This is a fair distance from the French Quarter but provides a good excuse to see this part of the city. Hop-On Hop-Off is New Orleans’ most flexible, fun and affordable sightseeing City Tour! Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. A film entitled Beyond All Boundaries, produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, is shown in the 4D Theater, with chairs that rumble as tanks go by on the screen, and stage props that turn the film into a full on sensory experience. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Discover 82 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana from New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to Dooky Chase's Restaurant. See more ideas about new orleans, orleans, new orleans louisiana. The park runs along the river; it is 1.4 miles long and is spread out over 20 acres. Oral histories add to the impact. 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New Orleans, home to the annual Zurich Classic stop on the PGA tour, offers quality golf course clubs: from City Park in Mid-City to the Uptown Golf Club at Audubon Park. The Audubon Institute operates several world-class destinations for families in New Orleans. Celebrations include almost daily parades and all kinds of entertainment and festivities that increase in intensity as the event draws closer to the end. Top Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana: See Tripadvisor's 1,088,372 traveller reviews and photos of 901 things to do when in New Orleans. The French Quarter of New Orleans is what most tourists come to see when they visit the city. The Big Easy, of course, has its must-see sights—the New Orleans Museum of Art is as impressive a slice of culture as you’ll find in the South, and the National World War II Museum is … We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. Child: $9. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans… The Amazon Rainforest offers a look at the colorful birds, exotic fish, and even the snakes of this region of South America. Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium/, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Kids and families will love the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Storyland, and the soon to be added City Splash water park, which is still a work in progress. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Looking for the ultimate photo of downtown New Orleans? To experience the real charm of New Orleans, the best place to stay is in the famous French Quarter. Below are some highly-rated hotels in or near the French Quarter. Royal Street offers a great mix of history, fine cuisine, and unique shopping opportunities, with some higher end stores, galleries, and hotels. Search all attractions and activities in New Orleans. Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://www.mardigrasworld.com/, New Orleans Museum of Art | Alaskan Dude / photo modified. Two Chicks Walking Tours takes you through the Quarter, known as Vieux Carre, past popular New Orleans attractions and sights, including Jackson Square, St. … The building is small, creating an intimate setting, and seating is limited. From their award-winning Cajun cuisine to their natural splendor, NOLA offers many magnificent attractions. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,353 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. The area can be easily explored on foot, and some companies offer guided tours, which can be a good way to learn the history and see the sights. It is noteworthy both as a historic building and for the museum and its outstanding collection. In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, is an equestrian statue (1856) of General Andrew Jackson. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987. The whole area is very attractively laid out along the banks of the Mississippi, with the Riverboat Docks, the promenade known as the Moon Walk, and the Millhouse, as well as a variety of stores. The museum is divided into three sections, with one section devoted to the war in the Pacific, another devoted to the war in Europe, and a third building that houses WWII aircraft. The Cabildo, to the left of St. Louis Cathedral, was built in 1795 as the residence of the Spanish governor. The top attractions to visit in New Orleans are: What are the best outdoor activities in New Orleans? While there are a plethora of sights and sounds to enjoy within the city, New Orleans’s surroundings make for … The preserve consists of natural levee forests, bayous, swamps, and marshes. New Orleans, Louisiana: Iconic Sights and Sounds in the French Quarter. You can see sculptured props, huge floats, outrageous costumes, and all kinds of figures. Always popular are the sea otters and penguins, as well as the wildlife encounter programs. Come here if you are in the nearby areas and want to enjoy a bit of a local secret. A near-perfect way to pass a couple of hours might be to grab a Blue Bike from New Orleans’ bike sharing system, and coast down Esplanade Avenue, pausing at sights like the Dufour-Plassan House from 1870, which has an exquisite iron fence adorned with cornstalks and sunflowers. Discover the best attractions in New Orleans, USA including Jackson Square, Lafayette Cemetery No 1, City Park. It's conveniently located in Uptown New Orleans and accessible on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar.With its lagoons, live oak trees, golf course, and running course, Audubon Park is now an oasis in the middle of a densely