Best Tourist Spots in New Orleans

Fancy exploring the City of New Orleans that has been ranked as the top ten most visited cities in the US by current travel guides. There are a plethora of things to see and do in New Orleans. From the world-renowned French Quarter to St. Charles Avenue, adorned with many 19th-century mansions and the Tulane and Loyola Universities; to Bourbon Street's sizzling nightlife scene to Magazine Street, with its many antique shops and boutique stores – the city invites you to spend a lavish vacation and while vacationing in NOLA, you don’t want to register your every dime and nickel. The best way to explore and enjoy the city’s culture and architecture is by using your own two feet or perhaps you can hop on the streetcar for a fun tour of the Garden District.

French Quarter

It is the perfect venue to start your city exploration. Not to mention, French Quarter is the most notable neighborhood that is the heart and soul of the city. A visit here will let you explore the historic importance and the rich French heritage, as this was the original site of New Orleans French colony. As you meander around the cobblestone streets, you will come across several attractions, like the Bourbon Street, the Faulkner House, Jackson Square, the Cabildo and definitely you will attracted towards the architectural beauty of the neighborhood. The focal point for adults is the Bourbon Street, which is flocked with rowdy clubs & bars, fortune tellers, street performers and beyond - noted as New Orleans' infamous party haven.

Address: New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Website: www.frenchquarter.com

Garden District

If you want to discover the place where the city's original aristocratic class flourished in the bygone eras and also marvel their lush antebellum homes, stunning gardens, ivys and tress, Lafayette Cemetery - make sure to stop by the Garden District. The architecture and culture of the neighborhood can be best explored by a walking tour or via streetcar that offers connectivity to French Quarter. This is the ideal place to find some peace and enjoy the serene atmosphere amidst the fabulously preserved homes, away from the bustling and crowded city's tourist spots.

Address: New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: www.neworleanscvb.com

St. Louis Cathedral

Originally established in the early 1700s, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in North America. Visitors are drawn and mesmerized by the splendid architecture, and it hosts many religious services, free concerts and several cultural events. Beyond the cathedral, there are much more to see around. You can swing by the Old Ursuline, which is the Mississippi Valley's oldest building or wander around St. Anthony's Garden that features a memorial and the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley | New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: www.stlouiscathedral.org
Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m
**Free Admission

New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans Museum of Art or NOMA is a neo-classical, Beaux Arts style museum, that houses a diverse collection of arts, covering a span from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The museum encompasses about 46 galleries that showcases over 400 years of art history collections, ranging from early Asian works to European masterpieces. A must visit place for art aficionados as well as an ideal place to escape the city's heat and humidity during the peak summer months. After the museum time, head to City Park to see the impressive sculptures designed by world renowned artists.

Address: One Collins C. Diboll Circle | New Orleans, LA 70124
Website: www.noma.org
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: Adults-$10 and Children (7 to 17 years old) - $6

Frenchmen Street

French Quarter and Bourbon Street are big hit among locals and visitors of course, but you ought to visit Frenchmen Street, for a more authentic experience of the city without having to fight large crowds. This is a vibrant spot, much adored by the locals, graced by several fine restaurants, shops, art galleries, night clubs and live music bars. Make sure to be there between 7 pm to 1 am any day of the week, to explore the Frenchmen Art Market, one of its kind shopping haven fro jewelry, homemade art and lots more.

Address: Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

The National World War II Museum

History buffs or not, you will love a visit to The National World War II Museum, that showcases amazing World War II exhibits – artifacts, texts and testimonials. Aside from the impressive display, the draw of the museum is also a 4D movie, 'Beyond all Boundaries, narrated by Tom Hanks. The museum hosts several fun and educational events and programs, such as children’s' pyjama party (7 to 12 years old), monthly overnight for families and family themed workshops. You can spend good 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum.

Address: 945 Magazine Street | New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-528-1944
Website: www.nationalww2museum.org
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $23 for adults and $14 for students and children (5 to 12 years)

Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Map Data: Google DigitalGlobe

This immaculately landscaped 16 acre green haven is an ideal place to relax and soak in the greenery. That said, this is not just a park with benches and green, but you will be treated with strolling bands performances, fun festivals, music events, riverside promenade and charming artworks. At dusk, you can enjoy a moonwalk along the Moonwalk path and grasp the beautiful vistas of the port, the Toulouse Street Wharf and the Crescent City Connection Bridge. After wandering around the park, you can sit down at Cafe du Monde for beignets and more.

Address: Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-581-4629
Website: www.auduboninstitute.org
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 6am-10pm; Friday to Sunday from 6am-11pm

** Free Admission

Swamp Tours

Take your adventure out to the swamps via swamp tours. When you're in New Orleans, a swamp tour must definitely be in your bucket list. New Orleans is made up with bayous and a swamp tour is a truly singular aspect of the city. There are various companies that organise a boat or air tours of the Louisiana swmaps, where you can explore about the exotic wildlife, ecology and the lifestyle of the people who reside there. Kayak swamp tours are also available for those who are brave enough to get up close with the alligators and crocodiles.

Address: 6001 France Road, New Orleans, LA 70126
Website: www.joerugswateradventures.com
Phone: 1 504-621-3858

The Cabildo

The Calido is a significant landmark in the history of Louisiana that served as the Supreme Court and City Hall. This is where the Louisiana Purchase was confirmed. At present, this Spanish style building houses a large branch of Louisiana State Museum. The museum showcases the history of Louisiana through its Native American object collections, Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask, Colonial-era paintings and other notable artifacts. As to meander around, you will also come across the special space that is designated to showcase the devastation done by Hurricane Katrina. The architecture of the building is another thing of admiration, that enhances the charm of the place.

Address: 701 Chartres Street | New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: www.louisianastatemuseum.org
Hours: From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday through Sunday) Admission: $5 for students and seniors; $6 for adults and free for children 12 years and younger.

Audubon Nature Institute

Stash away sometime to visit the Audubon Nature Institute, which houses an aquarium, a zoo, an insectarium, golf course and an IMAX Theater. Kids as well as grown ups enjoy getting up and close with the exotic animals. You must also check out the fun and informative films and lecturers about the environment.

Address: 6500 Magazine Street | New Orleans, LA 70118
Website: www.auduboninstitute.org
Hours: IMAX, the aquarium and insectarium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tuesday through Sunday)
The zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.(Saturday and Sunday)

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Plan an enthralling 24 hours trip to New Orleans!

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Top Tourist Spots Map Guide of New Orleans