
Visiting New Orleans for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Keep your cool in New Orleans with our picks for the best first-timer activities.
Among the sizable collection of Civil War artifacts—one of the largest of its kind in the United States—are weapons, battle flags, uniforms, portraits, and official documents. Highlights include personal effects belonging to Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Commander Robert E. Lee; an 1862 Confederate States of America seal; and a bullet hole-ridden Alabama Legion flag. The accompanying exhibitions focus on the key events of the Civil War, the organization of the southern confederate, and the daily lives of the Confederate soldiers.
Located in downtown New Orleans, directly opposite the National WWII Museum, the museum can be reached on foot from many of the central sights. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the French Quarter or you can ride the #12 tram to Howard Ave. at Carondelet, or St. Charles at St Joseph.
The museum welcomes visitors throughout the year, but may be closed on Mondays. It’s advisable to check opening times before your visit. The museum typically opens from morning to mid-afternoon. Visit during the week in the morning to avoid crowds.
As one of the cultural centers of the South, New Orleans has no shortage of great museums. Right opposite the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum, the National WWII Museum is one of the city’s most visited, with highlights including wartime bombers and aircraft. Art lovers can pore over art and photography, and visit the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Nearby, the Louisiana Children's Museum is an interactive wonderland for under 10s. Other notable museums include the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, the New Orleans African American Museum, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum.