Located right off the Spanish Plaza, Vue Orleans is a fun, historic observation tower allowing for…read moreunobstructed views of the riverside and French Quarter. For an observation deck it's reasonably priced as well. Checking in is very easy and it's right next to the Canal Street trolley station making it a convenient stop. When you enter you're greeted with videos and short exhibits outlining New Orleans' deep and rich cultural history. This part really sets a tone for the city and is a great introduction into some of the city's culture if you're unfamiliar with it. When we went it was pretty empty and we felt like we had a lot of time to explore. Heading up into the elevators you watch a short clip on the walls which shows New Orleans throughout the ages and lets you see history well beyond when it was even known as New Orleans. Once you reach the main deck you are inside the tower with panoramic views of the city. There are also exhibits there showing more history. One more short elevator ride later and you are at the outdoor deck. The deck itself is pretty barren but does allow for great photo ops weather pending. We unfortunately went on a very windy day so if you're looking to take photos make sure to check the weather and plan ahead as best as possible. This observation deck isn't as classic or immersive as Sears Tower in Chicago or some of the ones in NYC, but for what it is, it's a very beautiful and fun way to learn more about the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Great immersive and educational museum and observation deck. If you get the city pass, you can get…read morea discount on their Bayou Breeze cocktail at their observation deck cafe. My family and I enjoyed this experience as it is interactive and very interesting. And the 360 view of New Orleans is beautiful.

Terrific comprehensive museum of all things Mardi Gras and New Orleans. Pricing is slightly…read moreaggressive, but it's worth it for the comprehensive look. someone recommended this as a "all tourists should see this "exhibit and it was definitely a must see.

Staff was amazing and it was great to try on the costumes! Def worth the visit and time.read more

Today I had a reading with Miss Raven! The shop was able to schedule me in and before I knew it,…read moreRaven was whisking me away for our read! It was amazing! I laughed, almost cried, felt seen!!! Thank you so much for your wisdom, insight, and time with me!

This shop is recommended by NOLA famous High Priest Robi Gilmore as authentic. They have tons of…read moreherbs and ingredients to practice vodou (which is the actual way to spell and say it if you're talking Haitian Creole, like voh-doo). They have alters and figurines. Candles and protective charms. There are educational explanations pinned up around the shop for many of the items on display so you can learn about the practice while perusing. They also have voodoo dolls, which Robi has mentioned are NOT an authentic part of the religion. While the shop has a lot of interesting inventory, it was super crowded in here and very touristy, so you really couldn't enjoy the wares or talk to the employees (who I'm told are knowledgeable and interesting, but alas I'll never know for myself). That's the main reason for four stars instead of five.

I took my 12 year old daughter to JAMNOLA and we had a blast…read more Every room was something different, super colorful, interactive, and just fun. She was excited the whole time, and honestly so was I. It's one of those places where you can actually enjoy it as an adult and still let your kid have their moment too. We definitely got some really cute pictures, so if you're into that, you're going to love it. It's very "stop, pose, next room, do it again" in the best way. It's not a super long experience, but it's worth it. I'd say give yourself about an hour, maybe a little longer if you're taking your time with photos. Only tip is try to go when it's not too crowded, because some people really turn it into a full photoshoot and you'll be waiting a little. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you have kids or just want something different to do in the city.

What a fun place, full of insta worthy photo ops, colorful art, and New Orleans soul. This place…read moreis packed full of fun interactive activities as well as New Orleans history (Black masking Indians, jazz legends, music and juke/jazz joints. You can touch most of the art unless there is a sign specifying otherwise. The price is maybe a little steep, we paid something like 35 dollars per ticket, but I think it's worth it. The best part here is the people! Everyone is so invested in the community and making sure everyone has a good time! They were jubilant while sharing their love of New Orleans, from restaurants to jazz places to shows and holes in the wall. You feel true New Orleans hospitality here. In the Marigny/Bywater area you are close to some great dining options, Baldwin & Co. bookstore (reviewed separately), as well as the Allways Lounge (also reviewed separately). We spent a whole day in this neighborhood.

