Activities & Things to Do in New Orleans: Tours, Attractions, Dining, Cruises & More
Popular Activities
Steamboat Natchez
Journey back in time to the classic days of steam and paddle boats along the Mississippi River with the Steamboat Natchez cruise. With this fun and exciting cruise, you can enjoy a variety of different options to make this activity perfect for you and your family including a jazz music cruise, lunch cruise, and an evening dinner cruise. Take in the beautiful sights along the river as you enjoy a delicious meal, listen to great live music, and spend time on this historic steamboat cruise.
Double Plantation Tour
Explore the past of the southern life on this Double Plantation Tour to see the deep history of the area. Choose two out of the three plantations to customize your experience and explore the historical sites during your time on this in-depth tour including the Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation, and the Oak Alley Plantation. Take a self-guided tour of the homes, slave cabins, and beautiful grounds as you learn about the rich history at each location of your choice on your next trip to New Orleans.
St Louis Cemetery Walking Tour
Enjoy the haunted history of the city of New Orleans with this walking tour of the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The cemetery opened in 1789 and is known for its unique burial method of the above-ground tombs. Along this tour, you will learn about the many famous and historical people buried at the cemetery including chess player Paul Morphy and the well-known voodoo queen Marie Laveau who lived through the 1800s and holds multiple legends and lores surrounding her.
Hurricane Katrina Bus Tour
With this bus tour of the city, you will be taken to learn about the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and see multiple sites along the way on the path of the hurricane. Head to multiple districts, a lighthouse, and the levee that broke during Hurricane Katrina. Not only will your guide teach you about the bad destruction of Hurricane Katrina, but also the rebuilding efforts to the homes and businesses of the area to show how everyone came together as a community to help one another after this devastating loss to the city. This tour will touch your heart and give you a better understanding of the powerful events that took place during the storm.
Historical Attractions / Landmarks
French Quarter
The most notable and historic area of downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter is known as the oldest section of the city. The city was founded in 1718 and developed a central square which is now commonly called the French Quarter. The district as a whole has been designated a National Historic Landmark with individual buildings and areas themselves Historic Landmarks as well. The area is filled with historic buildings from the 18th and 19th century and includes something to see and explore around every corner.
Bourbon Street
Located in the heart of the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans, Bourbon Street is famous for its bars, live music, and vibrant nightlife that has been a part of this historic street since the 1880s.
Garden District
Originally developed in the mid to late 1800s, the Garden District holds a beautiful collection of preserved historic mansions. The street was originally developed with only a few homes per block and large landscaped gardens surrounding each home, giving the historic district its name. During the 19th-century, the lots were subdivided and became more urban with it losing a large portion of the gardens and adding late Victorian period style homes.
Jackson Square
This historic park is located in the French Quarter and played a central in the history of the city of New Orleans. The square is known for where Louisiana was made United States territory in 1803 during the Louisiana Purchase. The park includes a statue of Andrew Jackson, walkways for a lovely stroll, iron fences, and is located right in front of the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral.
The Arts in New Orleans
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Contemporary Arts Center
- Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Experience Nature
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Audubon Zoo
- Audubon Butterfly and Insectarium
- Couturie Forest
- Crescent Park
Restaurants in New Orleans
- Court of Two Sisters Restaurant
- Brennan’s
- GW Fins
- Commander’s Palace
- Emeril’s New Orleans
- Cochon Restaurant
- B.B. King’s Blues Club
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