New Orleans Travel Tip:  The National WWII Museum can take all day to see.  Plan at least one-half day.  If you need to rest, there is a show that requires tickets.  It closes relatively early, so do not plan on a night visit.

The WWII Museum has a gift shop, a theatre, special events, as well as numerous exhibits. There is also a Stage Door Canteen , with period shows and a dinner theatre. Reservations are suggested for the Canteen show, and dinner. 

See also Cool Side Trips.

Louisiana Children’s Museum.  A great place to take children.  Near downtown and the French Quarter.  Many interactive exhibits.  (420 Julia St, 504-523-1357).

See also New Orleans with Kids.

Louisiana’s Confederate Museum  Right across the street from the National World War II Museum.  Not as big, but certainly interesting for the Civil War buff.  (929 Camp Street, 504-523-4522).

Old New Orleans Mint.  Part of the Louisiana State Museum.  Located at the end of the French Market on the edge of the French Quarter.  Heavily damaged by hurricane Katrina, but new exhibits often.  (400 Esplanade Ave., 504-568-6993).

New Orleans Travel Tip:  The New Orleans mint is a work-in-progress.  Heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, it's exhibits are continually evolving.

Historic New Orleans Collection.  A museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region (533 Royal St., 504-523-4662).

The Cabildo Museum.  Part of the Louisiana State Museum.  Located in Jackson Square.  (701 Chartres St, 504-568-6968).

1850 House.  Part of the Louisiana State Museum.  A re-creation of an authentic house in the French Quarter from approximately 1850.  Guided tours available.  (523 Saint Ann Street, 800-568-6968).

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.  Inside and really great place featuring life along the lower Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.  Also has an IMAX Theatre.  Located downtown at the river.  (1 Canal Street, 800-774-7394).

New Orleans Travel Tip:  Because of the heat, mid-day is the best time to go to the Aquarium.  Many people go rest, yet the Aquarium is air-conditioned and a great way to beat the heat.

Audubon Insectarium.  Great for kids.  Made from the old Custom House at the foot of Canal Street.  (1 Canal Street, 504-410-2847).

Madame John's Legacy.   Madame John's is an excellent example of Louisiana Creole residential design at the end of the 18th century. (632 Dumaine St., 504-568-6968)

Audubon Zoo.  Located out Magazine Street, uptown.  Take a car, taxi, or bus.  (6500 Magazine Street, 800-774-7394).

New Orleans Travel Tip:  The Audubon Institute Operates a ferry service from the CBD/French Quarter to the Zoo.  Call ahead for details.  It's called the "Zoo Cruise."

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.  In the Garden district, right across the Street from Commander’s Palace Restaurant.  Guided tours or just walk around.  (1400 Washington Ave., 888-721-7493).

The Historic Beauregard-Keyes House.  An 1826 mansion with an interesting history.  Open for guided tours.  Filled with antiques and memorabilia.  Located in French Quarter.  (1113 Chartres Street, 504-523-7257).

The Presbytere.  Part of the Louisiana State Museum.  Located in Jackson Square.  (751 Chartres St., 504-568-6968).

Preservation Hall.  A music venue featuring traditional old-time Jazz.  (726 St. Peter Street, 504-522-2841).

New Orleans Travel Tip:  Many of these museums operate guided tours and start at specific times.  Call ahead to be sure.

Be sure to check out our Haunted New Orleans Section in that some of these places are reportedly haunted!