I'm from NYC, so trust me when I say--I've seen a lot of cabaret. And the Van Ella Bordella is…read morehands-down the best I've ever experienced. I came for my birthday with a group that is, frankly, not easy to impress. And somehow, this show became everyone's favorite night of the entire trip. From the moment it started, it was pure magic--and not the watered-down, Instagram version. The real thing. The kind you feel in your chest. The storytelling is powerful, joyful, a little feral (in the best way), and exactly what you didn't know you needed. And the cast? Unreal. The level of talent alone would be enough, but what really sets it apart is the chemistry. You can tell they genuinely love performing together, and that energy radiates out into the audience in a way that's rare. This isn't just a burlesque show--it's an experience. One that actually lives up to the hype (which almost never happens). They also took incredible care of us, which made the whole night feel even more special. If you're in New Orleans and even thinking about going--go. Loudly, dramatically, and preferably with jazz hands.

I've been to some of the best burlesque and drag shows in the country. I've seen gravity defying,…read moresultry, sophisticated shows in New York. While this is not that . . . it's perfect for New Orleans and the south and has it's own flavor. I loved the show here! Madame Kennedy was the perfect emcee (and also put on a wicked black light bubble show). Some acts were sexy and seductive. Some acts were acrobatic and martial arts based, as Madame Kennedy said, "I'm sure someone is missing their anime character somewhere." There were hula hoops, feathers, and grinders! One act was a woman who put a grinder against a metal plate on her belt and sparks flew everywhere! I also saw my first (as far as I can remember) burlesque by a transgender man. It was so much fun! We did the reserved tickets, so we got a table right up front. There isn't a bad seat in the house, but I really prefer being in the center of the action. Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM show, but ours was running late (we didn't mind). They have a basic bar with decent prices. They also do dance classes, varying show themes, comedy routines, and more. So you'll always be able to see something different.

This was an amazing experience. I arrived at the World War II museum in New Orleans after being…read moretold this is an amazing place to visit. I got a student discount ticket for $28 and made my way through the exhibit. I spent about two hours here and could've spent 10. The videos and stories on the walls in the rooms were amazing and almost brought tears to my eyes. The collections of arms and different memorabilia from the war is so incredible to see from both sides not just American, but also the German and the Japanese. Very emotional videos and different things that were hard to watch about the concentration camps in the way our soldiers are treated, but def needed so we don't repeat history. This is a must stop if you come to New Orleans. One of the best museums I've ever been in, including when I visited to the Smithsonian in Washington DC. The staff were very friendly and offered directions when I asked. They offer the student discount as well as a military and senior discount.

Coming to the museum was the main reason i ended up back in New Orleans... I heard about this…read moremuseum a few years ago and have wanted to go. It is absolutely amazing! The people working there are friendly and knoweldgable. The exhibits are full of information. In fact, after a while it is information overload. We also got to see the Tom Hanks movie and it is fantastic. There is so much to see at this place. You can easily spend a whole day there. It was worth the trip to New Orleans just to see this. If you are interested in this type of history, it is a must go.

This is a place you must go, plan 30-60 mins. Miss Minnie Lewis is a wonderful and knowledgeable…read morehost who brought the museum's collection to life for us. Great for locals and visitors alike. Call ahead.

To get a down to earth true ninth ward view of the Mardi Gras Indians and their history along with…read moresocial and pleasure clubs of the lower ninth ward, you only need to stop at one place and this is it. Ronald Lewis does an excellent job with this tiny museum located in his backyard on Tupelo street. He has history in there from before and after Katrina and a myriad of information to share about his experiences as well as what it takes to be a Mardi Gras Indian. You get a real feel for the culture in this place it is a homey small place but to be honest I would rather learn about our culture by going here rather than a large sterile museum. You need to phone ahead to see his amazing personal collection of items and bring some cold water as you won't find air conditioning here. What you will find is is years of New Orleans culture and get a closer look at what makes the Mardi Gras Indians so special.

