Always popular are the sea otters and penguins, as well as the wildlife encounter programs. The Barataria Preserve offers a chance to see some of Louisiana's natural treasures. From their award-winning Cajun cuisine to their natural splendor, NOLA offers many magnificent attractions. Set along a bend on the Mississippi River, the main attraction here is the architecture, but it is also a great area for dining and entertainment. The preserve consists of natural levee forests, bayous, swamps, and marshes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While there are a plethora of sights and sounds to enjoy within the city, New Orleans’s surroundings make for … New Orleans Sights. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,353 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. Oral histories add to the impact. Child: $9. The area in front of the cathedral, along the iron fence that surrounds the square, has long been an artist's hang out, and nearby are shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists. It was at one time the Louisiana Supreme Court, but today the Cabildo houses the Louisiana State Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987. Two of these sites are in the New Orleans area and are well worth a visit. 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Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium/, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Onlookers crowd the balconies and sidewalks to watch the parades and catch strings of beaded necklaces tossed from the outrageously decorated floats. Two Chicks Walking Tours takes you through the Quarter, known as Vieux Carre, past popular New Orleans attractions and sights, including Jackson Square, St. … This is a fair distance from the French Quarter but provides a good excuse to see this part of the city. The French Quarter of New Orleans is what most tourists come to see when they visit the city. We’ve compiled the best of the best in New Orleans - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay. Book the best things to do today, this weekend, or in December. Some of the most popular residents of the zoo are the giraffes, jaguars, leopards, orangutans, elephants, rhinos, lemurs, and alligators (including the rare white alligator) just to name a few. A cruise on the paddle steamer Steamboat Natchez is a wonderful way to experience the Mississippi River and a unique way to see and learn about the city. Opening times and events are listed on the door each day, so if you are walking past in the afternoon you can see what's happening in the evening. Discover the best attractions in New Orleans, USA including Jackson Square, Lafayette Cemetery No 1, City Park. The old buildings, some of which date back 300 years, show French influences, with arcades, wrought iron balconies, red-tiled roofs, and picturesque courtyards. Many of the hotels here are housed in historic buildings and exude their own unique character. First Street, Camp Street, and Prytania Street are some good places to see large, elegant 19th-century houses with extensive grounds. These experiences are best for sights & landmarks in New Orleans: The National WWII Museum Campus Pass Ticket New Orleans; The New Orleans Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Attractions and Tours; The New Orleans Sightseeing Day Pass: 20+ Attractions & Tours in The Big Easy; Skip the Line: Hermann-Grima Historic House Guided Tour Ticket What are the top attractions to visit in New Orleans? The harbor cruises take about two hours and provide narration on the sites, with an optional lunch of creole cuisine. The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve consists of six physically separate sites in southeastern Louisiana. Beyond the French Quarter, the city has many quaint areas worth exploring, from the trendy Warehouse District to the posh Garden District. Buskers, musicians, and artists set up around the square. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,323 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. 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Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the home of Mardi Gras; a festival that showcases its unique cultural heritage. The museum is divided into three sections, with one section devoted to the war in the Pacific, another devoted to the war in Europe, and a third building that houses WWII aircraft. Top Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana: See Tripadvisor's 1,088,372 traveller reviews and photos of 901 things to do when in New Orleans. States: Louisiana; Favorite. One of the notable buildings on Royal Street is the Court of Two Sisters (1832), now a restaurant known for its jazz brunch. The most famous street in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street, but it is not necessarily the highlight of the area. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 1,088,372 traveler reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. By Chelsea Brasted. A small tram called the Swamp Train, runs throughout the zoo and passes by the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, sea lions, and Reptile Encounter areas. 5 of 5. Updated on 8/14/2020 at 4:35 PM. This post lists our picks for the 10 top New Orleans Attractions that first-time visitors should plan to see. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Also within Audubon Park are fine stands of oaks, a butterfly garden and insectarium, hothouses, the Audubon Golf Club, a number of small lakes, and plenty of open green space. "It happened to be open for tours when we were there for $15." The Audubon Institute operates several world-class destinations for families in New Orleans. Shopping Nightlife Performing Arts. Our list of the best activities comes from first hand experience, from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street. Adult: $39. Special events cruises are also available seasonally, with special cruises offered for such occasions as Easter, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, and other holidays. You are assigned a profile of someone who was in the war, and oral updates are available at stations throughout the complex to follow the soldier's progression through war time. Also in the vicinity of the cathedral are the Presbytere and Cabildo, both Louisiana State Museums. To hear some quality musicians playing traditional jazz music, Frenchmen Street is the place to go. There are many more points of interest in the Big Easy, but these activities and sights are a great place to start! Address: Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/. The first town council met here in 1799, and the Louisiana Purchase was agreed to here in 1803. Jackson Square is the main square in the heart of the French Quarter, originally known as Place d'Armes. Looking for the ultimate photo of downtown New Orleans? You can see sculptured props, huge floats, outrageous costumes, and all kinds of figures. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans… Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Official site: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/, Jackson Square | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Historic Buildings & Homes. The French Quarter envelops you with its 18th century colonial beauty, seductive scents and the sound of music. The building is small, creating an intimate setting, and seating is limited. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour . Escaping to New Orleans on a budget? New Orleans is one of America's most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can't find anywhere else. The following can be experienced for nix. This includes everything from sharks and stingrays to sea turtles. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. The main attraction in the park, apart from the pleasant green spaces, is the Piety Street Bridge. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana on Tripadvisor: See 342,234 traveller reviews and photos of New Orleans tourist attractions. New Orleans is a city steeped in amazing history and some truly incredible preserved landmarks. Preservation Hall | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The city of New Orleans is a buffet for the senses, and we've got news: you're going to be eating all day and night. Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in New Orleans. Share. French Quarter | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The whole area is very attractively laid out along the banks of the Mississippi, with the Riverboat Docks, the promenade known as the Moon Walk, and the Millhouse, as well as a variety of stores. The church was built through contributions from Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman who spent money from his fortune to rebuild New Orleans after the second great fire. Will help you plan your time for one day or a whole week. On the north side of Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral, a landmark structure in New Orleans. Be sure to check the museum's calendar for temporary exhibitions and a variety of themes. It's a good idea, particularly during high season, to book a Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise in advance. The Garden District is a prosperous residential area with lovely mansions, mature trees, and lush gardens, and is probably, in some respects, the stereotypical image many foreigners have of the Deep South. Actually Cool Things You Can (Still) Do in New Orleans Right Now Even locals love this stuff. The park claims to have one of the world's largest stands of mature live oak trees, with one that is almost 800 years old. Louisiana State Museum at the Cabildo | rpongsaj / photo modified. We have reviews of the best places to see in New Orleans. Come here if you are in the nearby areas and want to enjoy a bit of a local secret.