New Orleans Pictures

Don't be surprised if you come across an impromptu performance while strolling through the French Quarter. Fotoluminate LLC Shutterstock

A bronzed statue of Andrew Jackson and his steed stand watch over St. Louis Cathedral. gary718 Shutterstock

If you want to take a peek inside St. Louis Cathedral, you'll have to do so between the 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mass. Phil Roeder Flickr

You'll find Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District. This burial ground is the oldest of the seven municipal, city-operated cemeteries in New Orleans. Jorg Hackemann Shutterstock

Delicious dishes abound at the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience – an annual culinary event celebrating the city's best flavors.
New Orleans Flickr

The French Quarter is the heart and soul of this city, and it's also a National Historic Landmark. Jorg Hackemann Shutterstock

The Krewe of Orpheus' Leviathan is housed in Mardi Gras World during the offseason. Paul Mannix Flickr

In the late 1700s, the Cabildo acted as the seat of the Spanish government. Jorg Hackemann Shutterstock

Audubon Park is home to a zoo, an aquarium, an insectarium, an IMAX theater, a golf course and several small parks. Fotoluminate LLC Shutterstock

City Park sprawls across 1,300 acres. It's also one of the nation's oldest urban parks, established in 1854. Zack Smith Courtesy New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Among the exhibits you can tour at The National WWII Museum is the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. This part of the museum showcases the stories of several important amphibious landings – including the Normandy Invasion. Courtesy of The National WWII Museum

Like its name suggests, this historic residential neighborhood is laden with trees, ivy, and yes, gardens. Fotoluminate LLC Shutterstock

Chalmette was the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Brberrys Shutterstock

New Orleans' St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 can sometimes be as eerie as any ghost tour. Nick Martucci Shutterstock

A fixture on New Orleans' historic streets since the 1800s, the streetcar is as much apart of the city's history as it is a viable method of modern transportation. Take a streetcar to the Garden District, the city's cemeteries and several downtown sites. Jorg Hackemann Shutterstock

The French Quarter is filled with charming balconies like the one pictured here. Jayne Chapman Shutterstock

As much a part of New Orleans' culinary culture as po’ boys, beignets are a must-eat when visiting the Big Easy. Comparable to a doughnut, the beignet is a square piece of fried dough, covered in powdered sugar. Cafe du Monde is famous for its traditional, no-frills interpretation of the sweet treat. AngryJulieMonday Flickr

Take in the Big Easy from a completely different perspective – on the water via a Steamboat Natchez Cruise. CristinaMuraca Shutterstock

At the Louisiana Children's Museum, kids can learn about the mechanics of the human body, understand the science behind magnets and light, and play in an art studio. Paul Broussard Courtesy New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Whether you're looking for fresh produce or knickknacks, The French Market has it all. Spanning six blocks on the riverside of the lower French Quarter, the shopping district boasts 20 retail stores, performance venues, restaurants, cafes, a flea market and a farmers market. Jorg Hackemann Shutterstock

Homes in the French Quarter get festive for the annual Mardi Gras festivities. Sue Stokes Shutterstock

When you're in NOLA, take advantage of the city's bountiful seafood. Read more in our dining section. T.Tseng Flickr

Take a stroll through Jackson Square and you may just happen upon some street art for sale. Fotoluminate LLC Shutterstock

The sunsets over Lake Pontchartrain are pretty impressive. Ken Durden Shutterstock

If you're a fan of jazz music, plan your visit around the city's famed celebrations of the genre, like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or Satchmo Summerfest. Simply Photos Shutterstock

Sometimes referred to as "Hollywood South," the Garden District has been used as the backdrop for several feature films, including 2008's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." This house was used extensively in the film as the nursing home in which the movie's title character grew up. Chris Waits Flickr

If you want to see floats like this, visit NOLA in late February to early March for the city's annual Mardi Gras celebration. Chuck Wagner Shutterstock

If you're feeling brave – and don't mind being extra close to the alligators – you can always go on a swamp tour via kayak. Sam Spicer Getty Images

A local favorite, the Spotted Cat is one of Frenchmen Street's finest jazz clubs.  Billy Metcalf Photography Flickr

Various operators offer boat tours of the New Orleans swamps. Karen Fox Getty Images

Keep your eyes peeled on the swamp tour for alligators. kbombcarpenter Getty Images

There's plenty of architectural beauty to enjoy in the French Quarter. Nathan Steele Getty Images

Relax in Audubon Park and enjoy the greenery. Rauluminate Getty Images

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is home to a variety of colorful floats used in the city's Mardi Gras parade. Rustry Blazenhoff Flickr

You might recognize some famous heads from Mardi Gras floats in the past, on display at Mardi Gras World. Rustry Blazenhoff Flickr

Stop by Jackson Square at dusk for an enchanting view of St. Louis Cathedral. Image by Erik Pronske Photography Getty Images

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is the final resting place of some of New Orleans' more unique characters, including Bernard de Marigny – former president of the Louisiana Senate and notorious playboy – and Marie Laveau, the Big Easy's very own "Voodoo queen." John Wang Getty Images

The National WWII Museum's "America Responds" gallery illustrates how the war unified the country. Courtesy of The National WWII Museum

Among the topics covered at The National WWII Museum are the scientific and technological innovations that materialized as a result of the war. Courtesy of The National WWII Museum

The Backstreet Cultural Museum displays everything from Mardi Gras artifacts to jazz funeral memorabilia. Joseph McCarty Flickr

City Park offers a lovely respite from the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon, according to recent visitors. grandriver Getty Images

Take a stroll around Audubon Park and you'll find live oaks, a nearly 2-mile-long jogging path, a lagoon, picnic shelters and playgrounds. Daniela Duncan Getty Images

The New Orleans Museum of Art first opened in 1911. jpellgen (@1179_jp) Flickr

The New Orleans Museum of Art also offers a sculpture garden, featuring more than 60 pieces. quirkyjazz Flickr

The Barataria Preserve is part of the Jean Lafitte National Park. Stephen Flickr