods, food, music, and nearby
Louisiana destinations.
Do you need a car in New Orleans?
Not necessarily for a downtown-focused trip. The French Quarter,
Jackson Square, Riverfront, and several nearby attractions can be
explored on foot, while streetcars, buses, and rideshare services
can connect you with other neighborhoods. A car becomes more useful
for destinations outside central New Orleans.
What are the best things to do in New Orleans with kids?
Families can enjoy City Park, Audubon Zoo, the French Quarter during
daytime, museums, the Mississippi Riverfront, and other family-friendly
attractions. The best combination depends on the children's ages,
interests, and the season.
What can you do in New Orleans for free?
Walking through the French Quarter, visiting Jackson Square, exploring
the Mississippi Riverfront, walking through the Garden District,
spending time in public areas of City Park, and exploring Magazine
Street can all be done without paying admission. Individual attractions
and museums may charge admission, so check current policies before visiting.