Location: New Orleans
Top Things to do in New Orleans
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Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana (LA): The Best Museums
Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.
Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Museum of the Free People of Color
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
2. The National WWII Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29,577 reviews
The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., and an unforgettable way to experience World War II—from industrial efforts on the home front to the combat experience of the American servicemember abroad. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war: why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Beyond the galleries, the Museum offers unique access to experiential history, including an opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat, tours behind the scenes to handle artifacts alongside Museum curators, and an impressive collection of restored and working macro-artifacts to discover. Open early through 1/2/18, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By J7140OOpauln - Sacramento, United States
The New Orleans National World War 2 Museum brings so much history to life and tells the stories so well that the time flies past. The museum tells the bigger picture of the war and also shows the personal side and the tragic costs of this war, The museum is several very large building with exhibits such as the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo as well as a large exhibit of D-Day. The exhibits are all very well done and the staff is helpful and knowledgable. Please allow at least a full day to see this museum, you will not regret the time spent at this treasure. The optional movie, Beyond All Boundaries is also very well done and worth the time to see. Very highly recommended.
3. M.S. Rau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
M.S. Rau has been a French Quarter landmark for over 100 years, earning the trust of discerning antiques collectors worldwide. Our 30,000 square foot gallery literally overflows with remarkable collections of fine art, exquisite jewelry and, of course, exceptional 18th-and 19th-century antiques, and our highly trained staff of sales associates, research associates and support personnel are second to none. Our primary mission is to provide our customers with an unparalleled antiques shopping experience. So, whether you are looking for a rare diamond, a Paul Revere sterling bowl or a painting by Renoir, you are likely to find it here, at M.S. Rau.
Reviewed By lapaz97 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
I am an ancient art dealer of over 40 years experience and I am qualified to fully recommend M.S.Rau's store as one of the finest opportunities in America to examine and purchase true museum quality artwork often with incomparable lineages. Bill Rau and his team are eager buyers in the world market seeking to obtain the best possible examples of meaningful artwork for their customers to enjoy and acquire. As a dealer I have found that MS Rau offers opportunities to purchase the best examples of important art, at reasonable prices, which can grow in value over time ( just ask Brad Pitt) and eventually be gratefully sought by prominent museums for their collections. I bought a one of a kind artifact from them for a six figure price and I am delighted with my purchase and, like many museum curators, will continue to monitor their offerings looking to buy more. They go way out of their way to be informed and any purchase is thoroughly overseen for customer satisfaction. But don't be afraid if not buying today, they love to share their treasures. Enjoy.
4. Jamie Hayes Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 644 reviews
Jamie Hayes has had a gallery in the heart of the French Quarter for nearly 20 years and has become synonymous with New Orleans culture. Since Jamie is severely colorblind, pastels are all grey to him, so he uses bright, vivid colors to create all of his whimsical designs. Our wide selection of souvenirs (including mugs, voodoo dolls, tote bags, and many more) and artwork all designed by Jamie Hayes is sure to give anyone a unique remembrance of our amazing city!
Reviewed By plainhorsefarmm
Sad to hear from the Gallery that Jamie has died. He was such a part of New Orleans, and I will treasure some of the pieces I've purchased there over the years.
5. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,343 reviews
Reviewed By aghorn - Plano, United States
Incredible setting for sculpture. My daughter and I had a very nice time wandering the trails of the extensive garden and seeing all the interesting sculptures. Even though it's a little aways away from the French Quarter, it's worth an Uber trip or streetcar ride. And it's FREE! Unfortunately, Canal St was blocked due to road work. So couldn't get there from where we were by streetcar. Also very much enjoyed wandering close by in City Park, to the Cafe du Monde there, and even to a very cool miniature golf park within the overall park.
6. Le Musee de f.p.c.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By bobca1947
This museum is located in a beautiful old house. It celebrates the lives, legacies, and contributions of men and women of African descent who have left an indelible mark on New Orleans, Louisiana and the nation. This institution is dedicated to the collection, preservation,m and interpretation of material culture; sharing the rich and impactful history of free people prior to the Civil War. Kim--the curator historian and tour leader--gave an excellent presentation.
7. Treme's Petit Jazz Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum will tell you the true story of jazz right here where it all first started. Through a tour of the exhibits with a local expert you’ll discover Treme, the oldest integrated neighbourhood in all of America, and why it became the birthplace of jazz. Treme has always been an important center of African-American and Creole culture; New Orleans’ beating heart for brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, and of course, the jazz that is the life blood that pulses through the city. Visit this one of a kind local museum, and gain an insider’s glimpse of the influences, legends, and historical events that gave rise to the music that has kept this community's, and the world’s, feet tapping since 1895.
Reviewed By swirbp
Alvin Jackson leads a fun, knowledgable, and interesting tour around his intimate one-room museum that is chock full of photos, paintings, artifacts, and more. Al is a warm and engaging host who answers questions and constantly makes original connections that made me see the evolution of jazz through new eyes.
8. Studio Be
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By wondervoyage - Corinth, United States
New Orleans Artist BMike spent years transforming abandoned spaces with his beautiful art, bringing hope and vision after Katrina. Inside this formally abandoned warehouse, BMike created a solo show “Ephemeral Eternal” and the results are stunning. These moving pieces allow you to enter the art which tells stories about black history, Hurricane Katrina, the civil rights movement and so much more. If your in New Orleans take some time to visit the Bywater neighborhoods and the magic of BMike’s Studio Be.
9. The Sazerac House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
The Sazerac House is one part history and traditions, two parts interactive exhibits and experiences, mixed with spirited events and a dash of rich New Orleans culture. Visit us to experience distinctive tastes and traditions worth carrying forward. Where the past, present and future come together-over cocktails, of course. *Holiday and parade hours subject to change.
Reviewed By JamesA889
Wow! The restoration of this building was amazing, and the pictures on their web page are not lying. This place is beautiful. It's part active distillery and part museum, and all of it is world class. The free tour is top-notch. John, our tour guide, weaved together New Orleans culture and history, served up some yummy libations and the 1.5 hours passed by quickly. Our group of 5 agreed that we want to come back with our wives and other friends because this place and the tour are great. If it wasn't for Covid, this place would be packed. And it certainly deserves its high ranking on things do in NOLA.
10. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,252 reviews
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Reviewed By dragondoll
Mardi Gras World attracts a lot of tourists, but for us it was an experience not to be missed. Located in a huge warehouse on the river, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at wonderful huge sculptures created for floats and celebration displays. It was so interesting to witness people hard at work creating these fabulous works of art, many of them recognizable characters from the movies and books. The tour guide gives explanations regarding their creation and origin. Everyone gets a bottle of water and a piece of King cake, a staple of the Mardi Gras celebration. We like the idea that after the presentation you can wander at your leisure around the warehouse to revisit the sculptures seen on the tour and take pictures. They even allow you to try on costumes so you can pose with the characters. This was a true kick and certainly worth the admission fee around $21.00. Look for it on discount sites such as Groupon and you will get it for less.
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