Best Museums in New Orleans

"Address: 945 Magazine StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 528-1944Website. The museum’s exhibits cover “the war that changed the world” through exhibits that focus on world leaders, events, and the war’s courageous men and women. Stay on the Museum’s campus at the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center, an art-deco style property offering first-class accommodations."

"The National World War II Museum in New Orleans was designated by the United States Congress as America’s official WWII museum. There are many different exhibits depicting different pivotal moments in the world. Read the stories and see different photographs and artifacts from the beaches of Normandy and the events that happened on D-Day."

"The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today — so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn."

"Mid-CityThe art museum that bears the name of the city is a grand one indeed (dating back to 1911), and its permanent collection of over 40,000 objects is definitely worth your time and money. Exhibitions range from classical to contemporary art, from traditional to avant garde, with of course an emphasis on local artists. If you’re a starving artist (and one who happens to be a Louisiana resident), you’ll be happy to know that you can visit NOMA for free every Wednesday."

"In the south part of City Park is the New Orleans Museum of Art, one of the finest of its kind in the South. The museum features an excellent collection of French and American art, as well as African and Japanese pieces. On site and another of the institutions highlights is the outdoor Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with more than 60 sculptures, as well as walking paths, lagoons, and mature live oak trees."

"When the NOMA opened in 1911, it only held nine pieces of art. Today, its permanent collection is composed of more than 40,000 objects, with a particularly strong representation of American and French art. Highlights include works by Matisse, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Pollock, O’Keeffe and Degas, who lived in New Orleans from 1871 to 1872."

"Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection has two campuses: one on Royal Street and the other on Chartres Street. Its Royal Street campus has a permanent gallery on Louisiana history; a hall for rotating exhibitions; and house museum called the Williams Residence—which, according to the THNOC, “is the only French Quarter house open to the public with its original furnishings.”. Its Chartres Street campus holds the Williams Research Center, the Boyd Cruise gallery, and thousands of historic artifacts that encapsulate life New Orleans over the last 300 years."

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"It’s got plenty of space making it ideal for families, with a backyard perfect for running around in. The classic cottage is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside, with the guest suite providing cosy accommodation for up to four visitors."

"This historic building on Chartres Street in the French Quarter hasn’t changed much since the 19th-century. Once home to America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho Jr., today the space lives on as the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, which celebrates this history through a treasure trove of antiques and ephemera. The collection includes hundreds of artifacts, from hand-blown apothecary bottles, potions once used by Voodoo practitioners, surgical instruments, prosthetic devices, and old wheelchairs."

"The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the former home and apothecary of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. Here you will be able to view an extensive collection of apothecary jars with original ingredients, medical instruments, prosthetic devices, surgical tools and more. You will also learn about Dufilho whose work played a vital role in promoting public health."

"The Pharmacy Museum has quite an interesting tour – don’t let the name fool you!. It’s all about old school remedies and how they evolved through history, with a local twist."

"A visit to The Presbytère is recommended and worthwhile for at least three reasons. (1) Built in the 1790s as a matching structure to the Cabildo, which flanks the St. Louis Cathedral on the other side, it is one of the nation's best examples of formal Spanish Colonial style, with a full panoply of Renaissance architectural forms. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1915, the cupola was restored to match the one atop its twin, the Cabildo, and in 1970 the structure was designated a National Historic Landmark."

"Two current exhibits are “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana,” which traces the celebration from its 19th-century origins to the current day emergence of parades and festivities that attracts millions of visitors each year. The “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit details the rescue, rebuilding, and renewal from the storm that devastated the city back on August 23, 2005."

"– Where else can you learn about Louisiana History, Mardi Gras, and Hurricane Katrina for only $7?. The Presbytere allows guests to visit its museum daily Tuesday-Sunday from 1030 am – 4 pm."

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"Get your dose of nature at one of New Orleans’ two large parks.City Park is larger than Central Park in New York and is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as several gardens.Audubon Parkboasts the Audubon Zoo and is easily accessible by street car. Either way, both are excellent options for a relaxing afternoon."

"Located in the center of City Park is NOMA, New Orleans Museum of Art which the building itself is beautiful holding a permanent fine art collection of over 40,000 pieces. We will be checking this out on our next trip as well!"

"Confederate Memorial Hall opened in 1891, making it the oldest collection of Confederate memorabilia in the US. It started after resident Frank T. Howard wrote a letter to the Louisiana Historical Association requesting acknowledgement of the Civil War’s survivors and victims. Here, you’ll embark on a journey through the military history and heritage of the South."

