The Top 10 Attractions in New Orleans

One of the oldest and largest urban parks in the country, spanning 1,300 acres with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, lagoons, botanical gardens, and the Carousel Gardens amusement park. Locals jog, kayak, picnic, and let kids loose here on weekends — it's the real neighborhood heartbeat away from the tourist corridor. The Botanical Garden requires a small fee but is worth it. Go early morning for the most atmospheric experience under the oaks.

Jackson Square is a historic 2.5-acre plaza in the heart of the French Quarter, anchored by the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and surrounded by local artists, street performers, shops, and restaurants. Start with beignets at a nearby café, stroll the square, watch street performers, and browse local vendors' artwork—reviewers easily spend 2+ hours here. The square draws crowds and is popular for photos, so arrive early if you prefer a quieter experience.

The only Louisiana plantation museum told entirely from the perspective of the enslaved — memorials, first-person narratives, and original cabins, about an hour's drive upriver. Self-guided audio tour $25, guided $32; closed Tuesdays. It's heavy, essential, and the plantation visit locals actually respect. Not a hoop-skirts-and-gardens tour — and that's the point.

America's oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral, built in 1718 in the heart of the French Quarter. Visitors come to admire the stunning stained-glass windows, ceiling paintings, and sacred art, or attend Mass in this historically rich space. Avoid visiting during noon Mass times, and note that parking and construction can be challenging.

A genuinely excellent mid-sized zoo set within Audubon Park along the Mississippi River, with strong exhibits on Louisiana swamp wildlife, white alligators, and a well-regarded jaguar habitat. The surrounding Audubon Park with its oak-lined walking paths and lagoon is free and beloved by Uptown locals. Arrive early to beat the heat and the school groups. The Streetcar ride from the French Quarter to the zoo is half the fun.

Mardi Gras World is a working warehouse and museum where you can see the massive floats and sculptures used in New Orleans parades, many still being built by artisans. Take the guided tour (highly recommended for the knowledgeable, passionate narration) to learn the history of the krewes and see craftspeople at work, plus you'll get king cake and a film. Note that it's a warm warehouse space, so dress accordingly.

A major aquarium and insectarium in downtown New Orleans with extensive interactive exhibits, including a standout butterfly garden and touch pools with stingrays. The linear layout makes navigation easy, and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Heads up: ticket prices are on the higher side, and the butterfly and insect areas can get quite crowded with unsupervised children.

An authentic steam-powered paddlewheeler running jazz cruises on the Mississippi from the French Quarter — daytime sightseeing runs about $43.50 adult, evening dinner cruises about $107.50. The river narration and live jazz are genuinely pleasant; the buffet food is fine, not the point. Book the cruise, consider skipping the dinner upgrade.

A small, fiercely authentic museum dedicated to the African American cultural traditions of New Orleans — Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, jazz funerals, and second lines. Founded by Sylvester Francis, who spent decades documenting these traditions, the collection of hand-sewn Indian suits alone is breathtaking. This is the real cultural soul of the city that most tourists never find. Call ahead to confirm hours as they can vary, and tip generously — this institution runs on passion more than budget.

A sprawling 40-acre free sculpture garden in City Park featuring diverse artworks spanning pop art, abstract, realism, and more—from a giant sewing needle to metallic word sculptures. Wander the walking trails, cross bridges, and discover pieces tucked throughout the grounds at your own pace. Shade is sparse, so arrive early to beat the heat and explore comfortably.

JAMNOLA is an interactive art museum on Frenchmen Street featuring immersive installations made from recycled Mardi Gras materials and local debris, celebrating New Orleans history and culture. Visitors get a guided introduction to the space and artworks, then explore independently—expect bright, photogenic installations and plenty to engage with. The main caveat: this is an art experience rather than a traditional museum, so it works best if you're genuinely interested in interactive contemporary art and local culture.

A free, elaborately decorated house on St. Charles Avenue filled with creative skeleton displays and witty, sarcastic signs that change seasonally—a beloved New Orleans tradition worth seeing year-round. The displays are meticulously detailed and frequently updated with current pop culture references, making it fun for both kids and adults. Fair warning: it gets very crowded on Halloween, so plan accordingly if you're visiting then.

Three blocks in the Marigny with the city's densest cluster of live-music clubs — Spotted Cat, Snug Harbor, Blue Nile and more, most with no cover or a small door charge. This is where locals send you instead of Bourbon Street. It's gotten more touristy in the last decade, but the music is still real.

A hands-on museum dedicated to insects and butterflies in the heart of the French Quarter. The butterfly room is the standout experience—calm, beautiful, and interactive—plus there's Bug Appetite restaurant where you can try edible insects like mealworms and cricket cookies. One reviewer felt the exhibits, while cool, didn't quite stand alone as a full attraction on their own.