Top things to do in New Orleans

One of the city’s most recognizable historic cemeteries, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is lined with above-ground tombs, weathered stonework, and striking statuary. It’s a compact, atmospheric stop for anyone curious about New Orleans burial traditions and the distinctive architecture shaped by local conditions.

Large outdoor space featuring a variety of festivals, plus pre-game tailgating & celebrations. Set in the Orleans Tower, this amphitheater hosts concerts and sporting events. People say this outdoor venue is a great spot for concerts and events, offering a spacious and open area with excellent sound. They also highlight the electric pre-game atmosphere, with food and drink vendors and fun games. Others mention the courteous and professional staff, and the family-friendly environment.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 offers a quieter, more spacious look at New Orleans burial traditions. Established in 1854, it’s known for ornate above-ground mausoleums, detailed stone tombs, and rows of historic markers that reflect the city’s layered past. For travelers drawn to architecture, history, and the visual drama of local cemeteries, it’s a rewarding stop.

Mini-golf, an arcade, bumper cars & a 6,000-sq.-ft. laser-tag arena, plus pizza & other snacks. Family-friendly chain featuring laser tag (with heights and dated equipment), mini golf, bumper cars and pizza. People say this entertainment center offers a wide variety of games, including laser tag, bumper cars, and glow-in-the-dark mini golf, with tasty food options like chicken fingers and pizza. They also highlight the reasonable prices for parties and general admission, making it a great value. Guests mention the staff are attentive, helpful, and create a fun, engaging atmosphere, especially for birthday celebrations.

Bayou Segnette works best when you want more than a quick walk. With recreation areas, camping options, cabins and water-based activities nearby, it has the feel of a proper day-out destination rather than a short urban park stop. Families, road trippers and travelers with a car will get the most from it. If your trip needs one outdoorsy break from the city center, this is a sensible contender.

Imaginative outdoor spot with colorful sculptures & playscapes in the shape of storybook characters. Park featuring a train ride through oak trees plus exhibits and events based on fairy tales. People say this children's amusement center is a magical place where stories come to life, perfect for kids, and full of wonder. They also highlight the fun slides, the plenty of shade, and the charming, unique experience. Other reviews mention some parts can be in need of repairs.

St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ defining landmarks, rising over the French Quarter with its triple spires and centuries-old presence. Inside, you’ll find stained glass, a painted ceiling, and a calm, cool interior that offers a pause from the street outside. It works equally well as a quick architectural stop or a meaningful visit for those interested in the city’s religious history.

Fulton Alley gives bowling a more social, downtown feel, pairing sleek lanes with cocktails and a menu of Southern-American bar food. Beyond bowling, there are other games like pool and shuffleboard, making it a flexible pick for groups who want a low-pressure night out. It’s a solid option when you want something lively but less music-centric than a club or bar crawl.

Mandeville Lakefront is a simple, scenic escape defined by open views, lakeside breezes, and an easygoing pace. It’s better suited to a relaxed stroll or a pause by the water than a packed sightseeing agenda, making it appealing if you want a calm contrast to busier New Orleans neighborhoods.

Westside Bowling Lanes is a straightforward, family-oriented spot for an easy afternoon or evening out. With league play, an arcade, and a bar on site, it works for mixed-age groups who want something casual and familiar. If you’re after classic entertainment rather than tourist attractions, it’s a practical option across the river.

Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area showcases the wilder side of southeast Louisiana, with broad wetland forest, rich birdlife, and excellent chances to spot local fauna. It’s popular for fishing, camping, and alligator watching, and it gives travelers a deeper sense of the swamp landscapes that define the region beyond the city streets. Come for the scenery and stay for the feeling of real distance from urban New Orleans.

If you want context for the sound of New Orleans without committing half a day, start here. The park focuses on jazz through exhibits, ranger-led interpretation, workshops, and performances, making it one of the smartest cultural stops downtown. It’s especially appealing for first-time visitors who want history and atmosphere in one place, and the free entry makes it easy to pop in between meals or a riverfront walk.

Insect & marine life exhibits plus a 400,000-gallon tank with reefs, sharks & a walk-through tunnel. Laid-back aquarium featuring tropical saltwater species like sharks, rays, alligators and penguins as well as native Louisiana bayou creatures. Visitors say this aquarium and insectarium offers a wide variety of marine life and fascinating insect exhibits, including a beautiful butterfly garden and stingray touch pool. They also highlight the clean, well-maintained facilities and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Some reviews mention the admission can be overpriced.

