Location: New Orleans
Top Things to do in New Orleans
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in New Orleans, United States
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. The National WWII Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans, TripAdvisor's #2 museum in the world 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 even 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. The Museum is open daily, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. nationalww2museum.org
Reviewed By Barbara T - Granbury, Texas
We spent a little over a half day at the museum and left more to see for a future visit. As suggested in Trip Advisor reviews we first bought tickets and experienced "Beyond All Boundaries", narrated by Tom Hanks. It was awesome and was a great way to kick-off a visit to the museum.
2. Frenchmen Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By bssk2 - New York City, New York
You see the yellow door in the photo? Well every night we were in New Orleans there was a band playing right in front of it. The whole atmosphere is electric, and so much fun. Don’t just go once- go again and again! Grab a drink and hang out- even dance if you feel inclined!
3. Jackson Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Fun area with street painters, musicians and jugglers.
Reviewed By Ericka R
Pretty to look at. Lots of street artists and performers, but also lots of homeless people trying to engage you with their performances which isn't performance as much as crazy bull. Lots of smells of pee. You can experience this in 10 minutes.
4. RTA - Streetcars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Get wherever you want to go in New Orleans with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Our extensive network of buses and streetcars winds throughout every neighborhood of the Crescent City. From Uptown to Downtown, from Lakeview to the Lower Nine, from Mid-City across the Mississippi River and to the parish lines, the RTA goes there.As streetcars glide underneath grand live oaks and past stately mansions, they offer up relaxing views of the beauty, charm and history of New Orleans for little cost. When riders board these historic vehicles they are boarding a piece of movable New Orleans history. The RTA operates three streetcar lines: the famous, historic St. Charles line, the Canal Street line, and the Riverfront line. All lines either run along or intersect with Canal Street in the area between the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) connecting Uptown/Garden District, Carrollton, Mid-City, City Park and the Marigny. The RTA is currently adding more Streetcar lines.
Reviewed By Jin6x - UK
We took the 47 from Canal Street to City Park, took a long wait for it to appear. On our return it took a longer wait (about 20 mins) for it to come but being tourists, we have time on our hands. And it cost only $1.25, but have the exact change!
5. French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, a must-see for its high energy, rich history, diverse architecture, music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, lively nightlife and the finest art galleries and restaurants in the city.
Reviewed By Ericka R
If you're looking for romance do not come here. It's definitely more for a party type mentality. I'd say the best place to go actually. I could easily see a girls, guys trip, bachlorette, bachelor party going down here.
Royal street is a more chill version of bourbon street. Musical acts playing on both streets. Predominately well.
There are many smells going on here. Lots of pee and homeless people. A bit pushy and assuming of you giving them something. I don't know if you should trust to do so
There are hidden gems of shops here and there. Don't take the fronts of buildings at face value because some are absolute treasures once inside.
All patrons in the establishments were nice and cordial in a real way not a "I'm required to do this because I'm working here".
Do not, I repeat do not wear sandals or open toe shoes of any sort walking around here. I wore Chuck's and the side holes must have allowed unseen dirt to get in. I took my shoes off when we got back to the hotel and my foot was completely black in the places where the holes were. How did that happen?!
Lots of walking to be done here so wear comfortable shoes.
6. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ideal21 - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
I stopped here on the way to my hotel and it is definitely something to see. There was plenty of free parking along the roadways. The sculptures are nicely spread out through the park. I'm glad I stopped here, there are plenty of interesting sculptures to suit all tastes. Lots of nice photos and very peaceful to walk around. I'd recommend this if you are in the New Orleans area. It's definitely a beautiful park to walk around with lots of benches to sit and enjoy the area. My husband hates all this artsy stuff and he enjoyed it, if that means anything! lol
7. Immaculate Conception Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By WarEagleCharlotte - Charlotte, NC
We attended a wedding at this spectacular church and it is a beautiful church. We have also attended Mass here on other trips and would highly recommend that. This is worth a visit just to see the spectacular church.
8. NOLA Tropical Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
NOLA Tropical Winery offers a wide variety of tropical fruit wines, fruit infused wines and wine smoothies. We offer complimentary tasting of all our wines. Mention you saw us on TripAdvisor and receive 1/2 off a paid wine tasting (a value of $6.50).
Reviewed By FeatherTrue - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Slipped in for a quick tasting during my recent trip to New Orleans, and boy, was it worth it! I had checked out their selection of fruit wines online prior so I was fairly certain I knew which two bottles would be coming home with...MoreThanks a lot! We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again!
9. Old River Road Plantation Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Take a exciting narrated journey through swamps and wetlands to a magical place where time has stood still, the Old River Road. Tour majestic Oak Alley Plantation's antebellum mansion and charming Laura plantation or historic Evergreen and view her 22 slave cabins. Haunted Manchac Swamp and a Cajun lunch are also available as a combo with the plantations. Named New Orleans Best Swamp Plantation combination with lunch. Antebellum mansion tours at their finest by Old River Road Plantation Adventure.
Reviewed By booksboop - Indianapolis, Indiana
Highly recommend this tour. Being able to tour two plantations of different styles was interesting & informative. Trip from New Orleans took about an hour on a comfortable coach, and tour guide filled the outbound leg with interesting New Orleans info. On the return trip, he left us to enjoy the scenery, which was different from the outbound route. Enough free time was allowed to make for an enjoyable 6-hour excursion.
10. Jamie Hayes Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 598 reviews
Jamie Hayes has had a gallery in the French Quarter for nearly 20 years. Jamie has a very unique and recognizable style that is whimsical and colorful. In addition to selling originals and prints, we also sell Jamie's designs on T-Shirts, tote bags, and aprons; all of which we print ourselves in New Orleans. We also carry a line of dolls that Jamie designs which are extremely popular.
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
If you don't know Jamie Hayes and his work, you need to! His studio is is a great shop on Charles St. and you can spend an hour easily just choosing your favorite piece. It's really cool because most, if not all, of his work is available in print making it affordable to have a piece of his talent at home. Jamie's work is fun and creative and colorful...it's art! A lot is musical themed and he does this trademark wide smile on pieces that's a piano. With a gold tooth!!!
My favorite is the bluesman. Being a huge blues music fan I couldn't not own it. Wish I could afford an original but I love my embellished print and Jamie signed it for me while I was there. Yup, he even hangs out in the shop/studio. You need to put this on your to do list as you wander around the quarter.
TAGS
