New Orleans was founded in 1718 and is known as the "Big Easy". The city sits above the mouth of the Mississippi River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. The heart of the city lies between the river and Lake Pontchartrain. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic French Quarter. Visit the top flight art museums and galleries. Enjoy world-class dining. Explore the fascinating architecture in this historic and thriving Louisiana city. Best Western New Orleans Louisiana.
Things to do in New Orleans
1850 House
Don't miss this historical landmark in the middle of the French Quarter. Both the upper and lower floors are an excellent representation of life in New Orleans in the mid-1800s. The interior depicts the striking differences between the lifestyles of an upper-middle-class family and the servants who worked for them. Gift shop and bookstore on the first floor. Located at St. Ann St. Find Best Western New Orleans Lodging nearby. Call 504-568-6968 for more information.
American Italian Museum
The museum exhibits customs and artifacts about the Italians and their contributions to the culture of the Crescent City. A research library includes records of the large local Italian immigrant community. Located at 537 South Peters St Call 504-522-7294 for more information.
Aquarium of the Americas
Located at 1 Canal Street. Listed as one of the Top 5 Aquarium with South Sea Otters and one of the largest collections of sharks and jellies in the US. A 10-foot Louisiana native white gator and a 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Open daily from 9:30am. Call 504-581-4629 for more information.
Audubon Golf Course
473 Walnut St., New Orleans, LA 70118 Call 504-865-8260 for more information.
Audubon Zoo
One of the top five zoos in the US. Over 1500 animals in their natural habitat setting including the white alligators in the Louisiana swamp. Open daily from 9:30 am. Located at 6500 Magazine St. Call 504-581-4629 for more information.
Bayou Country Store
Located at 600 Decauter Street. Largest retailer of hot sauces, Louisiana food products and spices. Gift baskets, Cajun gift bags and Creole pralines. Open Sunday 10am - 7pm; Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm. Call 504-523-3113 for more information.
Bayou Oaks Golf Course, Championship Course
1040 Filmore Ave. New Orleans, LA 70124 Call 504-483-9396 for more information.
Beauregard-Keyes House
Located at 1113 Charles Street visit this nationally registered Louisiana raised cottage from 1826. Once the home of Confederate General PGT Beauregard and later of author Frances Parkinson Keyes. Tours are on the hour, Monday - Saturday 10am - 3pm. Call 504-523-7257 for more information.
Big Easy Steam Train
Experience the romance and glory of days gone by on board a train pulled by an authentic 1900's steam locomotive. Concession and bar cars are available along with a Dixieland Jazz band. Runs daily at 10:30am, 2:30pm and 6:30pm.
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Come and see where Mardi Gras is made. See artists and sculptors create the props and floats that are used in the carnival parades. Tours, video, costumes and a gift shop. Open daily 9:30am - 4:30pm. Call 504-361-7821 for more information.
Bourgeois Charters
New Orleans' largest professional guide service. Spin and fly- fishing for Redfish and Speckled Trout. Light tackle and inland salt and fresh water Bayou fishing. Hours vary by season. Call 504-341-5614 for more information.
Brechtel Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course
3700 Behrman Pl., New Orleans, LA 70114 Call 504-362-4761 for more information.
Cajun Pride Tours
Cajun Pride provides top quality entertainment in swamp, plantation, cultural, city, and combination tours. Our staff is available to assist you in planning tours for individuals and groups. At Cajun Pride we treat your vacation like it was our own! We offer tours for those with just a few hours to spare and for those who have plenty of time reserved for sightseeing. Enjoy a City Tour within just 3 hours, a swamp or single plantation tour which requires only 4 hours of your day or relax on one of our 6-10 hour combination tours.
Captain Brian's Bayou Adventures
A fully licensed and insured fishing charter service specializing in light tackle, speckled trout and red fishing in the waters around New Orleans. Hours vary by season. Call 504-488-5581 for more information.
Captain Nick's Wildlife Safaris
Bayou or deep sea fishing adventures or private swamp/photo tours are available. Located ½ hours from the Acadian village with free hotel shuttle and color brochures. Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Christmas New Orleans Style
This month long holiday event features free nightly concerts, cooking demos, strolling carolers, historical characters, Papa Noel hotel rates, decorations and much more. Call 504-522-5730 for more information.
City Park
This historic 1500-acre park offers amusements such as an antique carousel, Storyland, botanical garden/pavilion, tennis, softball, golf, fishing/boating and live oaks. Seasonal hours. Call 504-482-4888 for more information.
Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
This oldest museum in Louisiana contains items from the Civil War including personal effect of President Jefferson Davis, General R.E. Lee and General Beauregard. Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Located at 929 Camp Street. Call 504-523-4522 for more information.
Contemporary Arts Center
Don't miss this modern art exhibit center, located in a renovated warehouse. It offers a series of seasonally rotating exhibitions, classes, lectures, performances. Located at 900 Camp St. Call 504-528-3800 for more information.
Creole Delicacies Cookin' Cajun Cooking School
Located at the Riverwalk and Poydras Street. Learn to cook Cajun while enjoying lunch at Cookin' Cajun in the Riverwalk. Classes are offered daily with a fee. Reservations are required and do not forget to visit our gourmet store.
Discovery Garden
Located at 7 Bamboo Rd., visit this interactive garden. Children can dig, do and discover where plants, minds and the imagination grow. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Call 504-488-5488 for more information.
Elms Mansion
This mansion is one of the most gracious and elegant homes in the Garden District. Built in 1869, it has played host to confederate President Jefferson Davis on a number of occasions. Located at 3029 St. Charles Avenue Call 504-895-5493 for more information.
Fort Pike State Historic Site
Located at US Hwy 90, Lake Catherine on Rigolets. Build in the 1820's to protect New Orleans from foreign invasion. A museum and historic building are featured here in addition to outdoor exhibits, picnicking and special events. Open daily from 9am - 5pm. Call 504-662-5703 for more information.
French Market
Located at 1100 N. Peters St., enjoy 5 blocks of dining, shopping and entertainment. Historic buildings house a variety of specialty shops and restaurants with true cultural flair. Open daily from 9am - 8pm. Call 504-522-2621 for more information.
French Quarter Festival
Bourbon St. to the River, Canal St. to Esplande. This free event is offered in the historic Vieux Carre & Riverfront. Music is offered on 13 stages with the world's largest Jazz brunch. A second line parade, fireworks and children's area are all a part of the festivities. Held in mid April, Friday - Sunday. Call us for dates and times. Call 504-522-5730 for more information.
French Quarter Visitor Center
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve - This visitor center offers exhibits that interpret the cultural diversity of the Mississippi Delta Region. Walking tours of the French Quarter and Garden District are available. Daily from 9am - 5pm. Call 504-589-2636 for more information.
Haunted History Tours
These are the tours you have heard all about. Theatrical and historical, New Orleans only 5 star adventure. Ghosts, vampires, cemeteries and voodoo! Call for details. Open daily 9am - 11pm. Call 504-861-2727 for more information.
Historic New Orleans Collection
Discover Louisiana's history and culture through exhibitions and guided tours. Also a National Historic Landmark. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 2:30pm. Located at 533 Royal St. Call 504-523-4662 for more information.
Historic New Orleans Walking Tours
Join author and former national park ranger Rob Florence along with some top rated guides for tours of the French Quarter, Cemetery, Voodoo, Garden District and Ghost tours. Open daily 8am - 10pm. Call 504-947-2120 for more information.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace" when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Houmas House opens at 9AM, seven days a week. We highly suggest you start your day at Houmas House. Most other plantations open at 10AM and this allows you to have an extra hour of touring the Great Homes of the River Road.
House of Broel's Victorian Mansion, Dollhouse Museum
Explore this magnificent Garden District mansion, extensive display of captivating museum quality dollhouses, antiques and Mardi Gras memorabilia. Admission and hours vary by season. Located at 2220 Saint Charles Ave. Call 504-525-1000 for more information.
Joseph M. Bartholomew Golf Course
6514 Congress Dr., New Orleans, LA 70126 Call 504-288-0928 for more information.
Le Monde Creole
French Quarter Courtyards, Cemetery & Voodoo Tours - Discover the mystery of New Orleans as seen through the eyes of five generations of one family. This unique storytelling tour takes you in to the most secret courtyards. Daily tours. Call 504-568-1801 for more information.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House is a great example of a Greek Revival mansion. The place is home to original English and American antiques and eight acres of formal gardens and decorative fountains. Located at 7 Bamboo Rd Call 504-488-5488 for more information.
Louisiana Children's Museum
The museum offers a toddler area and children's drama, dance and puppet shows. There are also art and science exhibits. This is also Home of the Times-Picayune Theater. Located at 420 Julia St. Call 504-523-1357 for more information.
Magazine Street
The "Street of Dreams." Enjoy 6 miles of antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. Call for a free map. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Call 504-525-2605 for more information.
