The best things to do in New Orleans

As the city’s oldest neighborhood, the Vieux Carre is a must. It’s packed with gorgeous architecture, loads of history, a wealth of food and music and a cast of characters including longtime residents, chatty tour guides and talented street performers. Be sure to take in the views of the Mississippi from the edge of the Quarter while you walk.

This six-mile stretch has it all: shopping, dining, art galleries, unique architecture, an award-winning zoo and friendly local business owners. Get your steps in as you shop local boutiques, then reward yourself with a meal at one of the many restaurants along Magazine Street that offer sidewalk dining or patios overlooking the hustle and bustle of the street. 

Upriver from the French Quarter lies the Garden District. Take a tour of this neighborhood’s grand mansions and historic cemeteries or stroll around on your own. The houses and history are a draw, but the neighborhood also offers a wealth of shops and cafes, as well as Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Book a tour to hit the highlights and learn the history of the neighborhood.

The city’s preeminent art museum sits within City Park, at the edge of the Big Lake. NOMA houses more than 40,000 pieces, featuring art from the Italian Renaissance to modern works. Save time for the adjacent Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden, a beautifully landscaped showcase of the Museum’s sculpture collection. Be sure to catch the current exhibit, “New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations,” which spotlights the work of four contemporary artists working in cities across West Africa.

Live music is more than just entertainment here; it’s a way of life. From blues and funk to brass and rock & roll, New Orleans offers a symphony of genres, but there’s something uniquely magical about hearing jazz—both traditional and modern—in its city of origin. Catch the city’s best jazz musicians at clubs like Snug Harbor, Preservation Hall, Davenport Lounge and many others. 

It’s only logical for New Orleans to be home to a jazz museum, for this is the city where the musical genre was born. This repository of artifacts from the early 20th century lets you see and hear the history of jazz. The museum also presents concerts throughout the year and hosts a variety of educational programs.

The National WWII Museum—celebrating 25 years this month—is a world-class complex with award-winning exhibits showcasing the stories of those who served in WWII and on the homefront. Highlights include actual planes, Jeeps and Higgins Boats, a theater with WWII-era musical performances, a restaurant and a fantastic gift shop with 1940s-inspired gifts and clothing.

Blaine Kern has been building Mardi Gras floats for the various krewes that roll in carnival parades in the weeks leading up to and on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). He’s known as “Mr. Mardi Gras” for a good reason, as his designs have delighted the city for over 50 years. Mardi Gras World is near the Convention Center and offers tours that give you a firsthand look at the heart of the Mardi Gras parade experience, regardless of the time of year.

Just like po’boys, snoballs in New Orleans have loyal followings—everyone has their favorite. From a simple snoball from a tiny shack to an over-the-top version stuffed with ice cream or spiked with a little alcohol, this local treat is a winner when the summer heat hits. Try Williams Plum Street Snoballs, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, Pandora’s Snowballs, Sal’s Sno-Balls or Get Stuffed by Sno-La.

This French Quarter fixture since 1862 serves the best cafe au lait alongside hot, fresh beignets at all hours. Take a peek in the window to see the magic happen, then dive into your order of three. If you make it out without powdered sugar on your shirt, you’re doing it wrong.

In a city full of iconic music venues, Tipitina’s stands out. The Uptown joint on Napoleon Avenue was founded in 1977 and is still going strong. For a good dose of New Orleans funk (the venue is now owned by the band Galactic, who continue the tradition of hosting local funk, rock bands and mid-sized national acts), check out the lineup at this local institution. Now through August, you can get down for free every Friday thanks for Tipitina’s Free Fridays music series.

The 350-acre Audubon Park Uptown stretches between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street. The two-plus-mile paved loop is a favorite of bikers and joggers. Walk under the shade of massive oak trees, watch ducks and swans paddle around or pick a spot to have a picnic. The park is adjacent to the fabulous Audubon Zoo and The Fly—a stretch of park along the riverfront behind the zoo (take a walk back here, and you may hear the monkeys or see a giraffe peeking out from its enclosure).

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a cultural gem that dives deep into the rich and diverse artistry of the 15 states that make up the American South. From folk art to contemporary works, every piece tells a story of the South’s unique culture and history. Don’t miss the rotating exhibitions and special events, like Ogden After Hours, for live music and cocktails. On view now through August is Keith Duncan’s “Battle of the Bands” exhibition, featuring large-scale fabric paintings and smaller works on paper celebrating Southern HBCU bands.

When the heat and humidity hit, you know you want to take a dip in a cool pool. And what’s cooler than a rooftop pool? Several hotels around the city offer day passes, so you can enjoy the drinks, the vibes, the breeze and the all-important pool when the temps rise. The Roosevelt, Virgin Hotel, The Barnett, The Chloe and NOPSI Hotel are just some of the options.

The colorful history of the African American experience in New Orleans is chronicled at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, with a particular emphasis on community-based masking and processional traditions. Expect elaborately constructed Mardi Gras costumes, memorabilia of the numerous Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs found in different neighborhoods around the city, photographs and historical records of jazz funerals and second lines, plus much more.

New Orleans’ streetcar system has been rolling since 1835. While you can no longer ride the Desire Line, made famous by Tennessee Williams, the existing lines offer a great way to see the city. The newer red streetcars run out to Mid-City, while the older, original green cars take you down historic St. Charles Avenue, past beautiful houses in the Garden District and Audubon Park.

Looking for a unique gift or souvenir? The monthly Arts Market New Orleans features dozens of local artists selling everything, from painting and ceramics to jewelry, home decor, photography and more, including plenty of NOLA-themed items. The market, which features live music and food vendors, is held in City Park on the last Saturday of every month.

Experience joy, art and music at JAMNOLA, an interactive installation in the Marigny. The massive warehouse space has been converted into a selfie-haven with bright, colorful rooms designed by local artists to celebrate art, music and culture. Walk through the jaws of a gator, snap a pic with an oversized bust of local musicians and see what it's like to be king of a Mardi Gras parade. It’s sensory overload, New Orleans style.

Spend an afternoon at one of the top zoos in the country. The Audubon Zoo has world-class exhibits featuring animals from Asia, Africa and South America. You’ll also see seals, reptiles and a glimpse of the Louisiana swamp. Looking to cool off? The Cool Zoo water park offers a respite from the heat and tons of fun. The adults-only Sip + Dip series takes the fun to a whole new level after hours.

Stretching from City Park to the edge of the French Quarter, this 2.6-mile linear park is a green oasis in the middle of the city. The bike and pedestrian path takes you past playgrounds, native landscaping, art and sports fields. Plus, it’s in close proximity to breweries, coffee shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Stop by the Crescent City Farmers Market on the Greenway on Thursday afternoons, or check out one of the many outdoor fitness classes offered throughout the week.