What are the top 5 must see places in New Orleans?

Searching for the top must see places in New Orleans can be an overwhelming experience with all the exciting attractions the Crescent City has to offer. Plus, with its festive French Quarter, magnificent parks, and world-renowned jazz music, it’s hard to narrow down the choices. To make it easier for you to plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 must see places in New Orleans.

#1 French Quarter

The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and a must visit while in the city. It’s a historic district full of cobblestone streets and iconic architecture. Here, visitors can see grand homes, world-class shopping, the galleries of Jackson Square, the scent of beignets, and experience nonstop music wafting in the air. Stroll through this delightful area and you will find yourself in awe of the centuries-old buildings full of antiques and art. frenchquarter.com is a good starting point for more information about what to do and see in the French Quarter.

#2 City Park

No visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring the 1,300-acre City Park, the jewel of the city. Established in 1854, City Park is home to one of the largest collections of mature oak trees in the world, including the famous Thousand Oaks. Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk among art and nature as well as visit the impressive Storyland attraction that brings beloved nursery rhymes to life with its more than two dozen larger-than-life characters. neworleanscitypark.com features an overview of what City Park has to offer.

#3 Jackson Square

Surrounded by lush greenery and wrought iron fences, Jackson Square is a must-visit destination while in New Orleans. It’s a popular public park located on the edge of the French Quarter where locals and tourists mix with street performers, artists, and musicians day after day. Highlights here include St. Louis Cathedral, where many famous people are buried, as well as various bronze monuments that date back to the 1800s. It’s common for local restaurants to serve delicious food directly from the square which gives it an even more exciting charm. There is an amazing energy coming from this historical site that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to New Orleans. jackson-square.com provides details about what to expect at Jackson Square.

#4 Garden District

The Garden District is the city’s most interesting and sought-after neighborhood. It’s located between Uptown and the French Quarter and features grand 19th-century mansions, filled with antiques and old world elegance. Visitors can stroll along pretty brick pathways lined with antique gas lamps while viewing fascinating architecture that includes Greek Revival and Italianate style homes. The Garden District is also home to many highly acclaimed restaurants with creative cuisine and an Eagles song playing softly in the background. neworleansonline.com shares more details about what you can find in this wonderful district.

#5 Frenchmen Art Market

For true art lovers, the Frenchmen Art Market should not be missed while in New Orleans. Located on Frenchmen Street just outside of the French Quarter, this open-air market takes place on a Sunday night from 5 pm to around 11 pm when local galleries host their exhibitions at NoDef on Frenchmen street. There’s live music and dancers accompanied by delicious food vendors serving up some of the most satisfying delights around. It’s art, music, food, and much more presented in a lively atmosphere that’s truly uniquely New Orleans. frenchmenartmarket.com shares more information about this must see event in New Orleans.

Visiting New Orleans is an exciting adventure that is sure to make your vacation unforgettable. Our list of the top 5 must see places in New Orleans will help you plan your trip so that you can make the most out of your time in this lively city full of music and art. From the French Quarter to City Park and Jackson Square—as well as a trip to the Garden District and a wonderful night at Frenchmen Art Market—New Orleans’ allure is endless and these five must see spots bear just a fraction of what lies within it.

Insider’s Guide to the Magic of New Orleans

New Orleans is a culturally rich city renowned for its vivacious music scene, delightful food, and vibrant nightlife. This city is vast, boasting a multitude of hidden gems, and it can take visitors years to experience everything. To help you make the most out of your visit, we’ve created an insider’s guide to New Orleans that will show you the not-so-typical bits that only locals know. Let’s dive into it!

Hidden Gems

Beyond the conventional tourist sites, New Orleans has a plethora of undiscovered treasures. Here are some suggestions:

– The Music Box Village – The Music Box Village is an open-air venue where artists have created eccentric musical houses that can be played like instruments. It is a surreal and enchanting musical playground.

– The Second Line Parade – Typically held during Mardi Gras, The Second Line Parade is a cultural phenomenon featuring brass bands, dancing, and colorful dress. It is a great way to experience a slice of indigenous New Orleans heritage.

Dining Spots

The diverse cuisine of New Orleans is deeply entrenched in its rich cultural heritage. Here are some dining spots to savor New Orleans’ food culture:

– Lil Dizzy’s – Lil Dizzy’s is a legendary breakfast spot in the city. They serve sumptuous chicken and waffles, hot buttered grits, and pecan-smoked bacon that will tantalize your taste buds.

– Jacques-Imos – Jacques-Imos is a Zagat-rated restaurant that serves up a fiery blend of Creole, Cajun, and Soul food in a lively ambiance. Their alligator sausage cheesecake and shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake are must-haves.

Cultural Experiences

New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures, united through their love of music, food, and traditions. Here are a few cultural experiences that will give you a flavor of the city:

– Preservation Hall – Jazz is entrenched in New Orleans’ cultural fabric. Preservation Hall is a legendary venue that features renowned jazz musicians playing tunes from the 1940s. It’s a great way to go back in time and experience the true soul of the city.

– Mardi Gras World – Mardi Gras is a massive celebration that takes place before Lent, featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and beads. At Mardi Gras World, you can get up close with the floats, learn more about Mardi Gras traditions, and see how the parade floats are created.

Local History

New Orleans has a fascinating, eventful, and dark past that is steeped in mystery and the supernatural. Here are some intriguing stories that will make you fall in love with the city:

– The LaLaurie Mansion – Delphine LaLaurie is a prominent historical figure in New Orleans’ disturbing past. Her mansion in the French Quarter is the site of many paranormal sightings and is notorious for her horrifying treatment of her slaves.

– The Voodoo Queen – Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, was an influential and mysterious figure in the city’s history. You can visit her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to pay your respects and learn more about her life.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Here are some lesser-known tips that will help you explore New Orleans like a local:

– Take a Streetcar ride – The St. Charles Streetcar is a scenic tour where you can take in the beauty of the Garden District, a historic neighborhood, and appreciating New Orleans’ grand architecture.

– A Walk through Bayou St. John – Bayou St. John is a waterway that winds through the city. It’s a hidden gem where you can take a leisurely afternoon stroll, jog or rent a kayak and view the city from an exciting new angle.

Conclusion

New Orleans is a city that has something unique to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, top-notch cuisine, music, culture, history, or a chance to explore off-the-beaten-path, this city is guaranteed to quench your thirst for adventure. We hope our insider’s guide helps you make the most of your trip, and encourages you to create your New Orleans adventure.