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New Orleans Travel Guide

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New Orleans is an over-the-top experience for the senses, a city filled with vibrantly colored streets, soul-filled rhythm and blues, and memorable flavors. The coastal Louisiana enclave is the culinary heart of creole and cajun food, and beyond delicacies from gumbo to shrimp and grits, it's the city that brought us the muffuletta, beignets, and char-broiled oysters.

Nicknamed "The Big Easy," it's a town of jazz kings and queens, iconic architecture, the New Orleans Saints, and perhaps the most spirited street in America — Bourbon Street. It's also one of the only cities in America where you can legally drink on the street, which only adds to the lively nature of NOLA nightlife.

Comedian and actor Hannibal Burress famously said of the Big Easy that "for $300 you can have your own parade on a day's notice," and if that doesn't beautifully encapsulate the glory of New Orleans in one sentence, we don't know what does. Not surprisingly, the motto of New Orleans is " Laissez les bon temps rouler ," or "Let the good times roll."

Louisiana is divided into parishes rather than counties like the other states, and greater New Orleans spans eight parishes. New Orleans is one of the top 10 cities in the United States for the number of annual visitors. And it's important to remember that category five Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, flooding 80 percent of the city, which is still rebuilding from the devastation.

For legendary New Orleans jazz — the city is known as the birthplace of jazz, and legendary musician, Louis Armstrong was born in the city — the best restaurants in New Orleans, and every other must-try activity, including tours of the bayou and ghost tours of the city's most haunted streets, consult this guide. We've mapped out exactly what to do in New Orleans to experience this renowned city of celebration and resilience.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Maison de la luz.

A favorite of luxury travelers, Maison de la Luz is a gorgeously decorated hotel known for its idyllic guest house. The hotel has 67 suites, including over-the-top rooms like the Grand Studio suite, which can be joined with a one-bedroom suite to accommodate larger groups. If you're looking to book a room in one of the best hotels in New Orleans , this is definitely a must-stay.

Hotel Peter and Paul

Once a church, rectory, schoolhouse, and convent, Hotel Peter and Paul has refurbished the former religious institution into a memorable boutique hotel.The schoolhouse has 59 rooms and the reception area; the convent has seven rooms and the Sundae Best Ice Cream shop; and the rectory features a brick-lined courtyard, on-site restaurant, and the last five rooms.

The Roosevelt New Orleans

Home to the Sazerac Restaurant, an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, Waldorf Astoria spa, and polished guest rooms and suites, the historic Roosevelt New Orleans offers an opulent experience.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Set in the heart of the French Quarter on famed Canal Street, guests can listen to live jazz at the Davenport Lounge, marvel at the authentic Beaux Arts architecture of the 1908 building, indulge in the spa's VooDoo ritual, and dine at on-site M Bistro.

Melrose Mansion

This luxury boutique offers 14 rooms and suites, each with unique design, in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood within walking distance to attractions like the French Market, Cafe du Monde, and Jackson Square.

Best Things to Do

French market.

French Market is a popular open-air market and food hall in New Orleans. The space has permanent food stalls serving local  étouffée,  char-broiled oysters, crawfish, and more. Culinary demonstrations and cultural events are held there as well.

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours offers a range of excursions, including a tour of Manchac Swamp, an extended bayou tour along Shell Bank, and an introduction to the scenic Honey Island Swamp. The discovery experiences are educational, ecological, and cultural.

Preservation Hall

Honorable Mention: Frenchmen Street is one of the best streets for live music in New Orleans, and the Blue Nile is one of the best spots. Catch jazz, funk, blues, and brass bands at Blue Nile, and you'll immediately be swept up in the Frenchmen Street atmosphere.

New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour

Much of New Orleans folklore is rooted in the city being more than a little bit haunted. As such, ghost tours are quite popular in the French Quarter. Summon spirits from the beyond with a New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour. They offer a selection of tours, including voodoo and cemetery tours, haunted pub crawls, and ghost tours of the Garden District.

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National WWII Museum

The museum's exhibits cover "the war that changed the world" through exhibits that focus on world leaders, events, and the war's courageous men and women. Stay on the Museum's campus at the  Higgins Hotel and Conference Center , an art-deco-style property offering first-class accommodations.

Read More : 25 Best Things to Do in New Orleans, From Streetcar Rides to Bar Crawls

Best Shopping

Shops at the colonnade.

Next to French Market, the open-air food hall, you'll find great shopping at the Shops at the Colonnade. After lunch at the market, dip into the Shops at the Colonnade to find souvenir vendors and local boutiques.

Piety & Desire Chocolate

Be sure to visit Piety & Desire Chocolate for a box of gorgeous  chocolats  to take home as a souvenir. (or enjoy while you're in NOLA)

Louisiana Music Factory

Stop in at Louisiana Music Factory where you'll find an inspiring number of records (across every genre, but with an emphasis on soul) as well as CDs, sheet music, posters, books, tee shirts, and hats.

St. James Cheese Company

A local favorite in New Orleans, St. James Cheese Company has an extensive, high-end array of  fromage . Visit St. James at either their uptown or Warehouse District venues for a few artisanal goods—and grab a sandwich to go while you're there.

Billy Reid is a prominent Southern clothing designer, so why not duck into the branch on Magazine Street and outfit yourself like a Southern lady or gentleman? Their style has an air of Southern class with a modernized, street-style finish.

Best Restaurants

New Orleans is a food lover's paradise with many must-try dishes and delicacies. The official cocktail of New Orleans is the Sazerac which was created in a French Quarter bar. Those visiting should try Creole and Cajun food. Some iconic dishes from New Orleans include gumbo, shrimp and grits, muffuletta, beignets, char-broiled oysters, and po' boys.

Commander's Palace

World-class chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme have graced the kitchen of this landmark restaurant. In existence since 1893, Commander's Palace features "haute Creole cuisine" and a "dirt to plate within 100 miles" policy that contributes to its legendary status as one of the city's great dining establishments.

Herd Dat Kitchen

This Black-owned eatery is a no-frills spot with (limited) outdoor seating. Though, we recommend ordering for pickup or through an app to enjoy on a night in. First-time visitors at Herd Dat Kitchen should try the Superdome: blackened fish topped with mashed potatoes garnished generously with lobster cream sauce, corn, and crispy onion rings.

