New Orleans: 50+ Fun Things To Do

As you set your sights on New Orleans, you’re choosing to embark on an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to trace the city’s European and African roots, a music lover looking to immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz, or a foodie ready to savor the unique fusion of Creole and Cajun cuisines, New Orleans offers a smorgasbord of memorable moments. This guide to the top 60 attractions in the city is your passport to an unforgettable voyage into the heart and soul of the Big Easy, ensuring you make the most of every moment in this remarkable city. So pack your bags, get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler, and step into a world that dances joyfully to its own lively beat.

1. Explore the French Quarter  The heart and soul of the city, the French Quarter, is a must-visit for anyone exploring New Orleans. With its lively atmosphere, historic architecture, boutiques, restaurants, and bars, there’s always something happening in this district. 
2. Take a Steamboat Cruise  Board a classic paddlewheel steamboat for a memorable cruise down the mighty Mississippi. The Steamboat Natchez and Creole Queen offer dinner jazz cruises that combine enchanting city views, local cuisine, and live music.  
3. Immerse Yourself in Jazz  Jazz is intrinsic to New Orleans culture. Visit Preservation Hall, a historic music venue, or check out the live music scene at the iconic Frenchmen Street.  
4. Visit the National WWII Museum  Considered one of the best museums in the world, the National WWII Museum offers an in-depth look at the global conflict that changed the world. 
5. Stroll in the Garden District  Marvel at the antebellum mansions, pristine gardens, and oak-lined avenues of the Garden District, one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods.  
6. Explore the City’s Culinary Scene  From Creole to Cajun, and from beignets to Po-Boys, New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise. Check out famous spots like Café du Monde, Commander’s Palace, and Emeril’s. 
7. Visit the Historic Cemeteries  Known as the “Cities of the Dead,” New Orleans’ historic cemeteries with above-ground tombs are worth visiting. The most famous is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the final resting place of voodoo queen Marie Laveau.  
8. Attend the Mardi Gras Festival  If you’re in town during February or March, don’t miss Mardi Gras, a world-renowned festival featuring parades, music, costumes, and, of course, beads.  
9. Tour the Swamp  Experience the wild side of Louisiana by taking a swamp tour. Encounter wildlife such as alligators, herons, and possibly even wild pigs.  
10. Enjoy the City Park  City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the U.S., is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, botanical gardens, a picturesque lagoon, and much more.  
11. Explore the Audubon Zoo  Visit the Audubon Zoo for a fun-filled day amongst some of the world’s most exotic animals, including white tigers, orangutans, and Louisiana swamp creatures.  
12. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)  Admire French and American art, photography, and glass at NOMA, and don’t forget to explore the surrounding Besthoff Sculpture Garden.  
13. Attend a Saints Game  Feel the city’s energy at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as you cheer on the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.  
14. Discover the Southern Food and Beverage Museum  Learn about the food and drink culture of the Southern states, including the history of iconic Southern companies and an exhibit dedicated to absinthe.  
15. Tour the Old Ursuline Convent Museum  The oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, this museum offers an intriguing glimpse into early New Orleans history.  
16. Visit the Contemporary Arts Center  Find compelling multimedia exhibits by local, national, and international artists at the Contemporary Arts Center.  
17. Explore the Backstreet Cultural Museum these offbeat museum houses collections of Mardi Gras Indian costumes, second-line parade memorabilia, and more.  
18. Go Antique Shopping on Magazine Street  Spend a leisurely afternoon perusing the unique stores and antique shops on Magazine Street.  
19. Discover the Pharmacy Museum  Housed in the site of America’s first licensed pharmacy, this museum offers an interesting look at the history of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. 
20. Take a Ghost Tour  Explore the city’s eerie past with a ghost tour, featuring famous haunted spots and legendary local folklore.  
21. Experience The Jazz & Heritage Festival  Join the fun at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, one of the premier music events in the world. Enjoy performances from globally recognized artists and local talents.  
22. Ride the Streetcars  Experience the charm of the city by hopping on one of its historic streetcars, like St. Charles Line or the Canal Street Line.  
23. Enjoy a Jazz Brunch  Experience the delightful tradition of a Jazz Brunch, a unique combination of sumptuous Southern food and live jazz music at renowned restaurants like Court of Two Sisters.  
24. Visit The Cabildo  Explore The Cabildo, an important historic building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. It now serves as a museum showcasing the state’s history.  
25. Dive into the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum  For something out of the ordinary, explore the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which provides an introduction to voodoo’s origins and practices.  
26. Visit The Roosevelt New Orleans  Enjoy a cocktail at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a historic hotel with a gorgeous lobby and the famous Sazerac Bar.  
27. Discover New Orleans African American Museum  Dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the African American cultural heritage of New Orleans, this museum is a treasure trove of historical information.  
28. Visit St. Louis Cathedral  Tour the St. Louis Cathedral, one of New Orleans’ most notable landmarks. Situated in Jackson Square, it’s the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.  