Musee Conti Historical Wax Museum
Discover the story of New Orleans. Meet Napoleon, Andrew Jackson, Jean Lafitte, Marie Laveau, Louis Armstrong and many more. Do not miss the Haunted Dungeon. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm; Sunday 12 - 5pm. Located at 917 Conti St.
Natchez Steamboat
The Natchez Steamboat is the only genuine steamboat able to accommodate up to 1600 guests. It features full-service catering from the on-board galley and is docked at the back of JAX Brewery . Located at 2 Canal St. Call 504-586-8777 for more information.
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Located at Victory Avenue. Do not miss the art deco fountains and sculpture within the 12 acres of gardens with roses, tropical plants, palms and water lilies on display. Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4:30pm. Located at 1 Palm Drive. Call 504-483-9386 for more information.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum & Tour Co.
Art, altars, totems, gift shop, crafts, dolls, psychics, rituals, lectures, cemetery, ghost, vampires & more!! Visit the all new Ghost Photo Gallery. Open daily 10am - 8pm. Located at 724 Dumaine St. Call 504-523-7685 for more information.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Held late April/early May each year. Thousands of musicians and food. Hundreds of crafts help make the festival a celebration of Louisiana's culture and heritage. Located at 1205 North Rampart St. Call 504-522-4786 for more information.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Minutes from the French Quarter located in City Park, is one of the South's premier museums featuring an outstanding permanent collection and Faberge Gallery. Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Located at 1 Collins Diboll Circle. Call 504-488-2631 for more information.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Located at 514 Charles St., this 19th century apothecary shop of Louis Dufilho Jr., one of America's first licensed pharmacists. A collection of medical artifacts and medicinal herb harden can be found in Dufilho's courtyard. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Call 504-565-8027 for more information.
New Orleans School of Cooking
Make your mouth happy. Festive Cajun/Creole cooking classes include fun, food, folklore and recipes in an historic French Quarter setting. Open daily 9am - 6pm. Classes 10am - 1pm & 2 - 4pm. Call 504-525-2665 for more information.
New Orleans Spirit Tours
Enjoy the experience with cemetery/voodoo and nightly ghost/vampire tours. Visit a real Voodoo temple and explore the haunted French Quarter. Tours Sunday 10:30am & 8pm; Monday - Saturday 10:30am, 1 & 8pm. Call 504-314-0806 for more information.
New Orleans Swamp Tours
Experience the exotic plant and animal life located in the Jean Lafitte & Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. Legends of the fascinating swampland are revealed by native guides. Daily 10am - 2pm. Call 504-236 3143 for more information.
New Orleans Tours Inc.
Daily tours are offered that include city, plantation, swamp. Walking, river cruise and combinations. Ask about our exclusive tour of Evergreen Plantation. Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call 504-212 5925 for more information.
Oak Alley Plantation
Built in 1839 by a wealthy French Creole sugar planter from New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation today offers daily guided tours, bed & breakfast accommodations in 19th-century cottages, a Cajun/Creole restaurant offering local favorites, a cafe/ice cream parlor, an impressive gift shop and a most spectacular setting for weddings, parties and other private functions.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, University of New Orleans
A short walk from the Convention Center you will experience the South, its culture and history through the premier collection of Southern Art in the world from the 18th - 21st centuries. Call 504-539-9600 for more information.
Old U.S. Mint
An old Greek Revival style building which was first used as a mint in 1838. The mint continued producing money until 1909. Located at 400 Esplanade Ave. Call 504-568-6968 for more information.
Old Ursuline Convent
This is the oldest building of record in New Orleans and the entire Mississippi Valley. The Sisters of Ursula originally established a Catholic school here for African-American and Native American girls. The convent is now home to Catholic archives dating back to 1718. Located at 1114 Chartres St. Call 504-529-3040 for more information.
Orpheum Theatre
This 1918 Gothic style building is an architectural wonder boasting 1700 seats. It now plays host to the Louisiana Philharmonic as well as a number of classical concert tours. Located at 129 University Place Call 504-524-3285 for more information.
Paddle Wheeler Creole Queen
Located at Canal St. Dock at the River walk. Enjoy the daily Battlefield cruises aboard the Paddle wheeler Creole Queen with food and beverage available. Nightly cruises include dinner and jazz with a Creole buffet and entertainment. Daily 8am - 8pm.
Pitot House Museum
Located at 1440 Moss St. This French colonial/West Indies style house on Bayou St. John in New Orleans was built in 1799 and is furnished with Louisiana and American antiques from the early 1800's. Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 3pm. Call 504-482-0312 for more information.
