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Things To Do In New Orleans, LA
The city of New Orleans in Louisiana is located on the banks of the MIssissippi river and one of the most famous tourist destinations. The city is flocked by tourists all over the year who come to see marvelous sites like Famous Quarter. New Orleans is blessed with neighbourhoods that boast of their cultural capital are a melting pot for people from all walks of life.
Apart from its famous neighbourhoods, the city is also home to some of the most ingenious museums that you will find in all of the United States of America. New Orleans has a lot of things to offer to people across generations. We hope that you have fun discovering this city.
Must-visit Attractions in New Orleans
Here is a list of places that you must visit when in New Orleans. Trust us, they will not disappoint you.
1.French Quarter
The French Quarter in New Orleans is easily the most famous place in the city. This place is set along the bend on the Mississipi River and is celebrated for its architecture, and other cultural attractions. This is one of the best places to visit on a weekend and you can spend their time walking and exploring the area. Here you would find archaic buildings, some of which are even three hundred years old.
The French influence is imprinted on the architecture of this neighborhood and you would have a fun time exploring it. When you are the French Quarter, make sure that you walk down the famous Bourbon Street which is also known for its nightlife. You might also want to explore the restaurants at Royal Street, where you would find umpteen options to choose from. If you are interested in jazz music, you must go over to Frenchmen Street, which is populated by musicians and appreciators of jazz music.
The best way to explore the French Quarter is to wander about aimlessly and explore as you go but if you desire to learn about the intricacies of its history, you can also opt for a guided tour. A visit to the French Quarter will prove to be one of the coolest things that you will do in New Orleans and we highly recommend it. To know more about the attractions that await you, visit its official website.
2.Jackson Square
Previously known by the name, Place d’Armes, this is one of the top places to visit in New Orleans. Jackson Square is a historic park that is situated in the famous French Quarters. The major attraction of the place is the statue of General Andrew Jackson.
Owing to its historical significance, in the year 1960, the park was declared as a National Historic Landmark. In the 1920s, the park was a famous spot among the artists of the city, and to date, it serves as a melting pot for people from all walks of life. Take a trip to Jackson Square to feel the essence of the city of New Orleans.
3.Preservation Hall
Located at St. Peter Street in French Quarter, the Preservation Hall is a must-visit place for people who love jazz music. If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans at night then you must head here for a late-night concert. The Preservation Hall is a small space that comes with the promise of an intimate experience of music.
The artists are mostly local musicians who are given to the genre of jazz. Since the place is small, it cannot accommodate a huge crowd so make sure that you do your reservations well on time. To know more about the shows and the exact address of Preservation Hall, visit their official website.
4.St. Louis Cathedral
The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States of America. The cathedral is located near Jackson Square and is one of the most important landmarks in the city of New Orleans.
When you visit Jackson Square, you must take out some time to visit the cathedral. The architecture of the cathedral will charm you and give you a sense of peace.
5.Garden District
The Garden District is one of the most aesthetic and beautiful neighborhoods in the city of New Orleans. It is characterized by mansions and huge gardens. If you like to explore places on foot, then you must take out some time for the Garden District. This is a perfect place to visit with your significant other, as it would give you time to explore the area together.
Another way to experience the Garden District is to opt for a guided tour, which will enable you to understand the historical and cultural significance of the place. The Garden District also has a number of cafes, where you can stop and rejuvenate yourself.
6.Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Located in southeastern Louisiana, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve are made up of six different sites. However, all of them are united in their aim to preserve the natural resources of the Mississippi River Delta region. The areas are a geological wonderland, as you would be able to spot bayous, marshes, and swamps.
If you desire to dig deeper into the rich cultural history of Louisiana, it would be a good idea to visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. They have a series of outdoor activities like a treasure hunt, which will enable you to interact and learn with the other visitors. To know more about the six sites that come under Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, check out here.
7.Magazine Street
Located next to the Mississippi river and stretching for over six miles, Magazine Street is one of the most fun places to visit in New Orleans, LA. The street is famous for its antique stores and cute cafes. This place is a shopper’s paradise as you would find here shops that sell pottery, furniture, toys, chinaware, clothes, books, scented soaps, and jewelry.
The best way to explore Magazine Street is to take a stroll along with your loved one. If you get tired from all the walking, you can stop by at any of the cafes for a quick refreshing drink. Magazine Street will enable you to appreciate the culture of Louisiana and will leave you with the desire of returning to it again and again. To know more about the shops at Magazine Street and to check out their stunning visuals.
8.Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in the French Quarter and is known for its rich nightlife. If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans along with your partner, you must consider spending some time at Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is famous among the tourists because of the umpteen number of festivals that happen here all over the year.
One of the most famous parts of the street is the “Upper Bourbon Street”, which is an eight-block section and consists of a number of bars and strip clubs. When you are at Bourbon Street, we would recommend you to grab a bite at the famous restaurant, Galatoire.
The “Lower Bourbon Street” is famous for being and LGBTQ friendly space and has some of the most famous gay bars of America. So if you are looking for some fun time in New Orleans, Bourbon Street is just the right place for you. To know more about Bourbon Street, visit their official website.
9.Bywater
If you have already visited French Quarter and Bourbon Street and are looking for something along the same lines, this might just be the place for you. The Bywater, is a neighborhood in New Orleans which is celebrated for its art and architecture. Here you would find walls that are dressed with huge murals, that will simply take your breath away.
Not to forget, there are a number of stores where you can stop by and buy some relics for your loved ones. From music stores to nurseries, the Bywater has it all. The place also boasts an array of cafes and restaurants, where you can pause for a while and have a lovely time.
