New Orleans, Louisiana — Things to Do
Sightseeing in New Orleans
Home of one of the world's largest street parties, New Orleans is not short on attractions and the place to start is without a doubt the world-renowned French Quarter.
Take a stroll along the legendary Bourbon Street to lap up the ambience, sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans, or for a more historical view of the city, visit the D-Day National World War II Museum. The Audubon Aquarium is regarded at the best in the United States and is a great place for kids of all ages as well as the Louisiana Children's Museum.
The Hurricane Katrina Tour takes visitors through the worst affected areas of the city, including Lakeview and Gentill, and is a tragic, yet fantastic way to see parts of the city and people that would otherwise be seen only by locals.
Visitors will do well to purchase the New Orleans Power Pass, which includes admission to 30 of New Orleans' top attractions, saving the bearer up to $300 while also offering discounts and the opportunity to skip the queue at many locations. The pass is available in 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive day options and starts at $31 per day.
Shopping in New Orleans
Shopping in New Orleans ensures a great selection of antiques, arts, vintage clothing and unique jewelry. There are various malls, markets, boutiques and specialist shops that satisfy most purchase desires.
The French Quarter is unsurpassed as a sightseeing/boutique shopping experience. It's also home to legendary New Orleans voodoo shops and some fantastic costume and mask shops, great for Mardi Gras or Halloween. Magazine Street also has costume and mask shops, as well as stores offering elegant furnishings, hand-smocked garments and local arts. There are various jewellers in town offering unique, custom-made adornments.
Items such as Louis XIV chairs and African masks are available from numerous antique stores, and the art galleries of Royal Street also hold infinite treasure. And then there's Crescent City Farmer's Market, which sells exotic vegetables, beautiful flowers and fresh seafood. There are various tax refund and tax free options available to visitors.
New Orleans Nightlife
New Orleans is a city of music and rhythm, most famous for jazz, Cajun and zydeco, and its nightlife portrays this with enthusiasm. Gambit, Offbeat and WhereY'at, as well as local radio stations, publicise upcoming New Orleans events and venues.
There are countless bars along Bourbon Street, and the party invariably pours out onto the sidewalks; while most places have a cover-charge, it is not always necessary to actually go inside! Some of the best clubs and bars can be found in the Quarter and the Frenchmen section of the Faubourg Marigny.
Preservation Hall is a must for jazz fans, and Maple Leaf Bar is another popular spot for live music. Molly's is said to be the best bar in the French Quarter and Napoleon House offers a fantastic Pimm's Cup cocktail. Ray's Boom Boom Room is fast becoming the trendiest club of the Frenchmen district, and the Blue Nile is the long-standing social hub of the area. The Polo Lounge at Windsor Court is very stylish, favoring Sazeracs cocktails and fancy cigars.
Attractions for Kids
New Orleans has fantastic attractions for children on vacation including fun parks, aquariums and museums. Kids love to visit the Audubon Aquarium, and are also fascinated by the creatures at the Audubon Insectarium. The Louisiana Children's Museum is also a popular attraction, as are Storyland and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Children also love to go on boat rides up the Mississippi River, or into the Louisiana swamps.
