Things to do in New Orleans for self travelers

This self-guided audio walking tour explores the layered history, music, food, and folklore of New Orleans’s French Quarter. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want an accessible introduction to the city’s character, from colonial landmarks to jazz haunts and beloved local institutions. The route begins at Jackson Square, the historic heart of old New Orleans, then moves past St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère, and the 1850 House Museum. From there, you continue to Cafe Du Monde for one of the city’s classic culinary stops, then follow the story of jazz at New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. The walk carries on through elegant house museums such as BK Historic House and Gardens and Gallier House, then into the Quarter’s darker and more mysterious side at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, and Madame John’s Legacy. In the final stretch, the tour reaches Preservation Hall and Basin St. Station near the edge of the old city, then loops back through Hermann-Grima House and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum before ending at the Cabildo Museum beside Jackson Square. Along the way, the most memorable moments include hearing the roots of jazz, standing in the shadow of the cathedral’s spires, tasting powdered-sugar beignets, and discovering how New Orleans blends grandeur, spirituality, and storytelling unlike anywhere else.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores the history, legends, and street life of the French Quarter in New Orleans. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a vivid introduction to the city’s oldest neighborhood, with its iron balconies, shaded courtyards, Creole flavors, and layered past. Your route begins in the French Quarter itself, where narrow streets, bright shutters, and the sound of music spilling from doorways set the scene. From there, you continue to Muriel’s Jackson Square, a grand 19th-century building facing one of the city’s most iconic squares. The walk then leads to the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, noted as the oldest building in the city and a rare example of French colonial architecture. After that, you head to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, housed in an 1823 apothecary filled with early medical tools and curious remedies. The tour ends at the LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street, one of the Quarter’s most talked-about historic homes. Along the way, you will encounter elegant facades, hidden galleries, stories of faith and medicine, and one of New Orleans’ most haunting legends. Expect memorable moments in Jackson Square, the calm of the convent’s historic setting, and the striking contrast between the Quarter’s beauty and its darker tales.

Designated by Congress as the official World War II museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world. Learn why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.

Featuring over 3,600 creatures from more than 250 species, the Audubon Aquarium was voted one of the top five aquariums on USA Today's 10 Best Reader poll. Explore different environments from the Caribbean to the Amazon Rainforest, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Shark Discovery Touch Pool to interact with sharks and stingrays. Walk through a 30-foot-long tunnel in the Great Maya Reef habitat to see diverse aquatic life up close. The Amazon Rainforest gallery showcases tropical plants, free-flying birds, and species like piranhas and pacus. Check out the 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico habitat, a highlight of the visit. Don't miss the indoor Butterfly Garden.

Dive into a realm where fiction and the supernatural intertwine on this In-App Audio Tour. Ideal for the curious and the brave, this tour is a perfect match for those with a taste for mystery and tales of the supernatural. Step into the shoes of Delphine Duval, the illusive young Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, as you wander through the city's famed streets and secret corners. Each site has its story, echoing with Delphine's spirit and the whispers of the past. This journey not only satisfies the thirst for adventure but also paints an audacious image of New Orleans' voodoo culture, all through your very own guide in your pocket. Your walk starts at the lively Monte's on the Square and weaves its way to the tranquil waters near the Mississippi River, stopping at iconic landmarks and hallowed voodoo sites. As you trace Delphine's steps, the narrative guides you through Jackson Square, past St Louis Cathedral, and into the hidden alleys brimming with the city's artistic vibe. Starting your excursion in the waning light can add an extra layer of enchantment as you explore. The climax of the tour brings the spirit of Delphine and the enigmatic aura of voodoo to life. A most memorable experience will be the venture into the heart of voodoo practices by Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and the dramatic finale beside the river, where Delphine's tale reaches its chilling zenith. Be prepared to find yourself looking over your shoulder on this immersive journey through lore, legends, and a whispered history.

