New Orleans Attractions Guide

The Must-See Spots You Can’t Miss

New Orleans isn’t short on things to do—but if you want the best of the best, it helps to know where to focus. From historic landmarks and world-class museums to riverfront views and cultural hotspots, this guide covers the attractions that define the city.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these are the places that make New Orleans unforgettable.

🏛️ The French Quarter

If there’s one place you have to experience, it’s the French Quarter.

This is the oldest part of the city—and the most alive. Music spills into the streets, balconies hang overhead, and every block has a story.

Don’t miss:

  • Jackson Square
  • St. Louis Cathedral
  • Bourbon Street
  • Royal Street
  • French Market

👉 Want the full breakdown? Explore our Things to Do in the French Quarter guide

 

🎷 Frenchmen Street (Live Music Capital)

If you’re looking for authentic New Orleans music, this is where you go.

Less touristy than Bourbon Street and packed with talent, Frenchmen Street delivers live jazz, funk, and brass every night.

What you’ll find:

  • Intimate live music venues
  • Street performers
  • A more local, laid-back vibe

👉 Want a deeper experience? Browse the best options on our New Orleans Tours page.

 

🏛️ The National WWII Museum

Consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the country, the The National WWII Museum is more than just exhibits—it’s an immersive experience.

Expect:

  • Personal stories and artifacts
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Full-scale displays and films

👉 Skip the lines and plan ahead with ticket options on our Tours & Experiences page.

 

🌳 City Park

One of the largest urban parks in the United States, City Park offers a completely different side of the city.

Here you’ll find:

  • Massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss
    – the park has the largest number of old growth live oak trees than anywhere else in the world
  • Walking trails and open green space
  • The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (free)
  • New Orleans Museum of Art
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Children’s Museum
  • Canoes, paddleboats, and venician gondala ride

👉 Looking for more relaxed experiences? Check out our Free Things to Do in New Orleans page.

 

🐘 Audubon Park and Zoo

The Audubon Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the country—and once you walk through it, you’ll understand why.

Set under massive oak trees, the zoo blends natural beauty with thoughtfully designed habitats.

What you’ll find:

  • Elephants, lions, and giraffes
  • The famous Louisiana Swamp Exhibit (a local favorite)
  • Shaded pathways that make it enjoyable even on warmer days

👉 It’s spacious, relaxed, and easy to spend several hours exploring.

👉 Plan your visit and check tickets on the official Audubon Zoo page.

🐠 Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium

Located along the riverfront, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium brings the Gulf of Mexico and beyond to life.

This is one of the most engaging indoor attractions in the city—perfect for families or a break from the heat.

Highlights include:

  • Sharks, rays, and tropical fish
  • Walk-through tunnel experiences
  • Gulf Coast and Mississippi River exhibits
  • Live insect exhibits
  • Interactive displays
  • (For the adventurous) insect tastings

👉 Great for all ages and right near the French Quarter.

👉 Pair this with nearby attractions in our New Orleans Attractions Guide.

 

🐊 Swamp & Bayou Adventures

Just outside the city, a whole different world opens up.

Swamp tours give you a chance to see Louisiana’s wild side—alligators, birds, and the unique beauty of the wetlands.

What to expect:

  • Guided boat tours through cypress swamps
  • Close-up wildlife encounters
  • Local guides with real stories

👉 Explore top-rated options on our New Orleans Tours page.

 

🚢 Mississippi Riverfront & Cruises

The Mississippi River is the reason New Orleans exists—and it’s still one of the best places to slow down and take it all in.

Visit:

  • Woldenberg Park
  • The Moonwalk promenade

Or take it further with:

  • Paddlewheel riverboat cruises
  • Live jazz on the water
  • Dinner cruises at sunset

👉 See available cruise options on our Tours page.

 

🏘️ The Garden District

Elegant, historic, and completely different from the French Quarter, the Garden District is known for its beautiful homes and quiet streets.

Highlights:

  • Antebellum mansions
  • Tree-lined avenues
  • Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

👉 Want the stories behind what you’re seeing? Check out guided experiences on our Tours page.

 

🛍️ The French Market

The French Market is part shopping, part food experience, and part cultural landmark.

Browse:

  • Local crafts and souvenirs
  • Food vendors and snacks
  • Open-air market atmosphere

👉 Pair this with nearby attractions in our French Quarter guide.

 

🎭 St. Charles Avenue Streetcar

Riding the historic St. Charles Streetcar Line is an attraction in itself.

It’s the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world—and one of the best ways to see the city.

What you’ll pass:

  • The Garden District
  • Historic mansions
  • Oak-lined streets
  • Audubon Park
  • Loyola and Tulane Universities

👉 Want to combine this with a guided experience? Explore options on our Tours page.

 

🎯 How to Plan Your Attractions

  • Mix busy areas with slower ones (Quarter + Garden District)
  • Plan 1–2 major attractions per day
  • Leave room for wandering—this city rewards it

💡 Local Tip

Don’t try to do everything.

New Orleans isn’t a checklist city—it’s a feel city.

The best experiences happen when you:

  • Slow down
  • Follow the music
  • Let the day unfold

🎉 Ready to Experience New Orleans?

From historic streets to unforgettable tours, the best attractions in New Orleans aren’t just places—they’re experiences.

👉 Start exploring your options on our New Orleans Tours page and make the most of your visit.