Top Rated Attractions in New Orleans

From the critter-filled swamps of Louisiana to the grasslands of Africa, you can explore some of the world's most intriguing habitats and the creatures that dwell within them at this world-class zoo. Rated one of the top zoos in the United States, Audubon Zoo New Orleans is home to a variety of nature's wondrous creations such as Louisiana Black Bear, Cougar, Bobcat, Macaw, Babirusa, and more. The marvelous aquarium houses beautiful moon jellies, clownfish, green sea turtle, and the much-dreaded piranha.

Consisting of six sites spread across New Orleans, this historic site pays homage to the legacy of Jean Lafitte, a French pirate and the historical events that unfolded in his wake. The visitor center has historic walking tours of the French Quarter and also sets the scene for other historic sites in and around New Orleans. The extensive Barataria Preserve is part of the site and is sheathed in a tapestry of marshes, swamps and dense hardwood forests, while the Chalmette Battlefield has been the ground of many historic battles and wars. Characterized by a string of teeming bayous and inextricable Cajun traditions, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a stirring insight into the historical heart of New Orleans.

This Greek Revival mansion is home to original English and American antiques and eight acres (3.2 hectares) of formal gardens and decorative fountains. Although the floral blooms here vary with the changing seasons, visitors can count on a spectacular display year-round. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Longue Vue House & Gardens features ever-changing exhibits. The lovely Teatime at Edith & Edgar’s Museum Cafe serves a selection of snacks and loose leaf tea in a garden setting. A gift shop sells horticulture and decorative items, children's gifts, and reproductions from the Longue Vue Collection.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a world-class aquarium with fascinating, state-of-the-art exhibits that allow visitors both young and old to experience underwater nature first-hand. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the major marine and submarine habitats of North and South America, including the Caribbean Sea and the Amazon Rainforest. The aquarium also features thousands of fish, reptiles, and birds native to these habitats. Kids can especially enjoy the experience of looking at colorful fish and even touching some beautiful aquatic creatures such as sting rays.

The Barataria Preserve is a sprawling nature preserve of untouched marshland, swamps, forests, bayous and other habitats. Take a trip to this beautiful preserve and walk along the trails where you can catch a glimpse of a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, including alligators, snakes, opossums, rabbits, spiders, turtles, insects and beautiful birds. You can also enquire about the trails or gather more information about the preserve from the visitor’s center.

Kirk Coco and Dylan Lintern, two businessmen, collaborated to establish NOLA Brewing in 2008. An abbreviation for New Orleans Lager & Ale, this brewery leans towards production of European brews. A brewing process headed by esteemed brew master, Peter Caddoo, results in delicious ales like NOLA Brown Ale and NOLA Blonde Ale and Hopitoulas IPA, which are popular favorites. The brewery offers free guided tours every Friday, followed of course by samples of the delicious beers.