Top Rated Attractions in New Orleans

Lafayette Square is a public park that welcomes one and all. Designed by Charles Laveau Trudeau, it is renowned for the marvelous art work and sculptures installed here, such as statues of Henry Clay and Benjamin Franklin. Owing to its proximity to the government offices like USGSA Public Building Services, US Appeals Court, National Labor Relations and Federal Reserve Bank, it is packed with office workers during lunchtime. Lafayette Square also hosts concerts on a regularly that includes the popular Wednesday at the Square and Harvest the Music concert series.

Natchez Steamboat features full-service catering from the on-board galley and is docked at the back of JAX Brewery. This three-decked stern-wheeler offers two cruises daily with narration by a professional guide. For your dining and listening pleasure, there is a cocktail bar, live jazz and an optional Creole buffet. Dinner prices are not included in the cost of admission. Children under three ride free. Reservations are required, so call to confirm schedule and prices.

New Orleans Fairgrounds Racecourse and Slots serves up endless betting action. Check out the action on the racetrack or head indoors to check out some gaming action. With over 600 of the newest slot machines on hand, there are plenty of potential jackpots to hit. Food and drinks are served here as well.

Hop aboard one of NOLA Gondola's tours for a romantic journey through New Orleans. These hand-crafted, Venetian Gondolas leisurely cruise through the lagoons of New Orleans while the soundtrack of romantic Italian music gently plays in the background. Crackers and cheese are provided for lovers to munch on while gliding across the water, while the champagne or wine is brought by tour-goers themselves. These private tours are the perfect way to connect with the unique vibe of New Orleans while enjoying a memorable outing with you and your special someone.

It's just impossible to get bored of New Orleans' plush City Park. Sprawled over 1,500 acres, this welcoming oasis attracts hordes of people every day. You'll find lovebirds sharing some time together, children playing around, joggers doing their daily rounds and people absorbing the park's beauty. Camps, field trips and an amusement park are the facilities for children. Sports lovers can choose from golf, football, tennis and lots more. The park also provides the perfect setting for weddings, picnics, birthdays or other special functions. If you're a nature lover, you can volunteer to help protect this beautiful park.

Having started out as the nation's first sugar plantation, then an urban park, and finally renamed in 1886 as Audubon Park in tribute to John James Audubon who painted many of his famed "Birds of America" in Louisiana, the 340-acre Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo is a place one can truly and peacefully enjoy New Orleans's old-world charm: fountains, statues, gazebos, lagoons, giant oak trees, and the occasional horse-back riders and carriages. There are also a golf course, tennis courts, and a extremely popular 1.8-mile-long paved jogging track. Do walk along the outskirts of the park and be wowed by the historic buildings of Loyola and Tulane universities, as well as many elegant mansions.