New Orleans Attractions

Surveyors rate this "wonderful", "exotic" aquarium on the Mississippi River edge of the French Quarter the city's Most Popular attraction for its "world-class exhibits" that some say are "second only to Monterey, CA"; "fantastic fins", "entertaining eels", an "amazing" white alligator and a "caring staff" make a visit here "a blast for kids and grown-ups alike."

"Dripping with Spanish moss and Southern charm", "ancient" oaks "still standing after Katrina" create a "green oasis" in this "jewel of Uptown New Orleans" with its "well-kept" "bike and walking paths" and "fabulous golf course"; "adjacent to the zoo", it's a "serene", "wonderful" place to "feed the ducks", "ride bikes", play tennis or just "waste away a day" "with a good book."

"Da monkeys, dey all aks fo' you" at this "outstanding" zoo, a "modern marvel" Uptown that's deemed a "great family attraction" with a "dedicated staff" and "user-friendly layout"; for a real New Orleans experience, catch some "local flavor" at the "not-to-be-missed" swamp exhibit that's "so authentic they post nutria recipes."

"Kitschy yet cool", this French Quarter "shopper's paradise" makes a "great stroll full of history" with an "eclectic gumbo" of "wonderful spices", T-shirts, "irresistible mementos" and "beads, beads, beads"; though the "charmingly displayed junk" can be "hit-or-miss", fans come to "wander, people-watch" and "haggle with vendors" for a "unique experience" that's "touristy, but in a good way"; its post-Katrina renovation has brought some crisp new shopping areas, plus a farmer's market is set to open soon.

"Hundreds of years of history" unfold throughout this "picturesque" park and "heart of the city", named for hometown hero Andrew Jackson (depicted in the central equestrian sculpture) and bordered by the Mississippi River and St. Louis Cathedral; in addition to its "amazing architecture" and some of the "best street theater" in town ("the starving artists, fortune tellers, performers are sprinkling back"), it makes a "lovely place for people-watching" to the rhythm of "horses pulling carriages" and "sweet jazz played on the corner."

"Moving, inspiring and humbling", this "world-class" Warehouse District "must-see" (founded by historian Stephen Ambrose as the National D-Day Museum, and currently in the middle of an expansion) presents an "outstanding" collection that spans "everything from rationing to V-E Day", "diary entries to uniforms", and "doesn't pull any punches" in conveying the "terror and trauma of war"; rated No. 1 for Appeal among Attractions, it features exhibits covering the "European and Pacific theaters" as well as the domestic front, and engaging docents ("a highlight") who "fascinate even the non–history buff", leaving visitors with a "great appreciation for the men and women who served."

It was "hit tremendously hard by Katrina" and "a lot of work" still needs to be done, but this 1,300-acre Mid-City "treasure", one of the largest urban parks in the country, is "slowly being restored" by "scores of volunteers"; home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Botanical Garden and Storyland amusement park (crafted by Mardi Gras float designers), it's "still a great place to walk, jog or bike" and to visit during December's light-festooned Celebration in the Oaks.

"One of the city's greatest assets", this "beautiful beaux arts building" and its "very fine collection" fortunately remain "intact" despite Katrina's impact on surrounding City Park; its "awesome glass display", "extensive" European and American paintings and pre-Columbian pieces "will keep you riveted for hours", but be sure to leave time for the "spectacular" sculpture garden, perhaps "the number one way to introduce young people to art while giving them room to run around"; N.B. free to Louisiana residents.

Visiting one of the South's oldest cemeteries, whose dead are buried above ground inside "beautiful old statuary", is a "one-of-a-kind experience found nowhere else in the USA"; its "decadent decay" is "disturbing", "ghostly" and "poetic" (see the grave of "voodoo queen" Marie Laveau), but experienced explorers offer just one caution: this "city of the dead" is in a "sketchy neighborhood" bordering the French Quarter, so visitors should take the $12 guided tour (Sundays at 10 AM) instead of going alone.

"One of the coolest spots in town (literally)", this "lovely" "linear" "green space on the banks of the Mississippi River" is a fine place to "get a real look at Ol' Man River" and "watch the ships go by"; it's nothing fancy, but suited to simple French Quarter pleasures like "munching on a po' boy" and savoring "the only place with a breeze in the city."