New Orleans Travel Guide
New Orleans Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for the best things to do in New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street?
This city runs on three centuries of layered history—French and Spanish colonial rule, the resistance and resilience of enslaved and free Black New Orleanians, and the birth of jazz in a public square that still stands today.
The French Quarter and Tremé hold most of it within an easy two-mile walk.
Top Things to Do
1. Walk the French Quarter and Tremé—Two centuries of history packed into New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods.
2. Visit Jackson Square and Saint Louis Cathedral—The historic heart of the French Quarter.
3. See Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo and her tomb—Learn the real history of New Orleans' most famous Voodoo priestess.
4. Explore Congo Square—Where jazz, blues, and rock and roll were born.
5. Visit the New Orleans African American Museum—Trace the city's story from slavery through Tremé's free Black community.
6. Browse the French Market—One of the oldest markets in the country.
7. Tour Saint Augustine Catholic Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave—The oldest African American Catholic parish in the country.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
-
✓ Complete travel guide
-
✓ Printable map
-
✓ One-day itinerary
-
✓ Hidden gems
-
✓ Travel tips
-
✓ Offline access
-
✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
New Orleans' Slavery, Voodoo & Resistance Walking Tour is a self-guided audio tour covering about two miles through the French Quarter and into Tremé. Most visitors finish in around two hours, and you can pause anytime to explore a stop longer or grab a bite.
Free Things to Do
1. Congo Square—Free to visit, the birthplace of jazz, blues, and rock and roll.
2. Jackson Square—New Orleans' historic public square, free to walk through.
3. French Market—Browsing is free; buying is optional.
4. Tomb of the Unknown Slave—A free memorial shrine at Saint Augustine Catholic Church.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. The Cabildo and Presbytère Museums—Around $10-$11 for adults.
2. New Orleans African American Museum—Around $20 for adults.
3. Katrina National Memorial Foundation Museum—Around $10 for adults.
Food!
Napoleon House
A French Quarter institution since 1914, known for muffulettas, Pimm's cups, and a building with its own layered history.
Antoine's
Operating since 1840, one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the country, known for classic Creole fine dining.
Galatoire's
A Bourbon Street institution since 1905, known for redfish meunière and an unchanged menu that locals still swear by.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta New Orleans—historic, French Quarter landmark hotels. Roughly $280-$450/night.
Moderate
Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Hotel St. Pierre—boutique hotels within walking distance of Jackson Square. Roughly $180-$280/night.
Budget
French Market Inn, Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne—a short walk from the main sights. Roughly $120-$180/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take New Orleans' Slavery, Voodoo & Resistance Walking Tour, starting at the French Market.
Afternoon: Visit the Cabildo or Presbytère, then browse Jackson Square and Saint Louis Cathedral.
Evening: Dinner at Napoleon House or Antoine's, then explore Frenchmen Street for live music.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Add a second day for the New Orleans African American Museum, more time in Tremé, and a jazz show at Preservation Hall.
FAQ's
1. What is New Orleans best known for?
New Orleans is best known for its French Quarter architecture, Creole and Cajun food, jazz history, and centuries of layered French, Spanish, and African American culture.
2. Is the French Quarter walkable?
Yes. Most major sights, including Jackson Square, the French Market, and Congo Square, are within a mile of each other.
3. Is New Orleans good for a weekend trip?
Yes, a full day covers the French Quarter's highlights, and two days lets you add Tremé and the Garden District.
4. Do I need a car to get around?
Not for the French Quarter and Tremé. A car or rideshare helps for the Garden District and outlying neighborhoods.
5. Is the Slavery, Voodoo & Resistance Walking Tour appropriate for kids?
It covers slavery, execution, and violent history in factual detail, so it's best suited for teens and adults.
6. What's the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer milder weather. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
7. Is New Orleans family-friendly?
Yes, though some neighborhoods and nightlife areas lean more toward adults. The French Quarter's historic sites are suitable for all ages during the day.
8. How much time should I plan for New Orleans?
A full day covers the French Quarter; two to three days lets you add Tremé, the Garden District, and a swamp tour.
Recommended Tours
More Resources
