Louisiana

Visiting New Orleans? Don’t Leave Without Checking Out These Seven Places

Visiting New Orleans? Don’t Leave Without Checking Out These Seven Places

Beautiful, mystical, and full of culture, New Orleans houses many sights that are not your average attractions. Here are some you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.

New Orleans is a haven of cultural diversity, which is apparent in everything from the local cuisine to architecture. And those visiting the historical hometown of jazz will have plenty of sights to marvel at, including museums, gardens, squares, and various cultural venues.

The city is just oozing with history and character. If you make it a point to visit the highlights of the city, you’ll leave with a strong, lasting impression that will urge you to come back.

Here are the seven amazing New Orleans locations that are guaranteed to make you fall in love with the city.

1. Jackson Square

_{Tripcdn.com. (2023). Available at: https://youimg1.tripcdn.com/target/10011f000001h35oh9B44.jpg?proc=source%2Ftrip}

Initially called Place d’Armes, the beautiful square is located in the French Quarter and by the banks of the Mississippi. Jackson Square is an idyllic spot as it’s surrounded by other New Orleans landmarks, such as the St. Louis Cathedral and Louisiana State Museums of Presbytère and Cabildo.

Among the luscious greenery are various restaurants and shops. And the square’s centerpiece is a statue of Andrew Jackson on a horse, dating from the mid-19th century.

2. The National WWII Museum

_{Gonola.com. (2023). Available at: https://gonola.com/images/national-wwii-museum-planes.jpg}

The three sections of the museum document World War II history and are devoted to the European and the Pacific theaters, while the third section exhibits aircraft from the conflict.

There is an abundance of short films that illustrate how the people back then used the various items on display, including authentic testimonials. It’s also interactive, as the museum visitor takes on the role of a common soldier as they receive updates at several stations during the tour.

Besides the exhibits, there are two noticeable amenities within the museum.

You can get some refreshments while enjoying a matinee or a dinner show in the Stage Door Canteen. This era-appropriate entertainment contributes to the already great immersion provided by the museum environment that strives for authenticity.

There’s also a 4D Theater where you can see a showing of a documentary film while rumbling chairs and stage props enhance the experience. It’s an excellent addition to the exhibits and might be the main attraction for many visitors.

3. The French Quarter

_{Dockwalk.com. (2015). Available at: https://cdn.dockwalk.com/files/2021/02/af14aca0-6fba-11eb-8e7c-83a7411e3f18-French-Quarter-New-Orleans-iStock.jpg}

Without a doubt, the historic French Quarter is the primary city location for most tourists. This aptly named part of New Orleans is full of intricate architecture, with buildings that are over three centuries old showcasing the French style of the era.

There are plenty of restaurants and hotels, shops that sell various souvenirs, as well as galleries and jazz venues for those interested in the rich New Orleans culture. Note that the more high-end spots are mainly located along Royal Street. And if you want to catch some quality traditional jazz, many excellent joints can be found on Frenchmen Street.

Of course, there’s the world-famous Bourbon Street that might not be for everybody because it can get rather crowded and filthy, especially at night.

4. St. Louis Cathedral

_{‌de (2020). Jackson Square. Available at: https://planetofhotels.com/guide/es/estados-unidos/nueva-orleans/jackson-square}

Within the French Quarter and near Jackson Square is where you’ll find the fascinating St. Louis Cathedral. The oldest continually used cathedral in the U.S., the church was erected in 1794 during New Orleans’ rebuilding efforts after a considerable portion of the city experienced damage in a great fire.

Its construction lasted for more than five years and the location used to be the site of a previous church that didn’t survive the destructive fire. The cathedral received the internal decoration in 1825 and an organ four years later.

5. Garden District

_{Squarespace-cdn.com. (2023). Available at: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53603242e4b0ad70e22c0ed1/1610585993636-B9EL7V4EOP5G4S2WGOAU/gardendistmansion.jpg?format=2500w}

The Garden District offers an authentic, if somewhat stereotypical, sight of New Orleans, as it’s adorned with mansions and houses dating from the 19th century, and luscious greenery.

This is primarily a residential area that’s more serene than some other spots. But it doesn’t mean the Garden District isn’t welcoming to tourists. Besides the captivating architecture, the area features various shops, boutiques, and eateries, although those are not as densely packed as their French Quarter counterparts.

