Known equally for its gorgeous Gallic-inspired architecture and its festive nightlife scene, New Orleans is a fun, friendly place that appeals equally to history buffs and partiers. Just strolling around this southern US city is enough for many travelers, particularly if you base yourself in the aptly named French Quarter or the elegant Garden District. While you’re unlikely to run out of things to do in New Orleans, there are plenty of interesting spots for a day trip, from historic plantation estates to wild swaths of marshy bayou.
Here, get your guide to New Orleans’ best attractions, tours, and more.
If you’re looking to party, you can’t go wrong with planning your visit around Mardi Gras, which usually falls in February or March; the colorful and frenzied celebrations will give you a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. The spring also sees pleasant weather, with an average high of 77°F (25°C) in April and 85°F (29°C) in May. Once the heat of summer comes, prices drop and the streets go quiet, making it a budget-friendly time to visit. Otherwise, winters are relatively moderate, and temps rarely drop below 46°F (8°C).
The neighborhoods of New Orleans are quite compact, making it ideal for walking. Areas like Bourbon Street, which have plenty of bars and cafés to rest weary feet, are easily explored on foot. Otherwise, jump on one of the city’s iconic streetcars or regular buses; running throughout the city, they can get you to most of the main sights for a cost-effective price. At night, taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient and safest options when traveling from point A to B.
The Crescent City is known for its Creole cuisine, a fusion of French, Spanish, West African, and Native American culinary influences. Must-try dishes include stews like gumbo and jambalaya at Gumbo Shop or New Orleans Creole Cookery. Deep-fried beignets from Café du Monde are also world-renowned; pair one with a café au lait for an excellent pick-me-up. Don’t be alarmed if you see people drinking in the streets, especially on Bourbon Street: It’s legal in New Orleans, so long as your beverage is in a plastic cup.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CST (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 64 | Tours 704 | Reviews 158,716 |
Maggie is both Viator's New Orleans account manager and a New Orleans enthusiast. Countless visits to the region, including three trips for Mardi Gras, make her a go-to gal for things to do there.
hit Bourbon Street to people-watch, grab a fried shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich or fried oysters, and enjoy a famous Hurricane cocktail.
includes venturing outside the city for a high-speed airboat and plantation combo tour, or heading to the Garden District for jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace. Save room for bananas Foster for dessert!
Mardi Gras, of course. The parades, parties, and elaborate costumes are not to be missed.
head to Frenchman Street to check out jazz clubs frequented by locals, or take a bike tour to easily explore neighborhoods outside the French Quarter.
hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez to experience the New Orleans skyline from a unique vantage point. Alternatively, stay on dry land at the Pontchartrain Hotel’s Hot Tin rooftop bar.
thinking New Orleans is just a place to party. It’s packed with history, culture, and outdoor activities as well.
New Orleans is famous for its food, festivals, nightlife, and architecture. It’s a great place to try Cajun and Creole dishes, listen to live jazz or drink the night away on Bourbon Street, or check out the architecture in the French Quarter and the Garden District. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are the best-known celebrations and are some of the top things to do in New Orleans.
...MoreFirst-time visitors to New Orleans will want to check out the two prime touristy areas: the French Quarter and the Garden District, which are linked by the city’s St. Charles Streetcar, a destination unto itself. First-timers should also stop by the Café du Monde for its famous beignets and chicory coffee.
...MoreThree days is enough for New Orleans, though you could easily spend much longer in the city without getting bored. Still, three days will give you enough time to visit the French Quarter and the Garden District, check out one of the famous cemeteries, and take a cruise on the Mississippi.
...MoreNew Orleans' most famous area is the French Quarter. This is where many of the city’s main attractions like St. Louis Cathedral and dining options are located, and it’s where you’ll find Bourbon Street, the main nightlife drag. The Garden District is also well known, offering gorgeous mansions just a short streetcar ride away.
...MoreThere are many more things to do in New Orleans than just partying. It’s a great place to sample local dishes such as crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and beignets, or check out architecture in the French Quarter and Garden District. Other popular attractions include the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and the Mississippi River.
...MoreNew Orleans locals often avoid the touristy throngs of the French Quarter in favor of lower-key neighborhoods, such as the nearby Bywater/Marigny and Treme areas. The Warehouse Arts District is also a great place to dine and drink among locals, without straying far from the French Quarter.
...MoreWhether you’re staying in the festive French Quarter or the lush Garden District, exploring New Orleans with a local expert can elevate your experience of the Big Easy. Get your guide to take you cruising down the Mississippi River or deep into Gothic cemeteries and end with an elaborately adorned Bloody Mary on Bourbon Street.
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