Louisiana is a state unlike any other in the United States — a vibrant gumbo of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures simmering along the Gulf Coast. Home to New Orleans' legendary French Quarter, Cajun country's cypress swamps, and world-class cuisine ranging from crawfish étouffée to beignets, Louisiana captivates visitors with jazz-drenched streets, extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, and antebellum plantation grandeur set against a backdrop of moss-draped live oaks.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Louisiana.
-
1
French Quarter (Vieux Carré)
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to photograph balconies without crowds and before the heat builds · Royal Street is pedestrianized on weekend afternoons — ideal for gallery browsing without traffic · Bourbon Street is most manageable at 6–8 PM; after 10 PM crowds become very dense · Wear flat, comfortable shoes — sidewalks throughout the Quarter are uneven and frequently slick · Many bars on Bourbon Street have no cover; purchase a drink inside to stay · St. Louis Cathedral is free to enter during non-Mass hours — the interior is worth the stop
-
2
National WWII Museum
Tip: Purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance — weekends and school holidays sell out · Allow at least 4 hours; 3 hours covers only the essential pavilions without the 4D film · Book the 4D film at the start or end of the visit to avoid mid-gallery scheduling conflicts · The American Sector restaurant inside the museum offers a convenient and reasonably priced lunch · School groups concentrate Tuesday–Thursday mornings; arrive before 10 AM or after 1 PM to avoid them · Audio guides are available for a fee but exhibit text is detailed enough for self-guided visits
-
3
Oak Alley Plantation
Tip: Arrive at 9 AM when the gates open to photograph the oak alley without other visitors · The guided house tour is required to enter the mansion; grounds visits do not include interior access · Combine Oak Alley with Laura Plantation — both sit on River Road (LA-18) just 5 miles apart · Bring water and sun protection; the grounds tour involves extended time in open sun · Spring (March–April) brings azalea blooms around the house grounds · Parking is free on-site
-
4
Garden District Walking Tour
Tip: Ride the St. Charles streetcar ($1.25/ride) from Canal Street to Washington Avenue — the ride is a sightseeing experience in itself · Guided walking tours depart from Magazine Street near Commander's Palace; tickets cost $20–$30 per person · Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is freely accessible and rarely crowded — visit early morning for atmospheric light · Prytania Street between Washington and Third Avenue is the most architecturally dense stretch; concentrate time here · All mansions in the district are private residences; remain on public sidewalks and avoid entering private drives
-
5
Swamp Tour — Atchafalaya Basin
Tip: Book weekend tours several weeks in advance — popular operators like McGee's Landing fill quickly · Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes are intense from May through October · Wear layered clothing — early morning boat rides can be cool even in summer months · Morning tours generally provide better wildlife sightings than afternoon runs · Children under 3 may not be permitted on some boats; confirm with the operator before booking · Combine the tour with a Cajun crawfish lunch in Breaux Bridge to complete the regional experience
-
6
Jackson Square
Tip: Visit on a Sunday afternoon for the highest concentration of street performers and musicians · Enter St. Louis Cathedral for free during non-Mass hours — the painted vaulted interior is worth seeing · The Cabildo and Presbytere museums charge admission ($10–$12 per adult); the square and Cathedral exterior are free · Café Du Monde is directly across Decatur Street — arrive before 9 AM to avoid long queues · Tarot readers along the iron fence are independent vendors; declining politely is easy
-
7
Audubon Nature Institute (Zoo, Aquarium & Insectarium)
Tip: Buy combination tickets online to save on admission when visiting more than one facility · The zoo and aquarium each require 2.5 to 3 hours minimum — do not plan both in one short day · Visit the zoo on weekday mornings in October–March for comfortable outdoor temperatures and fewer crowds · The aquarium is cooled year-round and makes a good wet-season option · The St. Charles streetcar stops near the zoo's Audubon Park entrance; the Canal streetcar serves the aquarium · Members of AZA-accredited zoos may qualify for reciprocal admission discounts — check before buying
-
8
Louisiana State Capitol
Tip: The observation deck is free and rarely crowded — budget 20–30 minutes for the elevator ride and views · Visit on a weekday morning when the legislature is not in session for easiest access to chambers · The Huey Long assassination site is marked inside the building near the main corridor — ask a security officer for directions · Bring photo ID; security screening is required at the main entrance · Pair the Capitol with the Old State Capitol (a Gothic Revival castle downtown) for a contrast of Louisiana's two capitol buildings
-
9
Preservation Hall
Tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before the 8 PM show for general admission — the queue forms on St. Peter Street · The 8 PM show is slightly less crowded than the 9 PM and 10 PM shows on weekends · Reserve seats in advance through the official website to secure a front-position seat without queuing · The hall has no seating outdoors — the queue waits on the sidewalk, which can be very warm in summer · Photography policies vary by show; flash and video are generally not permitted during performances · Casual dress is entirely appropriate — this is a working music venue, not a concert hall
-
10
Bourbon Street
Tip: Visit between 6–9 PM for the street atmosphere before peak late-night density builds · The upper blocks of Bourbon (near St. Philip and Toulouse) have better live music quality than the lower blocks · Most bars have no cover charge until late evening; buying a drink grants access to stay inside · Carry a cross-body bag or money belt — pickpocketing does occur in the densest crowds after midnight · The distinctive scents and sounds peak after 10 PM — earlier arrivals experience a more walkable version of the street · Children are permitted on the street but many establishments are adults-only after 10 PM
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.