City Park is ideal when the Quarter feels crowded and you need a slower pace. The scale is the draw: broad green space, walking paths, water views, and enough on-site attractions to suit different moods, from casual strolling to museums and family activities. It works well for morning walks before the heat peaks, and it’s a reliable choice for travelers who want a softer, greener side of New Orleans.

For visitors who want live music without overplanning the evening, House of Blues is an easy choice. The mix of Southern-leaning food, bar atmosphere, and regular performances makes it useful on a short trip, especially if you’re staying near the Quarter or Warehouse District. It won’t replace a deep dive into neighborhood clubs, but it delivers a convenient, music-forward night with very little effort.

St. Patrick's Church stands out for its Gothic architecture, richly colored interior frescos, and elegant stained glass. The 185-ft. bell tower makes it a downtown landmark, while the interior offers a notably peaceful atmosphere. For travelers interested in sacred art, historic churches, or a quiet reset between busier stops, it’s well worth stepping inside.

Camp Salmen Nature Park is an easy family pick when you want fresh air without much planning. Expect wooded walking trails, a playground, picnic setups, and event-friendly amenities including three pavilions and an amphitheater. Visitors often praise the clean grounds, shaded pavilions with fans, spotless restrooms, and helpful staff, making it especially convenient for relaxed outings with kids.

This protected marshland teeming with alligators & various bird species offers walkways & fishing. Nature reserve featuring fishing and wildlife trails across marshes teeming with alligators, plus picnic areas. Visitors say this nature area offers beautiful views and an easy walk to see local flora and fauna, including alligators. They also highlight the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, making it a great escape from the city. Guests mention the convenient highway access and available tables and restrooms.

This boardwalk and ridge trail is a low-effort, high-reward stop for swamp scenery near the city. You’ll walk through cypress-lined wetlands with good chances to spot birds and even alligators, all in a calm setting that feels far removed from downtown. Visitors appreciate the easy route, plus practical extras like parking and restrooms, though some note maintenance can be uneven.

Multi-building museum with interactive submarine exhibit, planes, 4-D theater & eatery downstairs. Sprawling history center featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories of soldiers during the Second World War. People say this museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience highlighting the history of World War II, with a vast collection of artifacts, personal stories, and interactive exhibits. They highlight the educational value, the engaging and informative displays, and the opportunity to follow the journey of a real person through the war. They also like the friendly and helpful staff and volunteers.

JAMNOLA leans bright, immersive, and contemporary rather than traditional museum-style. Rooms are built around the city’s music, food, and performance culture, so it’s a smart choice for visitors who want something lighter and more photogenic than a history museum. Families, couples, and friend groups tend to enjoy it most, especially when the weather is sticky and an indoor activity sounds better than another long walk.

The Presbytère is one of the city’s strongest compact museums because it balances celebration and hard history. Exhibits on Mardi Gras reveal the craft and symbolism behind the spectacle, while the Hurricane Katrina material gives important human context to modern New Orleans. If you only have time for one focused history stop in the Quarter, this is a strong contender.

Louis Armstrong Park gives you more than a pleasant walk. The grounds are peaceful, with water features and open paths, but the real draw is Congo Square, a site central to the city’s musical and cultural history. It’s a good stop for travelers interested in Black history and the roots of New Orleans performance traditions, especially if you want a reflective break close to the Quarter.

Pelican Park is built for active days, whether you're coming for batting cages, disc golf, skateboarding, ball fields, dog-friendly space, or a walk around well-kept grounds. There are also swimming pools, playgrounds, and courts that visitors often find spacious, clean, and well lit. It’s a practical choice for families, casual exercise, or anyone looking for a broad mix of recreation in one stop.

This is one of the easiest ways to feel the scale of the Mississippi without planning a full excursion. The walk gives you river traffic, open sky, and a calmer rhythm than the streets just behind it, plus convenient access to nearby shops and cafes. It suits early evening particularly well, when you want views and movement but not another structured attraction.

The Conservatory of the Two Sisters is listed as a garden, making it a potential fit when you want a calmer change of pace from the city’s busier headline attractions. With limited available detail, it’s best approached as a simple green-space stop rather than a major sightseeing anchor.

