🌍 New Orleans Attractions – the Top 10 Must See
(With Bonus Hidden Gems!)
Welcome to New Orleans — a city like no other. Known for its vibrant street life, Creole cuisine, soulful jazz, and deep history, the Crescent City is a feast for the senses. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, New Orleans will surprise and enchant you in unexpected ways. This curated guide highlights the top 10 must-see attractions in New Orleans, plus a few extras locals love to keep to themselves.
1. The French Quarter
No list of New Orleans attractions could start anywhere else. The French Quarter is the city’s historic heart — a maze of cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and street music that feels like a movie come to life.
What to do: Wander Royal Street for art galleries and boutiques, grab a drink on Bourbon Street, and visit Jackson Square for people-watching and performances.
Local Tip: Get up early and walk the Quarter before 9 a.m. You’ll have the dreamy streets practically to yourself.
2. Jackson Square
Set in front of the grand St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square is where artists line the wrought-iron fences, street performers entertain crowds, and the smell of beignets drifts over from nearby Café du Monde.
Fun Fact: This square was originally the site of public executions during colonial times — though today it’s one of the most photographed places in the city.
Don’t Miss: A horse-drawn carriage ride that loops around the French Quarter.
3. Garden District
Trade the French Quarter’s grit for the grandeur of the Garden District. This area is known for its opulent 19th-century mansions, dramatic live oaks, and hidden gardens.
Best Route: Ride the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, then walk past landmarks like the Buckner Mansion and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (currently closed but still viewable).
Film Buffs: Many scenes from American Horror Story and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button were shot here.
4. Frenchmen Street
Looking for authentic New Orleans music without the Bourbon Street crowds? Frenchmen is where locals go. It’s just a short walk from the French Quarter and packed with live music every night of the week.
Top Spots: The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Maison are crowd-pleasers. Don’t miss the nightly art market tucked in between bars.
Local Tip: Go on a weekday night — it’s just as lively, with fewer tourists.
5. Café du Monde
Yes, it’s on every tourist’s list — and yes, it’s totally worth it. Founded in 1862, Café du Monde serves up powdered-sugar-covered beignets and café au lait 24 hours a day (closed only on Christmas and during hurricanes).
Pro Tip: Bring cash, and prepare for a short wait. The Riverside location offers a great people-watching vantage point.
Alternate Option: Morning Call in City Park for a more low-key experience.
6. City Park
City Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and includes 1,300 acres of trees, trails, and tranquility — all just 15 minutes from the French Quarter.
Highlights: The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and paddleboats on Big Lake.
Hidden Gem: Stop by the Couturie Forest, a peaceful nature trail with the highest point in the city.
7. The National WWII Museum
Often rated one of the top museums in the country, the National WWII Museum is a must even for those who aren’t history buffs. It’s immersive, emotional, and expertly curated.
Don’t Miss: The 4D “Beyond All Boundaries” film narrated by Tom Hanks.
Local Tip: You can easily spend 4–5 hours here. Get tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
8. Preservation Hall
No-frills, no microphones — just pure, traditional jazz in a room that’s barely changed in 60 years. Preservation Hall is a tiny venue with a giant legacy.
Important: It’s standing room only, unless you spring for “Big Shot” reserved seats.
Buy Early: Tickets often sell out. Book online, especially during festival season.
9. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries, thanks to the city’s high water table. The most famous of them, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, is home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and countless legends.
Required: You’ll need a guided tour to enter. That keeps the experience respectful and allows you to understand the stories behind the stones.
Nearby Alternative: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (viewable from the street) or Metairie Cemetery for elaborate tombs.
10. Steamboat Natchez
Board the Steamboat Natchez and cruise the mighty Mississippi with jazz music, Creole cuisine, and a view of the city skyline from the water.
Options: Choose from a daytime cruise or a romantic evening jazz cruise.
Fun Fact: It’s one of the last authentic steam-powered paddlewheelers in the U.S.
🎁 BONUS: Hidden Gems Locals Love
✨ Algiers Point
Take the ferry across the river for stunning skyline views and a peaceful neighborhood full of shotgun houses and secret cafés.
✨ Magazine Street
A six-mile stretch of shops, restaurants, and art galleries with a local vibe. Less touristy than the French Quarter but just as charming.
✨ Backstreet Cultural Museum
Located in Tremé, this small museum is packed with Mardi Gras Indian suits, second line footage, and history you won’t find anywhere else.
🧳 FAQ – Visiting New Orleans for the First Time
What’s the #1 must-see attraction in New Orleans?
Most visitors agree it’s the French Quarter, but the National WWII Museum and Garden District are close contenders.
Are these attractions free?
Many are! Jackson Square, Garden District, and Frenchmen Street cost nothing to enjoy. Others like the museum and steamboat have admission fees.
Best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer great weather and festivals. Summer is hot and humid, but quieter and cheaper.
📍 Planning Your Trip?
Want to see these attractions through the eyes of a local?
Grab Your Own Personal New Orleans Tour — a guide that goes deeper, shares local secrets, and helps you create an unforgettable experience.