Susmita Baral / Travel + Leisure

Elizabeth Street Cafe

This neighborhood Vietnamese cafe and French bakery TK.

Loretta's Authentic Praline

Cafe du Monde and Cafe Beignet get a lot of recognition (rightfully so!) for their beignets but Loretta's Authentic Praline elevates the offerings. The praline beignets are decadent and the Rampart Street location offers savory varieties like crab meat beignets and breakfast versions.

Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Toup's Meatery

With signature Meatery Boards and his meat-focused entrées that range from lamb to venison, chef Isaac Toup manages to blend fine dining with the casualness of charcuterie and wine. As Toups approaches its 10-year anniversary, Toup continues to branch out, releasing two new hot sauce flavors to go along with his 2018 cookbook  Chasing the Gator .

Courtesy of Toup's Meatery

Best Time to Visit

New Orleans is a great city to visit in the winter and spring, whereas the heat, high humidity, and threat of hurricanes make the summer and fall less enticing. June through August can be rainy. Hurricane season is from June through November.

Some visitors plan a trip around Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), which typically falls in February. (If you want to experience Mardi Gras, be sure to book well ahead of time and be ready for hotel rates to be higher than at other times of the year. Also, many popular sightseeing attractions are closed during Mardi Gras.) Others stay away from the crowds and high price tags associated with the festivities of the biggest event of the year.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and New Orleans Wine & Food Experience are popular events that attract visitors.

Read More: Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Great Weather and Fewer Crowds

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

Neighborhoods to Know

French Quarter: Between the Central Business District and the Marigny, the French Quarter is where you'll find some of the best restaurants and nightlife in New Orleans. One of New Orleans' most historic neighborhoods, the Quarter is where you'll find the delightful French Market and, of course, lavish homes with the quintessential decorative facades.

Marigny: From gorgeous historic buildings to under-the-radar jazz clubs and inviting local shops, the Marigny is a lovely place to spend time when visiting New Orleans. Adjacent to the French Quarter, it's an easy walk to find the artistic heart of New Orleans. Come for the preserved architecture, and stay for the Frenchmen Palace Market.

Garden District: South of the French Quarter and Marigny area and slightly farther inland, you'll find NOLA's Garden District, home to Commander's Palace and lush, oak tree-lined streets. In this neighborhood, which dates back to the 19th century, you'll find opulent mansions that exude Southern charm and old-world design.

Bywater: Boho-chic New Orleans neighborhood, Bywater, sits on the Mississippi River, bordering the Marigny. It's slightly quieter than the Marigny and significantly quieter than the French Quarter but packs an arts and culture punch. You'll find NOLA's best galleries and vintage shopping in Bywater.

Central Business District: Also thought of as New Orleans' downtown, the Central Business District (CBD) is centrally located, roughly equidistant to the Marigny and the Garden District. New Orleans' business district is bustling seven days of the week and is home to some of the city's most renowned restaurants and high-end hotels.

Treme: Bordering the French Quarter, this area was founded in the 18th century, and is known for African American history, authentic Creole food, parades, jazz funerals, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

How to Get Around

The New Orleans Transit Authority operates four streetcar lines: the St. Charles line, the Canal Street line, the Riverfront line, and the Rampart line. Plan ahead using the map and have your exact fare ready as they do not give change. ($1.25 one way) They also offer a Jazzy Pass which can be purchased online.

Taking a streetcar is part of the fun as well as convenient transportation. The historic vehicles are part of New Orleans' history.

Buses: There are 40 different RTA bus routes that run across the city of New Orleans. A one-way ticket costs $1.25, and a $3 all-day Jazzy Pass gets you unlimited rides for 24 hours.

Ferries: RTA Ferries transport travelers to Algiers for $2 per ride and are commonly referred to as "water taxis."

Address: 2727 S Broad Avenue New Orleans, LA 70125 Phone: (504) 799-1709 Website

Be sure to visit Piety & Desire Chocolate for a box of gorgeous chocolats to take home as a souvenir. (or enjoy while you're in NOLA)

Address: Multiple locations Website

A local favorite in New Orleans, St. James Cheese Company has an extensive, high-end array of fromage . Visit St. James at either their uptown or Warehouse District venues for a few artisanal goods—and grab a sandwich to go while you're there.

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New Orleans   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sean Pavone | Getty Images

29 Top-Rated Things to Do in New Orleans

Though it's known as a party city for its Mardi Gras celebration and bustling nightlife, New Orleans is so much more. With its delicious food scene, which features both classic Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as more unique upscale spots;

• All Things To Do

French Quarter French Quarter free

If you want to experience New Orleans properly, it's best to begin your tour here. Recent visitors said the neighborhood is lively, with lots to do and see and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The neighborhood, also known as Vieux Carré , is the heart and soul of this city, and it's also a National Historic Landmark. As the site of the original New Orleans colony (established by the French in 1718), the French Quarter has held on to its heritage, complete with street names that are still listed in French. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets to find such attractions as Jackson Square , Faulkner House Books and the  Cabildo . While you're strolling, pay attention to the neighborhood's architecture: balconies are designed with baroque ironwork and hanging plants, while leafy courtyards are filled with bubbling fountains. The scene is definitely charming, but it can also be expensive if you choose to stay at any of the French Quarter's  hotels .

Undoubtedly, the French Quarter's main draw is Bourbon Street – New Orleans' infamous party hub. You'll find this street laden with performers and fortune tellers as well as rowdy bars. Although a trip to New Orleans isn't really complete without strolling down Bourbon Street, keep in mind that boisterous evenings on Bourbon are best appreciated by adult travelers. If you're tempted to hang your hat on Bourbon Street, don't. While it's fun to be at the center of the action, there's really no escaping the late-night noise.

Frenchmen Street Frenchmen Street free

If you want an authentic New Orleans experience more removed from the touristy areas of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter , head to the lively Frenchmen Street. A popular spot for locals, Frenchmen Street stretches for several blocks and features live music, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. Here, not only will you find fewer crowds (albeit not by much), but you'll also encounter cheaper eats and drinks, and better music – it's kind of like Bourbon Street's hipper, trendier cousin. If you don't consider yourself a night owl, the Palace Market (open Sunday through Wednesday 7 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is a shopping haven where locals sell homemade art and jewelry.

