13 Best Things to Do and See in New Orleans
Exploring New Orleans on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in New Orleans, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in New Orleans. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is one of the major history museums dedicated to the Second World War in the United States. It features immersive exhibits on the conflict, its major phases, and its impact on both soldiers and civilians. The visit brings together period artifacts, documents, testimonies, vehicles, and audiovisual presentations that bring this era to life. It is a must-see place to better understand the global scale of the war and its lasting consequences.
2. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is one of the most iconic places in New Orleans’ French Quarter. This historic park, surrounded by old buildings and lively cafés, offers a pleasant setting for a stroll in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy a wide tree-lined esplanade, street performers, musicians, and sometimes painters set up along the walkways. Altogether, it gives a vivid glimpse of the Creole charm and the city’s unique cultural atmosphere in New Orleans, blending heritage, relaxation, and urban activity.
3. City Park
City Park is one of the great green spaces in New Orleans, a city park loved for its shaded paths, wide lawns and peaceful natural corners. Visitors can enjoy pleasant trails for walking or cycling, playgrounds, waterways and typical Southern vegetation, making it an ideal place to relax with family or take a break away from the bustle of the city. Depending on the area, the park also offers viewpoints, gardens and leisure facilities open to everyone.
4. Aquarium of the Americas
The Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans is a large aquarium dedicated to aquatic life from the Americas and other parts of the world. Visitors can discover a wide variety of marine and freshwater species, displayed in immersive tanks and viewing areas designed for the whole family. The attraction showcases tropical fish, rays, sharks, jellyfish, and other fascinating animals, while also offering an educational look at marine ecosystems, conservation, and the protection of aquatic wildlife.
5. French Market
French Market in New Orleans is a place where commerce, strolling, and local atmosphere come together. Near the Mississippi, you’ll find stalls, shops, and market spaces that bring the French Quarter to life. It appeals both for its everyday activity and for its role in the city’s identity. The site reflects a blend of influences, with a strong presence of goods, objects, and services for visitors and locals alike.
6. Riverwalk Outlets
Set on the Mississippi riverfront, Riverwalk Outlets is a lively shopping center in New Orleans with brand-name stores, fashion shops, and variety retail in a convenient setting. It also features a food court for a quick bite, a break between purchases, or a drink. Its central location makes it a favorite with both visitors and locals, ideal for shopping, relaxing, and strolling through the city’s urban waterfront atmosphere.
7. Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo is a large urban zoo in New Orleans, set in the leafy grounds of Audubon Park in Uptown. Discover animals from several continents in themed habitats, plus exhibits focused on Louisiana wildlife and southern wetlands. The route highlights iconic species, from birds to big cats, in a beautifully landscaped setting.
8. Museum of Death New Orleans
The Museum of Death in New Orleans is an unusual museum dedicated to the many facets of death, from history and popular culture to macabre curiosities. Visitors can discover a collection of objects, documents, and displays linked to funeral rites, criminal cases, and the imagination of the morbid. The experience is aimed at visitors looking for something original, both unsettling and fascinating, that explores a universal theme from a rare museum perspective. The tour focuses above all on the diversity of ways people view death.
9. Louis Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park, in New Orleans, is a pleasant urban green space where people come to stroll, relax, and enjoy a peaceful setting in the heart of the city. It features shaded paths, lawns, mature trees, and areas perfect for unwinding or taking a quiet walk. Its central location also makes it a popular place to take a break during a walking tour. The park offers a simple, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for discovering a calmer side of New Orleans.
10. Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World reveals the behind-the-scenes world of New Orleans Carnival. Explore workshops, spectacular artworks, and float elements that bring Mardi Gras to life.
11. Museum of Art of New Orleans
The New Orleans Museum of Art is one of the city’s major cultural attractions, where visitors can discover a wide-ranging collection spanning European and American fine art, contemporary works, and pieces related to African and Asian art, as well as decorative objects. It also features temporary exhibitions that regularly refresh the visitor experience. Set in a pleasant location within City Park, the museum offers a peaceful and inspiring visit, ideal for art lovers as well as curious travelers looking to explore New Orleans’ rich artistic landscape.
12. Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is an iconic jazz club in New Orleans, offering an intimate and authentic atmosphere centered on live music. This renowned venue hosts traditional jazz concerts in a simple, warm setting that highlights listening and close contact with the musicians. Visitors come here to feel the energy of local jazz, often played acoustically, and to enjoy a cultural experience typical of the French Quarter. It is a must-see stop for music lovers and travelers looking for the city’s true musical spirit.
13. Canal Place
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Canal Place is an elegant shopping center with fashion boutiques, luxury brands and easy places to stop between sightseeing visits. It also offers restaurants and practical indoor spaces for a relaxed break in a modern, lively setting. Its Canal Street location makes it a pleasant stop for exploring the downtown area while enjoying a bit of shopping. It is a popular pause for combining shopping, dining and urban atmosphere.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
