New Orleans or NOLA is a city in the state of Louisiana in the United States of America. The list of best things to do in New Orleans is as long as it is exciting. The city is famous for its food, music, culture, history, entertainment, dance, festivals, celebrations, carnivals, art, architecture, language, literature, dialect, and much more. The city is more than just the best place to visit in New Orleans, its vibrant culture and happening vibe are an experience by themself. New Orleans has many names including Crescent City, The Birthplace of Jazz, The Hollywood of the South, City that Care Forgot, and Paris of the South.

The city was founded in 1718 by French colonists and it was the territorial capital of French Louisiana. You will see the French influence on many of the New Orleans tourist attractions even today. The French Quarter is still considered the historic heart of the city. It is the perfect area to begin New Orleans sightseeing. You will see several buildings exhibit French and Spanish styles of architecture and design. The same influence can be found in the city’s food, music, art, and culture as well.

The city is most well known for the Madi Gras festival and carnival. Each aspect of this carnival including the floats, costumes, masks, performances, markets, games, and decorations are all among the top things to see in New Orleans. Even if you miss the carnival, you can check out remnants of previous carnivals at the many museums and exhibitions in the city.

The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Jazz music. You will come across several New Orleans attractions that are associated with one Jazz legend or another. Though this city is famous as a culinary delight in general, Creole cuisine is especially associated with New Orleans travel.

It is nearly impossible to compile New Orleans experience in words. It is a vibe, a feeling of happiness, celebration, joy, exuberance, and freedom. You must feel it when you visit New Orleans.

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Top 40 Tourist Places to Visit in New Orleans (NOLA) in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. St. Louis Cathedral

Built first 1727, this church burnt down in the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt with bricks. It was originally designed by Adrien de Pauger. It is one of the best places to visit in New Orleans to admire the architecture and classical decor. The interior features stained glass windows, paintings, sculptures, murals, and a gilded altar. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

2. Preservation Hall

This authentic New Orleans Jazz venue has been active since 1961. Some of the biggest names in the genre have practiced and performed at this venue including Punch Miller, Humphrey Brothers, George Lewis, and more. You can still find musicians performing at this venue and if you are lucky, you may spot a contemporary or future jazz legend. It is among the most fun things to do in New Orleans at night. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this venue.

3. The Cabildo

Built-in 1799, this building has served several purposes over the years. Presently, it houses artifacts concerning the history of America. The building was designed by Gilberto Guillemard and its architecture is among the most wonderful things to see in New Orleans. The Cabildo also has artifacts concerning the early history of Louisiana. You will need about an hour to Tour the building.

4. The 1850 House / Friends of the Cabildo

This house museum recreates a typical house of the 19th century. You get to see and learn about furniture, decor, fine arts, fashion, and lifestyle from the period. It is one of the most interesting New Orleans tourist attractions for those interested in history. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this house museum.

5. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Spread over 30 square miles on the Louisiana Mississippi river delta, this park has historical battle sites, museums, and nature preserves. The river delta forms forest and swamp areas that house a variety of plants and animals, the most famous among them being the alligator. The forest and swamp area is called the Barataria Preserve and is one of the largest estuaries in the USA. People can tour the forest on foot and the swamp in airboats or kayaks. The park is also home to Acadian Cultural Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, National Cemetery, French Quarter Visitor Center, and the Chalmette Battlefield. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to tour this entire area and various NOLA attractions within it.

Here below, I am suggesting some of the activities that you should do at Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve:

• Airboat Ride in Swampland
• New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure
• Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

6. French Quarter Visitor Center

This visitor center traces the roots of the city to its establishment by the French in 1718. Though the center primarily focuses on the French neighbourhood, you get to learn a lot about the city’s history and the evolution of its culture. You will also get to know about all the fun things to do in NOLA at this place. It won’t take more than half an hour to tour this center.

Here below, I am suggesting a couple of Tours that you should go for at French Quarter:

• Walking Tour of French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories
• French Quarter Cocktail and Foodie Crawl Tour
• Walking Tour of Ghost and Vampire at The French Quarter
• Walking Tour of French Quarter Architecture
• French Quarter Sightseeing Carriage Ride

7. The French Market

This open-air market is modeled after a typical European market and you will find all sorts of shops here. The market sells branded products, local produce, textile, fashion, jewelry, handicraft items, and more. It is also one of the best New Orleans attractions to visit for dining and beverages. You will need about an hour to explore this market.

8. St. Augustine Church

First built in 1727, this quaint church has a rich history and is also known for its beautiful interiors. It used to be a church for free black citizens of the city in 1842. You will see the Tomb of the Unknown Slave outside the church. This was built as a monument to represent humanity and equality. You will need about 30 minutes from New Orleans sightseeing to tour this church.

9. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

This cemetery dates back to 1789 and is the final resting place for several well-known people. The guided tour of the cemetery is a must-do in New Orleans. You will get to know about the history and pay your respects at the grave of several noteworthy people of New Orleans. You will need 30 minutes for this tour.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

10. Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras Carnival is the biggest event in the city. The performances, events, markets, parades, costumes, and floats are pretty popular aspects of New Orleans travel. This place stores and creates floats for the event. You get to see a variety of floats from previous carnivals and see new ones as they are being made. You can also see videos of previous parades. You will need about an hour to tour this place when you visit New Orleans.

Here below, I am suggesting two different Tours that you should try at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.

• Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour
• Mardi Gras Mambo Tours

11. Garden District

This area is famous for victorian mansions and opulent houses. It is the neighbourhood of the rich and the famous of the city. Many of these houses date back to the 1800s. You can take a walking tour of this area to get an insight into the history, architecture, and notable residents of the area. It is one of the offbeat New Orleans activities. You will need an hour to tour this area.

I suggest you should book a Guided Walking Tour of the Garden District.

Day 2

1. The Presbytère

This Jesuit Church was built in 1791 and it has been part of the Louisiana State Museum since 1911. The building is also renowned among New Orleans tourist spots for its architecture and artwork as well. The museum in the building has an exhibit focusing on the effect of hurricane Katrina. It is also one of the best places to go in New Orleans to see artifacts and artworks from Madi Gras carnivals. You will need about an hour to tour this building and its museum.

2. Old Ursuline Convent Museum

This convent building was first built in 1727 to house 12 Ursuline Nuns who had arrived from France. The building is known for its neoclassical French-style architecture. It is one of the nicest historical places to see in New Orleans. The tour will include the exterior complex, interior, and archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. It dives into the history of the convent and its traditions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this tour.

3. Beauregard-Keyes House

This house was built in 1826 for the Joseph La Carpentier family and was designed by Francois Correjolles. The house was also the birthplace of renowned chess player Charles Paul Morphy. The building has been the residence of several noteworthy people including General Beauregard. Today the house recreates the interior decor style of the 1860s. It is a must-see in New Orleans for those interested in history. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this house museum.

4. Backstreet Cultural Museum

This museum celebrates the vibrant culture of the city. The majority of the collection exhibited in this museum comes from Sylvester “Hawk” Francis. It is the world’s most comprehensive collection of New Orleans’ African American culture. You will see masks, costumes, artwork, floats, and other artifacts used for carnivals, jazz funerals, social aid, pleasure clubs, gangs, and more. It is among the must-do things in New Orleans. The museum also has more than 500 clips of several events, many of which were filmed by Sylvester Francis. You will need about an hour and a half to explore this museum.

5. Degas House

This 19th-century mansion once belonged to renowned French impressionist artist Edgar Degas. The interior of this house has been decorated to reflect the 1870s period. People can take a tour of the house to get an insight into Degas, his life work, and his time period. It is one of the best things to do in New Orleans for art admirers. The tour is conducted by great grand nieces of Degas himself. You will need an hour or so to tour this house.

6. St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

This gothic cemetery is known for ornate mausoleums, tombs, crypts, and headstones. The cemetery has graves of several noteworthy residents of the city. You will need about half an hour from New Orleans sightseeing to tour this cemetery.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

7. New Orleans Museum of Art

Also known as NOMA, this museum has a collection of more than 40,000 pieces of artwork. It is one of the best places to visit in New Orleans for art enthusiasts. The artworks displayed here hail from different periods in time, the oldest one dating back to 600s BCE. You will come across creations of some of the most renowned artists such as Picasso, Rodin, Miro, Dufy, Degas, O’Keeffe, and many more. It takes about 2 hours to tour this museum.

8. Botanical Garden City Park

These gardens were established during the 1930s and it houses more than 2,000 plants and trees brought in from around the world. It is among the top things to do in NOLA for those interested in botany and garden art. The park has a variety of themed gardens including Japanese, Tropical, Herb, Lily, Native American and more. You will need about an hour from New Orleans travel to tour this park.

9. City Park

This 1300-acre park dates back to 1853 and has the oldest grove of mature oak trees in the whole world. People come here for a variety of activities to do in New Orleans. The park has green spaces, a lake, picnic spots, a concert space, nature trails, bike tracks, a museum, an amusement park, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so at this park.

Day 3

1. National World War II Museum

This museum focuses on the role of the United States of America in the second world war. The museum has some of the most interesting things to see in New Orleans for history enthusiasts. Aside from displays, exhibits, and artifacts; the museum also has a 4D experience of the war situation which is narrated by Tom Hanks. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to National World War II Museum in advance.

2. Ogden Museum of Southern Art

This museum focuses on artworks and artists that hail from the southern states of the USA. It is one of the most important cultural New Orleans tourist attractions. The museum features more than 4,000 works of art from 15 southern states. Some of the artworks date back to the 1700s. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit New Orleans.