Recent visitors agreed that a trip to New Orleans isn't complete without stopping by Frenchmen Street. Some even suggest skipping the more crowded and touristy Bourbon Street and instead meandering along Frenchmen Street where you'll find live music, specifically jazz, and great bars. Travelers and locals alike love The Spotted Cat, Three Muses and d.b.a thanks to their extensive beverage selections, fun atmospheres and, of course, talented musicians.

The National WWII Museum The National WWII Museum

You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy The National WWII Museum, according to recent travelers. Opened on June 6, 2000 (the 56th anniversary of D-Day), the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and educational films documenting all aspects of the war, from D-Day to the war in the Pacific to the Holocaust. The brainchild of friends Stephen Ambrose, a bestselling author and consultant on the film "Saving Private Ryan," and Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, former historian and vice chancellor at the University of New Orleans, the museum also features oral recantations of civilians' and soldiers' experiences throughout the early 1940s.

In November 2023, the National WWII Museum opened a new fourth wing called The Liberation Pavilion, which explores the Holocaust, the end of the war and the post-war years. The three-story pavilion highlights the longlasting social and geopolitical movements that formed in the aftermath of the war, including civil rights and women's equality. The space includes a re-creation of the rooms where Anne Frank and her family hid, a multi-sensory theater, and exhibits dedicated to the Monuments Men and Women and the role of faith in wartime.

Popular Tours

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

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Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

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Garden District Garden District free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stroll past 2707 Coliseum Street to see where "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was filmed. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist, Travel

Take a walking tour of the Garden District (located a little less than 3 miles southwest of the  French Quarter ) for a peek at some of the city's most beautiful homes. Like its name suggests, this historic residential neighborhood is laden with trees, ivy, and yes, gardens. Visitors rave about the beautiful houses and architecture. Some even preferred the Garden District over Bourbon Street, citing the peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved properties as a much-needed break from the city's crowded tourist spots.

New Orleans Cemetery Tours New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Some of New Orleans' must-see attractions are its cemeteries. Many of the tombs found in these "cities of the dead" are above ground to protect them from rising water levels, and they're embellished with ornate designs inspired by French and Spanish architecture. Though the city's older cemeteries are admittedly dilapidated, with crumbled tombs and patchy grass, the decaying grounds add to the ghostly atmosphere (which is why many of the city's top ghost tours make stops in them). 

The St. Louis cemeteries are some of the most popular, despite being located in somewhat edgier parts of town (just south of the Tremé neighborhood). St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is the final resting place of some of New Orleans' more unique characters, including Bernard de Marigny – former president of the Louisiana Senate and notorious playboy – and Marie Laveau, the Big Easy's very own "Voodoo queen." Many of the city's top cemetery tours stop in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 shelters the graves of local musicians like Ernie K-Doe and Danny Barker, plus it's the burial site of the notorious pirate, Dominique You. (Note: St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 is currently closed.) Movie buffs will recognize the eerie walls of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (situated south of Central City) from films like "Interview with a Vampire" and "Double Jeopardy." (Note: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is currently closed for restoration.)

Preservation Hall Preservation Hall

The idea for Preservation Hall grew out of a need to attract patrons to an art gallery known as Associated Artists by bringing in jazz musicians from all walks of life. While the plan worked to attract visitors to the building, they came for the music and not the artwork. The art soon moved out and the music continued. By the 1960s, the venue became a full-fledged jazz establishment. Today, Preservation Hall hosts intimate jazz concerts more than 350 nights of the year.

Located in the French Quarter on Saint Peter Street, Preservation Hall welcomes visitors nightly for 45 minutes of intimate traditional New Orleans live jazz performances. Recent visitors said that attending a concert at Preservation Hall is a must-do experience in New Orleans thanks to the talented musicians. However, travelers also warn that the room where the performances are held can get quite hot in the summertime as there is no air conditioning.

New Orleans Swamp Tours New Orleans Swamp Tours

Stretching from  Houston  to Mobile, Alabama, the Bayou Country played a crucial role in the development of the United States in terms of communication and transportation. In fact, there would be no New Orleans without the bayous, so you owe it to yourself to take a swamp tour .

A mix of saltwater and freshwater, the bayous are home to crawfish, shrimp, deer and alligators, which are often the main attractions for visitors. Travelers generally enjoy their tours, no matter which company they choose, but do warn that going in the winter could mean fewer wildlife sightings (some animals hibernate during the colder temperatures).

Jackson Square Jackson Square free

Jackson Square is a National Historical Landmark in the center of the French Quarter tucked away on Decatur Street between the Jax Brewery shopping mall and the French Market. Spread across more than 2 acres, the square welcomes more than 2 million visitors yearly. The square's name is inspired by the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson that stands at the center.

The square has plenty of fun things for travelers to do, including top attractions like the Cabildo and the St. Louis Cathedral . It also serves as an open-air market space for vendors and artists to share and sell their works. After shopping, enjoy a café au lait and a beignet at the world-famous Café du Monde , which is located less than a 5-minute walk east of the square.

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St. Louis Cathedral St. Louis Cathedral free

As the centerpiece of the  French Quarter , St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks. The oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States, St. Louis Cathedral was originally built in the early 1700s. The structure standing today is actually the third cathedral built on this spot, since the first two were destroyed. Religious services are still held here, as well as numerous cultural events, including free concerts. Even if you're not interested in attending a service, past visitors urge you to take a peek inside, describing it as "beautiful inside and out."

After touring the cathedral and the Old Ursuline Convent (the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley), consider strolling through St. Anthony's Garden to see the impressive statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The garden also has a memorial to 30 French ship crew members who lost their lives to yellow fever in 1857.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar Ride the St. Charles Streetcar

U.S. News Insider Tip: For upscale dining with a funky NOLA twist, take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Jack Rose restaurant, where the dishes are as unique and festive as the decor. Don't miss the Lil Wayne painting in the "living room." – Lynn Brown

Though the city has several streetcar routes, the one that travels from Canal Street up St. Charles Avenue is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world, and definitely worth a ride for anyone visiting New Orleans. For only $1.25 each way, you can take a leisurely ride through the Garden District, past some of the most beautiful and impressive architecture in the city. If you ride all the way to the end, you can check out the landscaped grounds of Audubon Park and explore both Loyola and Tulane universities before heading back.

