If you're planning a trip to New Orleans, you'll want to know about the best places to visit during your time in town. Whether you're looking for a little history, good food or some excitement, these are the best spots to visit during your stay!
New Orleans is a vibrant and storied city with lots to offer. From its unique dialects to the infamous celebration of Mardi Gras, there's no shortage of things to do here.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is New Orleans’ most famous and historic neighborhood, crammed with fascinating historic sights, lively businesses and bustling events. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this vibrant city, whether they are a local or a tourist.
The crowded streets of Bourbon Street offer jazz clubs and raucous bars, while quieter streets lead to the French Market with gourmet food and local crafts. Jackson Square is also well worth a look for its soaring St. Louis Cathedral, which is home to Rococo altars and many stained glass windows crafted in stunning detail.
The French Quarter is known for its charming European architecture and amazing cuisine. Explore the streets with a tour guide to get all the details on this famous neighborhood.
The Garden District
One of New Orleans' most charming and historic neighborhoods, the Garden District is known for its awe-inspiring historic mansions. These homes date back to the 1800s and are chock-full of classic New Orleans architecture like Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Eastlake, Gothic Revival and Victorian.
A neighborhood beloved by locals and tourists alike, the Garden District is a must-visit when in New Orleans. It's also home to a number of top-rated restaurants and popular shopping streets.
The awe-inspiring buildings of the Garden District aren't just impressive on the outside; they're also beautifully lit up by the many gaslights that can be found throughout the neighborhood. You'll want to keep an eye out for these gorgeous lights on your walk around the neighborhood!
Audubon Park
Located Uptown, Audubon Park is home to the popular Audubon Zoo and other family-friendly attractions. Its winding trails and exhibits give visitors an up-close view of animals from around the world.
The park is a lovely place to visit on a sunny day, and you can find picnic spots and plenty of fun activities for the kids. A 1.8-mile jogging path is also accessible, and the Golf Club at Audubon Park, set among hundred-year-old oaks, offers a challenging course for golfers.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans' oldest above-ground cemetery is home to the graves of famous people like Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, pirate and architect Barthelemy Lafon, and a tomb that resembles a pyramid. It's a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
As the city grew, St. Louis #1 was constantly threatened by development and floods. Eventually, sand and shells were added to the cemetery as a means of combating the water.
Today, the cemetery is a major tourist attraction thanks to its historic prestige and proximity to the French Quarter. It was restored and reopened to the public during the twentieth century, thanks in large part to the efforts of non-profit organizations like Save Our Cemeteries.
The Superdome
The Superdome is one of the most famous stadiums in the world and is the home to several professional teams. It is also an excellent venue for concerts and other events.
The stadium is a domed stadium with a seating capacity of 76,000 people and an impressive architecture. It has a unique design where every seat is a different color, creating a colorful atmosphere at the stadium.
It is also the home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and hosts many major sporting events like the Allstate Sugar Bowl, New Orleans Bowl, Bayou Classic college football games. The stadium also serves as the perfect venue for trade and consumer shows.
The Whitney Plantation
The Whitney Plantation is a former indigo and sugar plantation on the River Road. It is now dedicated to promoting an understanding of slavery in Louisiana.
Unlike many plantations, Whitney does not profit off of slavery. It focuses on the lives of the slaves and their legacies.
It's a completely different experience than what you usually get on southern plantations. This place flips the script by telling a more realistic, raw and honest story of plantation life than you may have imagined.
