New Orleans Louisiana, USA Travel Guide
These are the places that define New Orleans. They are required stops for any visitor.
Explore historic parks, striking cathedrals, lively streets, and grand mansions.
Early mornings (before 9 AM) are peaceful for French Quarter photography.
Historic pharmacy with exhibits on early medicine.
Small museum on history and practices of Louisiana Voodoo.
Interactive museum and tasting for the Sazerac cocktail.
Aquatic life from Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean.
Located in Audubon Park. Various animal species.
New Orleans is rich in history. Its past is visible in its streets and structures.
National Historic Landmark. Creole townhouses, cast-iron balconies. Living museum.
Grand antebellum mansions, various architectural styles. Step back in time.
Oldest African-American neighborhood. Rich in Creole history, birthplace of jazz.
Above-ground burial sites. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 needs a licensed guide to enter.
Site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Important event in American history.
Historic gathering place for enslaved Africans. Considered a birthplace of jazz.
Royal Street has numerous high-end art and antique galleries. Julia Street in the Warehouse Arts District is known for contemporary art.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, Saenger Theatre host Broadway. Preservation Hall for intimate jazz. Tipitina's for legendary live music.
Many museums host rotating special exhibitions. Check websites for current listings. The Jazz Museum has live music and programs.
Explore the city's past beyond its iconic streets.
New Orleans offers natural beauty despite its urban setting. Discover green spaces and unique ecosystems.
City Park: Botanical Garden, Sculpture Garden, Storyland. Audubon Park: Lagoon, jogging path, golf course. Woldenberg Riverfront Park: Views of river traffic.
Mississippi River Levee: Elevated views of the river and city skyline. Lake Pontchartrain: Beautiful sunsets and boating. Cypress Swamps: Unique ecosystems, guided tours.
Audubon Zoo: Curated wildlife viewing. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park: Trails through wetlands, alligators, birds. Swamp Tours: View alligators, snakes, turtles, birds.
New Orleans' geography has a low elevation. It is near the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. It sits in a vast delta region. The land results from riverine deposition.
Lake Pontchartrain: Recreational opportunities like fishing, boating. Mississippi River: Major waterway for shipping and steamboat cruises. Bayou St. John: Historic waterway for kayaking.
Steamboats like the Natchez and Creole Queen offer scenic daytime and evening jazz cruises. They provide a relaxing way to see the city from the water.
Book a River CruiseNo traditional swimming beaches exist within New Orleans. The closest significant beaches are on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi.
Numerous operators provide boat tours into the bayous and swamps. You view alligators and other wildlife. Guided tours enrich the experience.
Find a Swamp TourBeyond the main attractions, New Orleans has lesser-known spots. These provide a local experience.
Discover spots rarely visited by typical tourists.
Explore the city's various dimensions. Each neighborhood and site has a piece of the New Orleans narrative.
Many tours delve into specific interests. Consider a ghost tour, culinary tour, or historical walking tour. These tours enrich your visit with expert knowledge. Browse tours on GetYourGuide.
Many areas are ideal for walking. The French Quarter, Garden District, and Frenchmen Street. Use local maps and apps to discover hidden courtyards and architectural details.
New Orleans hosts numerous festivals year-round. Check local calendars for dates of Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, or Satchmo SummerFest for unique experiences.
Streetcars connect major areas like the French Quarter, CBD, Garden District, and Uptown. Buses also cover wider city routes. Public transport provides convenient travel.
The French Quarter and Garden District are highly walkable. The Lafitte Greenway is a popular urban bike trail. Rent a bike for exploring.
Many modern attractions and hotels offer accessibility features. Historic buildings may pose challenges due to their age. Inquire directly with venues for specific needs.
Consider engaging a local guide. They share expertise and personalize your experience. This makes navigating the city's attractions simpler.
Official tourism websites and local blogs provide current information on hours, fees, and event schedules. Plan your itinerary using these resources.
New Orleans has attractions suitable for all ages.
Engage with history and culture through interactive learning.
While Bourbon Street is famous, explore other areas. Royal Street offers elegant art and antiques. Frenchmen Street has a live music scene.
Venture into neighborhoods like the Garden District or Bywater for different perspectives of local life and architecture.
Effective planning maximizes your sightseeing experience. Group nearby attractions and consider travel times.
Group attractions by neighborhood to minimize travel. For example, combine French Quarter and CBD sights for a full day.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Weekend mornings are often less busy.
New Orleans summers are hot and humid. Be prepared with light clothing, hydration, and seek shade.
Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You will do a lot of walking on uneven sidewalks.
Potholes and uneven surfaces are common.
Major festivals greatly impact crowds and local transportation. Plan accordingly if visiting during these times.
Check festival dates before your trip.
While planning helps, embracing spontaneity in New Orleans yields unique discoveries.
Download local transportation and restaurant apps for real-time information.
Check official New Orleans tourism sites for the latest event schedules and attraction hours.
