If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, make sure you get the most out of it! There’s much more to the Crescent City than Bourbon Street. This list of the 10 best things to do in New Orleans will fill your time with amazing experiences not to be missed during your visit. Enjoy!

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10 Best Things to do in New Orleans

1. The Audubon Aquarium/Zoo/Insectarium

As a kid, I used to get so excited when my parents took me to the aquarium in New Orleans. My husband and I went to the Audubon zoo while we were in college and loved it. So this zoo makes for a wonderful activity for families and people of all ages.

Do you have a little bug enthusiast on your hands? Built in 2008, the Insectarium is the newest of the 3 Audubon attractions. It’s interactive and educational, which keep kids entertained while learning biology (not an easy task). Keep in mind, the zoo is completely outside. So if it’s a horrendously hot day, stick to either the aquarium or insectarium.

Website: Audubon Nature Institute

Prices:

• Aquarium: Adult $29.95, Child $21.95, Senior $24.95
• Zoo: Adult $22.95, Child $17.95, Senior $19.95
• Insectarium: Adult $22.95, Child $17.95, Senior $19.95

2. New Orleans Ghost Tour

Believe it or not, in all my years of traveling to New Orleans, the first time I went on a ghost tour was when I was 20 years old. It was fantastic! There are so many companies out there for these types of tours. You may even be able to find a discount brochure at your hotel. But I would recommend Haunted History Tours. This company has been around forever and has a wonderful reputation. The cost is $25 per person. Tip: It is a walking tour at night, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Website: Haunted History Tours

Price: $25 per person

3. New Orleans Free Walking Tours

New Orleans is huge and there’s so much to see and learn. I’ve been traveling there for 28 years and there’s never a trip I take without learning something new about this colorful city. The Free Walking Tours are something I stumbled upon when doing some trip research for a friend.

I know what you’re thinking: “Free? No way!” It’s true! Just sign up for a tour on their website for a specific time. If you enjoy the tour, then it’s your discretion as to how much you believe it was worth. How cool is that? The reviews for these tours are outstanding. I haven’t done one myself, but if you have or plan on doing one, let me know.

Website: New Orleans Free Walking Tours

4. The National World War II Museum

If you are interested in the history of WWII or just enjoy museums, this is an incredible one. It’s a state of the art museum with interactive areas everywhere you turn. At some points, you feel like you’re in the trenches with the troops!

One thing that really resonated with me is the fact that there are volunteers as well as visitors walking around the museum who actually lived through WWII. It gives me chills. There are not many WWII veterans left, so to be able to speak to them and hear their stories first hand is truly amazing. Do not miss this if you’re in New Orleans for a few days.

Usually, there will be temporary exhibits on display throughout the year. Check out the National WWII Museum website to see what will be on display for your visit.

It will take a few hours to get through, but it is so worth it.

Website: National WWII Museum

Prices: Adults $26, children/college students/military $16.50, Seniors $22.50, WWII Veterans and Children under 5 are free

5. Lafayette Cemetery #1 (Garden District)

Ok, ok, I know some people do not enjoy wandering through cemeteries like I do. However, the cemeteries in New Orleans are unique and beautiful since they cannot bury their deceased underground. New Orleans is below sea level, so if they were to bury their dead underground… let’s just say, they wouldn’t be there for long. So instead of below ground graves, they are all above ground.

It’s free to walk around, but there are many tours that can bring you through and teach you all about who is buried there.

Website: Lafayette Cemetery #1

6. Tour Mardi Gras World

You can’t go to New Orleans without experiencing Mardi Gras in some way! If you aren’t able to make it there during the actual event, check out Mardi Gras World. See where the magnificent Mardi Gras floats are made. It’s incredible to see the amount of work and detail that goes into each one. They are open every day from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm with tours every 30 min. They also have a free shuttle to get you there which is a nice bonus!

Website: Mardi Gras World

Prices: Adults $20, seniors/students: $16, children $13

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7. Take a Cajun Cooking Class

The food of New Orleans is something that stays with people for a lifetime. Once you try it, you’ll understand. So why not learn how to make it while you’re there? Head over to the New Orleans School of Cooking to see all of their different classes. They have something for everyone!

P.S. If you’re looking for some great restaurants for your visit, check out this post on the Best Food in New Orleans!

Website: New Orleans School of Cooking

Prices: 

• Hands-on class: $139 per person
• Demonstration class: $30 – $35 per person

Note: Classes are restricted to those 18 or older

8. Go Gator Hunting

Ok, not really. But you should take a short break from the party in the quarter and spend some time in the swamp. Cajun Encounters is an excellent company and you’ll get to see tons of alligators plus possibly some wild boar (pictured)! The guides are so knowledgeable and make the entire experience so fun. Great for all ages!

Website: Cajun Encounters

Prices: Adults $29, Children $19

9. Visit the Louisiana State Museum in the Cabildo

Not only will you learn about the rich history of Louisiana, but you’ll also see where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Did you know that New Orleans was under both Spanish and French rule before it became part of the United States?

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum and it’s a very inexpensive activity. If it happens to be raining during your visit, this is a perfect way to dodge raindrops until the sun comes out again. You can find The Cabildo right next to St. Louis Cathedral in the heart of the quarter.

Website: The Cabildo

Prices: Adults $6, seniors/students $5, children under 12 are FREE

10. Find Souvenirs in the French Market

Whenever we visit New Orleans, we always start our day with the French Market. Here you’ll find lots of different food stands along with vendors selling unique art and souvenirs. We rarely buy souvenirs in a brick and mortar shop in the quarter unless it’s something we can’t get anywhere else. Most likely, you’ll be able to find any souvenir you want in the French Market and it will be much cheaper than anywhere else.

Some of my favorite drink stands are at or near the French Market. Make sure to check out the Organic Banana and/or The Gazebo (right outside the French Market).

Website: French Market

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New Orleans is as rich in history as it is in things to do. If you need more New Orleans inspiration, make sure you check out my other posts on the Big Easy:

The Best Food in New Orleans

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit New Orleans

Bisous!

 

 

 

 

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