Things to do · New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Things to Do in New Orleans

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Getting there
Most visitors fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, roughly 12 miles (about 19 km) from downtown and a short taxi or rideshare away. Smaller airports like Lakefront and the naval field serve occasional charters and private planes. Amtrak’s Crescent line stops at the historic Union Passenger Terminal, and the city is reachable by Interstate 10 and the Gulf Coast highway system.
Who goes
New Orleans welcomes around 20 million tourists annually, with a surge in spring for festivals and a lull in the winter months. The city attracts culture‑curious travelers, food lovers, and music fans, as well as families and business visitors. Expect the busiest weeks around Mardi Mardi and the quieter periods in January and February.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can get by on roughly $70‑$100 USD per day (about $300‑$450 CFA), while a comfortable stay often runs $150‑$250 USD (around $600‑$1,000 CFA). Meals and live music venues tend to dominate the budget; lodging varies widely. To stretch dollars, consider staying in a guesthouse a few blocks outside the French Quarter and using the historic streetcars for short trips. Estimate →

  1. The National WWII Museum

    museum · 4.8 rating · $37

    A large, immersive museum dedicated to the American experience in World War II, featuring extensive exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories. It is one of the top-rated museums in the United States and a major draw for history travelers.

  2. French Quarter

    neighborhood · 4.4 rating

    The historic heart of New Orleans, known for its French and Spanish colonial architecture, wrought-iron balconies, live music, and lively bars and restaurants. Travelers come to soak up the city's culture, cuisine, and nightlife.

  3. Jackson Square

    square · 4.5 rating

    A historic landmark park in the heart of the French Quarter, framed by St. Louis Cathedral and surrounded by artists, musicians, and street performers. Travelers come for its iconic architecture and lively public atmosphere.

  4. French Market

    market · 4.5 rating

    A historic open-air market district dating to 1791, with food stalls, local crafts, produce, and shops beside the Mississippi River.

  5. Frenchmen Street

    neighborhood · 4.5 rating

    Go-to stretch for live music venues, especially in the Faubourg Marigny area.

  6. Garden District

    neighborhood · 4.6 rating

    Historic neighborhood with grand mansions, boutiques, and cultivated gardens.

  7. St. Louis Cathedral

    church · 4.6 rating

    The landmark Roman Catholic cathedral overlooking Jackson Square in the French Quarter, and a defining symbol of New Orleans. Travelers visit for its striking facade, historic interior, and central setting.

  8. Royal Street

    neighborhood · 4.6 rating

    One of the oldest streets in the French Quarter, known for curio shops and art galleries.

  9. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

    historic site · 4.5 rating

    Founded in 1789, the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and a National Register of Historic Places site.

  10. Preservation Hall

    theater · 4.6 rating

    Music venue established in 1961 dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz.

  11. Mardi Gras World

    museum · 4.4 rating · $29.95

    A working warehouse where the giant floats for Mardi Gras parades are built and displayed. Travelers tour the space to see the artistry behind Carnival up close.

  12. New Orleans City Park

    park · 4.6 rating

    A vast urban park with ancient live oaks, lagoons, walking paths, and cultural attractions. Travelers go for outdoor recreation, nature, and a peaceful escape from the city.

  13. Audubon Zoo

    zoo · 4.4 rating

    A well-regarded zoo in uptown New Orleans known for its Louisiana Swamp exhibit and diverse animal collection. A major family attraction set within Audubon Park.

  14. Bourbon Street

    neighborhood · 4.5 rating

    The French Quarter's world-famous nightlife corridor, known for historic balconies, live music, neon-lit bars, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

  15. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

    historic site · 3.2 rating

    The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, known for its distinctive above-ground tombs and mausoleums, including the reputed resting place of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. Visitors come for its history and unique funerary architecture.

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