Whether it's too hot to spend time out doors, or an afternoon rain-storm has hit the city, sometimes you just need to find indoor activities to do. This list has the best things to do in New Orleans if you want to stay inside!
So, if you want to stay cool or dry, these places are guaranteed to be a fit for you.
Stay Cool & Dry with These 10 Activities
1. Clue Carré Escape Room
830 Union St., (504) 667-2583
cluecarre.com
A fun-group activity, New Orleans Escape Rooms are unlike any other. With storylines and puzzles that involve the city's lore, this experience is a great way to test your problem solving skills and your knowledge of New Orleans. Clue Carré, located in Downtown, has rooms like: "Revenge on the Bayou," "the Voodoo Cemetery," and "French Quarter House of Curiosities."
Escape Rooms encourage people to come in groups, as the activity is more fun with a group of people. However, Clue Carré doesn't have a "minimum" necessary to book a room.
2. The Audubon Aquarium
1 Canal St., (504) 861-2537
audubonnatureinstitute.org
Rated the second best aquarium in the U.S. by Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award, the Audubon Aquarium is a fantastic activity for everyone! Their exhibits include animals from the Amazon, native Louisiana species—especially local alligators, fish, frogs, turtles, and more that are from the bayou—penguins, sharks, and a lineup of aquatic animals from the Gulf of Mexico. Attached to the Audubon Aquarium is the Insectarium, and entry is included with your ticket.
If you're looking for a unique and special experience to remember for a lifetime, there are events such as: "Penguin Party," where you can meet penguins up-close, come face-to-face with the marine life during the "Maya Snorkel," or have "Breakfast with the Butterflies" overlooking the Mississippi river. Whatever you choose to do, the Aquarium is a fantastic resource and an incredibly fun must-see place for people of all ages!
3. Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., (504) 361-7821
mardigrasworld.com
Sadly, the iconic and bright Mardi Gras parades that New Orleans is known for won't roll until Carnival season next year. However, you can experience and uncover the magic of Mardi Gras all year-round at Mardi Gras World!
Tours of the facility run daily and offer insight into the history of Mardi Gras. Those who are interested can walk around the float den, where artists create the season's spectacular floats and props.
4. M.S. Rau
622 Royal St., 1+ (888) 557-2406
rauantiques.com
New Orleans has been recognized globally for its diverse, unique, and incredibly rich culture. Curators, creators, art-lovers, and antique enthusiasts visit the city to experience its famous galleries, museums, and shops—often sourcing many of their pieces, from jewelry to furniture, here.
M.S. Rau boasts an impressive lineup of antiques, jewelry, and fine art that other places cannot rival. Visiting the store is a must for both locals and tourists. Their grand selection of academic art—with pieces by Édouard Manet, William Bouguereau, and John William Godward—is impressive and offers insight into the skill and talent of artists from around the world. Their jewelry selection includes pieces from Bulgari, Cartier, and Oscar Heyman. Spending an afternoon here exploring their collection and admiring the craftsmanship of the many artists and artisans is truly inspirational!
5. The Backstreet Cultural Museum
1531 St. Philip St., (504) 657-6700
backstreetmuseum.org
Situated in the historic Faubourg Tremé neighborhood, the Backstreet Cultural Museum showcases a collection on and about the local African American community's masking and processional traditions, as well as the Mardi Gras Indians and other important cultural traditions.
The museum also hosts live performances and often collaborates with other museums from around the city. The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a cornerstone of the Tremé community and uncovers a fascinating and unique aspect of the many cultures and communities that reside in New Orleans.
6. The Cabildo
701 Chartres St., 1+ (800) 568-6968
louisianastatemuseum.org
Located in historic Jackson Square, the Cabildo is a building rich in history and is a fantastic stop for those who want to learn more about the state of Louisiana. Having housed the municipal government for Spanish Louisiana and then later the Louisiana Supreme Court—where the Plessy v. Ferguson decision was made—the Cabildo seeks to educate locals and tourists alike through its museum.
Hosting multiple collections, including Visual Arts, Jazz, and Science & Technology, the museum is a great resource and activity to uncover more about New Orleans and its history!
7. Rock 'N' Bowl
3016 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 861-1700
rocknbowl.com
With a fun and relaxed environment, Rock 'N' Bowl is a cool and hip spot that routinely has live music performance that can be enjoyed while bowling with your friends. They have a selection of classic American food and desserts that are great for an afternoon of bowling!
For a casual, yet authentically New Orleans experience, stop by Rock 'N' Bowl to enjoy some fun and live music.
8. New Orleans School of Cooking
524 St. Louis St., (504) 525-2665
neworleansschoolofcooking.com
Native New Orleans cuisine is unlike any other. The New Orleans School of Cooking offers a selection of cooking classes, from hands-on learning to simple demonstrations, where culinary masters can teach locals and non-locals the secrets to making the perfect New Orleans' dish.
Check out their schedule online and sign up for a class that teaches you how to make your favorite dish! Gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and Bananas Foster are just a few of the meals you can have the opportunity of making, Whether you go alone or with a group, taking a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking is a fun way to make great memories and bring the taste of New Orleans back home with you!
9. The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2299
thejazzplayhouse.com
Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans' music scene is lively and unique. You are guaranteed to find live music any day of the week. Whether you're looking for a booming-concert downtown or a small local performance, New Orleans' is guaranteed to have it!
The Jazz Playhouse, located on Bourbon Street, is a sultry and moody club that always has a packed event schedule. Both local and visiting musicians perform there. Their food and drink menu also offers a selection of Cajun and Creole Classics, alongside traditional New Orleans flavors with a modern twist.
10. National World War II Museum
945 Magazine St., (504) 528-1944
nationalww2museum.org
On a mission to educate the world about the American experience during World War II, the National World War II Museum is an informative and important learning opportunity for everyone. There are a variety of resources and material that can only be found in the museum and each exhibit uncovers a different and important aspect of the war, the people who fought in it, and its many victims.
For those who are interested in history, or simply think it important to learn more about the war that shaped America, the National World War II Museum is a good option.