Audubon Nature Institute Audubon Nature Institute

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Audubon Nature Institute is actually composed of three different sites: the zoo, the aquarium and the insectarium. Special discounted tickets are available that allow you to visit two or even all three sites over a span of days. – Lynn Brown

Families should make time to visit the Audubon Nature Institute. This massive facility is home to a zoo, an aquarium, a nature center, several parks and a golf course, among other amenities. At the popular zoo and aquarium, special kid-friendly exhibits feed curious minds while allowing little ones to get up close and personal with their favorite furry (or scaly or slimy) friends. You can also watch daily feedings or sit in on numerous lectures and films about the environment. Don't miss the sharks, turtles, fish and sting rays swimming in the 17-foot-deep, 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit at the aquarium, or the newly expanded Jaguar Jungle exhibit in the zoo, where you can not only see jaguars, but also bats, tree frogs, poison arrow frogs and much more. Note that the Audubon Nature Institute is currently undergoing a $34 million renovation. The insectarium and butterfly garden facility is located on the New Orleans Riverfront next to the aquarium.

Backstreet Cultural Museum Backstreet Cultural Museum

One of the best places to get a feel for the city's unique identity is at the Backstreet Cultural Museum. This off-the-beaten-path attraction was established by local photographer and history buff, Sylvester Francis. Visit his museum to view an eclectic collection of costumes, memorabilia, photographs, films and other artifacts related to African American culture. Fans of HBO's "Treme" may also recognize the museum from its brief cameo in the series.

Tours of the hodgepodge collection are given by curators of the museum, which many recent travelers found to be the highlight of the museum visit thanks to their wealth of knowledge. While the facilities aren't as polished as other museums in the city (the site is family-run, so don't expect a gift shop or cafe), the no-frills presentation is what continues to draw visitors.

The Cabildo The Cabildo

Flanking Jackson Square in the heart of the  French Quarter , the Cabildo was originally constructed in 1799 (when New Orleans was under Spanish rule), as the seat of the Spanish government. Later on, it was here that the Louisiana Purchase took place and after that, this Spanish-style building served as city hall and the state Supreme Court. Today, the Cabildo is home to a three-floor branch of the Louisiana State Museum, which recounts Louisiana history with the help of Native American objects, Colonial-era paintings, and even Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask. Visitors can also see the room where the Louisiana Purchase was finalized. If you're interested in more recent history, you'll find that at the Cabildo, too. An entire floor is devoted to Hurricane Katrina – the 2005 storm that left New Orleans and surrounding regions devastated. Within the exhibit you'll find multimedia displays and artifacts collected during the cleanup of both hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

When you're not admiring the many artifacts displayed here, take a minute to marvel at the building's architecture. Recent travelers said the Cabildo's design is worth seeing, even if you're not interested in the history within. And while you're here, consider stopping by the St. Louis Cathedral , located next door on Chartres Street. The bus routes servicing the area include the No. 5 and 55.

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Mardi Gras World Mardi Gras World

Even if you're not in town for the actual festival, don't miss your chance to go behind the scenes of one of America's most renowned (and most raucous) celebrations. Mardi Gras World offers a close-up look at some of the flamboyant floats and costumes used during New Orleans' famous party. One thing to know upfront: This isn't a museum – it's a warehouse workshop where current floats are in the process of being completed and old floats are stored. Take the self-guided tour through the maze of props to learn more about the festival's history.

According to recent visitors, it's fascinating to see artists hard at work creating the floats. Just make sure to bring your camera: Before the tour, visitors are invited to try on authentic Mardi Gras costumes. After the tour, visitors are treated to a piece of king cake. Past travelers said the museum is a nice surprise and report learning all sorts of things they didn't know about how floats are built. They also appreciated the free shuttle to and from the attraction.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Located in the historic and buzzing French Quarter , the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum showcases the unique heritage of medicine and pharmaceuticals. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, exhibits a mid-19th-century apothecary shop. It also has numerous antiques from this instrumental era in healthcare on display. Plus, the museum celebrates Louis J. Dufilho Jr. of Louisiana, who was America's first licensed pharmacist.

Recent travelers called their experiences at this attraction informative and interesting, and they especially recommended the (adult-themed) guided tour. Others praised the friendly staff.

Know NOLA Tours Know NOLA Tours

Owner, historian and storyteller Malik Bartholomew guides visitors through his hometown while highlighting the culture and history that make the city of New Orleans so unique. Several of the tours focus on the city's Black cultural heritage and connection to the larger African diaspora, such as the African Heritage French Quarter Walking Tour, a Tremé tour and a tour of Studio BE. There are also more general tours of the Garden District and French Quarter, as well as a bike tour offering.

Past visitors have found the Know NOLA tours to be extremely impactful and informative as well as fun. They especially noted the excellent storytelling abilities of the guides and the fact that their deep love for the city and its history was so evident.     

New Orleans Museum of Art New Orleans Museum of Art

Since its opening in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art (known simply as "NOMA") has assembled nearly 50,000 works of art – an impressive compilation considering the museum opened with only nine pieces. It is the oldest fine arts institution in Crescent City. NOMA's vast collection ranges from early Asian works to European masterpieces from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Many recent visitors said this museum is a must-see for any art lover, and a great indoor attraction during the city's high heat and humidity. Past travelers commented on the small size of the museum, but others noted that its size allows you to see all of the exhibits in just one visit and say not to miss the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden .

