New Orleans isn’t short on things to do. From historic sites to delicious food and drink, there are a lot of things to see in this city.
One of the best ways to experience New Orleans is with a guided tour. These tours will take you through the city’s history, giving you an up-close look at some of the area’s most iconic landmarks.
French Quarter
The French Quarter is one of the most visited parts of New Orleans and is packed full of history and culture. With a vibrant arts scene, a buzzing music scene, and tons of delicious food options, there’s something for everyone in this charming city!
The neighborhood is characterized by its distinctive Creole and French Colonial architecture. The area was founded by a French engineer named Adrien de Pauger in 1718 and still retains much of its 19th century charm.
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the famous Cabildo (once a seat of local government and now managed by the Louisiana State Museum). The museum has plenty of interactive exhibits that will help you learn about the history of New Orleans and its role in America.
You’ll also want to check out Jackson Square, a bustling area that’s home to street performers, fortune tellers, and other people who are just trying to have a good time. There’s something about the vibrancy of this place that can really turn any person on.
City Park
Located just south of New Orleans’ cathedral, City Park is a 1300-acre green space that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has an outdoor botanical garden, sculptures, ponds and carousels scattered throughout its oak trees.
It’s also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, one of the top museums in the South. Its collection is a good mix of French and American works, as well as African and Japanese pieces.
The museum is surrounded by a tranquil Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring over 60 sculptures in well-maintained gardens. You can also hike to the highest point in New Orleans (43 feet above sea level) and enjoy some stunning views of the city.
The park was largely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but it has since recovered thanks to the outpouring of support from the community. Today, City Park is among the largest parks in the United States, with over 1300 acres of open spaces. It’s a place where people of all ages can enjoy a picnic, walk or play a sport.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
One of the most iconic sites in New Orleans is St. Louis Cemetery Number 1. Located right near the French Quarter, this is the oldest and most famous of the three cemeteries in the city.
Consecrated in 1789, St. Louis is a large, open-air cemetery in the Faubourg Treme neighborhood. It is home to a variety of historical and culturally significant African Americans.
It also features some of the oldest above-ground tombs in New Orleans. This style of burial reflected the European/Caribbean traditions of New Orleans’ ancestors.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that the tombs stack above each other, forming a filing cabinet. This is due to the high water table of New Orleans, which means that in-ground burials are impossible because a coffin will simply float back up to the top.
This is the burial site of many of New Orleans’ notable citizens, including Etienne de Bore, the first mayor of the city; Homer Plessy, the plaintiff in the landmark 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy vs. Ferguson; and Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, the first African-American mayor of New Orleans.
Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street, located in New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, is home to some of the city’s most popular live music venues. Unlike Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is more low-key and a local favorite amongst those who prefer to enjoy the authentic New Orleans culture at a slower pace.
One of the best places to visit on Frenchmen Street is Palace Market, which hosts over 80 stalls selling handmade New Orleans art and crafts. This open-air market is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening while exploring the city’s culture.