Things to Do Near Port of New Orleans

Aquarium exhibits and the co-located Audubon Insectarium, offered together in the operator’s admission.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

7 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$30-35 adults, $25-30 kids (2-12), free under 2, prices vary by date

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check current ticket terms for the Aquarium and Insectarium, and allow time for both if you want to explore the combined experience.

An animal-focused outing at Audubon Zoo.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

3-4 hours

Cost

$35-40 adults, $25 kids (2-12), free under 2, prices vary by date

Best for: Animal-loving families, anyone who needs to tire out energetic kids

Pro tip: Check current ticket inclusions and attraction availability; optional water-play areas can have separate operating calendars.

A City Park play area with larger-than-life storybook sculptures.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

$4 per person, free under 36 inches tall

Best for: Toddlers and young kids who love playgrounds and fairy tales

Pro tip: Check current admission, age guidance and operating days before planning your visit.

A children’s museum in City Park with learning and play activities.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$18 per person, free under 1

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.

A French Market stop for Café du Monde’s beignets and café au lait.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min

Cost

$3 for an order of 3 beignets

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Leave room for a queue and check the current menu and payment arrangements before going.

Jackson Square’s outdoor art scene in the historic French Quarter.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min - 1 hour

Cost

Free (tips appreciated for performers)

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Keep the visit flexible; a particular performer or artist is not guaranteed to be present.

A ride along the St. Charles streetcar route through New Orleans.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

5 min to nearest stop

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

$1.25 per ride, kids under 3 free

Best for: Train-loving kids, tired parents who want to sit down

Pro tip: Check current service alerts, fares and the return route with RTA; scheduled running times do not account for every delay.

Outlet shopping on New Orleans’ Mississippi riverfront.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

3 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check store hours and allow time to return for your cruise transfer; decide on a few shops before going.

A working float studio with tours explaining how Mardi Gras floats are made.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

Check your route to the terminal

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Check current admission and booking requirements

Best for: A behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras craft.

Pro tip: Confirm a tour time before planning transport. The attraction’s pickup service has its own stops and is not a hotel or cruise-terminal transfer.

A museum exploring World War II through artifacts, exhibits and personal stories.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

3-4 hours

Cost

$37 general admission, +$9 for one 4D/theater experience ($12 for both)

Best for: History buffs, gamers who like war history, anyone who appreciates immersive experiences

Pro tip: Plan a separate outing and compare ticket inclusions; films and additional experiences may have scheduled admissions.

A New Orleans street with shops and distinctive neighborhood scenery.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

10 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to browse (shopping costs vary)

Best for: Shoppers, vintage fans, anyone who likes unique finds

Pro tip: Pick a specific stretch and check the stores you want to visit; exploring the entire street needs a much longer outing.

Compare guided walks about New Orleans folklore and ghost stories.

Evening before your cruise

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1.5-2 hours

Cost

$25-35 per person

Best for: Teens who love spooky stuff, true crime fans, history nerds

Pro tip: Choose a named operator and check the route, age guidance and start time; these walks cover different subjects and historical interpretations.

Explore the architecture and history of the French Quarter on foot.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$25-35 per person for guided tours, free to self-guide

Best for: First-time visitors, history buffs, architecture fans

Pro tip: Choose a named guide or plan your own route; verify the meeting point and duration for any booked walk.

A street known for New Orleans live-music venues.

Evening before your cruise

Drive time

10 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

Free to walk around, most clubs have no cover or $5-10

Best for: Music lovers, couples, nightlife seekers

Pro tip: Choose a venue and check the specific performance time, cover charge and age policy before going.

A walking outing focused on the Garden District’s historic homes and architecture.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

10 min from port

Time needed

1.5-2 hours

Cost

$20-30 for guided tours, free to self-guide

Best for: Architecture fans, couples, anyone wanting a quieter alternative to the Quarter

Pro tip: Choose a named tour operator or a self-guided route, and check the meeting point before arranging transportation.

Scheduled river sightseeing and jazz-cruise options from the operator of Steamboat Natchez and Riverboat City of New Orleans.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port (boards near French Quarter)

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

$44 adults (cruise only), $65 with lunch, kids 6-12 half price

Best for: Couples, music lovers, anyone who wants to be on the water

Pro tip: Confirm the vessel, departure, meal inclusion and return time on the exact cruise you book.