New Orleans is a city in southeastern Louisiana, USA. It sits on the Mississippi River, approximately 160kms from the Gulf of Mexico.  

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 24kms from downtown New Orleans. The drive is roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. 

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 21-24kms from the French Quarter. The drive is roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. 

New Orleans constantly has exciting events and festivals that draw the community and visitors around the world together.  

The Halloween event Krewe of Boo and the 35th New Orleans Film Festival are coming up this October as well as plenty of food and music festivals, Christmas and New Years events and a bounty of Mardi Gras parades early 2025. 

The Superbowl LIX is occurring at Caesar’s Superdome February 9th, 2025, for the 8th time. 

Check out the ‘What’s On’ tab for more event details. 

Looking for something fun to do in New Orleans? NOLA has you covered, with a variety of world-class attractions and experiences that’ll make your visit memorable. 

Some of the city’s top attractions include: 

1. Audubon Zoo: consistently named one of the country’s top 10 zoos. Audubon Zoo is known and loved for its engaging educational programs and hands-on animal encounters. Don’t miss the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle exhibits or their mysterious white alligators. 

1. Audubon Aquarium: The Audubon Aquarium is an immersive, awe-inspiring exhibit that transport visitors to the underwater worlds of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the tropical environs of the Amazon Rainforest. Home to more than 250 species and 3600 animals, including endangered ones like African penguins, the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else. 

1. National World War II Museum: The top attraction in New Orleans and a bucket-list destination for fans and students of history around the world, the National WWII Museum takes visitors on a powerful, inspiring jourdney through the eyes of the men and women who fought for freedom and democracy in the war that changed the world. Immersive galleries and exhibits, interactive experiences, oral histories and more bring the American experience during World War II to life in ways that will stay with you long after your visit is over.   

1. New Orleans Museum of Art: As New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution and one of the top art museums in the South, the New Orleans Museum of Art, or NOMA, hosts an impressive permanent collection of more than 40,000 objects. Known for its extraordinary strengths in French and American art, photography, glass, African and Japanese works plus rotating exhibits, NOMA offers a little something for everyone and anyone seeking inspiration and enjoyment through art and culture. 

1. New Orleans City Park: At 1,300 acres, New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s also home to the largest grove of mature live oaks in the world, some of which are nearly 800 years old. Many of the city’s most beloved attractions and outdoor spaces can be found here, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Couturie Forest and Arboretum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Carousel Gardens, City Putt, and bike and peddle boat rentals at Big Lake. 

New Orleans has several key areas that you simply cannot miss during your visit that each possess their own distinct charm and character. 

The French Quarter: Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of the city’s most historic areas. It blends the old with the new, featuring a revamped French Market, modern boutiques, and artisan cocktails alongside classic antique stores and historic restaurants like Antoine’s and Brennan’s. It offers a timeless charm and has a romantic, mysterious and jazzy vibe. With horse hooves clopping, music playing, and gaslights flickering, the French Quarter is full of stories—both old and new. 

Bourbon Street: Noisy. Raucous. Nocturnal. Bourbon Street, located within the French Quarter, embodies the life of a party town with the streets lit up with neon lights, throbbing with music and decorated by beads and balconies. Named for a royal family in France and not the amber-colored alcohol, Bourbon Street has become a place for revelry of all sorts. A notably luxurious hotel on Bourbon Street is The Royal Sonesta Hotel, famed for its beautiful New Orleans style architecture. Additionally, this street is home to Galatoire’s Restaurant, one of New Orleans’ most renowned, old and iconic high-end restaurants. 

Garden District: The walkable Garden District is a historic section of Uptown New Orleans lined with shady oak trees, classic New Orleans architecture and lots of shops and restaurants along the way. Bound by St. Charles Avenue, Magazine Street, Jackson Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, this little stretch of a neighborhood makes for a perfect day in New Orleans. 

Frenchman Street: Once a hidden gem among locals, Frenchmen Street is now recognized as one of New Orleans’ best spots for finding live music. The sounds of jazz, reggae, and blues spill out of clubs lining the corridor making for a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere. Audiences flock to Frenchmen from all over the world to get a taste of authentic New Orleans music.   

Bayou St. John: Bayou St. John is a vibrant neighborhood located near the heart of New Orleans. It’s known for its picturesque bayou, which offers opportunities for boating and fishing. The neighborhood has access to the Lafitte Greenway and historic places like the Spanish Custom House, The Pitot House Museum, and the Magnolia Bridge located in the area. 

NOLA is absolutely suitable as a family-friendly destination. There are several activities and attractions that all members of the family will adore.  

The Audubon Zoo, The Audubon Aquarium and The Audubon Insectarium are incredible educational and fun attractions perfect for kids and families.  

There are also several kid-friendly museums including, The Louisiana Children’s Museum and The New Orleans Jazz Museum that offer engaging and interactive exhibits and activities.  

City Park also offers endless fun where children will delight in exploring the playground filled with miniature houses, life-sized animals, and storybook characters. Or ride the rides at Carousel Gardens, located directly next to Storyland. This small-but-mighty amusement park is open seasonally and features traditional carnival rides, a train that weaves its way through the entirety of City Park, a historic carousel, and a ladybug-themed rollercoaster.  

New Orleans shopping, from the French Quarter all the way Uptown to Magazine Street offers an array of retail choices. Options include The Shops at Canal Place, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Jackson Brewery, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, as well as hundreds of boutiques, art galleries and antique stores along Magazine & Royal Streets and elsewhere throughout the city. 

New Orleans’ line-up of sporting events and sports venues are sure to live up to every fan’s expectations. The city is home to several sports teams showcasing premier events in football, basketball, soccer and rugby including the Saints, Pelicans, Jesters and the NOLA Gold Rugby Team. The state of Louisiana, known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” is also renowned for its fishing and hunting hot spots.