New Orleans packs a lot of history into a compact centre, and most of its major sights sit in or close to the French Quarter. Jackson Square is the natural starting point, with St Louis Cathedral at its head and the Cabildo beside it, where the Louisiana Purchase was formally transferred in 1803. A few blocks away on Royal Street, The Historic New Orleans Collection offers a free introduction to the city's story, and Audubon Aquarium stands at the foot of Canal Street on the riverfront.
The National WWII Museum in the Warehouse District deserves at least half a day, and many visitors buy a second-day pass. Further out, City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art make an easy pairing on the Canal-City Park streetcar line, with the free sculpture garden open even on Mondays, when the museum itself is closed. Audubon Zoo is best combined with a ride on the St Charles streetcar through Uptown. St Louis Cemetery No. 1 can only be visited on a guided tour, so book ahead. Summer heat and humidity are intense, so plan outdoor sights for the morning and keep museums for the afternoon. Check holiday closures too, as several attractions shut on Mardi Gras Day.
10 places · Updated October 27, 2026
Our top 3 attractions in New Orleans
Attraction
A large campus of pavilions in the Warehouse District telling the American story of the Second World War, with restored aircraft, immersive films and a submarine experience.
View details — The National WWII MuseumAttraction
The historic main square of the French Quarter, framed by St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytère and the red-brick Pontalba Buildings, with artists along its railings.
View details — Jackson SquareAttraction
The Cathedral-Basilica of St Louis, King of France, faces Jackson Square and is one of the oldest cathedrals in continuous use in the United States.
View details — St Louis CathedralAttraction
A 1,300-acre park in Mid-City with ancient live oaks, lagoons, a botanical garden, a vintage carousel, NOMA and its free sculpture garden.
View details — City ParkAttraction
NOMA is the city's oldest fine arts museum, set in City Park with a broad collection and the free Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden behind it.
View details — New Orleans Museum of ArtAttraction
A Catholic cemetery founded in 1789 just outside the French Quarter, with above-ground tombs including the crypt linked to Marie Laveau; visits are by guided tour only.
View details — St Louis Cemetery No. 1Attraction
A long-established zoo in Audubon Park, known for its Louisiana Swamp area with white alligators, plus Jaguar Jungle, an African savanna and a summer splash park.
View details — Audubon ZooAttraction
The Spanish colonial government building beside St Louis Cathedral, where the Louisiana Purchase transfer took place in 1803, now a Louisiana State Museum of history.
View details — The CabildoAttraction
A riverside aquarium at the foot of Canal Street with a walk-through tunnel, penguins, a white alligator and a shark touch pool, with entry to the Insectarium included.
View details — Audubon AquariumAttraction
A free museum and research centre on Royal Street devoted to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South, with French Quarter galleries and a courtyard café.
View details — The Historic New Orleans Collection