Attractions

Aside from some of the more common features of New Orleans, such as its swingin’ jazz scene, Cajun restaurants, wacky Bourbon Street, wackier street performers and beautiful rowhouses, the Big Easy is also home to many intriguing attractions -- some well-known and touristy, others a bit more discrete. So, to assist you in your travels here, we have listed below some of the most popular attractions in town.  

When one thinks of New Orleans, the famous French Quarter almost always enters the mind. A strong sense of culture, mixed with the need for romanticism and the uncontrollable urge for debauchery comes over you as you enter this magnificent neighborhood that runs a mere six-blocks deep and 13-blocks wide.

Naturally, most of the popular attractions are located in the Quarter. For instance, across Decatur Street from the Mississippi River is Jackson Square, the town’s central historic location as well as its primary hangout for street performers. Also situated here are The Cabildo, The Presbytere, and St. Louis Cathedral. When strolling the Square, ask around for “The Duck Lady."

The French Quarter is scattered with many historic homes as well, such as the 1850 House, the Beauregard-Keyes House , the Hermann-Grima Historic House, Madame John's Legacy , and  the Gallier House, all of which offer visitors a taste of old-time New Orleans living. Another unique historic site is St. Elizabeth’s Orphanage, located on Napoleon Avenue. This massive three-story structure of stucco and brick was originally constructed as a school in 1865; it now holds author Anne Rice’s (Interview with a Vampire) doll collection and other such artifacts.

Of course, what is New Orleans without its Voodoo culture? Be sure to visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, located at 724 Dumaine Street in the French Quarter, for an interesting experience. Though it is largely designed for tourists, it is still a good opportunity for visitors to learn about the practices of voodoo and the enigmatic voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

Equally as eerie as New Orleans voodoo are the cemeteries here.   Because the area is situated below sea-level, the dead must be “buried” above ground in order to avoid floating zombies when the area floods each year, which, according to legend, has happened before. The most fantastic of these cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home of the famous tomb of Marie Laveau; and the Metairie Cemetery, which may be considered the most beautiful and most unique graveyard not only in New Orleans, but in the world.

Not all attractions are in the Quarter, however. Just a short cab ride, boat ride or streetcar ride away from the Quarter is the Aquarium for the America’s. Even more southwest from the Aquarium is the luxurious Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo. The best means of traveling to and from the Audubon destinations and the Quarter is to ride a streetcar, or take the John Audubon Cruise Ship that glides along the Mississippi River. Try to ride one for each way if you can. At any rate, the park is gorgeous and the zoo is rated as one of the top five in the country.

These are just a few of the many diverse and unique attractions that make New Orleans one of the greatest traveling destinations under the sun. Keep in mind that there are numerous tours available for those wanting to take in as much of this place as they possibly can. And soon you shall see that most of the locals here are quite gracious and are always ready to assist anyone in their travels about town. –Michael Rando

Below we have listed some good sightseeing tours (don’t forget the cemetery and swamp tours). For even more information visit our Tours page.

Historic New Orleans Walking Tours – 504/947-2120

Gray Line – 800/535-7786

Half Pint’s Swamp Adventures – 318/280-5967

Haunted History Tours – 888/6-GHOSTS

Magic Walking Tours – 504/588-9693

Natchez (boat tour)— 800/233-BOAT