Destination guideLouisiana · United States
36 Things to Do in New Orleans (2026)
New Orleans, located in southeast Louisiana along the Mississippi River, is characterized by a history of French, Spanish, and African influences.
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Established in 1718, the city’s colonial heritage is observable in the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), where Spanish-style wrought-iron balconies and Mediterranean-style courtyards predominate. The Garden District, incorporated in 1852, contains Greek Revival and Italianate villas surrounded by English-style gardens. Traditional culture includes the development of jazz, which originated in locations such as Congo Square.
- 36 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 22 sources
Must-try in New Orleans8 dishes
Fried Chicken with Cornbread Where to order it in New Orleans
Turtle Soup Where to order it in New Orleans
Beignets Where to order it in New Orleans
Whole Fried Snapper Where to order it in New Orleans
Pralines Where to order it in New Orleans
BBQ Shrimp Pie Where to order it in New Orleans
Waffolino Where to order it in New Orleans
Ban Cuon Thit Nuong Where to order it in New Orleans
The short answer
- The top things to do in New Orleans, from 22 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- The National WWII Museum (Central Business District)
- Caesars Superdome (Central Business District)
- The Fly Field B (Audubon)
- Woldenberg Park (French Quarter)
- St. Louis Cathedral (French Quarter)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
36 places worth your time in New Orleans
Things to see and do
The National WWII Museum
Why it’s on the map
The definitive institution for understanding the American experience in World War II, this massive campus features five pavilions of immersive exhibits, including the 4D 'Beyond All Boundaries' film.
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Caesars Superdome
Why it’s on the map
A marvel of Modernist engineering and a symbol of the city's resilience, this massive steel-framed structure is one of the world's largest fixed-dome stadiums.
1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
The Fly Field B
Why it’s on the map
A beloved local waterfront stretch within Audubon Park, this scenic area provides an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River as it curves around the city.
6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Woldenberg Park
Why it’s on the map
From October 16–18, 2026, this expansive riverfront green space hosts the NOLA Funk Fest, a premier celebration of Louisiana's musical heritage.
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
St. Louis Cathedral
Why it’s on the map
This triple-spired landmark is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States and the defining silhouette of the city's skyline.
615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Nature Preserve · City Park
Tourist Attraction · Marigny
Hotel · Central Business District
Art Museum · City Park
Park · French Quarter
Neighborhood
Steak House · Freret
Museum · Central Business District
Amusement Park · City Park
Place to see
Where to eat
See the full New Orleans food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Restaurant
American Restaurant · Algiers
Restaurant · Lower Garden District
Ice Cream Shop · Freret
Seafood Restaurant · Central Business District
American Restaurant · Central Business District
Seafood Restaurant · French Quarter
Restaurant
Coffee Shop · French Quarter
African Restaurant · Seventh Ward
Candy Store · French Quarter
American Restaurant · Tremé / Lafitte
Coffee Shop · French Quarter
American Restaurant · Central City
Vietnamese Restaurant · Village De L'Est
Italian Restaurant · Marigny
Deli · Bayou St. John
European Restaurant · French Quarter
Shops and markets
Store · Lower Garden District
Jewelry Store · French Quarter
Store · Garden District
31 more places on the map
18 to eat · 10 to see and do · 3 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
- The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May, when the weather is comfortably mild and the city is vibrant with Mardi Gras and major jazz festivals. Summer is the off-peak season due to intense heat, high humidity, and hurricane risks, though it offers the lowest hotel rates for budget travelers. For a balance of manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures, consider visiting during the shoulder season from October to December.
How do I get around New Orleans?
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Located about 15 miles west of downtown, this primary gateway offers numerous domestic and international flights, with easy access to the city via taxis, ride-shares like Uber/Lyft, or the affordable Airport Express bus.
- Historic Streetcar System A quintessential local experience featuring four lines, including the famous St. Charles Avenue line, providing scenic and budget-friendly transit through the French Quarter, Garden District, and Mid-City areas.
- Walking and Ride-Sharing The French Quarter and Central Business District are highly walkable and compact; for longer distances or late-night travel, ride-sharing apps and local United Cabs provide reliable door-to-door service throughout the city.
What should I know before visiting New Orleans?
- Avoid walking alone on poorly lit side streets at night and stick to well-populated areas like the French Quarter or Garden District.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to navigate uneven historic sidewalks and protect your feet from street grime.
What’s new in New Orleans in October 2026?
- Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival: A major free festival running from October 9–11, 2026, at Lafayette Square, featuring top regional blues performers and local barbecue.
- Only Coffee: A viral pink pick-up window in the French Quarter that recently debuted the 'Waffolino,' a cappuccino served in a chocolate-lined waffle cone.
- Ghosts in the Oaks: An upcoming 'intergalactic' themed Halloween celebration at City Park (October 15–18, 2026) featuring trick-or-treating and amusement rides.
Research receipt
How this New Orleans guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for New Orleans replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in New Orleans?
Start with The National WWII Museum, Caesars Superdome, The Fly Field B, Woldenberg Park, and St. Louis Cathedral: the places Varedelo's research (from 22 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 36 places are pinned on the New Orleans map.