I've been to Ashé for a few things but always leave feeling I need to spend more time there…read more Fashions, Afrikan art or jewelry on sale, art gallery and meeting place; this is a real cultural center. Although the website is wrong on Yelp, I try to keep up with the Events Page https://www.ashenola.org/events. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. There's street parking and a lot. Most recently I was there for an art exhibit: In the Spirit of Black. Excellent. Varied artists, traditional dance, community elders and installations at the Ashé Theatre. Ashe Cultural Center is a true gem for the community and visitor. Stop by, stay a while, learn love or buy something and donate!

What does community look like in your city? What does community engagement feel like in your city?…read moreWho actually represents for the "culture" we always speak of or hear of in popular music? Where do you find culture, art, and history in your city? The Ashe Cultural Arts Center is setting the bar high!!! A necessity and true gem for all to cherish. In my 12 days in the Big Easy, I had the opportunity to watch a documentary on the Loving v. Virginia case here as well as pay homage to Shakor White and his amazing artwork. I even took my students to his art gallery in the French Quarters. Thank you to Rachel and the welcoming staff for helping me sort through the boutique dresses and jewelry that I ultimately bought for my mother back home in Texas. Ashe is unapologetically black yet so open to everyone of all creeds. Spread love, it's the NOLA way!!!

I can't believe this museum is free. I only had time for the exhibit on The Revolutionary War, and…read moreit was remarkably well done. The interactive virtual experience provided a lot of interesting information and insight to the battles and events of this time period. I especially enjoy that you could see what the historical sites look like in the present time and how some of them are preserved. I really enjoyed this exhibit and learned quite a lot. The staff was helpful and it was easy to check in at the front desk.

At some point during my research for an upcoming trip to New Orleans I started getting ads for this…read moreplace. I was a little annoyed, but figured I might want to keep in mind this free museum about New Orleans. While there is so much to do in New Orleans, its nice to have something to do if you are feeling like you won't want to spend a lot of money or might want to leave quickly if you don't like. This is much bigger than it looks like from the outside. It also really nice on the inside, everyone I talked to here was really friendly. There are a variety of exhibits to check out. Some held my interest more than others, but this was definitely a good way to spend a couple hours. Even if you don't want to check out the museum there is a super cute coffee shop and courtyard on site which looks like a nice place to spend some time sitting. There's a store too, but I did not have time to check this out. I enjoyed learning that this used to be a rich person's residence and that he was the owner of the organ. We did watch the organ presentation and I found it very interesting. The ipad interactive American Revolution exhibit did not hold my interest as much, but I am sure many people enjoyed it. You do have to get a free ticket for this exhibit, which I assume is so they don't run out of ipads. Looks like this was just starting and we must have been one of the first people to check this out. I found the current Civil Rights and French Quarter parts to be much more interesting to me. The 18 minute video is a little hard to watch with images appearing on all 4 walls, but it is a good place to sit down and take a break. Looks like the exhibits change regularly and there are many other tours available at different times (some do cost money). I would certainly stop here on my next trip, especially if I just had a couple hours to kill and was feeling like I had not checked out enough museums. Its nice to have free educational things to round out a vacation. There were some kids doing a scavenger hunt who seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Such a great spot to get information on the area, meet up for the St. Louis Cemetery tour and the…read morehop on/off tour bus. They have a cute gift/souvenir shop with coffee cups, magnets, t-shirts, hats, etc. Clean, accessible bathrooms. The staff here is so incredibly friendly and helpful. The adjacent lot has parking for only $5 for up to 10 hours .

What an incredible spot in New Orleans to rest and relax. There are lots of seating areas where you…read morecan cool off. Basin St. Station has a wonderful snack bar and a very nicely well-stocked gift shop. All the information about the trains in New Orleans was SO interesting. The old railway station is one of the main stops on the "Hop On-Hop Off" tour bus that we were using during our stay in New Orleans. It is also the spot where you can purchase tickets for the "official" tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.