Things to do in New Orleans
Late winter through spring and late fall bring New Orleans' best mix of mild weather, music, festivals, and comfortable walking. Summer is hot, humid, and storm-prone, so plan slower days and indoor breaks.
Best months: February, March, April, November
Finished plans for New Orleans
Complete day-by-day itineraries, free to read with no account.
What is worth your time in New Orleans
St. Louis CathedralDo not miss
The triple-spired cathedral is New Orleans' defining skyline image and a quiet historic interior stop.
Historic Site · 45 min4.8
The National WWII MuseumDo not miss
A world-class museum uses immersive exhibits and artifacts to tell the American experience of World War II.
Museum · 4 hr4.8
Frenchmen StreetDo not miss
Small clubs and street energy make Frenchmen the essential live-music night beyond Bourbon Street.
Nightlife · 3 hr4.7
Jackson SquareDo not miss
Artists, St. Louis Cathedral, Pontalba balconies, and river proximity make this the French Quarter's ceremonial heart.
Landmark · 1.1 hr4.7
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveDo not miss
A full-day preserve outing adds cypress wetlands, wildlife, boardwalks, and Cajun-country ecology beyond the city.
Day Trip · 7 hr4.7
Oak Alley PlantationDo not miss
A full-day river-road excursion pairs the famous oak allée with difficult but important plantation history.
Day Trip · 8 hr4.6
French QuarterDo not miss
The city's oldest neighborhood concentrates iron balconies, music, restaurants, courtyards, and layered Creole history.
Neighborhood · 3 hr
Garden DistrictDo not miss
Oak-shaded streets, grand mansions, cemeteries, and Magazine Street access create a graceful uptown contrast.
Neighborhood · 2 hr
New Orleans City ParkDo not miss
Ancient live oaks, museums, sculpture gardens, boating, and beignets make City Park a major outdoor anchor.
Park · 3 hr
St. Charles Avenue StreetcarDo not miss
The green streetcar rolls past mansions, oaks, universities, and Uptown neighborhoods for a classic New Orleans ride.
Scenic Route · 1.5 hr
Sazerac House
A polished cocktail museum and tasting experience explains the city's famous drink culture near Canal Street.
Museum · 1.3 hr4.9
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Guided access to the city's oldest cemetery explains above-ground tombs, preservation, and local legends.
Historic Site · 1.3 hr4.9
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Free outdoor sculpture paths weave through lagoons, pines, and oaks beside NOMA.
Park · 1.1 hr4.9
Cochon Butcher
The Warehouse District counter spot is a satisfying gateway to Cajun meats, sandwiches, and casual local flavors.
Food District · 1 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The French Quarter, Marigny, and Warehouse District are walkable, but use streetcars or rideshare for Uptown, City Park, and farther neighborhoods.
- Streetcars are scenic and useful but slow, so do not rely on them for tight schedules.
- Book popular restaurants, jazz clubs, swamp tours, and plantation day trips in advance during festival season.
- Carry water and rain protection in warm months; sudden downpours and humid evenings are common.
- Tipping is customary: about 18-20% at restaurants and for table service in music venues.