
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.
This picturesque neighborhood is best experienced on foot, and tour choices run the gamut from general or historical to haunted. The former typically feature popular highlights such as the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, famous antebellum houses, and the eclectic shops and restaurants of Magazine Street; meanwhile, the latter includes paranormal tales of the neighborhood where Interview with a Vampire, Dracula 2000, and American Horror Story: Coven were filmed. Some driving tours combine seeing the sights by private vehicle with stops at top attractions.
This neighborhood is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time visitors to New Orleans.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking on a tour of the Garden District.
Walking tours generally last two to three hours and begin at a central meeting point in the neighborhood.
Driving tours of New Orleans often stop at the Garden District.
The Garden District is wheelchair accessible for the most part.
The easiest and most historic way to get to the Garden District is aboard the St. Charles streetcar, which also stops at Tulane and Loyola universities and the Audubon Zoo, part of the Audubon Nature Institute. It’s also possible to reach the area on foot and via the Magazine Street bus.
For many travelers, the best time to visit New Orleans is between February and May when the weather is cool and the calendar is packed with events, including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Expect temperatures upwards of 85°F (29°C) during visits from June to September.
This live oak–shaded neighborhood is no stranger to celebrities, and many famous faces have homes in the area. While strolling through the neighborhood, you might spot the homes of Anne Rice, Archie and Peyton Manning, John Goodman, and Sandra Bullock.