populated area. New Orleans City Park covers more than 1,300 acres and contains numerous attractions and things to do, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden. Be sure to check the museum's calendar for temporary exhibitions and a variety of themes. What are the top attractions to visit in New Orleans? The Barataria Preserve offers a chance to see some of Louisiana's natural treasures. Most of the action for tourists is centered around the French Quarter, with the infamous Bourbon Street at the heart of the district. This park was created in 2014, when a formerly derelict area of the city near the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods was targeted for redevelopment. New Orleans City Park offers a lovely respite from the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon, according to recent visitors. One of the notable buildings on Royal Street is the Court of Two Sisters (1832), now a restaurant known for its jazz brunch. Beginning in the north, visitors can learn about creatures that lurk below the surface of the nearby surrounding waters, with exhibits that highlight freshwater fish of the Mississippi River and marine life from the Gulf of Mexico. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,323 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. Address: One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas | Photo Copyright: Michael Law. Official site: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/, National WWII Museum | Bogdan Migulski / photo modified. #80 of 125 Sights & Landmarks in New Orleans "This historic house was built in 1856 and is open on a limited basis for tours , but our visit was included as part of an escorted walking tour." Louisiana State Museum at the Cabildo | rpongsaj / photo modified. We’ve compiled the best of the best in New Orleans - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay. Beyond the French Quarter, the city has many quaint areas worth exploring, from the trendy Warehouse District to the posh Garden District. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 342,234 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. French Quarter | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Top Places to Visit in New Orleans, Louisiana: See Tripadvisor's 10,88,372 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans attractions. Share. Known the world over for jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a diversity that is reflected in everything from the music and food to the language and architecture. Top 10 tourist attractions in New Orleans, LA. Mardi Gras is New Orleans' signature event, with celebrations that span a two-week period, ending with the finale on shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Sights in New Orleans, USA - Lonely Planet Search Lonely Planet New Orleans is world famous for its elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations, drawing people from all over the world who come to enjoy the festivities that consume the city during this time period. Opening times and events are listed on the door each day, so if you are walking past in the afternoon you can see what's happening in the evening. New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour . Buskers, musicians, and artists set up around the square. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Also part of the complex is the Stage Door Canteen, featuring entertainment from the 1940s, with matinees and dinner shows. New Orleans is one of America's most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can't find anywhere else. This street is relatively benign by day but at night transforms into a loud and boisterous pedestrian area that may not always feel safe. Along the waterfront in downtown New Orleans, within walking distance of the French Quarter, the aquarium focuses on species found in North, Central, and South America. Address: 701 Charles Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/, Garden District | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. One of the best-kept secrets in New Orleans is the “New Orleans Pass“. 4 of 5. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. In the south part of City Park is the New Orleans Museum of Art, one of the finest of its kind in the South. Southwest of the Garden District in Uptown New Orleans is Audubon Park, established on the grounds of what had been the site of the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884. Updated on 8/14/2020 at 4:35 PM. The most famous street in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street, but it is not necessarily the highlight of the area. Will help you plan your time for one day or a whole week. The National WWII Museum is an outstanding museum with engaging exhibits and documentary snippets that tell the history of WWII as it was fought in Europe and in the Pacific. The museum's collections focus largely on the history of New Orleans and Louisiana, particularly the people of Louisiana and the many ethnic groups that make up the population today. Set along a bend on the Mississippi River, the main attraction here is the architecture, but it is also a great area for dining and entertainment. Top 10 Things To Do In New Orleans Louisiana: Best Sights to see and the top things to do while in New Orleans. The old buildings, some of which date back 300 years, show French influences, with arcades, wrought iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, and picturesque courtyards. Also in the vicinity of the cathedral are the Presbytere and Cabildo, both Louisiana State Museums. The historic hall still features traditional jazz by local artists. Also on site are tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course, as well as beautiful areas for walking. Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in New Orleans. 1: Tickets & Tours‎, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: Tickets & Tours‎, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near The National WWII Museum, Things to do near Lafayette Cemetery No.1, Things to do near Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Things to do near Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, Things to do near Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Things to do near Harrah's Casino New Orleans, Things to do near Louis Armstrong Intl Airport (MSY), Things to do near University of New Orleans, Things to do near Loyola University New Orleans, Things to do near Xavier University of Louisiana, Things to do near The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, Things to do near The Pontchartrain Hotel, Things to do near Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District, Things to do near The Jung Hotel & Residences, Things to do near Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans, Things to do near Harrah's Hotel New Orleans, Warehouse/Central Business District (187), See all attractions in New Orleans on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in New Orleans on Tripadvisor, Experience Cajun Country: Swamp Boat Adventure and Plantations Full-Day Tour from New Orleans, Small-Group Airboat Swamp Adventure and Plantation Tour from New Orleans, Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans, Combo Oak Alley or Laura Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour, See all day trips from New Orleans on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in New Orleans on Tripadvisor. 7 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In New Orleans. This tour guarantees your spot on the boat and also the lowest prices. Available as optional extras are hands-on experiences with the African penguins and a chance to SCUBA dive or snorkel the Great Maya Reef. 5 of 5. This is a fun escape from the busy city, with lush grounds and a good selection of domestic and exotic animals. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Guided tours are offered regularly each day through the workshops where artists and sculptors work. This is a great way to gain a good sense of the size, color, and imagination that goes into the floats and the parade. Sarah first moved to New Orleans in 2001 to work for the American Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana. On the north side of Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral, a landmark structure in New Orleans. The best outdoor activities in New Orleans according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the best day trips from New Orleans? By Chelsea Brasted. Step over a threshold to the past when you visit one of the many historic New Orleans homes open to the public. First Street, Camp Street, and Prytania Street are some good places to see large, elegant 19th-century houses with extensive grounds. The Great Maya Reef can be viewed from a 30-foot-long walk-through tunnel and is designed to look like a sunken Maya city, with fish swimming among the ruins. New Orleans is a great walking city, with many of the main things to see and do located in or near the French Quarter, but to explore the Garden District, you may want to hop on a historic street car. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. Adult: $35.10. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. The dinner cruise features a live jazz band, buffet-style dinner, and of course, wonderful views of New Orleans. Also within Audubon Park are fine stands of oaks, a butterfly garden and insectarium, hothouses, the Audubon Golf Club, a number of small lakes, and plenty of open green space. Archeological sites here have been found to contain remnants of the ancient Troyville, Marksville, and Tchefuncte cultures. At the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum all your questions are answered, with exhibits and cultural insights that include the influence of voodoo queen Marie Laveau on the city in the 1800s. Everybody knows that one of the best things to do in New Orleans is be part of Mardi Gras. Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum - Wander the halls and appreciate the intriguing exhibits and unique collections at this museum.. May 2, 2020 - a collection of images that paint a portrait of the city I love and love to call home. Find 20+ top attractions & tours in New Orleans, Louisiana with photos, rates & availability. There are many more points of interest in the Big Easy, but these activities and sights are a great place to start! Also not to be missed in the French Quarter are Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral, located just off the waterfront. View all states. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,372 traveler reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. New Orleans is one of America's most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can't find anywhere else. Buses are also a great way to get around, particularly for visiting attractions like the zoo that are further afield. Official site: http://www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm. Some of the most popular residents of the zoo are the giraffes, jaguars, leopards, orangutans, elephants, rhinos, lemurs, and alligators (including the rare white alligator) just to name a few. Address: Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/. Our list of the best activities comes from first hand experience, from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street. Written by Lana Law Jul 28, 2020. Some famous celebrities have homes in this area. Official site: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/, Mardi Gras World | davest / photo modified. The main attraction in the park, apart from the pleasant green spaces, is the Piety Street Bridge. Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana: Iconic Sights and Sounds in the French Quarter. Snap it from the top of the bridge and catch the curve of the river in the foreground of your shot. These experiences are best for sights & landmarks in New Orleans: The National WWII Museum Campus Pass Ticket New Orleans; The New Orleans Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Attractions and Tours; The New Orleans Sightseeing Day Pass: 20+ Attractions & Tours in The Big Easy; Skip the Line: Hermann-Grima Historic House Guided Tour Ticket New Orleans is a city steeped in amazing history and some truly incredible preserved landmarks. © Copyright 2020 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. A small tram called the Swamp Train, runs throughout the zoo and passes by the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, sea lions, and Reptile Encounter areas. For a more historical experience, the Chalmette Battlefield preserves the site of the January 8, 1815 Battle of New Orleans, which was a decisive American victory over the British at the end of the War of 1812. This post lists our picks for the 10 top New Orleans Attractions that first-time visitors should plan to see. Free Things to Do in New Orleans . As you move from room to room through the exhibits, short black-and-white documentary-style film segments give a real-life look at how the items on display were involved in the war. SEE DETAILS + BOOK NOW and SAVE $5.20. Shopping Nightlife Performing Arts. States: Louisiana; Favorite. New Orleans Sights. The following can be experienced for nix. It's a good idea, particularly during high season, to book a Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise in advance. Many of these buildings now contain hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries, and a profusion of jazz spots with entertainment of varying quality. Onlookers crowd the balconies and sidewalks to watch the parades and catch strings of beaded necklaces tossed from the outrageously decorated floats. Read More. The most popular things to do in New Orleans with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in New Orleans, Preferred Hotels & Resorts in New Orleans, Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in New Orleans, Warehouse/Central Business District Hotels, Arts District / Warehouse District Hotels, Romantic Bed and Breakfast in New Orleans, Hotels near (MSY) Louis Armstrong Intl Airport, Hotels near LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Hotels near Stevenson Academy of Hair Design, Hotels near Crescent City School of Gaming and Bartending - New Orleans, Hotels near Xavier University of Louisiana, Hotels near Loyola University New Orleans, Things to Do in Warehouse/Central Business District, Things to Do in Central Business District, Things to Do in Central City-Garden District, Things to Do in Faubourg Marigny & Bywater, Things to Do in Arts District / Warehouse District, The National WWII Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World: Tickets & Tours‎, St. Louis Cemetery No. Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana: See Tripadvisor's 1 088 323 traveller reviews and photos of 901 New Orleans attractions. It provides free access to over 25 tours and attractions around New Orleans so it’s an awesome bargain if you want to do a lot of sightseeing. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the home of Mardi Gras; a festival that showcases its unique cultural heritage. For a glimpse of what's involved behind the scenes in this huge event, visitors can take a Mardi Gras World tour to see working studios. The park claims to have one of the world's largest stands of mature live oak trees, with one that is almost 800 years old. The Big Easy is one of the most beloved travel destinations in America, and for a good reason. There are the classics of course–the mansions in the Garden District, Jackson Square, or Audubon Park. You are assigned a profile of someone who was in the war, and oral updates are available at stations throughout the complex to follow the soldier's progression through war time. These 13 Unique Places in New Orleans Are An Absolute Must-See…And Soon! On site and another of the institutions highlights is the outdoor Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with more than 60 sculptures, as well as walking paths, lagoons, and mature live oak trees. Jackson Square is the main square in the heart of the French Quarter, originally known as Place d'Armes. Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo, Steamboat Natchez | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The French Quarter envelops you with its 18th century colonial beauty, seductive scents and the sound of music. Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/, Jackson Square | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Known the world over for jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a diversity that is reflected in everything from the music and food to the language and architecture. Standing prominently at one end of the square is the landmark St. Louis Cathedral, with its white façade and cone shaped spires. Preservation Hall | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. Book the best things to do today, this weekend, or in December. Missing any of these and you just may regret it. Top Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana: See Tripadvisor's 1,088,372 traveller reviews and photos of 901 things to do when in New Orleans. The harbor cruises take about two hours and provide narration on the sites, with an optional lunch of creole cuisine. During the summer months, the zoo offers a chance to cool off in the splash park, known as the Cool Zoo. This includes everything from sharks and stingrays to sea turtles. Escaping to New Orleans on a budget? The first town council met here in 1799, and the Louisiana Purchase was agreed to here in 1803. Adult: $39. Child: $10. Good restaurants can also be found along here, and artists frequent the area. Filter by type and neighborhood. The museum features an excellent collection of French and American art, as well as African and Japanese pieces. One of the highlights in the park is the Audubon Zoo. The complete ride takes about 30 minutes, tickets are available at the train station and are valid all day. Preservation Hall is an unassuming old building that has long been an institution in New Orleans known for jazz music. Bourbon Street is one of the main areas where people congregate, but the whole French Quarter is generally packed. The tradition was introduced to the city by French settlers and became particularly popular by the end of the 19th century. To hear some quality musicians playing traditional jazz music, Frenchmen Street is the place to go. The area in front of the cathedral, along the iron fence that surrounds the square, has long been an artist's hang out, and nearby are shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists. The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve consists of six physically separate sites in southeastern Louisiana. "It happened to be open for tours when we were there for $15." Actually Cool Things You Can (Still) Do in New Orleans Right Now Even locals love this stuff. Most visitors come to enjoy the tranquil environment and see the houses, but there are also boutiques and coffee shops in the area, although they are spread out, and finding a lunch spot may be more difficult than expected. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. It was at one time the Louisiana Supreme Court, but today the Cabildo houses the Louisiana State Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church was built through contributions from Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman who spent money from his fortune to rebuild New Orleans after the second great fire. The Garden District is a prosperous residential area with lovely mansions, mature trees, and lush gardens, and is probably, in some respects, the stereotypical image many foreigners have of the Deep South. While working in the communities of New Orleans she fell in love with the unique culture of the Big Easy; it's food, music, architecture, wildlife, and most of all history. Address: 726 St Peter Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, St Louis Cathedral | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The museum has an impressive collection of over 3,600 animals spread across over 250 species. more, Things to Do in New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Attractions. It was built in 1794 on the site of two earlier churches and is known for being the United States' oldest cathedral in continuous use. A cruise on the paddle steamer Steamboat Natchez is a wonderful way to experience the Mississippi River and a unique way to see and learn about the city. The best day trips from New Orleans according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in New Orleans with kids? Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Two of these sites are in the New Orleans area and are well worth a visit. The city of New Orleans is a buffet for the senses, and we've got news: you're going to be eating all day and night. Some places are simply must-see destinations in the city. Many of the hotels here are housed in historic buildings and exude their own unique character. Ogden Museum of Southern Art . Special events cruises are also available seasonally, with special cruises offered for such occasions as Easter, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, and other holidays. The Blaine Kern Studios is one of the leading producers of floats in the world and is highly involved in the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans each year. Audubon Park and Zoo is a must-see for any visitor to New Orleans. Historic Buildings & Homes. The New Orleans Artworks at the New Orleans GlassWorks & Printmaking Studio - If you're eager to get cultured, stop by and enjoy the talent on show. Along the Mississippi River, which borders the French Quarter to the south, are horse-drawn carriages waiting to take visitors on a tour, the Steamboat Natchez docked along the shore, and tourists lined up to buy beignets. This arch spans the railroad tracks and allows access to the waterfront. There are so many unique places in New Orleans, it can be difficult to know where to start your explorations.