Best History Museum in French Quarter

"Considered by most experts and visitors alike as one of the top museums on the planet, the National World War II Museum tells the story of that terrible war from the perspective of America and her Allies in the fight against both the German and Japanese war machines during the war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 (the U.S. entered on Dec. 7, 1941). This massive museum is located in New Orleans for an important reason, as the Higgins boats were invented and manufactured here, by Andrew Jackson Higgins. Those shallow-draft, amphibious boats originally designed to use in Louisiana swamps became a key element in American landings both in the Pacific and European theaters of the war."

"The National WWII Museum is an outstanding museum with engaging exhibits and documentary snippets that tell the history of WWII as it was fought in Europe and in the Pacific. The museum is divided into three sections, with one section devoted to the war in the Pacific, another devoted to the war in Europe, and a third building that houses WWII aircraft. A film entitled Beyond All Boundaries, produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, is shown in the 4D Theater, with chairs that rumble as tanks go by on the screen, and stage props that turn the film into a full on sensory experience."

"National World War II Museum in New Orleans|© James Nesterwitz / Alamy. Thousands of visitors walk through the doors of the National WWII Museum on a daily basis, which Congress considers the official World War II museum of the US. Located in Downtown New Orleans, the sprawling complex contextualises the American experience of the conflict through eye witness accounts, multimedia experiences and extensive exhibits including The Home Front, the Pacific and European Theatres and the D-Day Invasion."

"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."

"The Historic New Orleans Collection is set on a handsome campus in the heart of the French Quarter. Some of the 10 buildings on the property date back to the late 18th-century; archaeological digs have uncovered remnants of barracks that date as far back at 1720. Focusing on the history and culture of New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf South, the collection highlights subjects the War of 1812, Tennessee Williams, and jazz."

"18th century home of Jean Francois Merieult|© Marla Holden / Alamy. General L. Kemper Williams and Leila Moore Williams founded the Historic New Orleans Collection to showcase their various Louisiana artefacts, with the aim to preserve local history. Several historic buildings stand near the institution, with each housing more than three centuries-worth of items."

"Experience what getting medical treatment was like in 1823 at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic building, and the exhibits offer plenty of historical curiosity as well. Get a glimpse into questionable 19th century medical practices and step into a recreated physician’s study and sick room."

"Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Who knew the world of pharmaceuticals could be so fascinating?. At least at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, it is!. What is now a museum was originally the apothecary of the United State’s first, licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho Jr."

"The Presbytere Museum has two permanent exhibits that are extremely important to the city of New Orleans. The Mardi Gras exhibit explores the annual celebration and all the traditions that go along with it. Learn more about the Mardi Gras Indians and different Krewes that partake in the events and how they got their start."

"Presbytere is the Louisiana State Museum. It has two exhibits that are always there: The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond and Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana."

"The Whitney plantation is the first American museum dedicated to slavery. It has records of memoirs from literate slaves and their experiences. The Whitney plantation focuses on the institution of slavery. The Laura plantation is a creole owned plantation whereby the family tell the history of the their generation."

"Other plantations in the area to consider are the Laura Plantation, the Houmas House Plantation, the Nottoway Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation, among others. The Whitney Plantation is newly renovated and has an exhibit that focuses on the children of slavery that is said to be deeply moving and emotional."

"Whitney Plantation, on the other hand, focuses on slavery and what life was like for the slaves living on the plantation. There are personal narratives and exhibits of the slaves who lived on the plantation which can certainly be more emotional but important history to understand nevertheless."

"After voodoo (or vodou) came to New Orleans in the 1700s—first via West African slaves, then with Haitians after the Haitian Revolution—it entwined with the city’s identity. Which is why, since the 1970s, a French Quarter visit has been deemed incomplete without a stop at the tiny Historic Voodoo Museum. If it’s lore you seek, you’ll find it here."

"The Whitney plantation is the first American museum dedicated to slavery. It has records of memoirs from literate slaves and their experiences. The Whitney plantation focuses on the institution of slavery. The Laura plantation is a creole owned plantation whereby the family tell the history of the their generation."

"Other plantations in the area to consider are the Laura Plantation, the Houmas House Plantation, the Nottoway Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation, among others. The Whitney Plantation is newly renovated and has an exhibit that focuses on the children of slavery that is said to be deeply moving and emotional."

