New Orleans is a tourist's dream. There is always something new to do, and you never have to do the same thing twice if you don't want. There is always fun waiting around every corner, you just have to look. Here are a few favorites and all are pretty family friendly.
1. Visit the French Market
The French Market could be one of the most diverse shopping experiences you may ever have. They have a wide variety of shops that have been set up by locals. It ranges from food shops, to fresh produce at the entrance, to books being sold as you delve deeper to purses, jewelry, shirts, and handcrafted items.
2. Shop At the Riverwalk
If you aren't tired of shopping, you can always go to the Riverwalk. They have many designer outlets, and when you get to the top level they have the Fudgery where they make fresh fudge and other sweets daily. Sometimes, you can even catch them in the process of making some of their delicious sweets.
3. Go to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
This activity is fun for everyone. They have exhibits for aquatic life from both North and South America. Not only do they have enough creatures to fascinate anyone, but you can also pet stingrays in their exhibit and look at the different tropical birds that they have. They have a Gulf of Mexico exhibit that features a variety of fish, sharks, and stingrays. Also, if you're curious about what lives in the mighty Mississippi, they have an awesome exhibit that shows you what you might find.
4. Enjoy the Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo has some pretty terrific animals. They have exhibits that feature animals from all over the world. They have an exhibit called "World of Primates" that allows you to learn of the different species of the world. They have an exhibit for swamp lands as well, which shows you the different animals that call a swamp home.
5. Watch Something at the IMAX theater
The IMAX theater is newly renovated and ready to show some movies. You can catch lots of different shows, ranging from The Little Mermaid to Hurricane on the Bayou. You can purchase tickets here for the Audubon Nature Institute exhibits and attractions, as well as look up IMAX times and ticket prices.
6. Take a Stroll Down Royal
Royal Street is one of the best places to go and walk if you're looking to see some great street performers and amazing art work. It has art galleries, antique shops, fine jewelry shops, and exquisite restaurants.
7. Experience a Haunted History Tour
They have many different tours to experience like cemetery tours, vampire tours, and ghost tours. Each tour is unique and you will see New Orleans in ways you will only see it if you go on one of these tours. If you take a ghost tour, you will see and hear the story of Madame Lalaurie and her vicious crimes, the horrendous acts of the Axeman, and the story of the pharmacy museum and the ghost that resides there.
8. Go to a Museum
New Orleans has tons of Museums that you can choose from. You can go to The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum on Royal street and learn all about New Orleans history, or you can tour New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum on Dumaine street.
9. Enjoy the Music
There is music everywhere in New Orleans, from Canal to Jackson Square, you can't turn a corner and not hear some music coming from a live performer or a radio someone is dancing to. Just remember if they are good enough to make you stop and listen or watch, you owe 'em at least a dollar.
10. Go to a Festival
Kind of like the music, you can find a festival going on in New Orleans. They have festivals for music, food, and art.
11. Attend a Parade
You can always find a parade in New Orleans. Even if it is very small, all you have to do is just sit and watch a little while. Here is a list of festivals and larger parades.
12. Walk Down Magazine Street
If you are looking for an awesome shopping experience, look no further. Magazine street offers something for everyone.
13. Enjoy the Food
The food of New Orleans is some of the best food in the world. You could spend a lifetime trying the different things and it wouldn't get old. Here is a list of my favorite places to eat in the French Quarter.