New Orleans City Park New Orleans City Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Storyland is an absolute must for families with young kids. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

New Orleans City Park offers a lovely respite from the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon, according to recent visitors. Take a nature stroll through the 10-acre New Orleans Botanical Garden (which boasts 2,000 different varieties of plants) or peruse the art hanging in the New Orleans Museum of Art . And while New Orleans isn't generally classified as a kid-friendly destination, New Orleans City Park has several diversions for your young ones, including Storyland (home to about 20 giant storybook and fairy tale character sculptures), Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which features more than a dozen rides for all ages, and the Train Garden, which features miniature replicas of the streetcars and trains that traveled the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

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Magazine Street Magazine Street free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your stroll along Magazine Street at the original Surrey's Café & Juice Bar. The tiny space is home to some of the best shrimp and grits in town, not to mention the fresh-squeezed juice that give it its name. – Lynn Brown

Tucked away from the French Quarter is Magazine Street. The 6-mile stretch of roadway runs from Canal Street to Audubon Park . It's home to several of the city's top attractions, as well as a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Studio Be Studio Be

A massive warehouse facility in the Bywater district of New Orleans, Studio Be is an eye-popping and illuminating display of public art. The creator, Brandan "BMike" Odums, collaborated with more than 40 other artists to create large murals and exhibits that explore activism, resistance and Black American history. Most displays use spray paint and graffiti techniques, and the entire project took six months to complete. The facility spans 35,000 square feet, and encompasses four buildings and up to five stories. It is the largest single-site public art exhibition in the American South, and it attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Multiple recent visitors called the art on display "powerful," and almost everyone agreed that the experience was well worth the $15 for general admission price. Tickets for students, teachers, seniors and first responders are $10. For children 12 and younger, tickets cost $5. The exhibits are open Wednesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the warehouses are located on Royal Street near a number of other galleries and studios. Travelers should note, reservations must be made in order to visit the facility. Check out Studio Be's website if you are interested in learning more about the artist and what's on display.  

Le Musée de f.p.c. Le Musée de f.p.c.

Le Musée de f.p.c. (the Free People of Color Museum) has an enriched history. Located in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood of New Orleans, the area was once known as "Creole's Millionaire's Row." Pre-Civil War, New Orleans was home to a large population of free people of color. This was in part because both the French and Spaniards allowed enslaved people to purchase their freedom. They would then make their way to New Orleans to settle. Afro-Creole free people of color owned a majority of the properties along Esplanade.

The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the free people of New Orleans. Tours are guided by the Black-led community theater company, No Dream Deferred. Performers take on the roles of actual historically free people of color who lived in New Orleans during Colonial times. During the tour, travelers learn about the impact of free people of color in the city, whether it's through cuisine, architecture or music.

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden free

What can best be described as a garden within a park, the 11-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a beloved outdoor attraction. The sculpture garden is located adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park .

Idyllically situated among the park's Spanish moss-covered live oaks, the sculpture garden doubled in size in 2019. Thanks to the increase in size, visitors will now find more than 90 works of art designed from around the world.

Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Natchez

U.S. News Insider Tip: Book a dinner cruise for sunset views, and bring a light jacket as it gets cool out on the water at night. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Steamboat Natchez launched in 1975 and is a traditional sternwheel steamboat that takes visitors on a tour of the Mississippi River. The tours aim to cultivate an atmosphere that transports guests to another era, with the captain shouting through a hand-held megaphone and old-time music lingering in the air. Steamboat Natchez offers a few tour options, including a dinner jazz cruise, a daytime jazz cruise, a Sunday jazz brunch cruise and select special event cruises. The tours last about two hours and include a concert, a narration of historical facts and an optional meal; a gift shop and bar are also available on board. The boat is equipped with indoor and outdoor seating.

New Orleans French Quarter & Marigny Neighborhood Carriage Ride

(811 reviews)

from $ 60.00

New Orleans French Quarter Photo Shoot

(338 reviews)

New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

(1208 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Café du Monde Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a must-do experience for any foodie visiting New Orleans. First established in 1862, the cafe is located at the end of the French Market just off Jackson Square . The world-famous eatery serves as the place in the historic French Quarter to enjoy delicious coffee drinks and the original beignet – Louisiana's official doughnut. This sweet dessert, which is a deep-fried dough square covered in powdered sugar, was first introduced to Louisiana in the 17th century by the French Acadians, who filled these fried fritters with fruit. Along with its beignets, Café du Monde is also well known for its café au lait, which is a blend of milk, coffee and chicory (made from roasted, ground and brewed chicory root).

Past travelers suggest ordering from the cafe's walk-up window, since lines can be long inside the restaurant. Others also recommend visiting the cafe's City Park location to skip the lines that usually congregate around the original location near the French Quarter (there are several locations around New Orleans and Louisiana).

JAMNOLA JAMNOLA

JAMNOLA, which stands for "joy, art and music New Orleans," is one of the city's more unique and relatively new attractions. Described by its creator as a "cultural funhouse," the pop-up art installation opened in 2020 in the Faubourg Marigny/Bywater neighborhood and houses 17 exhibits across 5,400 square feet. JAMNOLA is not your typical art gallery. Each Instagrammable room in this experimental space tells a quintessential New Orleans story through the creations of more than 30 local artists. In one room you could be posing next to a life-size crawfish sitting in a lounge chair and in another, you could be trying on Mardi Gras costumes.

Past visitors said the artwork is cool and that there are plenty of opportunities for fun photos. Others said this is a great activity for all ages thanks to the interactive nature of the displays.

Louisiana Children's Museum Louisiana Children's Museum

When people say that New Orleans isn't the best place to bring kids, they're forgetting about the Louisiana Children's Museum. Located in New Orleans City Park , this 56,000-square-foot space is a playtopia in disguise. The museum features hands-on exhibits that cover everything from food to nature. The museum also hosts numerous special events, from near daily story times to holiday-related activities.

Many travelers agree that this is a must-do with younger kids, especially on days when everyone needs a break from the heat and humidity (though the museum does have a "backyard" with various outdoor exhibits). Recent families have called it a great place to play with lots of interesting, interactive exhibits.

Vue Orleans Vue Orleans

Vue Orleans is a family-friendly interactive experience perched at the top of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. The tech-savvy attraction takes travelers on a journey through New Orleans as they make their way up to the top of the building. Exhibits feature gesture tracking, touchless interactives, large-scale LED walls and augmented viewers, among other high-tech elements.

Explore the "Confluence of Culture" exhibit to learn more about the historical figures who played a significant role in shaping New Orleans. Here, visitors can interact with installations, such as "Do You NOLA," which features 58 fun facts about the city. From there, engage with the "Dress for the Fest," display, where visitors can see visually stunning costumes worn during famous New Orleans festivals.

