Things to do in New Orleans

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in New Orleans

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Things to Do in New Orleans

Here, French architecture, Creole food, and jazz music come alive—and not just during Mardi Gras. You can get a guide for it all: from ghost tours to beignet tastings.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at New Orleans.


Top Attractions in New Orleans

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Ashley
    San Francisco, CA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum, and a must see while visiting New Orleans. There is so much to see here so it was very overwhelming and there is no way you would be able to see everything in one day. The restaurant was great also, the only negative thing was that it was very hard to navigate. It wasn't clear which direction you should go next and I missed some sections of the museum because of this.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisa C
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved staying in the French Quarter. Everything was so convenient. Great shopping and great food. Plus the trolley was right across the street to go down to canal street.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather
    Las Vegas, NV578 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jackson Square is a vibrant area with street performers and artists all displaying their talents (or lack there of) lol. At night the lamps and fog give spooky Anne Rice vibes. It's surrounded by restaurants and within walking distance to most everything in the French Quarter.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kim P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hannah was amazing
    Food excellent
    atmosphere great
    Music was wonderful
    Must place to go too won't be disappointed NOLA
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chattygirl7491
    Franklin Ohio10,195 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    love strolling around these beautiful homes and mansions. gorgeous landscaping. ironwork lots of history. A tour would have been interesting, but you have to plan ahead and we didn't know what our schedule or the weather would be.

    We just parked and walked around for a little .. nice to get out of the noise and pot of Nola for a bit.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • redcanvas
    Dryden, Canada95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great spot to sit and listen to musics of street performers around the square. Benches and manicured grounds. Read the signs…Google the history! Several cafes, restaurants and shops nearby.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff M
    Burlington, Canada38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an unplanned morning during our trip to N.O. so we decided to take the street car up to the park. Our main goal was to have coffee and beignets at the Cafe Du Monde in the park instead of fighting the crowds at the main location. That plan worked out well as there were only a couple people in line in front of us when we arrived around 9am. It did fill in but nowhere close to what it was like at the main location.

    After our breakfast we strolled around the immediate area. We only explored the areas in the south end of the park but there was lots to see. There are some beautiful bridges over the water and the McDonogh Oak was close by (over 800 years old).

    The real surprise was the free Sculpture Garden. The gates opened at 10am and there is a LOT of sculptures to look at in an extremely well manicured grounds. Well worth your time.

    After the sculpture garden we walked west through the park, took a nice swing on one of the many bench swings, then headed out of the park to visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and some of the nearby cemeteries.

    You could easily spend a full day in the park. We barely scratched the surface. Take the 48 street car (Green route) to the Museum of Art stop (it's the last stop on the route) and it is a short walk to Cafe Du Monde or the Sculpture Garden. If you find yourself at the west end of the park it is only a short walk to the 47 street car (red route) Cemeteries Transit Terminal, which will take you back down Canal to the French Quarter area.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather
    Las Vegas, NV578 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing! Just amazing. At first I was annoyed that you couldn't take pictures or videos of the performers, but as they started playing I didn't care anymore, I was just enjoying the music, which I guess is the point really. You can meet the performers after the show if you want, and they are not pushy about tips like some people have said. I wish it lasted longer than 45 minutes!
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Teresa S
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth it! Be sure to get Zelda as your guide as she makes the tour both fun and interesting. She is a wonderful tour guide.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert L
    Amherst, MA1,612 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting insight into the creation of floats ....not only in the Mardi Gras parage, but statues made for movies and props.
    Nice demo on Styrofoam carving, creation, and most recently, the robotics.
    Recommended. Take a taxi even though its near Canal St near the river.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DutchLace
    Holland, MI753 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed walking through the area. Marveling at the architecture and history. Not as dirty or run down like we expected. Music from artists too.
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Byron B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monique, Jade, and Alaina made me, a non local, feel welcome and valued. They made sure that I was well taken care of. I would come back again just to say hello. Wife is doing much better.
    Written 29 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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