"Whitney Plantation, on the other hand, focuses on slavery and what life was like for the slaves living on the plantation. There are personal narratives and exhibits of the slaves who lived on the plantation which can certainly be more emotional but important history to understand nevertheless."

"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."

"The Historic New Orleans Collection is set on a handsome campus in the heart of the French Quarter. Some of the 10 buildings on the property date back to the late 18th-century; archaeological digs have uncovered remnants of barracks that date as far back at 1720. Focusing on the history and culture of New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf South, the collection highlights subjects the War of 1812, Tennessee Williams, and jazz."

"18th century home of Jean Francois Merieult|© Marla Holden / Alamy. General L. Kemper Williams and Leila Moore Williams founded the Historic New Orleans Collection to showcase their various Louisiana artefacts, with the aim to preserve local history. Several historic buildings stand near the institution, with each housing more than three centuries-worth of items."

"They use fresh ingredients from a carefully vetted list of local farmers, and from what I’ve heard their sandwiches are to die for. I sadly didn’t get a chance to visit – this is true of the next two restaurants as well – but I’m still kicking myself about it. Visions of their vegan Reuben made with smoked tempeh, homemade sauerkraut and caramelised onions will probably haunt my dreams until I finally try it."

"BywaterRecently reopened after sustaining and recovering from fire damage in 2019, the Sneaky Pickle has picked up right where it left off, offering a mostly vegan menu with three hearty meat dishes to please that one friend who refuses to try anything new. Everything’s made fresh in-house, and the menu changes according to seasonality and availability from local farms."

"Kind of disappointed that I won't be able to try this restaurant. I've been a vegetarian for a while and I'm always looking for something ..."

"Just minutes from the St. Charles Streetcar is La Macarena Pupuseria and Latin Cafe - a colorful, eatery specializing in pupusas and other El Salvadoran cuisine. While it is known for its delicious pork-stuffed pupusas, flautas and specialty chicharron, La Macarena’s menu also includes a number of delicious plant-based Salvadoran specialties. Their Vegan Bliss Brunch comes complete with a vegan pupusa, tamale, black bean tostada and Mayan seasoned veggies."

"LemonShark Poke, a sushi bar and Hawaiian spot that offers poke and more in the Garden District, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 83 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2901 Magazine St. to see for yourself. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"This little green sliver in the Lower 9th Ward map is a developing green infrastructure project that both holds excess water and provides a natural breath of fresh air in the midst of the city. The 1.5-acre park is peppered with ponds, native tupelo and bald cypress trees and attractive landscaping. Wetland birds and an alligator have taken up residence, perhaps awaiting the time the park expands into a planned 42-acre natural reserve."

"Until 2014, the banks of the Mississippi River bordering the city's downtown Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods were essentially unwalkable. The city invested in a large renovation program that's transformed unsightly, post-industrial wasteland into a lovely riverside park. Crescent Park is a mile-and-a-half long and feels very much like a local spot; you're unlikely to find Mardi Gras-beaded tourists here."

"This 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban park on the riverfront offers landscaped gardens, a dog park, walking paths, public restrooms, swings, and panoramic downtown views. Don't miss the David Adjaye-designed Piety Street Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that rises above active railroad tracks to connect the river with the Bywater community. A post shared by BJ Knights (@bj_knights) on Sep 5, 2016 at 8:32am PDT"

"Finally, head to Crescent Park for a beautiful sunset view of the city, and after the sun goes down venture over to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz and blues. While tourists tend to visit Bourbon Street, you’ll see more locals on Frenchmen. For tonight’s live music, check out this listing by the local radio station."

"Arcing around the east bank of the Mississippi opposite Algiers Point is a riverside park laid out in the 1980s and 90s on the site of former wharves and warehouses. Woldenberg Park fronts the French Quarter and is bordered to the south by the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy Giant Screen Theater. During the French Quarter Festival in early April the main stages are put up in Woldenberg Park."

"Louisiana is a state that is famous for its waterways and bayous, and New Orleans is no exception to the rule. Fronting the French Quarter is one of the best riverside parks in the city – Woldenberg Park. Originally the location of warehouses and wharves on the east bank of the Mississippi, the site was retooled in the 1980s and 1990s into a park."

"For example, at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park is a 16-acre park in front of downtown near everything. Woldenberg Riverfront Park is a wonderful place to go jogging or picnic. You’ll find people playing their music in the park."