Longue Vue House and Gardens Longue Vue House and Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens is a lush display of Southern elegance and history. The historic estate features a museum and an interactive Discovery Garden, and it also boasts 8 acres of gardens with local plant life. The elaborate four-story house was built in the mid-20th century, and it contains 20 separate rooms, a unique basement and a large collection of English and American antiques. Visitors can take a tour of the entire facility, and enjoy the modern art on display throughout the estate. If you love exploring outdoor gardens and seeing what local plant life is in bloom, you'll appreciate wandering the pathways at this attraction.

Recent visitors used words like "gorgeous," "amazing" and "lovely" to describe the Longue Vue grounds. They also appreciated the history associated with the museum and complimented the knowledgeable tour staff.

Private Transfer to / from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA

(64 reviews)

from $ 25.00

New Orleans City Tour: Katrina, French Quarter, Garden District

(1753 reviews)

from $ 40.00

Large Airboat Ride with Transportation from New Orleans

(377 reviews)

from $ 90.00

Chalmette Battlefield & Jean Lafitte National Park Chalmette Battlefield & Jean Lafitte National Park free

Named after a French pirate who helped Gen. Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans during a battle in the War of 1812, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve consists of six sites throughout southern Louisiana. New Orleans is home to several of these sites.

The French Quarter Visitor Center highlights the history and tradition of the lower Mississippi River Delta region through exhibits and film. Tuesday through Saturday, the center hosts a ranger history talk where visitors can learn more about the area. The center also doubles as the location for the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. The park is dedicated to sharing the origins and evolution of jazz.

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New Orleans

With a vivacious community spirit and deep-rooted cultural fusion, New Orleans breathes the things that make life worth living: eating, drinking and celebrating.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Live oaks, Spanish moss and lazy bayous frame this masterpiece of urban planning. Three miles long and 1 mile wide, dotted with gardens, waterways and…

Lafayette Cemetery No 1

Of all the cemeteries in New Orleans, Lafayette exudes the strongest sense of subtropical Southern Gothic. The stark contrast of moldering crypts and…

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The South has one of the most distinctive aesthetic cultures in the US artistic universe, a creative vision indelibly influenced by the region's…

Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The sculpture garden that sits just outside the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is a wooded quilt of streams, pathways, lovers' benches and, of…

Newcomb Art Museum

Part of Tulane University and flanked by beautiful Tiffany stained-glass triptychs, the Newcomb Art Museum is a great spot to soak up some art, with works…

National WWII Museum

One of New Orleans’ most distinctive tourism attractions has nothing to do with food, music, or having a good time. Rather, it is a museum dedicated to the…

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World offers a behind the scenes peek into the weird, wonderful backstage of carnival season float making.

Bayou St John

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Pitot House

The Pitot House, perched prettily beside Bayou St John, is an excellent example of classical French New Orleans architecture. Constructed circa 1799, it's…

New Orleans Museum of Art

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The 23 Best Things to Do in New Orleans

By Paul Oswell

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 a world-class facility that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Another of the absolute best things to do in New Orleans, of course, is experience the live music that is the heartbeat of the city—but NOLA offers so much more than those well-known headlines. Find time to discover the less obvious spaces; City Park , local-led cooking classes, and the region’s natural treasures with a local swamp tour . We've gathered our picks for what to do in New Orleans, covering the classics, the off-beat, and everything in between, so you're covered when you get there. Laissez les bons temps rouler , indeed.

Read our complete New Orleans travel guide here .

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Vue Orleans Arrow

Previously a rotating nightclub known as Top of the Mart, the upper levels of what is the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans have been transformed into a major new city attraction–Vue Orleans Observatory, “a 360-degree observation deck and interactive experience" on floors 33 and 34. Having been built on a swamp, New Orleans is mostly low-rise, and so this observation deck, though not that high in relative terms, still delivers memorable views of the surrounding city. Upon entry, follow a bevy of interactive maps to the elevator, where further video traces the history of New Orleans. Narrated by local singing legend Irma Thomas and rendered in beautiful rotoscope animation, you’re surrounded on three sides by ever-shifting scenery while climbing  to the first observation deck. There’s one more level to explore, where you can stroll outside around the perimeter of the tower, and take in the views—the vista looking straight up Poydras Street is particularly dramatic.

Studio Be Arrow

This studio—in a huge warehouse space in the Bywater neighborhood— showcases the work of local artist Brandon Odums (aka BMike). He specializes in large-scale murals and paintings illustrating scenes from black culture in the city, black leaders and icons; the exhibits show off the whole range of Odum’s talent, with mixed media pieces including sculpture and video. The real stars of the show—and the works for which he is most famous—are the floor-to-ceiling portraits.

Crescent Park Arrow

Until 2014, the banks of the Mississippi River bordering the city's downtown Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods were essentially unwalkable. The city invested in a large renovation program that's transformed unsightly, post-industrial wasteland into a lovely riverside park. Crescent Park is a mile-and-a-half long and feels very much like a local spot; you're unlikely to find Mardi Gras-beaded tourists here. Grab a bottle of wine and a cheese plate from nearby Bacchanal Wines , and find yourself a grassy riverside spot for an afternoon picnic.

New Orleans School of Cooking Arrow

The gastronomic scene is important in most cities. In New Orleans, it’s a way of life, a celebration of history and a cultural symbol of huge importance. It regulates dietary calendars—red beans on Mondays, King Cake during Carnival, Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest. Through teaching the basics of arguably the only indigenous cuisine in the whole of the United States, the instructors here peel back layers of the city’s history and people. The classes are engaging and entertaining, of course, but you come away with an understanding of what food means to the culture here, an education that will help you appreciate the city on a whole new level. There are two styles of class to choose from—open demonstrations and hands-on cookery lessons. The hands-on class (which I took) will typically feature dishes such as seafood gumbo, crawfish pie and bananas foster crêpes, and lasts around three hours in the morning or afternoon. Preparing food all morning definitely whets your appetite for lunch. The instruction couldn’t be friendlier, with patience for beginners as well as expert tips for the more advanced. If you simply watch, rest assured that you can still sample the goods.

