Celebrate All Things New Orleans

Between the culture, history, festivities, and food so good it will leave you speechless, New Orleans captivates the senses. What is there to do besides Mardi Gras? Plenty. Here are the top things to do and see in New Orleans to keep you smiling during a diverse trip to this remarkable city.
1. City Park- This park is a must see for anyone that enjoys a natural park-like setting surrounded by trees draped in Spanish moss. Many of the gorgeous live oaks are individually registered with the Live Oak Society. The city park is quite expansive at over 1500 acres, and visitors can enjoy the splendor of a true natural preserve at its finest. With good food and first-class hotels right around the corner, it's the best of city and country in one place. (Bounded by Wisner Blvd., Marconi Drive, City Park Avenue and Rob. E. Lee Blvd.)

2. Bourbon Street- This famous street is where the sparkle of New Orleans gets ignited and the action really takes off. Complete with full bars, nightclubs, restaurants and lively jazz music playing up and down the street, it's the perfect party spot for eager adults. This area of New Orleans has made the city infamous to some, attractive to others and known the world over. Literally millions of visitors come to Bourbon Street each year, many to partake in the festivities of Mardi Gras, the notorious "Fat Tuesday," when the fun never stops. (Runs the length of the French Quarter, but the most frequented section is "Upper Bourbon Street," an eight-block section.)

3. Haunted History Ghost Tour- Take this very popular tour and discover the "mystery in New Orleans' history." The tour begins at Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop and takes you over, under, around and through the haunted hotspots of the French Quarter. You will get to see the famous St. Louis Cemetery and visit the tomb of notorious voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau. (723 St. Peter Street, between Bourbon and Royal)

4. Magazine Street- This street is a shopper's dream come true. It runs from Canal Street to Audobon Park and is a full six miles of shops and specialty stores. You can grab a detailed booklet that will clue you in to all of the shopping opportunities in great (and money-saving) detail. Be sure to bring bus fare, as you will not want to spend all day walking, as it can be quite tiresome and you will want your energy for shopping. If you start off from downtown and work your way up to Audobon Park, you can easily make a day of it. (Magazine Street from Canal Street to Audobon Park.)

5. The French Market - On Decatur Street, in the south part of the French Quarter near Jackson Square, you will find four blocks of "canopied commerce" that make up the Farmers Market. It's colorful, crowded and a bit crazy, but it's where many of the ingredients at the best New Orleans eateries come from. The French Market is part shopping center and part street fair, where tourists and locals alike haggle over voodoo trinkets, Cajun and Creole spices, jewelry-and the occasional alligator hide or head. (Runs four blocks along Decatur Street.)

6. Historic New Orleans Collection- This beautiful museum complex captures the history and "vibe" of New Orleans like no other and is located in an historic part of the French Quarter. The Historic New Orleans Collection is composed of four main structures that include the Williams Residence, the Merieult House and the giant three-storey Maisonette, all dating to the 1700s and 1800s. These historical landmarks are a great way to step into the past. (533 Royal Street)

7. St. Louis Cathedral – This magnificent cathedral, formally known as "Basilica of St. Louis King of France," was built in 1718 and is the "oldest continuously operating cathedral" in the United States, according to the Catholic Church. The building itself looms high above Jackson Square and is important both religiously and historically. Tours of the cathedral are offered on a daily basis and there is a gift shop located inside. (615 Pere Antoine Alley)

8. National World War II Museum- The National World War II Museum, formerly known as the National D-Day Museum, began operations in 2000 and displays dramatic photo images of the brave men and women who gave their lives to free Europe, especially in the Battle of Normandy. Take a step back in time and view all four floors of this spectacular museum. (945 Magazine Street)

9. Audubon Zoo- Here's a place the whole family can enjoy, visiting over 2,000 animals on display. Features range from the educational Endangered Species Carousel to the exciting Jaguar Jungle. Adults and children alike will find both facts and fun at this zoo, as it also features a Komodo dragon, tiger and gorilla families, sea lions and elephants. The Monkey Hill is still one of the most popular attractions among the many zoo favorites. (Located at 6500 Magazine Street between Walnut Street and Calhoun Street.)

10. Aquarium of the Americas- There are over 7,000 types of marine life and fish in this facility, which is located right on the Mississippi River. There is an abundance of jellyfish and a slew of sharks to gaze upon, as well as a number of playful sea otters. When you enter the building, you will see a huge tank that holds a truly remarkable array of marine life. It's quite a breathtaking journey as you begin the descent from the top floor, in the rainforest exhibit, down the spiral staircase that takes you right through the doughnut-shaped tank. (Located at 1 Canal Street between Lake Oaks Part and London Park.)