River Barge Excursions
Barging through America - enjoy a 4-10 day all inclusive river vacation on America's historical inland waterways aboard the 198 guest River Barge River Explorer. Saturday 9am - 3pm; Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm.
Riverboat Cajun Queen
Located at the Aquarium of Americas Dock. One-hour harbor cruises are offered 4 times daily. Get the River Experience and see one of the World's busiest ports. Daily form 8am - 8pm. Call 504-524-0814 for more information.
Riverboat John James Audubon
Located at the Aquarium of Americas Dock. One hour Mississippi River cruises are available between the Zoo, Aquarium, and IMAX Theatre. Ask about our Audubon Adventure Passport. Call to confirm daily sailings. Call 504-586 8777 for more information.
Riverwalk Marketplace
Located at Canal and Julia at the Mississippi River. Shop the Riverwalk's 120 stores for a true taste of New Orleans. Great gifts, great styles, great food. On the downtown riverfront between the Aquarium and the Convention Center. Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm; Sunday 11am - 7pm. Call 504-522-1555 for more information.
Royal Carriages Inc.
French Quarter and Garden District sightseeing in mule drawn carriages is a must! Specializing in private and group tours. Depart from Jackson Square since 1941. Daily from 8:30am - 12am. Call 504-943 8820 for more information.
Saenger Theatre
Located at 143 N. Rampart St., in the heart of New Orleans with seating for 2,736. The Saenger offers first class events and major theatrical productions. Box office open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Call 504-525-1052 for more information.
Saint Louis Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Louis IX King of France was established as a small basilica. It's a beautiful cathedral and has attractive surrounding courtyards. Located at 615 Pere Antoine Alley Call 504-525-9585 for more information.
Saint Louis Cemetery Number One
Located on the boundary of the French Quarter, this is the oldest cemetery in the city. Located at 3421 Esplanade Ave. Call 504-482-5065 for more information.
Satchmo Summer Fest
A Louis Armstrong Centennial Celebration with Satchmo inspired music, jazz exhibits and discussion. Food, children's activities and coordinated club performances are also offered. Call for dates in August and times. Call 504-522-5730 for more information.
Six Flags New Orleans
Located at 12301 Six Flags Parkway. World class family theme park offering 30 spectacular rides, 6 themed sections, food & entertainment. Family fun in the heart of Louisiana's most exciting city. Hours vary by season. Call 504-253-8100 for more information.
Steamboat Natchez
Located at the Toulouse St. Wharf in the French Quarter. See New Orleans aboard the only authentic steam powered stern-wheeler. Two hour daily jazz cruises, dinner cruises with the Dukes of Dixieland.
Storyville District
Visit the Home of Jazz. New Orleans food and music complex with 3 performance rooms, 2 stages, and Ralph Brennan's New Orleans cuisine. Local musicians perform daily. Jazz never tasted so hot! Daily from 6pm - 12am. Call 504-410-1000 for more information.
The Degas House
Explore the legendary story of Degas in post Civil War New Orleans at his famous home. Learn about the impact it had on the Impressionist Movement. Call 504-821-5009 for more information.
The Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
Located at the Robin St. Wharf, enjoy the experience of the sights, sounds, culture and heritage of the heartland America. Cruise for 3 or 7 nights aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat.
The Entergy IMAX Theatre
Located at #1 Canal St., this 5 ½ story screen with 12,000 watts of surround sound will take you to other places without leaving your seat. Films shown on the hour. Please call for more information. Call 504-581-IMAX for more information.
The National D-Day Museum of New Orleans
From an overview of World War II's economic and political roots to the build-up and military mobilization of Allied Forces in the many D-Days around the world, the 70,500-square-foot museum presents a collection of personal stories, and preserves important materials for research and scholarship. Museum exhibits and programs inspire future generations to learn life lessons--teamwork, the value of democracy, unsung bravery--from the most complex military operations ever staged.
The San Francisco Plantation House
San Francisco Plantation, sits in a stately manner on the east bank of the Great Mississippi River less than 40 minutes from New Orleans or Baton Rouge, Louisiana near the small, historic town of Garyville, in St. John the Baptist Parish. It is a galleried house of the Creole open suite style. The house is nestled under centuries old Live Oaks and contains one of the finest antique collections in the country. We invite you to visit us soon!
Wetland Guides and Outfitters Ltd.
Experience shallow water and light tackle fishing in the coastal marshes, bayous, and lakes of our wetlands. Minutes from downtown. Our completely outfitted adventures have become legendary. Hours vary by season.