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Things to Do in New Orleans, United States
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in New Orleans, United States
Some of the best things to do in New Orleans, USA, include strolling through the historic French Quarter and the elegant Garden District with its magnificent mansions. A visit to Jackson Square, right in front of the impressive St. Louis Cathedral, offers a glimpse into the cultural heart of the city.
1. French Quarter
Explore narrow streets full of history and music. Enjoy lively jazz sounds and historic architecture at every turn.
Quick facts: The French Quarter attracts around 9 million visitors annually. The architecture showcases unique Spanish and French influences in over 200 historic buildings.
Highlights: Live jazz music from talented street musicians often rings out between the cobblestone streets. The famous Jackson Square is surrounded by colorful camellia trees that create a charming atmosphere, especially in spring.
2. Garden District
A walk through a neighborhood with 180 colorful villas full of history. Experience oak-lined avenues and colorful doors thought to bring good luck.
Quick facts: Around 180 historic houses with a variety of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Victorian, tempt visitors here. Originally, the neighborhood was land for wealthy plantation owners, reflected in the large residences.
Highlights: The oak avenue trees are often over a hundred years old and, together with the wrought-iron verandas, create a picturesque photo motif. A special tip: every second door in the neighborhood is a lively color that is traditionally said to bring luck.
3. Jackson Square
A square full of life and art is waiting for you. Experience street artists and the scent of fresh beignets up close.
Quick facts: A lively square attracting more than 6 million visitors annually offers a wide range of street performers and historic charm. As part of the French Quarter, the square surrounds the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Highlights: Unusual are the living statues that rarely move and often pose for photos, turning the square into a small stage. Particularly fascinating is the nearby Café du Monde, which has been serving its famous beignets since 1862, whose sweet scent fills the entire square.
4. St. Louis Cathedral
Visit an architectural masterpiece with a fascinating history. Experience spectacular light shows and quiet moments in the heart of the French Quarter.
Quick facts: Over 700,000 visitors flock annually to this cathedral, one of the oldest continuously used Catholic churches in the USA. The famous iconic clock on the facade has contributed to the silhouette of the French Quarter for over 100 years.
Highlights: Inside, colorful stained glass windows adorn the altar area and tell biblical stories in sunlit colors. Particularly impressive is the nighttime illumination that bathes the cathedral in warm, golden light, creating an atmospheric experience.
5. Audubon Zoo
Experience exotic animals and fascinating habitats. Discover rare birds of prey and the bustling swamp up close.
Quick facts: More than 2,000 animals from over 230 species live here, including rare and endangered species such as the Pygmy flying fox. The grounds cover 58 hectares and include replicas of habitats like the Mississippi Delta.
Highlights: A real highlight is the Audubon Raptor Center, where visitors can see fascinating birds of prey up close. In the Louisiana Swamp Building, guests immerse themselves in a vibrant ecosystem full of alligators, turtles, and water birds.
6. Mardi Gras World
Experience the magic of colorful carnival floats up close. Dive into the world of craftsmen and artists who make Mardi Gras a spectacle.
Quick facts: More than 1,000 elaborate carnival floats are stored and made here, used each year during Mardi Gras. The hall offers a fascinating look at the detailed craftsmanship that goes into creating the colorful floats.
Highlights: More than 50 artists work year-round on these huge floats, up to 20 meters high. Visitors can admire real feathers, sparkling beads, and hand-cut masks up close and even get a behind-the-scenes look during special tours.
7. National WWII Museum
Impressive eyewitness accounts and artifacts offer a fascinating journey through the Second World War. Visitors experience multimedia presentations and authentic vehicles up close.
Quick facts: This museum houses the original Douglas C-47 Dakota that flew during the Normandy invasion in 1944. Over 400,000 artifacts and personal stories bring the events of World War II to life.
Highlights: Visitors can gain insight into the planning of underwater operations in an authentic replica of a combat center on the USS Tang ship. The multimedia exhibitions offer a sensory experience with sounds and moving scenes that deeply move many visitors.
8. Preservation Hall
Here you feel real jazz in the room as if you were part of the band. Immerse yourself in powerful live music without technical fuss.
Quick facts: For more than 50 years, a small group of top-class musicians has preserved the jazz tradition live here. The building measures only about 80 square meters but creates an incredibly intimate atmosphere for around 100 visitors.
Highlights: The only place in the city where jazz is played spontaneously every evening on small chairs in a room without microphones. Musicians like Wynton Marsalis started here, and the sound jumps directly from the wooden floorboards to you.
9. City Park
More than a park: discover art, nature, and fun across 1,300 acres. Experience relaxation, adventure, and culture among trees and bodies of water.
Quick facts: Spanning more than 1,300 acres, this park is one of the oldest public parks in the USA with a fascinating sculpture garden. More than 2 million visitors attend numerous events here annually, including the popular Voodoo Music Festival.
Highlights: A true treasure: The large water lily pond houses rare species and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park has been offering nostalgic fun for over 100 years with an original carousel from the 1910s.
Where to Stay in New Orleans, United States
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Beignets
Beignets are square-shaped fried doughnuts covered with powdered sugar, made famous by Café du Monde in New Orleans and deeply rooted in French culture.
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Most popular day trips
Baton Rouge
The state capital of Louisiana with museums and historic sites.
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Getting there
Train stations
Amtrak Crescent, City of New Orleans
From the airport, take the Airport Shuttle or taxi to the city center, approximately 20 minutes.
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Comments (8)
For cheaper eats, skip Bourbon Street and try the neighborhoods around Frenchmen. Way better prices and vibes.
Use the streetcar to get around, it's scenic and cheaper than rideshares, plus it avoids all that traffic downtown.
Expected more safety issues but felt pretty okay walking around downtown, just use usual city smarts.
Weather was hot and sticky even in spring. Great for night walks but bring water and sunscreen during the day.
New Orleans vibes are unmatched, loved the live jazz everywhere. Food is rich but pricey, plan for at least 4 days to soak it in.