Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Orleans
To experience the true flavor of this New Orleans neighborhood, take a trip to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Bourbon Street, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. These top-rated tourist attractions are sure to delight all ages, and they’re all worth visiting during your stay. Here’s a closer look at what they have to offer. We’ve also included the Saenger Theatre, which many recent travelers found to be a highlight of the city.
Bourbon Street
If you’ve never been to the Big Easy, you should. Bourbon Street is the heart of the French Quarter. It’s made up of thirteen blocks, and is located just steps away from the Mississippi River. Many of the bars and restaurants along Bourbon Street offer cheap drinks and neon lights. But be careful, because walking around Bourbon Street can be dangerous, especially if you’re wearing nice shoes.
The streets of Bourbon Street are quiet during the day, but they come alive at night during one of the French Quarter’s major festivals, like Mardi Gras. During Mardi Gras, thousands of revelers throng Bourbon Street to celebrate the New Orleans Carnival. Because of the open container laws, it is legal to drink on the streets of the Quarter. Some popular drinks are hurricane cocktail, resurrection cocktail, hand grenade, and “huge-ass beers.”
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is located in the Warehouse Arts District in downtown New Orleans. Its collection of fine art includes works by artists from across the United States. The museum is a must-see when visiting the Big Easy. Its extensive collection will leave you speechless. Visitors will enjoy the art that they see, as well as learn about the city’s colorful history.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is home to one of the largest collections of art from the South. It features a number of genres and influences, and the collection includes a 4D film. It is located 19 minutes from the Convention Center. Ticket prices are reasonable and there are daily admissions. Children and seniors can take advantage of discounted admissions. Visitors under five are free.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with children, a trip to the Louisiana Children’s Museum is definitely on your list. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s the perfect place to explore New Orleans culture and wildlife while learning about the local ecosystem. Highlights of the museum include sensory gardens, edible gardens, and an explorable shotgun house. The museum is designed for families to enjoy with a wide range of activities.
This fun-filled museum is perfect for young children and the kid inside all of us. The Children’s Museum is 30,000 square feet of interactive learning experiences. The museum includes interactive exhibits and an art studio, a cafe, and an educational store. There are also a floating classroom and an interpretive wetlands that allow kids to get up close to nature. Visitors to this museum are encouraged to explore nature, make new discoveries, and develop a sense of wonder.
Saenger Theatre
The Saenger Theater is an iconic performing arts venue in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was closed for repairs. The new owner announced that the theater would reopen and renovate it. It took two years, but it reopened in September 2013 with Broadway in New Orleans series and other live performances. Since its renovation, the Saenger Theatre has played host to top-notch performances.
One of the highlights of visiting the Saenger Theater is the opportunity to catch the Broadway hit Hamilton. You’ll also get to see the famous shield, surrounded by a plaster wreath. The main lobby features a large crystal chandelier, one of the twelve that once hung in the entire Saenger Theatre. The chandeliers were sold off to finance the theater’s upkeep.