Delve into the melody of New Orleans' waters on a cycling adventure that charts a course through the city's musical and waterway history. This tour is designed for those with a zest for the unique blend of culture and history in the Crescent City, and an ear for the stories of the artists who have been shaped by its waterways. Starting at the Crescent Park parking lot, the route takes you along the Mississippi River, past the Jazz Museum, and through the network of streets that echo the histories of famed local musicians. As you traverse the streets on your bike, the starting point will lead you through historical neighborhoods, past monuments that honor resilience, and to the edges of storied locales like the former red-light district of Storyville. This journey circles back, concluding where it began, after giving you a glimpse into the living tapestry of New Orleans' unique blend of water, life, and music. Highlights include the powerful narrative around the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city's music scene, the homage at the Mother-in-Law Lounge, and the sonic journey through spots that have shaped genres and generations. As you pedal your way through this experience, the hypnotic influence of water on New Orleans' music will reveal itself in a symphony of stories, ensuring a memorable ride through the soul of the Big Easy.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of one of New Orleans' most artistic neighborhoods with this self-guided audio tour. Perfect for cultural explorers and history enthusiasts, this journey reveals the dynamic transformation of the Bywater area from a traditional working-class quarter to a colorful hub of creativity and music. Starting at the Homer Plessy Plaque, you will stroll through streets lined with artist-run collectives, and witness firsthand the community's dedication to various forms of expression. The tour winds you down paths less traveled by night revelers, focusing on the enrichment of daytime experiences through nature, history, and art. You'll wander toward the mighty Mississippi River and explore local markets, galleries, and lesser-known nooks of Bywater, ending with an impactful piece of street art that captures the neighborhood's soul. Along the way, the auditory experience combines local anecdotes, historical tidbits, and evocative poetry, making the walk both educational and deeply moving. The tour concludes by the tracks, near the origin point. Interactive and insightful, this tour guides you through a true cultural patchwork, promising intimate encounters with the area's past and present, all punctuated by the poetic heartbeats of Bywater. You'll leave with a renewed appreciation for the unique character that pulsates within this enticing slice of New Orleans.

Embark on an audio journey through Esplanade Ridge, the Creole heart of New Orleans. This self-guided tour is a treasure trove for lovers of architecture, history, and cultural narratives. With the convenience of an in-app experience, users can immerse themselves in the stories and landmarks at their own pace, making it ideal for curious travelers seeking a deep dive into the essence of this storied neighborhood. The route begins at the historic Ashton's Bed and Breakfast and weaves through the picturesque streets, ending at the lush tranquility of Fortier Park. Along the way, explore stately creole cottages, marvel at neoclassical mansions, and discover the rich tapestry of New Orleans' past with stops at key landmarks, including the Widow Casteneda's House, the Spanish Custom House, and the hauntingly beautiful St. Louis Cemetery #3. The path traces the evolution of the city's social and architectural narrative, from the banks of Bayou St. John to the bustling life along Esplanade Avenue. Expect to encounter the echoes of famous residents, the legacy of Spanish and French influences, and the hidden gems of Creole cuisine. The highlights include standing before the Degas House and reflecting at Chef's Corner - places that encapsulate the spirit of New Orleans. This audio tour is not just about seeing; it's about experiencing a place where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine to create an adventure that's as enriching as it is educational.

Immerse yourself in the historical heartbeat of New Orleans with this self-guided audio tour of Tremé, designed for explorers keen on cultural richness and bygone narratives. Ideal for history buffs, music lovers, and cultural connoisseurs, the tour offers an in-depth exploration of the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States, where the past reverberates in every corner. The journey begins at the historic Congo Square and culminates at the sobering Tomb of the Unknown Slave, charting a route of profound history and vibrant stories. Along the way, travelers will tread the streets once pulsating with jazz progenitors, pay homage at St. Augustine Catholic Church, and unearth the cultural gems safeguarded by the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Highlights include visual tributes to musical legends and poignant memorials that poetically capture Tremé's triumphs and tribulations. This tour isn't just a walk; it's a passage through living history, inviting participants to traverse a neighborhood that remains a bastion of cultural heritage. You'll leave with resonant memories of soul-stirring music, architectural splendor, and an unshakable connection to the enduring legacy of Tremé.

Take this in-app audio tour to get into the most haunted bars of New Orleans while listening to the creepiest stories told by a local Quay Fraizer, who passionately reveals the unbelievable details you won't find on the Internet! Grab a drink or two, and take a walk through the French Quarter of New Orleans, the most haunted city in America. This Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Pub Crawl starts from the oldest U.S. Mint, once the place where people used to hang flags and ... other people. Next, you will visit the Balcony Music Club and hear how the staff coped with its ghost. Then, you will walk to the house connected to the legendary 12 Years a Slave. Another must-visit attraction is the huge LaLaurie Mansion, but be ready to hear a spine-chilling horror story about a beautiful woman who owned this house. The most excellent preserved building of the French Quarter, the Ursuline Convent, will turn out not to be as pleasant as it seems but soaked with blood. Try to relax at John Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar while sipping the famous Voodoo Daiquiri and getting to know the terrifying story behind its owner. Walking along the bustling Bourbon Street, you'll also learn about the religion of Voodoo and its deep connection to the city of New Orleans. The tour finishes at the bar with a unique atmosphere symbolically called the Dungeon.