New Orleans &nbsp; Best Attractions & Activities

FRENCH QUARTER. Bourbon Street is the heart of the action loaded with bars, restaurants and unbelievable Jazz music floating in and out of the restaurants and clubs. This area is what makes New Orleans known worldwide. Twenty five million visitors a year come to the Quarter to partake in the fun, and during Mardi Gras, the fun never stops!

2. Audubon Zoo

6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118 · 504-861-2537

3. New Orleans Streetcars

UPTOWN. Audubon Park is the permanent home of almost 2,000 animals and is rated as one of the best zoos in the US. The zoo offers a wide array of exhibits, including the endangered species carousel, the Jaguar jungle, the White Tigers (who are brothers and each weigh 380 pounds), Komodo Dragon, Gorillas and the Monkey hill along with many other exhibits. The newest exhibit is the discovery walk where you can interact with the animals. Offers fun shows with Elephants and Sea Lions as well. STREETCAR: St Charles line, Stop 36, and then take the free shuttle to the zoo.

St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA · 504-827-7433

4. Aquarium of the Americas

FRENCH QUARTER. Look both ways before you cross the street! You'll not only have to watch out for cars but also pay attention for streetcars zipping down the road. There are two streetcar lines in New Orleans – St. Charles and Riverfront. Routes are not extensive but a ride will show you some of the city's major sites and tickets are very inexpensive. New Orleans streetcars are the oldest continuously running street railway in the US. Now part of the municipal transit system, the 35 olive green trolley cars date from 1923-24, with the rail line completed in 1835.

1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 · 504-861-2537

5. Historic New Orleans Collection

FRENCH QUARTER. More than 7,000 fish and other marine life are housed at this aquarium located right on the Mississippi River. There is a large collection of jellyfish and sharks, and you can also watch sea otters. Upon entering the large foyer, you will notice a tank holding a multitude of marine life. Start on the top floor in the rainforest exhibit and then walk down a spiral ramp that intersects the doughnut-shaped tank. Don't forget to view the sea lion pool outside the aquarium, or the Marine Mammal Pavilion that houses fascinating and friendly bottle nose dolphins. Laid out perfectly, this museum actually lets you touch living creatures such as starfish and snails.

533 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 · 504- 523-4662

FRENCH QUARTER. The history of the city of New Orleans is chronicled in the halls of this memorable museum. Located in a historic complex of French Quarter buildings, the Historic New Orleans Collection is comprised of four structures – the Merieult House, built in the 1700s; the Counting House, constructed 1794-95; the Williams Residence, which dates back to 1889; and the three-story Maisonette. All four buildings are connected via a courtyard. Each structure houses part of the artwork and artifacts acquired by complex owners General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams. Changing exhibitions and tours of the History Galleries highlight authentic documents and artifacts that shaped Louisiana's past. The Williams Residence reveals the elegant lifestyle of the museum's founders. An additional building, the Williams Research Center, offers pictorial, manuscript, and library materials relating to the state's history and culture.

6. City Park

1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 · 504-482-4888

7. National D – Day Museum

MID-CITY. With attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art and the Botanical Gardens, this local park is a must see. City Park is comprised of 1500 acres and visitors can walk among a series of live oak trees, more than 200 of which are registered with the Live Oak Society. Strollers can also see the beauty of Spanish moss draping trees as they walk along this enchanting park's many trails. City Park is renowned for its recreational space and locals congregate here for tennis, jogging or Sunday pick-up games of football. The park is located near the Bayou St. John and sits at the corner of City Park and Wisner Blvd. BUS: 46 City Park, 48 Esplanade

945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 · 504-527-6012

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Troops at Omaha Beach in Normandy. General Dwight D. Eisenhower meeting with Allied paratroopers. Both striking photographic images tell a story and illustrate the spirit, optimism and courage of the men and women who fought in World War II. The National D-Day Museum recently opened its doors in 2000. The museum's original building dates back to 1856 and now features over 70,000 square feet of history. A trip through the D-Day Museum's four floors of displays is like stepping back in time.

8. St Louis Cathedral

615 Père Antoine Alley, Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116 · 504-525-9585

9. Haunted History / Ghost Tour

FRENCH QUARTER. Established in 1794, this is the oldest active cathedral in the US. Towering over Jackson Square, it is an important historical and religious symbol for this predominantly Catholic city. In 1964, the cathedral was given the status of minor basilica, one of only 15 in the US. Tours are offered and depart from the gift shop regularly.

723 Saint Peter St, Rev Zombies's Voodoo Shop, New Orleans, LA 70116 · 504-861-2727

10. Louisiana Children's Museum

FRENCH QUARTER. Tombstones and voodoo keep drawing tourists to this popular attraction. The New Orleans Haunted History / Ghost Tour meets at Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop (between Bourbon and Royal), then cruises the historically haunted landmarks of the French Quarter. Walkers get to visit the St. Louis Cemetery and see the tomb of Marie Laveau, a legendary voodoo priestess. If this tour does not make your skin crawl try one of the other entertaining tours, Garden District, Haunted Garden District, Spellbound, Vampire, or Voodoo/Cemetary.

420 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130-3606 · 504-523-1357