City Park Arrow

Almost all of New Orleans life is contained within this park—museums, golf courses, cafes and high-end restaurants, a stadium, waterways, and all that green space. The New Orleans Museum of Art and the accompanying sculpture garden are definite highlights, as is the Couterie Forest with its eight distinct ecosystems (and the city’s highest point, Laborde Mountain). Children will love the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with its retro fairground rides—as well as the Louisiana Children's Museum —while adults can work up an appetite walking the great lawns before for dinner at the highly respected Ralph’s on the Park .

New Orleans Museum of Art Arrow

A must-see on most visitors’ New Orleans itineraries, and deservedly so. The building itself, set back in City Park , is imposing and grand with its alabaster walls and Greco-Roman columns. There's also a beautiful five-acre sculpture garden, with artwork beneath magnolias and Spanish moss-laden live oaks. Inside, the collection is equally impressive, with French and American art and traveling exhibits that feature everything from fashion to digital media. It remains one the South’s most impressive fine art collections.

Steamboat Natchez Arrow

The Steamboat Natchez is a well-loved and well-established tour with two daily harbor cruises, as well as dinner and Sunday brunch cruises. Though they may differ slightly, all of the cruises take in the sights and history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. With the calliope organ playing as the boat docks, this is a rare chance to learn a lot in a short period of time. Buy tickets at the walk-up booth along the river (reservations are recommended during high season).

Louis Armstrong Park Arrow

There aren’t a ton of green spaces in downtown New Orleans, so Louis Armstrong Park, just outside the French Quarter, is a welcome option. Given its proximity to the city’s culture, the park has also become a hub for festivals and seasonal events. It’s a well-designed, landscaped spot that packs a lot into 32 acres. Don't miss Congo Square, which began as an open space for slaves and free people of color to celebrate their African heritage with music and drumming circles—the precursor to the development of jazz.

Backstreet Cultural Museum Arrow

The Treme neighborhood is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country, and inside what looks like an otherwise residential home is the new location for the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which houses one of the most comprehensive archives of the traditions and community movements that sprung from these streets. The most colorful aspect of the museum is its collection of elaborately sequined and beaded Mardi Gras masks and costumes, which have African and Native American influences. The collection also has information and artifacts relating to jazz funerals, second lines, and social aid and pleasure clubs. The exhibits are mainly permanent, although it’s a constantly growing archive of costumes, artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and films. The museum also hosts special events (including live music performances by local musicians and parties) throughout the year.

French Quarter Phantoms Arrow

Some people just love cemetery tours , but this is also great for visitors who want to feel spooked while learning local history. To kick things off, everyone meets at the "office"—which is actually the back of a bar on Rampart Street, which is the most New Orleans start to a guided tour imaginable. Everyone seemed pumped to see the cemetery. (Guided tours are now compulsory—it’s the only way to really explore them.) Keep an eye out for the tombs of local legends like Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, as well as the decoration on the stonework, which will really stick with you.

The Spotted Cat Music Club Arrow

If Frenchman Street is home to the city’s best jazz , the Spotted Cat is its epicenter—a small, kind of rundown bar that comes alive each night as old-school jazz plays on. Expect to hear brassy quartets and quintets; clarinet solos and big voices; and swing when the Cotton Mouth Kings come by. (A dance floor will open up for the local swing crew to show off its moves.) Cram in and stay for more than one set.

The National WWII Museum Arrow

The National WWII Museum is a world-class history museum—a sprawling complex of modern buildings in the Warehouse District that receives thousands of visitors every day who want to hear "the story of the war that changed the world." Doing so is no easy task, but through large narrative exhibits that include detailed, personal accounts from eyewitnesses, the museum manages to do just that. Every conceivable medium is used: film, immersive exhibits, large-scale reconstructions, and first-person oral histories among them. Expect to walk—a lot—given how spread out exhibits are, but the museum is sensitive to the relatively mature age of its visitors and rest stops and benches are plentiful. A short visit isn't ideal given the scale of the topic at hand, but if you’re really pushed, you could tailor your visit to just see a specific interest, or go straight for the movie presentation.

Saenger Theatre Arrow

You can still feel the glamour that must have accompanied the opening of Saenger Theatre in 1927. Although the capacity has been cut from 4,000 to 2,600, the grand venue is still one of the biggest theaters in town, with a performance hall modeled on an Italian baroque courtyard and overhead lighting that resembles a starry constellation. The space hosts big events that still need a more intimate setting than a sports arena: touring Broadway shows , big-name comedians, and the occasional concert.

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden Arrow

This five-acre sculpture garden is a park within City Park , and acts as an open-air annex to the wonderful New Orleans Museum of Art ( NOMA ). 90 sculptures—mostly modern and abstract—are set among magnolias and live oaks, framed by bridges and reflecting pools, with world-renowned artists Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, and Ossip Zadkine represented. The lake-set Virlane Tower by Kenneth Snelson is a favorite, as is the familiar Love, Red Blue sign by Robert Indiana, but it’s best to come without a map. Surprise and delight are over every bridge.

Tipitina's Arrow

The unassuming Uptown building with no seats may be over 100 years old, but Tips, as it’s affectionately known, only became a music venue in the 1970s. It quickly cemented its place as a New Orleans music institution: Local brass bands are a particular thing to see here. There are no seats, but you'll likely want to be up on your feet for whatever local talent is about to take the stage by storm. If there are any big music festivals in town, such as Jazz Fest or Voodoo , it’s likely that some of the bands booked will also add a show at Tip’s to their visit to NOLA, or maybe they'll just drop in unexpectedly, you never know.

Contemporary Arts Center Arrow

The Contemporary Arts Center, housed in a large redbrick building that stands out in the relatively muted Central Business District, is one of the city’s most prestigious spaces for the full gamut of contemporary arts, including painting, film, theater, and music. Exhibits, which rotate every four to eight weeks, can include any visual art form, from photography to sculpture and painting. The featured works are well-curated—sometimes around themes, sometimes around individual contemporary artists. Pieces are often installed in a creative way that makes use of the interior architecture.

Mardi Gras World Arrow

You might walk right by this anonymous warehouse by the Port of New Orleans, but inside is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the country's biggest free party—Mardi Gras. The huge floats take months to build and decorate, and this is where a large part of that happens. Painters and sculptors are actually working on pieces as you take this 90-minute walking tour, so it feels like you’re being let in on a secret.

