City Guide
New Orleans, Louisiana
Six places worth the detour in New Orleans. Start at the Carousel Bar, where the room stays still while your drink slowly rotates around the room.
At a glance: 11 place guides, vibes that skew historic and hidden gem.
Editorial index last updated
Our picks in New Orleans
Ranked. Start at the top and work down as far as your weekend allows.
- 1
Carousel Bar: New Orleans' Iconic Rotating Cocktail Lounge
The bar itself revolves with a steady mechanical grace while you sit on one of the twenty-five stools. It has been a French Quarter fixture since 1949.
- 2
Marie Laveau's Tomb: The Voodoo Queen’s Resting Place
The most famous priestess in American history rests in the city's oldest cemetery. Above-ground burials here date back to 1789.
- 3
Muriel’s Jackson Square: Dining with a Ghostly Poker Player
A permanent table is set with bread and wine for a resident ghost. Ask the staff to show you the second-floor room where he supposedly plays poker.
- 4
Singing Oak: The Pentatonic Chimes of City Park
Black chimes hidden in the branches turn an ancient tree into a massive instrument. They are tuned to the same pentatonic scale used in local jazz.
- 5
Museum of Death: Confronting Mortality in the French Quarter
Serial killer artifacts and graphic medical exhibits fill this French Quarter collection. If the displays make you faint, you earn a commemorative shirt.
- 6
The Tree of Life: New Orleans’ Massive Oak with a Zoo View
Centuries-old limbs stretch low enough to climb. From the right branch, you can see directly into the giraffe habitat at the neighboring zoo.
Know before you go
Entry to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 requires a licensed guide. Most museums in the French Quarter open at 10 a.m. daily. The Museum of Death forbids all cameras and photography inside. The Carousel Bar is open to the public, and you do not need to be a hotel guest to grab a stool.
Common questions about New Orleans
Do I need to book the Carousel Bar in advance?
You cannot book the rotating stools, so be ready to wait. Stationary chairs are usually available nearby while you watch for a spot to open up.
How do I see the giraffes from the Tree of Life?
Go during daylight hours and head to the end of Annunciation Street. The tree sits across a grassy patch from East Drive and overlooks the zoo wall.
Can I visit the abandoned theme park?
Entry to the old Jazzland site is strictly prohibited. It is best to view the rusted roller coasters from the access road to the west to avoid trespassing charges.
What is the best time for a spiritual reading?
Sign up as soon as the shop opens at 10 a.m. to get a spot. On busy days, the list for tarot and spiritual readings fills up quickly.
