Best Attractions in New Orleans (2025)

The city’s most storied room for traditional jazz: no frills, just master musicians in an intimate, acoustic setting. Frequently cited by national outlets and travel editors, and praised by AAA, it remains essential listening nearly every night.

Brandan “BMike” Odums’ massive Bywater gallery centers Black New Orleans narratives through gripping murals and installations. Lauded by national culture writers and design media, it doubles as a community hub for talks, workshops, and timely exhibits.

Part sculpture garden, part stage, this artist-built “village” of playable musical houses hosts seasonal performances and hands-on hours. Covered by Atlas Obscura and arts press, it spotlights the city’s inventive, collaborative spirit in a lush outdoor setting.

A vital Tremé institution preserving Mardi Gras Indian suits, social aid and pleasure club history, and jazz funeral traditions. Featured by local newspapers and culture guides, it’s a direct window into living Black masking culture.

A cornerstone of the city’s music story with deep archives and frequent live performances. Regularly recommended by editors and travel guides, it bridges artifact-rich exhibits with concerts steps from the Frenchmen Street music corridor.

A nonprofit that tells the South’s culinary story—with New Orleans at the core—through exhibits, demos, and hands-on Creole and Cajun cooking classes. Frequently highlighted by Southern lifestyle and travel editors.

A free-admission museum and research center spanning multiple French Quarter campuses. Celebrated by architecture and culture outlets for its engaging exhibitions on the city and Gulf South—perfect for context before wandering the Quarter.

Since 1977, this Uptown landmark has championed New Orleans music—from Professor Longhair to today’s torchbearers. Covered widely by local and national media, it remains a quintessential night out for funk, brass, and late-night dance floors.

An immersive, family-friendly romp through 17 rooms celebrating the city’s joy, art, and music—all created with local artists. Frequently recommended by national travel roundups and local critics as a fresh, modern culture stop.

A National Historic Landmark estate with lush formal gardens designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman. Endorsed by garden and architecture organizations, it offers a serene counterpoint to the city’s bustle—and a glimpse into mid‑century New Orleans life.

A beloved Frenchmen Street room where locals crowd in for swing, traditional jazz, and late‑night sets. Regularly spotlighted by Eater and travel editors, it delivers unpolished, up‑close performances that feel wonderfully New Orleans.

Home of the city’s famed “Be Nice or Leave” signs, this Bywater studio-gallery showcases quirky folk art rooted in neighborhood stories. Frequently cited by design and travel publications for authentic, locally made keepsakes—often with the artist on site.