St. Louis Cathedral

This street is a tourism destination for a reason. It’s a thoroughfare with an utterly fascinating history, home to some of the oldest bars, family-run restaurants and gay entertainment districts in the country. In short, while there’s plenty to discover off of Bourbon, there’s a lot to discover on the iconic street as well that may surprise those travelers who turn their nose up at all the flashing lights. http://www.frenchquarter.com/bourbon-street/

To this day, tour guides tell you that Frenchmen Street is an off the beaten gem, a ‘local’s Bourbon Street’ where the real New Orleanians gather to listen to live music and grab a drink. Excuse a bit of an eye roll on our part; That ‘locals-majority’ term may have rang true at the beginning of the twenty-teens, and to a degree, it’s an accurate description of Frenchmen throughout the 90s and much of the noughties. But the street really achieved a critical mass of popularity post-Katrina, and in the past few years, Frenchmen is tourist central come the evening, especially on weekends. On Frenchmen Street, certain things are just guaranteed: proximity to good music, good food, interesting culture, and an unbeatable street scene. http://www.frenchquarter.com/frenchmen-street/

Historic Jackson Square, originally known in the 18th century as "Place d'Armes," and later renamed in honor of the Battle of New Orleans hero Andrew Jackson, is a timeless attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. This famous landmark facing the Mississippi River is surrounded by historic buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and Cabildo (Louisiana State Museums), not to mention the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. The Pontalba Apartments offer retail shops, museums, galleries and restaurants on the ground level; their second and third floors still house a selection of prestigious apartments. For well over a half-century, there has been an open-air artist colony at Jackson Square. Local artists paint, draw, create portraits, caricatures, and display their work on the square's iron fence. Some have been there for generations! Jackson Square is a favorite site for visitors and locals. The artists, restaurants, museums, merchants and the square itself make Jackson Square one of the French Quarter's most popular destinations. http://www.experienceneworleans.com/jackson-square.html

The most iconic cafe of New Orleans. The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Original Cafe Du Monde is a traditional coffee shop. Its menu consists of dark roasted Coffee and Chicory, Beignets, White and Chocolate Milk, and fresh squeezed Orange Juice. The coffee is served Black or Au Lait. Au Lait means that it is mixed half and half with hot milk. Beignets are square French -style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar. In 1988 Iced Coffee was introduced to the cafe. Soft drinks also made their debut that year. http://www.cafedumonde.com/

Love at first sight is a common experience for first time visitors to the Garden District. It often goes something like this: they’re traveling up St. Charles Avenue via the streetcar when they get their first glance of the oak tree lined streets and historic homes. You can tell by the pristine look on their faces, that the Garden District has started a new found romance. The romance blooms as the afternoon is spent exploring memories of New Orleans’ antebellum past, gazing at secluded mansions, wandering down the brick lined sidewalks. Its canopy of oak trees is world-famous, while its characteristic gardens of hibiscuses and crepe myrtles, angel trumpets and bougainvillea, make it one of New Orleans' most beautiful neighborhoods. The Garden District has worked its magic again. http://www.experienceneworleans.com/garden-district.html

For a full 13 blocks, Royal Street runs parallel to Bourbon Street, yet this thoroughfare – one of the finest stretches of art galleries, antique stores, wrought iron balconies, restaurants and architecture in the USA – is sometimes almost completely missed by visitors. This is a real shame; beyond the qualities we’ve just described, Royal Street makes a nice counterbalance to the neon and noise of Bourbon. http://www.frenchquarter.com/royal-street-a-block-by-block-guide/

Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter Audubon Aquarium of the Americas immerses you in an underwater world. The colors of a Caribbean reef come alive in our walk-through tunnel, while our penguins and Southern sea otter enchant you with their antics. Touch a stingray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at our gigantic sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. Watch for sea turtles throughout the Aquarium as coordinator of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, prepared many of them for release to the wild. Also take an underwater adventure into a submerged Maya city! The 4,200 square-foot Great Maya Reef at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a walk into a submerged Maya city of the Yucatan peninsula. The adventure begins as visitors walk through the 30-foot-long tunnel into a submerged Maya city of mysterious ruins, surrounded by exotic sea creatures. This underwater world of the ancient, flooded metropolis is alive with lion fish, yellowtail snapper, moray eels, spiny lobsters and more all at home among stunning coral, sunken artifacts and forgotten treasure. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a must-visit destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike. It offers a captivating mix of sweeping narratives and touching personal stories. The museum features immersive exhibits and multimedia experiences that truly bring history to life. With an impressive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, visitors are taken inside the story of the war that changed the world. As you wander through the exhibits, you'll find yourself transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities and human experiences of World War II. The museum’s layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to navigate while ensuring you don't miss out on any of the fascinating details. It’s not just a place for history enthusiasts; it’s an educational journey that resonates with visitors of all ages. Plus, the museum is conveniently located in the heart of New Orleans, allowing you to explore the rich culture and vibrant energy of the city after your visit. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this museum is an experience that shouldn't be missed.

Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. Unique natural habitat exhibits such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle showcase the relationship between people and nature. Don't miss the daily animal presentations, chats and feeds; highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards, and orangutans; a tiger; and a mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is often ranked among the country's best for innovation and entertainment value! https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo

St. Louis Cemetery #1, arguably the most famous cemetery in New Orleans, is just a short stroll from the lively French Quarter and the bustling Downtown area. Nestled on the historic Basin Street, this cemetery is the final resting place of the legendary Marie Laveau, the renowned "voodoo queen." Her grave attracts visitors from all over the world, each hoping to catch a whisper of her mystical legacy. This cemetery isn't just a place of rest; it's a fascinating window into the rich history and culture of New Orleans. The above-ground tombs, some dating back to the 18th century, create a maze of marble and stone, each with its own story to tell. As you wander through, you'll notice the intricate ironwork and unique architectural styles that reflect the city's diverse heritage. For those interested in the supernatural, local lore suggests that the cemetery is haunted, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your visit. Remember to bring your camera, as the site offers countless photo opportunities, from the ornate tombs to the atmospheric pathways lined with moss-draped trees.