Your Trip to New Orleans: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids NOLA's Best Museums Guide to Audubon Park Best Jazz Clubs Complete Guide to Mardi Gras Must-Try Food in NOLA Best Restaurants Top Bars to Visit NOLA's Craft Beer Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Neighborhoods to Know Public Transportation 48 Hours in New Orleans Day Trips From NOLA NOLA's Best Tours Top Things to Do Your Trip to New Orleans: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Louisiana Top Places to Go and Things to See in New Orleans By Sharon Keating Sharon Keating Sharon Keating is the author of "New Orleans Then and Now," and has been a licensed tour guide for the City of New Orleans for over a decade. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/26/19 Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA. USA-Reiseblogger / Pixabay We all know the French Quarter is one place not to miss in New Orleans. But, there's so much more to the French Quarter than Bourbon Street and so much more to New Orleans than the French Quarter. 2:47 Watch Now: Essential Things to Do and See in New Orleans 01 of 10 City Park in New Orleans TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer View Map Address City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA Get directions City Park in New Orleans is a 1300 acre park in the heart of the city. A natural bayou runs through it and at its edge. With an antique carousel and miniature train, it's a great place for kids. City Park also encompasses the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Bestoff Sculpture Garden, the Botanical Gardens, and one of the largest stands of live oak trees in the world. 02 of 10 Audubon Institute Parks and Attractions TripSavvy / Christopher Larson View Map Address 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118-4848, USA Get directions Phone +1 504-861-2537 Web Visit website The Audubon Institute operates several world-class destinations for families in New Orleans. Audubon Park and Zoo is a must-see for any visitor to New Orleans. It's conveniently located in Uptown New Orleans and accessible on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. With its lagoons, live oak trees, golf course, and running course, Audubon Park is now an oasis in the middle of a densely populated area. The Audubon Insectarium in on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter and the Aquarium of the Americas is a short walk away on the Mississippi River. 03 of 10 Mardi Gras Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images Mardi Gras, the biggest free party in the world, is something everyone must experience at least once. If you've only seen it on TV, you know nothing about Mardi Gras. Come see for yourself. 04 of 10 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Erika Goldring / Getty Images View Map Now that you've been to Mardi Gras, get down to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, the other major event that is not to be missed. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is held on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May and attracts artists and visitors from all over the world. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 The French Quarter TripSavvy / Christopher Larson Bourbon Street is in the French Quarter, true; but it is only one street in the French Quarter. When you visit, go beyond Bourbon Street. If you do you will find great shopping, music, food, and hotels. The French Quarter is also a vibrant neighborhood with its own school. Most importantly, the French Quarter is a living history museum not to be missed 06 of 10 The Garden District TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer Walking through the Garden District with its gracious mansions and Magnolia trees is a great way to spend a spring day. Built by the Americans who moved to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase, this neighborhood is 10 minutes, but worlds apart, from the French Quarter. 07 of 10 The Warehouse/Arts District TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer The Warehouse/Arts District, a short walk from the French Quarter, is the home of many art galleries, museums, and trendy restaurants. 08 of 10 Magazine Street TripSavvy / Christopher Larson Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans is a shopper's dream. It runs for six miles and along the way, there are locally-owned boutiques with clothes, furniture, affordable antiques, and of course, restaurants. Plan to spend the whole day there. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 New Orleans Cemeteries TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer The above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans have been a must-see for visitors to New Orleans for the past 100 years. Called the "Cities of the Dead," their hauntingly beautiful tree-lined streets and incredible architecture provides a unique experience 10 of 10 New Orleans Food TripSavvy / Violet Smirnov When you come to New Orleans, leave your diet at home. It'll be there when you get back. When the time comes to review your life, you will not say, "I wish I had eaten less when I was in New Orleans." So, come and enjoy the fantastic food! 10 Free Things to Do in New Orleans Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email