All citiesNew Orleans Things to do and walking itinerary
United States New Orleans travel guide
12 things to do in New Orleans, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in New Orleans
- St. Louis Cathedral — cathedral in New Orleans, USA (visit ≈ 35 min)
- New Orleans Museum of Art — art museum in New Orleans, Louisiana (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Congo Square — square in New Orleans, Louisiana USA (visit ≈ 15 min)
- The Cabildo — historic building in New Orleans, Louisiana (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Louis Armstrong Park — park in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- National World War II Museum — military history museum and non-profit organization in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Audubon Insectarium — insectarium in Louisiana, United States (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Aquarium of the Americas — zoo aquarium in New Orleans, USA (visit ≈ 150 min)
- City Park — public park in New Orleans, USA (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Old Ursuline Convent (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. Patrick's Church — church building in Louisiana, United States of America (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Spanish Fort — fort in New Orleans (visit ≈ 60 min)
2-day New Orleans walking itinerary
Starting point: French Quarter. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.7 km · 6,350 steps · 1 h 3 min on the way): Aquarium of the Americas → Audubon Insectarium → National World War II Museum
- Day 2 (≈ 2.8 km · 3,760 steps · 38 min on the way): The Cabildo → St. Louis Cathedral → Congo Square → Louis Armstrong Park → Old Ursuline Convent
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in New Orleans
- Royal Street — The French Quarter's elegant street of iron balconies, galleries and antique shops, with buskers on the corners. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Frenchmen Street — Marigny street where live jazz spills onto the pavement and a night art market sets up. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — A 1789 'city of the dead' of white above-ground tombs; entry only with a licensed guide. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Longue Vue House and Gardens — A 1930s estate on the city's edge surrounded by Spanish-style gardens with pools and fountains. (visit ≈ 75 min)
Where to stay in New Orleans
- French Quarter: Iron balconies, jazz and Bourbon Street, all within walking distance.
- Garden District: Historic mansions and the St. Charles streetcar; calmer.
- Marigny: Live music on Frenchmen Street and colourful houses.
- Warehouse District: Museums, restaurants and modern hotels near the river.
Getting from the airport to New Orleans
- Louis Armstrong (MSY): Airport Express bus 202 ≈ 45 min; taxi ≈ 25 min.
Getting around
The French Quarter is best on foot; the St. Charles and Canal streetcars reach farther areas. Buy tickets in the Le Pass app.
Classic places to eat
- Café du Monde: Powdered-sugar beignets and chicory coffee since 1862.
- Commander’s Palace: Creole cooking in the Garden District since 1893.
- Antoine’s: Open since 1840; birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller.
- Galatoire’s: French-Creole classics on Bourbon Street since 1905.
- Central Grocery: The grocery where the muffuletta was born, since 1906.
- Dooky Chase’s: Creole food and gumbo since 1941.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Famous fried chicken since 1957.
- Napoleon House: Pimm’s Cup cocktails in a 200-year-old building.
- Brennan’s: Breakfast and Bananas Foster in a pink building since 1946.
Romantic views
- Jackson Square (Evening): Street musicians and painters in front of the cathedral.
- Woldenberg Park (Sunset): Watch steamboats on the Mississippi.
- Crescent Park (Sunset): A modern riverside park with city views.
- Besthoff Sculpture Garden (Afternoon): Sculptures among old oaks in City Park.
Good to know before visiting New Orleans
- Fine: Carrying open alcohol in the street is banned in most cities.
- Fine: Cannabis remains illegal federally: banned in national parks, airports and across state lines.
- Fine: Declare fruit, vegetables, meat and other food at customs; undeclared items are fined.
- Warning: The drinking age is 21; bars and shops ask for ID.
- Warning: Healthcare is very expensive; get comprehensive travel medical insurance.
- Price tags exclude sales tax, which is added at the till.
Extra rules for Louisiana / New Orleans
- Fine: Recreational cannabis is illegal.
- Warning: In the French Quarter you can drink outside from plastic cups; glass is banned.
- Warning: June to November is hurricane season; follow official alerts.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 120V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA, Wikivoyage — United States of America, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
New Orleans travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in New Orleans?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in New Orleans?
- Highlights: St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans Museum of Art, Congo Square, The Cabildo and Louis Armstrong Park. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in New Orleans?
- French Quarter: Iron balconies, jazz and Bourbon Street, all within walking distance. Other options: Garden District, Marigny and Warehouse District.
- How do you get from the airport to New Orleans city centre?
- Louis Armstrong (MSY): Airport Express bus 202 ≈ 45 min; taxi ≈ 25 min.
- How do you get around New Orleans?
- The French Quarter is best on foot; the St. Charles and Canal streetcars reach farther areas. Buy tickets in the Le Pass app.
- What is the emergency number in New Orleans?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in New Orleans?
- Tipping 18–22% in restaurants is all but mandatory; $1–2 per drink at bars.
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