Things To Do in New Orleans: Top 5 Sights in NOLA

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Things To Do in New Orleans: Top 5 Sights in NOLA

Lalaine Melizza
December 18, 2020

Overflowing with history and culture, New Orleans looms larger than life in every way. This Louisiana city, perched by the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, is a huge melting pot. From food and music to art and language, the influence of French, African, and American cultures is all around. The Crescent City’s attractions are as diverse as its people, too. So whether you’re looking to party or relax in serenity, you’ll find plenty of things to do in New Orleans.

Buckle up and take a look at some of the most-visited attractions in NOLA!

Bourbon Street

One of the go-to places in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street assaults the senses. This famous street goes back to 1718 and takes its name from the royal Bourbon family of France. Here, you’ll find plenty of historic places to visit. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, for instance, has been around since the 1700s. America’s oldest gay bar, Lafitte-In-Exile, is likewise a popular Bourbon Street hangout.

Come in early spring and join the Mardi Gras revelry. If you visit near the Labor Day holiday, you’ll be in time for the Southern Decadence Festival. But no matter what time of the year you plan to visit, you’ll find plenty to do on Bourbon Street, from watching jazz shows to filling up on Creole and Cajun food.

New Orleans City Park

Looking for things to do in New Orleans for the whole family? If so, check out City Park. Covering 526 hectares (1,300 acres), the park offers activities and attractions to delight adults and kids alike. One of the standouts is the hand-crafted, historic carousel at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. The Storyland playground is another popular attraction. Here, you’ll find gigantic sculptures of characters from children’s stories. Even more of these huge works of art are in the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden. It’s part of the Botanical Garden, where lush greenery and colorful flowers abound.

City Park is also home to the famous New Orleans Museum of Art, the oldest of its kind in the city. Its collection of paintings is truly remarkable, with works by artists such as Claude Monet and Jackson Pollock. Also, the museum showcases antique furniture, African folk art, art photography, and more. And for fun in the water, take the kids to go fishing at the park’s lagoons.

Jackson Square

Set on Decatur Street, Jackson Square is one of the French Quarter’s many attractions. It’s a National Historic Landmark that’s visited by millions of people every year. A bronze statue of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the USA, stands in the square’s center. Behind the square is the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Founded in 1914, it’s a superb example of Byzantine/Romanesque Revival architecture.

Stroll through the square and you’ll see a colony of artists at work. You can buy a sketch or even commission a portrait! Later, grab a cocktail or a local craft beer at one of the restaurants on the square. Planning to spend Christmas in New Orleans? If so, don’t miss the annual Caroling in Jackson Square sing-along. It’s an event that Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre has been holding since 1946.

National WWII Museum

The USA is home to several museums dedicated to the Second World War. The National WWII Museum on Magazine Street in NOLA is arguably the most popular, though. Opened on June 6, 2000—the 56th anniversary of D-Day—it’s the country’s official World War II museum. Various pavilions depict the role of the USA in the war.

The U.S. Freedom Pavilion, for instance, showcases military aircraft and vehicles. The Victory Solomon Theater Pavilion has cinematic productions and music relating to the war. At the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, learn about wartime amphibious landings. Meanwhile, interactive exhibits, virtual missions, and more take center stage at the pavilion called Campaigns of Courage: European and Pacific Theaters.

French Market

What was once a late 18th-century Native American trading post by the Mississippi River is today a hub of non-stop activity. To be sure, visiting the French Market is one of the most popular things to do in New Orleans. From flea markets to live music to all manner of drinking and dining, the market offers them all.

Shop for local produce and specialties at the Farmers Market Pavilion, which also hosts the annual Creole Tomato Festival. Looking for unique souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of handcrafted items from local artists and craftspeople. The flea market’s open-air stalls also offer a diverse range of items from all over the world. And when you get hungry, choose from the array of restaurants and food stands in the area. The famous Cafe du Monde is a must-visit—don’t forget to try their cafe au lait and beignets.

Article Tags: louisiana, new orleans, North America, travel, United States

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