3. St. Patrick’s Church

First established in 1833, is known for its gothic revival style of architecture, 56-meter tall tower, and ornate interiors. It is one of the most beautiful buildings you will across during New Orleans sightseeing. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

4. Gallier House Museum

This house was built in 1857 and was designed by architect James Gallier Jr. This house is decorated to recreate the 1850s. The house museum also sheds light on the work and architectural style of Gallier. It is important among New Orleans attractions for its insights regarding the civil war era as well. You will need about an hour to tour this house museum.

5. Immaculate Conception Church

The history of this roman catholic church dates back to the 1850s. The present structure was built in 1930 as a faithful recreation of the original building by incorporating parts of it. It is one of the most beautiful New Orleans tourist spots. The architecture exhibits a blend of gothic revival, byzantine revival, Neo-Venetian, and Moorish styles. The interior of the church is opulent and artistic. You will need an hour or so to explore this church.

6. Old Absinthe House

This historic bar has been part of the city since 1816 and has served several celebrities like Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and many more. A drink at this bar is a must-do in New Orleans. If have time, you should spend a few minutes and bask in the history this watering hole has witnessed.

7. Hermann-Grima House

This house was built in 1831 for German cotton dealer Samuel Hermann. This house was built during the Golden Age of the city. The interior depicts the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy people of the time. If you admire the antique decor, this house is a must-see in New Orleans. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this house museum.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour with a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to Hermann-Grima Historic House.

Day 4

1. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

This aquarium has several marine animals and recreated marine environment representing different parts of the world. The aquarium is also famous for several must-do things in New Orleans such as walking through the tunnel, scuba diving in a tank, interactive experience with fishes, and more. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this place.

2. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

This insect zoo is housed in a 170-year-old building that used to serve as a custom house. The zoo is dedicated to insects and has several wonderful exhibits focused on their life. The most popular one lets you see the world from an insect’s perspective. The zoo also hosts an insect award show and has a gallery of insect overachievers. It is one of the best places to go in New Orleans with children. You will need at least an hour to tour this place.

3. Historical Pharmacy Museum

This museum recreates a 19th-century pharmacy and focuses on the development of drugs and medicines over the years. The museum also showcases some unusual remedies that people employed during earlier times. It is one of the most interesting places to see in New Orleans. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

4. The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC)

This museum focuses on the culture, heritage, and traditions of New Orleans and the Southern Gulf. The museum is spread over several historical buildings of the French Quarter. The museum has a collection of over a million cultural artifacts covering 3 centuries. There are 2 guided tours available to explore and understand this collection, one with architectural insight and one without. You will need at least an hour from New Orleans sightseeing to admire this place.

5. Historic Voodoo Museum

This museum focuses on the history and mysteries of Voodoo practice. Lousiana Voodoo is based on spiritual, ritualistic, and religious practices of different African cultures. This museum explores several aspects of Voodoo including its role in several historical moments and its cultural influence. It is one of the most intriguing places to visit in New Orleans and will require an hour and a half to explore.

I suggest you should try a Guided Walking Tour of Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire.

6. Old U.S. Mint

Established in 1835, this is where money was made. Interestingly, this mint was used for both union and confederate currencies. Today, the mint serves as a museum highlighting the history of currencies in the country. You will need about an hour from New Orleans travel to tour the mint.

7. New Orleans Jazz Museum

This museum traces the origins and evolution of Jazz music and the contribution of New Orleans to the genre. The museum recognizes and celebrates noteworthy artists and has several artifacts and memorabilia on display. The museum has more than 25,000 artifacts, several interactive exhibits, musical concerts, live music, and more. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

If you are a Jazz Music Fan, then below I am suggesting a couple of tours that you should do in New Orleans:

• VIP Jazz Club Crawl
• Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise
• Jazz Tour with Live Music and a Beer
• New Orleans Music Tour

Day 5

1. Audubon Park

This urban jungle is loaded with facilities and attractions. It has an ancient oak forest, green lawns, a ballpark, soccer fields, a lagoon, picnic areas, nature trails, and more. People come here for a variety of recreational activities to do in New Orleans. The park also has a rich and storied history. It used to be a plantation which was then purchased and converted into a venue for World Fair. In 2005, this park was used for relief purposes after Hurricane Katrina. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this park.

2. Aubudon Zoo

This zoo has several animals housed in a recreated natural environment. The environments represent the origin of the animals. The zoo also has several historical architectural points of interest and features wonderful artwork and sculptures. Some of the highlight animals of the zoo include White Tiger, Amur Leopard, White Alligator, Whooping Crane, Giraffe, Asian Elephant, Zebra, African Penguin, Cougar, Gorilla, and Rhinoceros. The zoo is also famous for several New Orleans activities for children where they get to interact with different animals. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this zoo.

3. Louisiana Children’s Museum

This museum features engaging and interactive exhibits that focus on teaching children about several branches of knowledge including history, science, mathematics, geography, zoology, and more. It is among the best places to go in New Orleans for family tourists. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.