Airline Skate Center, Inc leans into old-school fun, with a bright rink, music, rental walkers, and organized sessions that range from family nights to hip-hop events. It’s especially popular for kids’ parties and group outings, and visitors often mention the clean environment, friendly staff, and visible security measures. Some reviews note uneven management experiences, but for many guests the appeal is simple: a lively place to skate and let loose.

Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center is a straightforward option for travelers interested in local wildlife and the ecosystems around southeast Louisiana. The draw is a mix of trails, interpretive exhibits, and classes tied to the surrounding refuge, making it a useful stop if you want context as well as scenery.

Vue Orleans Observation Deck is a strong choice when you want to get your bearings and see the city from above. Located at 2 Canal St, it offers a high vantage point that can work especially well early in a trip, helping you connect the river, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods in one sweep.

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is a family classic centered on 16 rides, including its signature antique wooden carousel with hand-carved horses. Visitors often highlight the train ride, the clean setting, and the easy appeal for younger children, along with access to nearby Storyland for photos. It’s reasonably priced and best approached as a cheerful, low-pressure outing for families with kids.

Few food stops are woven into the city’s identity like this one. Come for the powdered-sugar beignets and chicory coffee, especially if you want a low-effort break between sightseeing stretches. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone needing a quick, cheerful reset rather than a formal meal. Go earlier in the day or use it as a snack stop before heading back outdoors.

Set within City Park, this sculpture garden feels calm and carefully composed, with works spread across landscaped grounds and ponds. It’s one of the smartest choices for a slower morning or a post-lunch stroll, especially if museums sound appealing but you’d rather stay outside. Couples, solo travelers and design-minded visitors will get the most from it, though the paths are easy for almost anyone.

This is the kind of place to visit when you want space, breeze and a gentle walk without much planning. The boardwalk and viewing tower make it easy to take in the marsh and lake scenery, and wildlife sightings add to the appeal. It works particularly well late in the day, when the light softens and the whole setting feels calmer. Bring water and treat it as a relaxed detour, not a major activity block.

Louis Armstrong Park gives you more than shade and scenery: it also carries real cultural weight. The grounds are pleasant for wandering, with water, statues and room to slow down, but the deeper draw is the setting near Congo Square and the city’s musical heritage. It suits visitors who want a break from the denser French Quarter streets without straying far. Allow time to walk rather than rush through.

If you want to understand the landscape around New Orleans, Bayou Sauvage is a revealing place to go. Trails, fishing access and marsh views make it feel far removed from urban sightseeing, even though it’s still within the city’s orbit. It’s best for nature-minded visitors, photographers and anyone craving a quieter, wilder Louisiana experience. Go prepared for sun, bugs and a more natural, less polished outing.

For families visiting in warm weather, this is one of the more practical ways to enjoy the day without melting. The mix of lazy river, splash features and beach-style areas keeps younger kids busy while giving adults a chance to relax. It’s not a culture stop; it’s a comfort stop, and that can be exactly the right call in New Orleans heat. Best reserved for travelers with children or anyone prioritizing fun over sightseeing momentum.

Jean Lafitte gives visitors a more accessible entry into the region’s swamp landscapes, with trails, interpretive signs and wide wetland scenery. It’s well suited to travelers who want nature but also appreciate some structure and context while they walk. Expect cypress, marsh habitat and the kind of setting that makes south Louisiana feel distinct from anywhere else in the country. Good for half a day if you want room to explore at an unhurried pace.

Parisite DIY Skatepark feels handmade in the best way: creative, rough-edged and clearly shaped by the people who use it. Ramps, rails and bowls draw the main crowd, but even non-skaters may appreciate the energy and independent spirit here. It’s not for everyone, and that’s part of the appeal. Come if you prefer local texture over polished attractions and want to see a different slice of New Orleans outdoor culture.

Bayou Segnette works best when you want more than a quick walk. With recreation areas, camping options, cabins and water-based activities nearby, it has the feel of a proper day-out destination rather than a short urban park stop. Families, road trippers and travelers with a car will get the most from it. If your trip needs one outdoorsy break from the city center, this is a sensible contender.

City Park is the kind of place you can shape to your mood: a walking morning under huge oaks, a casual family outing, or a base for nearby attractions like the sculpture garden. Because it’s so large, it doesn’t feel crowded in the same way smaller central parks can. It’s especially good for visitors who want flexibility and room to roam. If you only have time for one major green space, start here.

