The Top 5 Must-See Attractions in New Orleans
From Historic Streets to Soulful Sounds, Here Are Drives & Detours’ Most Unforgettable Highlights in New Orleans
Every corner of New Orleans has something to see — Robson Hatsukami Morgan / Unsplash
New Orleans isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. It’s the hum of jazz on a humid night, the scent of powdered sugar from a beignet stand, and the sight of wrought-iron balconies gleaming under the Southern sun.
While every corner of the Crescent City has something to discover, a few places stand out as essential stops for any visitor.
These are Drives & Detours’ five attractions that define New Orleans—each one steeped in history, music, and that unmistakable NOLA magic.
1. The French Quarter
The French Quarter is the vibrant heart of the city — Kristina Volgenau / Unsplash
No visit to New Orleans is complete without stepping into the French Quarter. This is where the city began, and even centuries later, it still feels like the vibrant heart of it all.
The narrow, cobblestone streets echo with live jazz, and every building tells a story—from pastel-hued Creole townhouses to courtyards hidden behind ivy-covered gates.
Bourbon Street might get most of the headlines for its neon lights and nonstop nightlife, but there’s so much more to the Quarter than the party scene.
Royal Street beckons with its galleries and antique shops, Chartres Street with its historic facades, and Decatur Street with its cafés and local hangouts. Jackson Square anchors it all, framed by the stately St. Louis Cathedral and the lively buzz of street performers.
To truly experience the French Quarter, visit in the morning before the crowds swell. The air feels thick with possibility, and you can almost hear echoes of every note, step, and story that have passed through here.
As evening falls, grab a drink and let the sound of brass bands guide your next move—you’ll never walk the same street twice.
2. The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum delivers an immersive journey through history — Jessica Tan / Unsplash
A short distance from the French Quarter, in the city’s Warehouse District, lies one of the most acclaimed museums in the country.
The National WWII Museum is far more than an exhibit—it’s an immersive journey through one of the most defining events in modern history.
Sprawling across several buildings, the museum weaves together personal stories, powerful artifacts, and multimedia presentations to bring the Second World War to life.
Visitors can step inside recreated battle scenes, explore the machinery of war up close, and even hear firsthand accounts from veterans and civilians.
What sets this museum apart is its balance of education and emotion. It doesn’t just teach history—it makes you feel it. The sheer scope and storytelling here are unforgettable, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious.
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring—every exhibit reveals another layer of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
3. Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square is one of the most photogenic parts of a beautiful city — Steve Lussier / Unsplash
Even within the endlessly photogenic French Quarter, Jackson Square stands out. It’s one of those rare public spaces that feels alive every hour of the day.
In the morning, artists set up easels along the iron fences, painting the cathedral’s elegant spires. By afternoon, brass bands fill the air with rhythm. Come evening, the square glows with the light of nearby cafés and carriages rolling by.
The centerpiece of the square—the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson—adds a sense of grandeur, but it’s the surrounding architecture that steals the show.
St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest continuously active cathedrals in the United States, presides over the plaza with timeless grace. Its white façade and twin towers are among New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks.
Take your time wandering the area. Peek into the cathedral, admire the street artists’ work, and stop by Café du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee.
Few experiences capture the essence of New Orleans like sitting at an outdoor table while jazz floats through the air.
4. The Garden District & St. Charles Streetcar
The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar takes you to the secret gardens of New Orleans — Alex Preusser / Unsplash
Hop aboard the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar when you’re ready for a change of pace and head uptown to the Garden District. It’s one of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in the country—an elegant, oak-shaded world of antebellum mansions, ivy-draped fences, and wide, peaceful streets.
This is the New Orleans of grand porches and secret gardens, where every home seems to have a story. Some belonged to Civil War generals or famous authors—others simply stand as testaments to the city’s architectural heritage.
The best way to explore is on foot. Take a stroll down Prytania or Coliseum Street and admire the mix of Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles.
The streetcar itself is part of the charm—it’s the oldest continuously operating street railway in the United States. The gentle rumble of its wooden seats and brass fixtures feels like stepping back in time.
Ride it all the way from downtown to the riverbend and watch the city change as you go. On the return trip, stop along Magazine Street for boutique shopping, quirky cafés, and a taste of local life beyond the tourist trail.
5. Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is where you are going to find the very best live jazz in town — Morgan Petroski / Unsplash
If Bourbon Street is the city’s most famous party strip, Frenchmen Street is its soul.
Tucked just outside the French Quarter, this lively stretch is where locals and visitors mingle to hear the best live music in town. Jazz, funk, blues, brass—whatever your rhythm, you’ll find it here, spilling from every doorway and corner.
The street transforms into an open-air concert as evening falls. Musicians play on the sidewalks, small clubs pulse with energy, and the air feels thick with sound and celebration.
Venues like The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and d.b.a. are institutions, offering nightly performances that range from soulful solos to high-octane brass bands.
Unlike Bourbon Street, Frenchmen’s appeal isn’t about spectacle—it’s about authenticity. There’s a sense of connection between performers and audiences, a shared joy that defines the city’s musical heartbeat.
Arrive early to grab a seat at one of the intimate bars or wander freely, following the melodies that drift through the night. This is New Orleans at its purest—spontaneous, alive, and unforgettable.
Bringing New Orleans Together
New Orleans is a city that thrives on extraordinary contrast — Susan Q Yin / Unsplash
These five attractions—each distinct yet intertwined—form the foundation of the New Orleans experience.
The French Quarter draws you in with its old-world allure. The WWII Museum grounds you in human history and emotion. Jackson Square and its cathedral showcase timeless beauty, while the Garden District offers elegance and calm. And when you’re ready to let loose, Frenchmen Street delivers the soundtrack to your stay.
Together, they tell the story of a city that thrives on contrast—sacred and profane, refined and wild, historical and ever-evolving. You can spend days exploring every corner, but even a short visit offers glimpses of what makes New Orleans so extraordinary.
So grab a beignet, board a streetcar, and let the music lead the way. In New Orleans, every block hums with life, every meal tells a story, and every note lingers just long enough to make you fall in love all over again.
Discover New Orleans on Your Own Schedule With Drives & Detours
Explore New Orleans like a local with Drives & Detours — Aya Salman / Unsplash
Experience New Orleans at your own pace with Drives & Detours’ self-guided tours. Designed for convenience and full offline access, our tours are packed with insider insights and allow you to explore the city on your terms.
Purchase your tour ahead of time or start it directly through the app whenever it fits your schedule. Each route guides you through New Orleans’ must-see landmarks as well as lesser-known spots, giving you a full picture of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
With Drives & Detours, you’ll find the hidden gems, neighborhood favorites, and local experiences that make New Orleans a city worth exploring again and again.
