20 Best Attractions In New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana - the city of music, history, and the most delicious food; everything you'd want in a place to visit and more. Every single street in this crazy town has its own little something that sets it apart from the others; from the excitement of lively festivals and the grandeur of old buildings to the peacefulness of beautiful parks. With so much going on here at any time of day, boredom is never an option.

In this guide, we're going to give you the lowdown on the 20 best attractions in New Orleans. Whether you're a first timer looking for a little inspiration or a regular who's just as keen to keep coming back for more, these amazing spots will help you tap into the city's infectious charm and make memories that'll last a lifetime.

Bourbon Street is a real gem in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It's some 13 blocks long, and you'll find live music, restaurants, bars, and loads of interesting shops. And then there's the architecture; many of the old buildings still have those beautiful iron balconies. Oh, and the street performers - they're on hand to play music and entertain the visiting crowds. It's a real buzz here during the day and even more so at night.

Address:

Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

Mardi Gras is without question the biggest and most famous festival in New Orleans. And the way it all unfolds is just magic; during the parades, people stand on balconies above Bourbon Street, throwing all those gorgeous colourful beaded necklaces down to the crowds below. Loads of visitors even rent those balcony tickets to be part of the fun. The floats are just as impressive as you'd think - big and flashy. Marching bands perform along the route, and it's such a lively and infectious atmosphere.

Address:

Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

Jackson Square is a real treat in the French Quarter; local musicians put on their own concerts here every single day. You can sit and listen to jazz, blues, and all sorts of other genres. Musicians aren't the only ones on show, though - many artists sell paintings around the square. As it happens, Jackson Square was named after President Andrew Jackson, and there's even a statue of him in the middle. And as you expect given the location, Saint Louis Cathedral is just next door. Watching live music here is completely free.

Address:

751 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

The New Orleans Museum of Art is nestled inside City Park, and it's been running since 1911. They've got more than 50,000 works of art on show, so there's loads to see. Visitors can check out all the paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which is right next door, is also worth a visit as it's got loads of outdoor sculptures on show. Various special exhibitions are held throughout the year too. And with all that, the museum is one of the largest art museums in the whole of the Gulf South.

Address:

One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, LA 70124

The French Market is located in the French Quarter, and it's been open for business since the late 1700s. You can buy all sorts of things here: food, souvenirs, clothing, local crafts - even spices and hot sauces. And there are loads of small cafés too selling all sorts of tasty New Orleans dishes. It covers a fair chunk of ground too, so you won't be stuck for choice. Oh, and - good news - it's open every single day. It's one of the oldest public markets in the entire US.

Address:

700-1010 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Saint Louis Cathedral is a really pretty spot sitting right next to Jackson Square. It's the oldest active Roman Catholic cathedral you'll find in the whole of the US, and its history goes way back. The church itself is quite something to behold - it's got those 3 tall spires. Visitors can go inside and check out the stained glass windows and all the historic decorations.

Address:

615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116-3291

Brennan's is right in the middle of the French Quarter; a real New Orleans institution. Bananas Foster was born there in 1951, and this place is still the place to get it. The classic dessert is made up of caramelized bananas, butter, brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a splash of rum, and a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. The finishing touch is a little showmanship - they flambé the sauce right at your table and serve it up. For a whole lot of visitors, Brennan's is the place to come and get a taste of this legendary dessert - and it's no wonder Bananas Foster is one of the city's most famous culinary claims to fame.

Address:

417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Storyville Museum gives you a real glimpse into the neighborhood’s past. Open for a little over 20 years (1897 to 1917), Storyville was a place of vice and virtue - and the museum does a great job of bringing the whole thing to life through old photos, documents, and displays.

You can get a real sense of the story of the area, and some of the interactive exhibits do a great job of breaking down key events and explaining how they all fit together. By the time you leave the Storyville Museum, you'll have a real sense of just how this place influenced New Orleans as a whole - and it's a great spot to get a crash course in the city's local history.

Address:

1010 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

The Garden District is a real showstopper when it comes to historic homes. This beautiful neighborhood was built a couple of centuries ago; the 1800s to be exact. You'll find all sorts of stunning architectural styles on display: Greek Revival and Victorian. But what really makes it stand out is the scenery: wide streets lined with towering oak trees that give the whole place a rather magical feel. And the good news is that Magazine Street runs right alongside, with shops and restaurants for you to explore.

Address:

Garden District, New Orleans, LA

Frenchmen Street is one of those streets that's famous for live music, and for good reason: it's got a vibe that's hard to beat. It's just a stone's throw from the French Quarter, so you can easily pop over there after a night out on the town. Most nights, you'll find a bunch of clubs showcasing some of the city's best - think jazz, blues, funk, and some awesome brass bands. Locals love to put on a show every night, so it's a great place to soak up some of that iconic New Orleans music culture. The street itself is pretty lively too, lined up as it is with restaurants, bars, and a mighty fine art market that open every evening.