Cajun Encounters Tour Company Arrow

Cajun Encounters takes you 45 minutes from French Quarter beignets and Bourbon Street, but the bayou feels a world away. Your tour “captain”—a total pro who knows caimans from alligators—takes you out on a flat-bottomed boat for two hours in search of gators in the wild. You might even get to feed them. (Don’t worry, everyone from the tour makes it back.) Conservation plays a part of the conversation, as the guide offers a funny-serious take on the swamp, including how the environment was affected by Hurricane Katrina and how it continues to evolve.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art Arrow

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is Smithsonian -affiliated and, as its name suggests, celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists. The permanent collection showcases more than 4,000 pieces from 15 states; in fact, with works dating back to 1733, the institution boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Exhibits feature paintings, photography, sculpture, and handicrafts, and place historical works alongside contemporary artists working in the South.

Sazerac House Arrow

You may think that a museum dedicated to just one cocktail is excessive and couldn’t be done with enough depth to keep things interesting. To that, New Orleans says: hold my Sazerac. Opened in October 2019, The Sazerac House is a multi-floor, multi-media, interactive dive into the intoxicating world of a whiskey brand. In a beautifully renovated building on the corner of Magazine and Canal, it manages to house a museum, a bar, and a distillery, all in one. Visitors are guided to the third floor to begin their tour. The floor traces the cultural influence of booze in New Orleans. Spoiler alert: it figures heavily in the city’s past. Exhibits are sleek, technologically impressive, and in some cases, interactive, detailing the start of cocktail culture in the Crescent City and the evolution of the Sazerac. The second floor delves into the brand, looking at the production of the spirit, including a hands-on look at ingredients, and a chance to sample the wares if you’re old enough. The ground floor exposes the inner workings of the on-site distillery, and the parts blend to form a cohesive whole, like a well-made cocktail.

Southern Food & Beverage Museum Arrow

Sometimes it feels like most, if not all, of the festivities in and around New Orleans are simply vehicles for making and consuming local dishes and cocktails . It makes sense, then, that this museum opened in 2014 to celebrate the food and drinks that are so beloved in this region. This large, open-plan warehouse has a bohemian ambience. It’s filled with antique memorabilia and packs in an impressive number of ingredients, with exhibits representing all of the southern states, not just Louisiana. The museum is very active socially, and in any given week there’s likely to be a few live events, from demonstrations and lectures to nights where you can sample specific foods or cocktails. Local and regional chefs and bartenders are invited to interpret their skills, and there’s a cute outdoor space, the Gumbo Garden. There’s also a demonstration kitchen that hosts regular cookery demos and classes.

Music Box Village Arrow

This venue, in the far reaches of the residential Bywater neighborhood, is an aesthetic delight. It looks something like a post-apocalyptic wooden fortress, impenetrable except to those in the know (the public entrance is set in the back). Inside is part acoustic playground, part rural music venue, part museum. There are several small "houses"—built with wood and metal and plastic, in different styles—and each has its own musical "instruments," be it percussion or wind or some more elaborate electronic devices hooked into windows and floors. It’s built for you to run around, explore, and make lots of noise. The shows here are one-of-a-kind—nything from rock to opera, the common thread being that artists are encouraged to make use of the unique sounds and setup available to them. Performances are true one-offs, with even the most polished songs being deconstructed and put together again using the wooden blocks or bells available. The venue encourages a particular kind of collaboration and invention, and most artists rise to the challenge.

Preservation Hall Arrow

Come the early evening, or Sunday afternoon, people start to line up outside the crumbling exterior of a building on St. Peters Street in the historic French Quarter. Through the iron gate lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. It’s not much to look at—just a small, square room with some seating and a small stage area—but a little local magic happens four or five times a day. The house band is, unsurprisingly, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. They're dedicated to preserving the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and they play four or five white-hot, hour-long sets each night to the 100 or so people who pack the benches. You're guaranteed an amazing show no matter what time you come, and there’s always that chance that famous musicians will drop by unannounced, especially when large music festivals (such as Jazz Fest in the spring) are in town.

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Most popular experiences, steamboat natchez harbor jazz cruise, steamboat natchez jazz brunch cruise, steamboat natchez jazz dinner cruise, new orleans city & cemetery tour + garden district stroll, new orleans interactive ghosts and spirits walking tour, small airboat tour, new orleans craft cocktail walking tour, new orleans school of cooking, new orleans cooking class and cocktail walking tour, large airboat tour, swamp boat cruise with transportation from new orleans, swamp boat cruise & oak alley plantation tour from new orleans, double plantation tour in new orleans, oak alley plantation tour, whitney plantation tour, jingling through the crescent, *new date 12.23* christmas eve bonfire express in new orleans - call 504-569-1401 to reserve, group rate: steamboat natchez jazz dinner cruise, group rate: steamboat natchez harbor jazz cruise, group rate: steamboat natchez jazz brunch cruise, swamp boat cruise & destrehan plantation tour from new orleans, new orleans city tour and steamboat natchez jazz cruise, ultimate swamp tour experience, new orleans historic garden district walking tour, authentic experiences in new orleans:,  recommended by local experts, beyond tourist spots: see new orleans from a local's perspective and discover our rich culture, loved by locals and travelers alike.

If you've ever met a New Orleanian local, you know the love they have for their city is unlike anywhere else in the world. We love our music, our food, our history, and our community. Come discover it all on your next visit. We are sure that when you do, you'll fall in love with New Orleans like a local.

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Beautiful backgrounds, stunning architecture, and gorgeous nature await you for a very Instagrammable trip. Our local experts will show you the most picturesque locations across the city that will delight and inspire you. You don't want to miss these amazing photo opportunities for the gram.

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Did you know that New Orleans hosts over 130 festivals per year? That's multiple per week which makes our city a great vacation spot as there is always something exciting happening. Some of our most famous festivals are Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Essence Festival, and the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience.  

EXPLORE AMERICA'S MOST HISTORIC CITY

Established in 1718 then ruled by both the French and Spanish before Louisiana became part of the United States, New Orleans is one of America's most historic cities. A fascinating blend of French and Spanish influence have found their way into our buildings, food, music, and way of life. Come step back in time and discover the tales of an incredible city.

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