If you’re interested in experiencing the history and beauty of the neighborhood, guided walking tours are available to take you through all the noticeable sites.

6. The Voodoo Museum

_{Yurview.com. (2023). Available at: https://www.yurview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Voodoo_Museum_New_Orleans.jpg}

Those that want to explore the history of New Orleans with a focus on the mystical will find themselves at home in the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. The museum’s been offering fascinating tours since 1972 and it houses amazing relics and artwork.

However, the attractions spread even beyond the museum building.

Through the Voodoo Museum, you can get in touch with authentic practitioners that perform various rituals, readings, and ceremonies. The museum isn’t the direct service provider but it will rather help you contact the mystic experts.

Another popular service the museum has in stock is the walking tours to the cemetery. While the idea might sound somewhat bleak, there are many interesting features to see in the St. Louis Cemetery, also known as the City of the Dead.

7. City Park

_{New Orleans City Park. (2023). Available at: https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/botanical-garden/}

The expansive park has plenty to offer to visitors, whether they’re interested in art, entertainment, sports, or just taking a long relaxing walk. City Park has a unique atmosphere, and its gorgeous landscape is even more mesmerizing in the evening, when the trees, monuments, and statues become highlighted through a subtle haze.

In the park is where you can find the beautiful New Orleans Botanical Garden, filled with lush, interesting, and rare plants. Art lovers will expectedly rush to the nearby Museum of Art, but there’s also plenty to see under the open sky in the Sculpture Garden.

If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the amusement park and Storyland. Those interested in sports can have a try at some of the tennis courts or even the golf course. However, the most captivating feature of the park is its walking areas. Take a stroll and see the majestic oaks that are centuries old, or simply take in the serene atmosphere.

New Orleans Has Something for Everyone

The captivating atmosphere and sights of New Orleans will leave you wanting for more. Whatever your tastes are, you’ll find a way to satisfy them in the gorgeous city and leave with long-lasting memories.

Up Next

Best Bars in New Orleans for a Night to Remember

Don't Miss

12 Legendary London Pubs that You Don’t Want to Miss

Weekend Getaways

New Orleans’ Haunted History: A Ghost Tour

New Orleans, the Crescent City, is renowned for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and unique cultural blend. But beneath the surface of jazz-filled streets and colorful balconies lies a darker, more mysterious side: a history steeped in tragedy, Voodoo, and countless restless spirits. If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your imagination, a ghost tour in New Orleans is an absolute must-do!

Imagine walking through the dimly lit cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the gas lamps casting long, dancing shadows, as a seasoned storyteller regales you with tales of centuries-old hauntings. This isn’t just about jump scares; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s past, where every building seems to hold a chilling secret.

What Makes New Orleans So Haunted?

New Orleans Street — Visittheusa.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.visittheusa.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The city’s tumultuous history has created fertile ground for paranormal activity. From devastating fires and rampant epidemics like yellow fever to the brutal realities of slavery and violent crimes, New Orleans has witnessed its share of profound suffering. This rich, often tragic, past has left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who lived and died here still linger.

Iconic Haunted Locations You Might Encounter:

A good ghost tour will take you to some of New Orleans’ most infamous spectral hotspots. Here are a few you’re likely to hear about:

The LaLaurie Mansion — Al.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.al.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street): Perhaps the most notorious haunted house in America, this grand mansion was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite infamous for her horrific cruelty towards her enslaved people in the early 19th century. The tales of torture and suffering within its walls are truly unsettling, and many claim the tormented spirits of her victims still haunt the property.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — Cemeterytourneworleans.com. (2025). Available at: https://cemeterytourneworleans.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: As the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, it’s a labyrinth of above-ground tombs and crumbling mausoleums. It’s the final resting place of many notable figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors often report seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and feeling an eerie presence among the ornate tombs.

The Ursuline Convent — Tripadvisor.com. (2025). Available at: https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The Ursuline Convent: This imposing building, dating back to the 1750s, holds tales of mysterious deaths and sightings of ghostly nuns. It’s also famously associated with the “Casket Girls” legend – young French women who arrived with small chests, rumored to be vampires by some, though history tells a less sensational story of their belongings.

