Looking for the best things to do in New Orleans? New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in New Orleans
1. French Quarter
Iron balconies, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Frenchmen Street
Live jazz clubs, more local than Bourbon Street. Bring a refillable water bottle.
3. Garden District
Antebellum mansions and Lafayette Cemetery. Bring a refillable water bottle.
4. St. Charles streetcar
The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
5. National WWII Museum
One of the best museums in the country. Book tickets online to skip the line.
6. Café du Monde
Beignets and café au lait. Sunset is a particularly good time.
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7. Swamp tours
See alligators in the bayous outside the city. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
8. Preservation Hall
Intimate traditional jazz shows. Sunset is a particularly good time.
9. Live jazz
One of the most popular ways to experience New Orleans; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
10. Food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience New Orleans; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
11. Cemetery and ghost tours
One of the most popular ways to experience New Orleans; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
12. Swamp tours
One of the most popular ways to experience New Orleans; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
13. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience New Orleans; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
14. Take a day trip to Nashville
Nashville, Music City, is the home of country music, with honky-tonks on Broadway, legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and a booming food scene. Read our Nashville travel guide. Sunset is a particularly good time.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and crawfish (spring). Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
When to go
The best time to visit is February to May and October to November.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Warm and pleasant, 60–80°F; the best season for most visitors. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot and humid, often 90°F+, with afternoon storms. |
| Fall | September–November | Warm early, comfortable by October; hurricane risk on the coast until November. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild, 40–60°F, with occasional cold snaps. |
Where to stay
- French Quarter: Historic and lively.
- Marigny: Near Frenchmen Street.
- Garden District: Quieter, leafy.
- Warehouse District: Museums and modern hotels.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our New Orleans travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest push prices up sharply.
- Summer is hot and humid; hurricane season runs June to November.
- Take a cab or rideshare late at night rather than walking through quiet streets.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for New Orleans
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in New Orleans?
For most first-time visitors it is French Quarter: iron balconies, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit New Orleans?
February to May and October to November.
Is New Orleans good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and New Orleans is popular with music lovers, foodies, couples and groups.
What should I eat in New Orleans?
Try gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and crawfish (spring).
Plan the rest of your trip
- New Orleans Travel Guide: Jazz, Food and the French Quarter
- New Orleans 3-Day Itinerary for Food and Music Lovers
- Nashville Travel Guide: Music, Food and Where to Stay