What to do in New Orleans, LA

Activities, attractions and tours

New Orleans
French Quarter featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans

New Orleans Attractions

Known for coming alive during Mardi Gras, the Big Easy actually has far more to offer than colourful beads and lots of partying. Things to do in New Orleans include enjoying live jazz music, going on paddlewheel river steamboat tours, walking through sculpture gardens, and eating lots of local Creole and Cajun cuisine. There is a great deal of history in this southern city, a fact that will appease both history buffs and patriotic travellers alike. And you will never have a shortage of haunted attractions in New Orleans, where both the historical significance and strong spiritual vibe of the city and Louisiana lend themselves to lots of ghostly stories.

Areas & Neighbourhoods

A trip to NOLA has made its way onto more than one bucket list, appealing to night owls, families, and foodies alike. Whether you want to take a walk though streets and attractions steeped in rich tales or sit down at a new trendy restaurant, New Orleans is ready to welcome you with open arms on your next vacation.

French Quarter — This well-known district stands out for its colourful history and raucous bar scene, making it a popular stop on any vacation to New Orleans. Things to do here include touring historical homes and the famed Bourbon Street.

Art District — If you’re artistic, a walkabout in the art district is in order. In this unique stretch of New Orleans, industrial buildings have been transformed into vibrant open spaces.

Lakeview — Just a short distance from downtown, Lakeview gained its moniker from its location near Lake Pontchartrain. This neighbourhood is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting New Orleans who has an interest in throwing a line in the water or taking a lazy, thoughtful stroll along the shore.

New Orleans tours and day trips are always available to take you through the most popular areas.

What to See in New Orleans

Once upon a time, the cabaret shows in The Big Easy were frowned upon, but these days they are definitely something to see while you’re in New Orleans. Other sites that attract people from around the country include the New Orleans Opera and the Chickie Wah Wah jazz and dance club.

Things to Do & Attractions in New Orleans

People-watch on Bourbon Street, eat lots of Creole food, and pay a visit to the Voodoo Museum. There is lots for tourists to do in the heart of Louisiana. Home to St. Louis Cathedral and its fair share of above-ground cemeteries, New Orleans is worth its weight in history and you’ll never find a better bowl of gumbo anywhere else. Don’t leave without a visit to French Market, which is the oldest public market in the nation, and eat a delicious beignet at Café Du Monde. Tour Jackson Square and catch some of the best jazz performances in the world on Frenchmen Street. Thankfully, tours in New Orleans make it easy to see this memorable city, so you don’t have figure out how to cram it all on in your own.

You can also book top New Orleans hotels and great New Orleans right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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Most fun & popular experiences in New Orleans

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What to do in New Orleans


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of New Orleans

French Quarter featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

French Quarter

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

One of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods is popular for an ecclectic blend of romantic history, stunning architecture, jazz and black arts.

French Quarter
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New Orleans Central Business District

4/5(98 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in New Orleans Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Canal Street and Caesars Superdome, and jump on the metro at Carondelet at Poydras Stop or Poydras Street Stop to see more of the city.

New Orleans Central Business District
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Arts/Warehouse District

4/5(6 area reviews)

Get to the heart of modern New Orleans and explore renovated warehouses and modern galleries in this chic district.

Arts/Warehouse District
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Garden District

5/5(2 area reviews)

This historic area was named to remember the plantation lands upon which the city was built.

Garden District
Mardi Gras World featuring interior views and art as well as an individual female

Lower Garden District

4/5(13 area reviews)

Travellers love Lower Garden District for its beautiful gardens, and you can see more of New Orleans by jumping on the metro at St. Charles at St. Andrew Stop or St. Charles at Josephine Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Port of New Orleans and National World War II Museum.

Lower Garden District
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Uptown Historic District

4/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful gardens, there's plenty to explore in Uptown Historic District. Top attractions like Audubon Zoo and Magazine Street are major draws, and you can catch the metro at St. Charles at Jefferson Stop or St. Charles at Valmont Stop to see more of the city.

Uptown Historic District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from New Orleans

Frequently asked questions

Is New Orleans worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or try regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in New Orleans.
How do I spend a day in New Orleans?
When you've checked off major attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in New Orleans.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Orleans?
The top tourist attraction in New Orleans is Bourbon Street, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in New Orleans?
Three days in New Orleans is plenty of time to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Bourbon Street, Canal Street and National World War II Museum are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Kenner.
Is New Orleans a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in New Orleans. Several attractions, like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of New Orleans's neighbourhoods, New Orleans Central Business District is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away from downtown, while French Quarter is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in New Orleans with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in New Orleans with kids.

What to do in New Orleans for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in New Orleans for adults including Café du Monde and Lakefront Arena.
Are there free things to do in New Orleans?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in New Orleans. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Bourbon Street is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.