Hotel Monteleone — Phgcdn.com. (2025). Available at: https://phgcdn.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Hotel Monteleone: This luxurious hotel has a long history and a reputation for being exceptionally haunted. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spectral children, including a young boy named Maurice who is said to roam the 14th floor, still searching for his parents.

Muriel's Jackson Square — Thevendry.com. (2025). Available at: https://thevendry.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is reportedly haunted by its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide upstairs after losing the property in a poker game. Diners have reported moving objects, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of being watched.

Beyond the Ghosts: A Historical Perspective

New Orleans ghost tours are more than just spooky stories; they offer a unique way to delve into the city’s complex history. You’ll learn about the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans, the impact of significant historical events, and the lives of the colorful, and often tragic, characters who shaped this remarkable city. The guides are often captivating storytellers, blending historical facts with local legends to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, a New Orleans ghost tour promises an evening of intrigue, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a chance to see the city in a different light, to feel the echoes of its past, and perhaps, to even encounter a friendly (or not-so-friendly) spirit.

Trip Ideas

Budget-Friendly Getaways: Experience NOLA!

Ready to dive into a trip that’s packed with vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and music that’ll make your soul dance—all without breaking the bank?

Buckle up, because we’re heading to the heart of Louisiana: New Orleans, or as the cool kids call it, NOLA!

1. Jazz it Up for Free

When in NOLA, do as the jazz lovers do! The city’s music scene is legendary, and guess what? You don’t need to shell out big bucks to enjoy it. Head over to Frenchmen Street, where you’ll find a string of clubs with no cover charge.

Just grab a drink, and let the sweet sounds of jazz wash over you. For an even more authentic experience, check out the free concerts at Lafayette Square during the Wednesday at the Square series.

2. Wander Through the French Quarter

Ah, the French Quarter—NOLA’s crown jewel. Stroll through this historic district and let the eclectic mix of street performers, artists, and musicians enchant you. Jackson Square is a must-visit, with its beautiful cathedral and lively atmosphere.

Don’t forget to snap a pic at the iconic Café du Monde, where you can indulge in their famous beignets without busting your budget. Pro tip: grab a beignet and coffee to-go, and enjoy it by the Mississippi River for the ultimate NOLA experience.

3. Feast on Flavor

New Orleans Deli — Annaeverywhere.com. (2024). Available at: https://annaeverywhere.com/ [Accessed 9 Aug. 2024]

New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise, and you don’t need a fat wallet to eat like a king. Check out local gems like Coop’s Place or the iconic Central Grocery & Deli for a mouth-watering muffuletta.

And of course, you can’t leave NOLA without trying a po’boy. Head over to Parkway Bakery & Tavern for a sandwich that’s as big on taste as it is on history. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

4. Step into History

New Orleans Cemetery Tour — Myguide-cdn.com. (2024). Available at: https://images.myguide-cdn.com/ [Accessed 9 Aug. 2024]

New Orleans is steeped in history, and there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to soak it all in. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum offers a quirky and fascinating glimpse into 19th-century medicine for just a small admission fee.

For a truly unique experience, take a self-guided tour of the city’s famous cemeteries, like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where you can visit the tomb of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

5. Cruise the Streetcar

Hop on one of NOLA’s iconic streetcars for a scenic and budget-friendly way to explore the city. The St. Charles Avenue line takes you through the picturesque Garden District, where you can marvel at stunning antebellum mansions and lush oak-lined streets. At just a few bucks a ride, it’s a steal of a deal!

Wrap-Up: NOLA on a Dime

New Orleans is a city that’s rich in culture, flavor, and soul—all of which can be experienced without draining your bank account. So pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to fall in love with NOLA. Trust us, this budget-friendly getaway will leave you with memories to last a lifetime and a yearning to return for more.

Happy travels, and as they say in NOLA, laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll!

Weekend Getaways

14 Best Scenic Drives in New Orleans: An Expert’s Secret Guide

New Orleans isn’t just about Bourbon Street and beignets! This city’s got a wild side, with hidden pockets of natural beauty just a short cruise away.

This guide, crafted by your local expert, will unveil some of the best drives around NOLA, offering a respite from the urban buzz and a chance to soak up the charm of Louisiana’s landscapes.

