Places You Must Visit in New Orleans

New Orleans, the Big Easy, is really among the world’s most remarkable cities. Its rich history is founded on influences from Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe, and the city has always been the home of a unique melting pot of culture, food, and music.

If you visit New Orleans, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a bowl filled with gumbo, and wander through historic communities. Come to the Big Easy and enjoy New Orleans’ nighttime dark jazz clubs, and be present at fabulous festivals all year round. This city is truly one of America’s most famous historical values and a cultural top-destination.

What you should not miss (besides Mardi Gras-the final day of Carnival) while visiting New Orleans:

French Quarter – the famous historical neighborhood, and cultural center for night time entertainment in New Orleans. The French Quarter really must be visited because of its abundant history, the vibrant atmosphere, and distinct architecture. The district is renown for its music and famous jazz clubs, street performances and energetic nightlife. Furthermore, here you can find the greatest art galleries and the city’s best restaurants.

The National WWII Museum – You cannot visit NOLA and not take a good look inside this history museum. The place features a new theater and pavilion, is easy to get to, close to the convention center and near the French Quarter as well. The museum aims to remember and celebrate the men and women who served during World War II, and their spirit and dedication.

New Orleans City Park – This park is actually among the largest urban parks in the United States, and people can be active in sports like golf, tennis and horseback riding. The park has a beautiful Sculpture Garden and a Botanical Garden.

Jackson Square – Stroll through historic New Orleans and relax at this beautiful square. The place is a crowded fun area where street painters, musicians, and jugglers are active year round. Jackson Square is a gorgeous place to take pictures and is in the vicinity of the farmers market and numerous restaurants and bars, and is very close to the Ole Mississippi River.

Royal Street – This street is one of the oldest streets in The Big Easy. It offers pretty expensive and unusual shopping, but after the mayhem of Bourbon Street, this is a pretty good place to enjoy a bit of a calmer atmosphere. Royal Street has some good restaurants and bars to try out and is the perfect place to have a drink and relax in this again thriving city.

Frenchmen Street – If you want to go where the locals go for great food and the best jazz in New Orleans, you really should escape from all the tourists in the French Quarter, and visit Frenchmen Street. You will find many jazz bars and restaurants in this street that is a haven for all sorts of local bands.

Garden District – This is a neighborhood of New Orleans that features numerous beautiful historic homes. The houses are impressive in the Garden District, and all have unique styles, bright colors, prominent inhabitants, and specific characters. Do a bit of shopping at the Rink, check out the Lafayette cemetery, or grab a bite to eat. This district is wonderful.

Saint Louis Cathedral – One of the most valued jewels of New Orleans is located just beyond Jackson Square, right in the heart of Old City, and the cathedral is one of the most photographed landmarks in all of New Orleans. Saint Louis Cathedral is found on Chartres Street and is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States.

Mardi Gras World – This truly is a one-of-a-kind museum. Mardi Gras World is a unique attraction in one of America’s most attractive cities. Here you can see how Mardi Gras is made and you can get a good look at floats and sculptures. The museum provides a free shuttle from the French Quarter, and although the tour is geared towards kids, adults will have lots of fun too.

St. Charles Streetcar – A pretty unique experience that will take wherever you would like to go in New Orleans. The Regional Transit Authority lets you enjoy the beautiful architecture, and you can sit back and let someone else do the driving through the City’s most beautiful and historic places and to some of the best places to eat.

Metairie Cemetery – This cemetery is beautiful and is a must-visit on a visit to the Big Easy. This place has some exotic tombs, such as a pyramid-and-Sphinx mausoleum.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – This cemetery was established in 1789 and is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lafayette Cemetery – This historical landmark was the burial site for numerous persons who were living in the estates of the neighboring Garden District.

Audubon Insectarium – A very interesting place to take the young kids, and the latest attraction in New Orleans. Visit the historic Custom House and observe the world’s most common animals such as insects. Butterflies are kept in The Japanese Garden, and this place is amazing.

Audubon Zoo – This is the beautiful New Orleans zoo where you can take a global safari through Asia, Africa, Australian Outback and the Louisiana Swamp. Here you can observe more than 1,500 different animals. The zoo is very good for children, and the animals are close. Enjoy watching the giraffes; they are a lot of fun.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve – This park is several parks combined under one name and offers great walks for visitors. The park has one key mission: telling the story of the town and the citizens of New Orleans including the nearby bayou region. The park’s main visitors center is located in the French Quarter.

Audubon Park – This park is full of stylish Spanish Oaks and features open spaces excellent for some recreational activities. You can take the St. Charles Streetcar to this park and enjoy its gorgeous natural setting. Although pretty pricey, the park is worth a visit for nature lovers and for kids to enjoy some fun time.