Parks to visit in New Orleans
Spend an evening watching the sunset at these scenic parks in New Orleans.
1.Crescent Park
Spread over an area of 20 acres, the Crescent Park makes for one of the most important landmarks in the city of New Orleans. If you are looking for things to do, there could be no better way to spend your time than visit this park. The parks make for space where you can hang out with your loved ones, as you take in breathtaking views of the city.
Not to mention, that the path also has a dog-run space, so you can tag your furry friend along with you. If you are looking for a small space where you can hold for a family function, this can be the right place for you. Did we mention that the sunset looks amazing from the top of the bridge at Crescent Park?
Overall, this park makes for one of the best places to visit in New Orleans and we highly recommend it. Find out the kind of outdoor activities that you can indulge in the park here.
2.City Park
The City Park of New Orleans covers an extended area of 1,300 acres and is one of the top places to visit in the city. There is a lot that you can look forward to in this park. The City Park is home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. If you are looking forward to visiting a place where you can relax in the lap of nature, this is just the place for you.
The park is home to Oak trees that are almost 800 years old. City Park could make for a great venue to travel with your family. The park has several amenities, including tennis courts, golf courses, and paved paths for walking. A visit to City Park will help to calm your nerves and reinvigorate you to visit the other attractions in the city.
3.Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
Audubon Park is one of the best places in Uptown New Orleans and makes for one of the top places to visit. One reason why you should consider a trip to the park is because it is also home to the famous Audubon Zoo. Here you would come across a wide range from animals, including, giraffes, leopards, jaguars, elephants, rhinos, and alligators.
Whereas, the Audubon Park is known for its lush green atmosphere which is marked by huge pine trees and butterfly garden, Not just this, you would also find small lakes and a golf club. This is one of the best places to visit with your family in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Museums to visit in New Orleans
A visit to New Orleans would be incomplete without exploring its museums. Here is a list of museums that you must visit.
1.National WWII Museum
Are you interested in history? If yes, then you must visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the contribution made by the United States of America to the Allied powers in World War II. A visit to this museum will help you understand the role and perspective of America in WWII.
The artifacts in the museum include multimedia exhibits and even first-person oral narratives. The museum organizes a number of interactive programs to enhance the experience of the people at the museum. The museum also has a significant online presence, where they organize a number of webinars and virtual field trips.
2.Louisiana State Museum at the Cabildo
The museum was built in the year 1795 and is located to the left of St. Louis Cathedral. This place served as the residence of the Spanish governor and is famous for its building and noteworthy collection.
If you desire to investigate and learn about the history of New Orleans and Louisiana, this is the place for you. You can visit the museum from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
3.New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Museum of Art, which is abbreviated as NOMA, is reputed to be the oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans. The museum is situated within City Park and was established in the year 1911. The museum boasts of a permanent collection of 40,000 objects which span 5,000 years of art, ranging from the Italian Renaissance to the contemporary times.
This museum is a must-visit place in New Orleans for anybody who is interested in arts. Here you would find the works of giants like Degas, Monet, Picasso, Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, among other artists. Apart from the artworks, the museum also has a rich collection of around 12,000 works. The museum frequently hosts many events in collaboration with the local museums, so make sure that you keep an eye out for these developments on their website.
4.New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a music museum which is dedicated to the pursuit of celebrating and preserving the genre of jazz music. If you are a fan of jazz music, this museum is certainly the place for you. Even if you do not enjoy jazz music, you should consider visiting the museum as it would introduce you to the hidden elements of jazz, which might help you develop an interest in the same.
The museum has over 25000 artifacts, which will introduce you to all the facets of jazz. In order to educate people, the museum organizes a series of educational programs.
5.Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, stands one of the most famous attractions of the city of New Orleans- the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans with your young ones, you shouldn’t think twice and head straight towards this marvelous place.
The museum boasts of around 3,600 animals that come from over 250 different species. Here you would be able to see endangered species, like African penguins. You would also have the chance to view rare animals like white alligators. The museum will help you understand the life of the underworld animals in a more nuanced manner and will develop a feeling of empathy and belongingness in your young ones.
In order to enhance the experience of interacting with animals, the museum offers programs like ‘Adopt an animal’. To know more about the museum and such events, visit their official website.
Places to eat at in New Orleans
Fall in love with the city of New Orleans by tasting its sumptuous food. Here are some restaurant recommendations for you.
1.Cafe du Monde
Located on Decatur Street in the famous French Quarter, the Cafe du Monde is one of the must-visit cafes in New Orleans. The cafe is famous in all of the United States of America for its cafe au lait and beignets. If you visit the French Quarter, you must take out some time for Cafe du Monde.
We recommend you to try out their dark-roasted coffee with chicory. Cafe du Monde makes for a perfect place for an evening date and we would highly recommend it to you.
2.Galatoire
Located at 209 Bourbon Street in French Quarter, this restaurant is one of the major attractions. The restaurant has a rich history and was a favorite of American playwright, Tennessee Williams. He even mentioned it in his famous play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. This restaurant has won numerous awards over the years and will not let you down.
The restaurant has a very detailed menu and almost everything is delicious. However, we would recommend you to try out their Duck Crepe and Shrimp Remoulade. The restaurant is very famous among tourists, so make sure that you reserve your table before visiting them. To do so, check here.
3. Antoine’s Restaurant
Located in the French Quarter, this restaurant is one of the most famous in the area and is a must-visit. The restaurant is a Louisiana Creole cuisine restaurant and is famous for its food quality and services.
Dining here is an experience of its own, and you must consider visiting this restaurant with your partner. The restaurant has fifteen dining rooms, each of which have been designed in a different manner.
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