Address:

Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the heart of the French Quarter, and it's been around since 1950 in the old pharmacy of Louis J. Dufilho Jr., who was actually America's first licensed pharmacist. If you wander inside, you can look at old medications and the tools they used back in the day. The exhibits do a pretty good job of walking you through how medicine was handled back in the 1800s. There's a bunch of historic bottles and equipment to check out.

Address:

514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Faulkner House Books is situated on Pirate's Alley in the French Quarter. You might know that at one point or another this was the home of author William Faulkner back in the 1920s. Today the shop sells brand new, gently used, and even rare books, and they specifically focus on New Orleans and the South. You can also pick up some of Faulkner's own works. As a result, history buffs and bookworms alike make a point to stop by.

Address:

624 Pirate's Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is down at the Old U.S. Mint, and that's exactly what this place is all about - jazz. You'll get to see all sorts of jazz instruments, photographs, and some pretty old recordings. Some exhibits show off the lives and work of some of New Orleans' most famous jazz musicians, and they even host live performances throughout the year. Interactive displays bring the development of jazz to life. And as a bonus, the museum is right on the Mississippi River.

Address:

400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116

Congo Square is actually located inside Louis Armstrong Park, and back in the 1700s and 1800s it was a pretty key spot for enslaved Africans to get together on Sundays. They'd play their music, dance, and sell all sorts of handmade goods. It was a real hub for African culture in New Orleans, and today visitors can see all sorts of monuments and historical markers. And, yes, they still have music performances and cultural events going on in the square - which is a big deal. Congo Square is a super important piece of history here in the city.

Address:

701 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Louis Armstrong Park is a big deal in this city; it covers around 32 acres right near the French Quarter. It's named after the famous Louis Armstrong, and it's got all the fixings: walking paths, ponds, bridges, and plenty of green spaces to hang out in. And as a bonus, Congo Square is inside the park. You'll see some really beautiful sculptures and memorials scattered around. The park hosts all sorts of festivals and events on a regular basis, and the best part is it's free to get in.

Address:

701 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

The Audubon Aquarium is sitting pretty right on the banks of the legendary Mississippi River. They've got all sorts of incredible sea creatures on display: sharks, sea turtles, stingrays - and some seriously cool land animals like penguins and tropical fish. Head a bit further up town to the Audubon Zoo, where you'll find an array of animals including elephants, giraffes, lions, and many more. Both of these amazing attractions are run by Audubon Nature Institute, so you can bet on top-notch facilities.

Address:

Audubon Aquarium: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Audubon Zoo: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum opened its doors back in 1972 in the heart of the French Quarter. It's a great place to get up close and personal with the fascinating world of Louisiana Voodoo. You can expect to see all sorts of interesting artifacts, statues, photos, and cultural exhibits that really bring the history of the city's Voodoo traditions to life. The museum itself is small but easy to navigate, so you can take your time and soak up all the info on offer - and who knows, you might just learn something new about one of New Orleans' truly unique cultural traditions.

Address:

724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

That's J A M N O L A for Joy, Art, and Music – New Orleans. It's an interactive art experience that lets you get lost in some of the city's most vibrant culture. You get to wander through some truly colorful rooms created by local artists - each one is a real treat that showcases the very best of New Orleans music, food, and fun. There's loads of space to get your camera out and snap some amazing photos too. Don't worry about tickets - you can get them online before your visit. JAMNOLA launched back in 2020.

Address:

940 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

This stunning old house in the French Quarter has got more than a few stories to tell. The original building dates back to 1826, and two very interesting characters - General P. G. T. Beauregard and author Frances Parkinson Keyes - both lived here at some point. You can take a tour of the place and see just how the people who lived here back in the day lived. The museum has loads of great antiques, furniture, and personal items on display, as well as giving you the lowdown on the history of the house.

Address:

1113 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

The Steamboat Natchez travels along the mighty Mississippi River, and it's one of the last remaining authentic steamboats in the country. Take a trip on this iconic boat either during the day or in the evening - both give a totally different feel to the experience. On most trips you'll get to enjoy some live jazz music, and if that's not enough, some cruises even serve up a meal while you sail. One of the coolest things about this boat is the working steam engine that you can actually see in action - you might even see it traveling away when you board.

Address:

400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

In a nutshell, you can easily explore some of the best old neighborhoods, visit unique museums, and even taste local food in New Orleans. These places to visit in New Orleans are perfect for learning about the city's history, culture, and traditions. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a month, these attractions will surely help you experience the best of New Orleans.

Stay at Creole Cottage Uptown for a comfortable New Orleans getaway with free Wi-Fi, shared guest spaces, and convenient access to Magazine Street and nearby Uptown attractions. Check availability and plan a stay at Creole Cottage Uptown today.