Lafreniere Park is less about must-see status and more about usefulness: there’s space to walk, play, picnic and unwind without fuss. That makes it appealing for families, longer stays and travelers who want a practical outdoor break away from the busiest visitor zones. The ponds, trails and open lawns give it a relaxed neighborhood feel. Choose it when you want a dependable park afternoon rather than a headline attraction.

This is more of a modest pause point than a destination attraction, but that can still be useful on a busy sightseeing day. If you’re in the area and want a shaded breather, picnic spot or place to regroup with children, it does the job neatly. Keep expectations light: the value here is convenience and calm rather than a packed itinerary. It works best as part of a nearby park visit.

Joe W. Brown Park is built for doing rather than simply strolling. With courts, fields, playgrounds and space for activities like fishing and paddling, it suits travelers who want movement and families with kids to entertain. It’s less scenic than some of the wetland or garden picks, but stronger if your group gets restless with passive sightseeing. Consider it for an active afternoon outside the historic core.

Northlake Nature Center has a gentler, more intimate feel than some of the larger wetland areas around New Orleans. The boardwalks and trails make it easy to explore varied habitats while watching for birds, turtles and other wildlife. It’s especially appealing for visitors who like unrushed walks and don’t need heavy infrastructure. If you want to trade city noise for birdsong and marsh air, this is a rewarding choice.

Mandeville Lakefront is a very easy place to enjoy: open water views, a relaxed promenade feel and enough family-friendly features to keep the outing comfortable. It suits sunset chasers, casual cyclists and anyone wanting a scenic break without a complicated plan. Compared with the wilder marsh options, this one feels more polished and social. Go late if you can—the lakeside light is the main draw.

Congo Square matters because of what it represents in New Orleans history, especially the city’s musical and African diasporic heritage. While it sits within a pleasant park setting, the real value of a stop here is taking a moment to connect the landscape with the story. It’s best for visitors who want their outdoor sightseeing to include substance, not just scenery. Pair it naturally with Louis Armstrong Park.

The Conservatory of the Two Sisters is the kind of place to fold into a broader City Park visit rather than make your sole destination. If you enjoy gardens, calmer paths and small detours that slow the pace, it’s worth including. The appeal is understated: greenery, breathing room and a softer contrast to the city’s louder pleasures. Think of it as a pleasing add-on for park lovers.

Shelter 1 is not an attraction in the traditional sense, but it’s genuinely helpful if your day in City Park needs structure. For families, groups and anyone carrying food, it provides a simple base for resting, regrouping or escaping midday heat for a while. Use it as practical support for a park-heavy itinerary rather than a reason to visit on its own.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 offers one of the city’s most striking looks at New Orleans burial traditions, with rows of above-ground mausoleums, tombs, and gravestones dating back to 1854. If cemetery history is on your list, this is a compelling stop for architecture, atmosphere, and a deeper sense of local heritage beyond the French Quarter.

St. Bernard State Park works well for travelers who want a quieter base within reach of New Orleans. The park offers campsites, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and recreation amenities, while visitors frequently praise the spacious level sites, clean bathhouses, hot showers, and well-kept grounds. Families also mention the splash pad and playgrounds, and the overall atmosphere tends to be peaceful and easygoing.

One of the city’s most recognizable historic cemeteries, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is known for its above-ground tombs, weathered stonework, and striking funerary sculpture. It’s a compelling stop for anyone curious about New Orleans history, architecture, and burial traditions.

Imaginative outdoor spot with colorful sculptures & playscapes in the shape of storybook characters. Park featuring a train ride through oak trees plus exhibits and events based on fairy tales. People say this children's amusement center is a magical place where stories come to life, perfect for kids, and full of wonder. They also highlight the fun slides, the plenty of shade, and the charming, unique experience. Other reviews mention some parts can be in need of repairs.

Barracuda Taco Stand is a reliable pick when you want an unfussy meal with plenty of flavor. Expect creative tacos, nachos, margaritas, plus beer and wine, served in a rustic outdoor space designed for lingering. Fast service makes it especially handy for a relaxed lunch or easy dinner stop.

Couturie Forest offers a quieter side of the city, with wooded paths and a more natural landscape than many visitors expect in New Orleans. It’s a good choice when you want a low-key walk, a break from the French Quarter pace, or a bit of birdwatching and fresh air.