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Vibrant day in New Orleans' French Quarter with people walking and historic architecture lining the street.

Things to Do in New Orleans, United States

Photo made by KEN COOPER on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan12°9d rain
MODERATEFeb14°8d rainBEST
MODERATEMar18°7d rainBEST
MODERATEApr22°7d rainBEST
MODERATEMay26°8d rain
BUSYJun29°11d rain
BUSYJul31°11d rain
BUSYAug31°12d rain
MODERATESep29°11d rain
MODERATEOct24°7d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov18°6d rainBEST
NOT BUSYDec14°9d rain

New Orleans is the #9 city for nightlife in the world, based on our data across hundreds of destinations.

Most 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.

French Quarter

1. French Quarter

NeighborhoodPolitical

Explore narrow streets full of history and music. Enjoy lively jazz sounds and historic architecture at every turn.

Garden District

2. Garden District

4.7 (32)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

A walk through a neighborhood with 180 colorful villas full of history. Experience oak-lined avenues and colorful doors thought to bring good luck.

Jackson Square

3. Jackson Square

4.7 (28,327)
Historical LandmarkCity ParkTourist AttractionParkHistorical Place

A square full of life and art is waiting for you. Experience street artists and the scent of fresh beignets up close.

Walking tours in New Orleans, United States

St. Louis Cathedral

4. St. Louis Cathedral

4.8 (4,938)
Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Visit an architectural masterpiece with a fascinating history. Experience spectacular light shows and quiet moments in the heart of the French Quarter.

Audubon Zoo

5. Audubon Zoo

4.5 (8,712)
ZooTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience exotic animals and fascinating habitats. Discover rare birds of prey and the bustling swamp up close.

Mardi Gras World

6. Mardi Gras World

4.4 (5,284)
Tourist AttractionArt MuseumGift ShopMuseumStore

Experience the magic of colorful carnival floats up close. Dive into the world of craftsmen and artists who make Mardi Gras a spectacle.

National WWII Museum

7. National WWII Museum

4.8 (29,293)
Tourist AttractionHistory MuseumMuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Impressive eyewitness accounts and artifacts offer a fascinating journey through the Second World War. Visitors experience multimedia presentations and authentic vehicles up close.

Preservation Hall

8. Preservation Hall

4.7 (5,039)
Live Music VenueNight ClubEvent VenueBarPoint of Interest

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.

City Park

9. City Park

4.8 (19,854)
City ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

More than a park: discover art, nature, and fun across 1,300 acres. Experience relaxation, adventure, and culture among trees and bodies of water.

Tours & tickets in New Orleans, United States

Where to Stay in New Orleans, United States

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

Search all hotels in New Orleans, United States

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Opening days in New Orleans, United States

Which of the top sights close on which day of the week — the classic trip-ruiner, checked for you.

Good news: all 7 top sights with known hours are open every day of the week.

Closed on Monday · 0 closed, 7 open

Nothing closes on Monday — all 7 sights with known hours are open.

See what's open each day in New Orleans →

Opening days from Google Maps (checked 2026-03-27). Public holidays, strikes and seasonal hours can differ — check the official website before you go.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Beignets

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Orleans, United States

Is New Orleans, United States safe?
New Orleans has safety differences across neighborhoods. As in many big cities, travelers should be especially cautious at night in less busy areas. Overall, the crime rate is higher than the national average, but frequently visited tourist zones are monitored and generally safer.
How many days should you spend in New Orleans, United States?
For New Orleans, a stay of at least 3 to 4 days is recommended. This allows you to explore the main attractions, the French Quarter, museums, music events, and culinary offerings at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans, United States?
The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May. The weather is mild then, between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and numerous festivals take place, including Mardi Gras, usually in February or March.
Is New Orleans, United States expensive?
Costs in New Orleans are moderate. Average hotel prices are around 120 to 200 US dollars per night. Food and entertainment are affordable, with many options under 20 US dollars. Transportation costs are also reasonable.
What is the best way to get around in New Orleans, United States?
Streetcars and buses in New Orleans are inexpensive and convenient modes of transport. A single streetcar ticket costs about 1.25 US dollars. Taxis and bicycles are also readily available, especially within the French Quarter and downtown.

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Most popular day trips

Baton Rouge

130 km 1.5h by car

The state capital of Louisiana with museums and historic sites.

Houma

90 km 1.5h by car

A charming town known for bayou tours and Cajun culture.

Plantation Country

50 km 1h by car

Historic plantations along the Mississippi River with beautiful gardens.

Getting there

Train stations

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

Amtrak Crescent, City of New Orleans

From the airport, take the Airport Shuttle or taxi to the city center, approximately 20 minutes.

Useful information for New Orleans, United States

Shopping locationsFrench Market, Riverwalk Marketplace, Canal Street
Nightlife locationsFrenchmen Street, Bourbon Street, Warehouse District
Popular casual restaurantsCafe Du Monde, Commander's Palace, Coop's Place
Popular fancy restaurantsGalerie Restaurant, Emeril's, Herbsaint
Popular coffee shopsSpitfire Coffee, The Green Fork, Cafe Beignet
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Lyft
Taxi price / km$2.5
Tourists / year19000000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage4 %
Poverty percentage12 %
Average income / month$3500
Average cost of living / month$2800
Hotel price / night from$100
Beer price from$5
Coffee price from$3
Street food price from$7
Restaurant meal price from$20
Local currencyUSD
Power plug typesA, B
ReligionsChristianity, Atheism
Spoken languagesEnglish, Spanish, French
EthnicitiesAfrican American, White, Hispanic, Asian
Political orientationCenter-left
Population density1100 /km²
Geographical area906 km²
Possible natural disastersHurricane, Flood
Dangerous animalsAlligator, Snake
Locations for a nice walkFrench Quarter, Garden District, City Park
Public transportationsStreetcar, Bus
AirlinesAmerican Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Architecture typeFrench Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Creole, Victorian
Average beer consumption per person / year75 l
Average wine consumption per person / year10 l
Tipping cultureExpected and appreciated
Coworking / day$25
Airbnb / month$2000
1BR rent / month$1200
Gym / month$40
Daily budget (backpacker)$60
Daily budget (mid-range)$120

Overview for New Orleans, United States

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyBad
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareAverage
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityAverage
Crime safetyBad
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeVery good
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelGood
CleanlinessBad
Nature accessAverage
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