"What kind of ammunition and instruments did they use against one another?. The Confederate Memorial Hall commemorates the American Civil War by keeping a preserved exhibition of all the materials involved. Here you will get a chance to learn about all of the battles, trials, and about each person that played a vital role in the Civil War."

"Louisiana’s Civil War Museum opened in 1891, making it the oldest operating museum in Louisiana. It is also known as the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum. Here, you’ll find a large collection of historical artifacts from the Civil War."

"For over three decades, Pho Tau Bay has remained a go-to place for Vietnamese food in New Orleans - and with good reason. Their traditional Vietnamese menu features an extensive selection of authentic dishes, drinks and sweets. Begin your meal with their signature, freshly prepared spring rolls made with shrimp, pork, vermicelli and fresh herbs."

"Pho Tàu Bay, family-owned and a local favorite, recently reopened its doors in the Central Business District. Sometimes it has caramelized flan for dessert, the perfect counterbalance to a satisfyingly salty broth."

"Right off the freeway and tucked behind a Best Buy on the West Bank, the unassuming Hong Minh has an excellent menu of Chinese specialties, alongside some traditional Vietnamese and Asian fusion dishes. It’s a hidden gem for takeout, with menu highlights that include the Mongolian beef, Peking duck, wonton soup, and beef with broccoli."

"Lakeview's diner institution, unlike a lot of greasy spoons on this list, seems mainly more catered to families and sober people. But don't let that fool you, the breakfast options are astounding from fried chicken and waffles to a slew of egg specialties. Try the Egg Saints #33 with a grilled biscuit, alligator sausage, grilled tomatoes, poached eggs, and homemade country gravy, and save room for the housemade pies."

"A post shared by ~Sara's Photography~ (@saraphotography_05) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:00am PST. Russell’s Marina Grill opened its doors in 1985 and has been a favourite of locals ever since. Kids will love that this eatery is on the waterfront."

"8555 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 282-9980; www.russellsmarinagrill.net. Lemon Dijon-glazed grilled salmon is served atop red quinoa with brown rice, edamame and mixed vegetables."

"The Red Dog Diner has a very cool atmosphere and even better food. If you go, make sure you ask to be seated in the back, since they have outdoor/indoor seating inside a redesigned garage. Open daily from 8am to 10pm, this is the brunch spot on Magazine you don’t want to miss."

"Magazine Street is a great place to grab a meal (we loved the Red Dog Diner) and then duck into some shops to check out Mardi Gras costumes, eccentric souvenirs, antiques, and more! Spend the evening on a ghost tour."

"Had a terrific snack at Red Dog Diner as we made our way around the Garden District in NOLA. We ordered pimento cheese spread and ice tea."

"This Mid City joint is easy to spot from the street with its unusual architecture, but it's what's inside that makes it a must-try. Sweet and savory baked goods made in-house accompany a robust coffee menu, with espresso drinks, Chemex and V60 pourovers. Everything's made with high quality products in house, so you can't go wrong."

"Formerly a filling station, this renovated cottage has a unique pitched purple roof. Inside, you’ll find a lovely exposed wood ceiling, concrete floors, and a surprisingly airy layout, thanks to architect Gunner Guidry. A post shared by David (@davidnola) on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:13am PST"

"New Orleans (well, old Metairie), now has an outpost of the Houston-based Shipley’s Do-nuts, best known for its yeast doughnuts, cake doughnuts, filled doughnuts, and kolaches (like the “Big Earl,” Earl Campbell sausage, cheese and jalapeño). Its doughnuts are mostly straightforward and toping-less, and classically good."

"Although it may feel like you’re going to the end of the earth for a bakery, you’re just in the easternmost point of New Orleans. Dong Phuong Bakery, located in a community with a significant Vietnamese population, keeps it real with Asian pastries and super-cheap banh mi sandwiches on house-baked pistolettes (also used in po-boy and banh mi/pho joints all over town). Pick up a mung bean moon cake, mochi, or steamed banana cake with coconut sauce along with a Vietnamese sausage or grilled pork banh mi -- which are a steal at $3.25."

"There are po’ boys aplenty to choose from in New Orleans, but few places offer Dong Phuong’s take: a Vietnamese riff on the Big Easy classic. Locals and tourists alike venture to eastern New Orleans for a Vietnamese Po’ Boy (aka banh mi sandwich). Choose from more than 15 variations or go for the owner’s favorite, Vietnamese Sausage."

"Dong Phuong Bakery is worth the trip to New Orleans East for bánh mì. It supplies its trademark French loaves to many other Vietnamese restaurants throughout the city, and bakes everything fresh daily. A lot of times where good pho is found, a well-made Vietnamese sandwich accompanies."