1. Rollin’ with the River (Great River Road)

Cruise alongside the Mississippi on this epic route. Spot fancy plantations, wildlife refuges, and cool towns.

Hit up Oak Alley Plantation for some serious mansion envy, or get swampy at Jean Lafitte National Park.

2. Maurepas Mystery Tour (LA 406)

Get your jungle on with a drive through the mysterious Maurepas Swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for gators, listen out for funky bird calls, and watch out for those crazy cypress knees poking out of the water!

3. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (I-10)

Not for the wobbly-legged, but the views are CRAZY good. This bridge stretches on FOREVER (well, almost), giving you epic panoramas of Lake Pontchartrain. Just hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

4. Seashell Shuffle (Shell Beach Drive)

Craving some beach therapy? Shell Beach Drive leads you to a paradise for shell-combers. Chill on the white sand, hunt for treasures, and soak up those Gulf Coast vibes.

5. Grand Isle Getaway (LA 1)

Grand Isle Getaway Fishing — Outsideonline.com. (2024). Available at: https://cdn.outsideonline.com/ [Accessed 1 May 2024]

Feeling adventurous? Take a longer trip to Grand Isle, a barrier island famous for its epic fishing and untouched beauty. Hike or bike the beach, scope out some birds, or just relax and work on your tan.

6. River Road Ramble (LA 18)

Destrehan Plantations — Hiddenmesa.com. (2018). Available at: https://hiddenmesa.com/ [Accessed 1 May 2024]

This scenic route winds through plantation country, like driving through a history book! See fancy old mansions dripping with Spanish moss, like Destrehan and Laura Plantations.

7. Houma to Avery Island Hootenanny (LA 1)

Cruise through cute towns and past historic plantations. Then swing by Avery Island to explore Jungle Gardens, a wacky botanical wonderland straight out of a dream.

8. Swamp Tour on the Bayou Teche (LA 308)

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bayou Teche on this watery adventure. Glide past moss-draped cypress trees, spot wildlife like egrets and alligators, and learn about the unique ecosystem of the bayou.

9. Atchafalaya Adventure (Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Byway)

Buckle up for a journey through the heart of the HUGE Atchafalaya Swamp, the biggest one in the US of A! Learn about the unique culture of the region and witness the wild swamp life.

10. City Park Chill Out

New Orleans City Park. (2023). About Us – New Orleans City Park. [online] Available at: https://neworleanscitypark.org/ [Accessed 2 May 2024]

Escape the craziness with a scenic loop through City Park. Cruise by peaceful lagoons, admire the ancient oak trees with their Spanish moss beards, and maybe even stop and smell the roses at the New Orleans Botanical Garden.

11. Metairie Cemetery Cruise (Self-guided)

Ok, this one’s a little spooky, but hear me out! Take a slow drive through the historic Metairie Cemetery, a sprawling arboretum with cool tombs and creepy-beautiful statues. Just don’t forget to be respectful!

12. NOLA to Baton Rouge Blitz (I-10)

Usnews.com. (2024). Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. [online] Available at: https://travel.usnews.com/ [Accessed 2 May 2024]

Not exactly scenic, but this drive takes you to the state capital, Baton Rouge. Check out its cool museums and the impressive Capitol building.

13. New Orleans to Lafayette Lafayette (I-10)

Louisiana Official Travel and Tourism Information. (2019). Louisiana’s Top Live Music Venues. [online] Available at: https://www.explorelouisiana.com/ [Accessed 2 May 2024]

Head west for a taste of Cajun and Acadian culture in Lafayette. Immerse yourself in the music scene, devour delicious food, and visit Vermilionville, a living history museum that’s like stepping back in time.

14. NOLA to Natchez, Mississippi (US 61)

John A. Latsch Park — Voyagercampervans.com. (2024). Available at: https://voyagercampervans.com/ [Accessed 2 May 2024]

Feeling ambitious? This longer drive takes you to the historic town of Natchez, Mississippi. Explore its grand antebellum homes, learn about the city’s fascinating past, and enjoy epic views from the Mississippi bluffs.

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic basket, some bug spray (trust me!), and your camera to capture all these unforgettable adventures. So buckle up, turn up the tunes, and get ready to see a whole new side of NOLA!