29. Browse the French Market  Visit the French Market, the oldest public market in the country, for food, shopping, and live music.  
30. Visit the Mardi Gras World  Get a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind the Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World, where you can see the hard work that goes into the famous parade. 
31. Visit Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World  Get a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s famous Mardi Gras parades at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Here, you can see how the spectacular floats are made and even try on traditional Mardi Gras costumes.  
32. Walk Along The Mississippi Riverfront  Stroll along the beautiful Mississippi Riverfront, where you can enjoy a picnic, take in the riverside views, or simply watch the boats go by.  
33. Explore the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium  Visit North America’s largest museum devoted to insects and their relatives at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. You’ll be fascinated by the rich diversity of the insect world, including a beautiful butterfly garden. 
34. Try Your Luck at Harrah’s Casino  For the adults in your party, consider a visit to Harrah’s Casino. Try your luck at the slots, enjoy the atmosphere, or dine in one of their excellent restaurants. 
35. Wander Through the Arts/Warehouse District  Explore the Arts/Warehouse District, home to a collection of art galleries, museums, and fantastic restaurants in converted warehouses.  
36. Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art  Discover the visual arts, culture, and heritage of the American South at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.  
37. Attend a Cooking Class  Learn how to cook classic Creole and Cajun dishes at a New Orleans cooking class. Establishments like the New Orleans School of Cooking offers engaging, hands-on lessons.  
38. Go Antique Shopping on Royal Street  For antique lovers, Royal Street offers a variety of high-end antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques.  
39. Listen to Music at the Rock ‘n’ Bowl  Enjoy a night of bowling while listening to some of New Orleans’ best live music at the Rock ‘n’ Bowl.  
40. Discover the Chalmette Battlefield  History buffs can take a short trip out of the city to visit the Chalmette Battlefield, the site of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.  
41. Explore the Bywater Neighborhood  Take a stroll through the Bywater Neighborhood, known for its vibrant street murals, quirky boutiques, and delicious eateries. The neighborhood’s colorful shotgun houses are a true spectacle!  
42. Attend a Show at Tipitina’s  Get a taste of the city’s famed music scene at Tipitina’s, a legendary music venue that has hosted the likes of Dr. John, Professor Longhair, and the Neville Brothers.  
43. Visit the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum  Explore one of the largest collections of Confederate memorabilia in the United States at the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum. 
44. Explore the New Orleans Botanical Garden  Immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Orleans Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plant species, a sculpture garden, and an antique train. 
45. Visit the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden  Experience outdoor art in the beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art, which features over 60 sculptures dispersed among the live oaks, pines, and magnolias.  
46. Enjoy Music at the House of Blues  Check out the local music scene or catch a big-name artist at the House of Blues, a world-renowned chain of live music venues. 
47. Go on a Riverboat Cruise  Experience a traditional paddlewheel riverboat for a romantic evening or a historical tour of the mighty Mississippi River.  
48. Discover the Children’s Museum  Bring the little ones to the Louisiana Children’s Museum for a fun, educational adventure featuring interactive exhibits about arts, culture, and the environment.  
49. Visit the Audubon Nature Institute  This unique attraction is home to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium, and IMAX theatre. It’s a great place for families and nature lovers.  
50. Wander Through Jackson Square  Wander through Jackson Square, the city’s historic park. Admire the surrounding architecture, listen to street musicians, or get your portrait drawn by the local artists who frequent the square.  
51. Dine at the Famous Commander’s Palace  Treat yourself to an upscale dining experience at the famous Commander’s Palace. Known for its Creole cuisine and attentive service, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts. 
52. Tour the Abita Brewing Company  Take a tour of the Abita Brewing Company located just north of New Orleans. It’s one of the largest and oldest craft breweries in the southeast and is known for its range of delicious brews.  
53. Discover Longue Vue House and Gardens  Step back in time and explore the Longue Vue House and Gardens. This historical mansion and its surrounding gardens offer an impressive insight into New Orleans’ past.  
54. Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum  The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a fantastic place for families, with interactive exhibits that both educate and entertain.  
55. Attend a Performance at the Saenger Theatre  Watch a play, musical, or concert at the beautiful and historic Saenger Theatre, an atmospheric theater dating back to 1927.  
56. Visit Crescent Park  Take a leisurely stroll, picnic, or bike ride in Crescent Park, a beautifully landscaped, 1.4-mile urban park that offers stunning views of the city skyline.  
57. Discover the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve  Explore the natural and cultural history of Louisiana at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, which includes a visitor center detailing the history of the Battle of New Orleans.  
58. Shop at the Historic French Market  Browse the goods at the historic French Market, where you can buy everything from local produce to unique souvenirs. The market also hosts regular festivals and events.  
59. Visit the Garden District  Explore the Garden District, known for its well-preserved antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and Southern charm. It’s a delightful neighborhood for a self-guided walking tour. 
60. Enjoy a Revolving View at the Carousel Bar  Visit the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone, a unique, rotating bar with a fairground carousel theme. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail while slowly spinning and taking in the view.