Best New Orleans Photo Spots
New Orleans is one of the best cities in the United States to visit. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has incredible food, music, and history. I hope to pique your curiosity and interest with this New Orleans Photo Spots post.
New Orleans is a photographer’s paradise, and there are so many gorgeous places to photograph in New Orleans. In this guide, we will explore some of those top locations. Of course, even if you are not a photography, this list of New Orleans photo spots are also the best places to see in New Orleans.
Key Takeaways
- New Orleans offers stunning photo spots, combining beautiful scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture.
- The best time to visit is from February to May, but December and January also provide calm experiences.
- Must-do activities include exploring the French Quarter, visiting the National WWII Museum, and enjoying Jackson Square.
- Iconic locations include the Central Business/Warehouse District and famous landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral.
- Don’t miss trying local foods like beignets at Cafe du Monde and Jambalaya, all of which are great for photos.
Indeed, one of the reasons NOLA is so famous is because there is something for everyone!
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Best Time to Visit New Orleans
When planning a trip to New Orleans as a photographer, knowing the weather is an essential factor. Obviously, dismal weather conditions can affect your ability to capture New Orleans’s beauty.
The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May because the weather is comfortably cool, and the celebrations are in full swing.
If you’re not interested in Mardi Gras mania, plan to visit in December or January. Not only is the city calm, but you don’t have to worry about making hotel reservations a year in advance.
Of course, to save on room rates, travel in the summer or fall. Just note that these seasons are known for their oppressive heat and humidity, not to mention the threat of hurricanes.
What Are Some Must Do Activities in New Orleans?
- Explore the French Quarter
- Visit the National WWII Museum
- Stroll the Garden District
- Enjoy Jackson Square
- Take an Evening Jazz Riverboat Cruise
- Experience a Haunted Tour
- Party on Bourbon Street
- Beignets & Coffee at Cafe Du Monde
- Enjoy Amazing Food
What are Some of the Best New Orleans Photo Spots?
Central Business/Warehouse District New Orleans
First, we have the Central Business and Warehouse District to explore for some great photo ops. Located conveniently between the French Quarter and the Garden District which has few hidden gems that need to be photographed.
Not to mention, there are many reimagined hotels and guest houses in the old warehouse buildings, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in New Orleans.
The following are iconic and terrific places to capture with your camera.
New Orleans Famous Street Cars
Step back in time and take the favorite transportation of a different era, such as New Orleans Streetcars. These beauties are not only beautiful to photograph, but they are excellent ways to get around the Business District and the Garden District to find even more amazing New Orleans photo spots.
National WWII Museum
Indeed, a visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a must. This museum is a favorite of many visitors to the area. Of course, this architectural marvel should be on your list of the places to photograph in New Orleans.
Not only is the business district full of beautifully restored architecture, but you will also find numerous venues for entertainment and dining. In addition to fun places like Harrah’s Casino you will find The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, Museums, magnificent restored theaters and the Superdome. as well. This area of New Orleans is jam-packed with great subjects for Instagrammers!
Instagrammable Places in New Orleans – The French Quarter
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is one of the most iconic images of New Orleans and possibly even the most haunted. Of course, the focal point is the St. Louis Catherdral, which is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. Not to mention, Jackson Square is also home to the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest continuously rented apartment buildings in the United States. You will find the Presbytere and Cabildo (Louisiana State Museums) here as well.
Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments
Jackson Square is not only a great spot to catch fun street performers, but there are many local artists here to watch paint and create wonderful art you can purchase. You can even have your palm or Taro cards read for those of you who believe in that stuff. Additionally, many of the walking tours begin at Jackson Square.
Of course, the top thing to do in New Orleans is explore the French Quarter. Its deep, rich history is like no other city in America. The best way to tour the French Quarter is to take a free walking tour. Well, sort of free. The tour guides work for tips, so if you enjoy it, pay them well. Nola Tour Guy offers tours in the French Quarter, the Cemeteries, and the historic Garden District. They also provide Haunted NOLA Tours as well.
Eat at Antoine’s
Serving up fabulous food and great memories since 1840. Antoine’s is a timeless tradition in New Orleans.
Visit Hotel Monteleone
Furthermore the historic Hotel Monteleone is a must see too. Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone has provided luxury and historic accommodations for travelers to New Orleans.
William Faulkner’s Home
Another fantastic place to visit is William Faulkner’s home. As a matter of fact, its also a book store. Additionally, you might enjoy a visit to The Historic New Orleans Collection. They offer numerous restored buildings you can tour. Not to mention, you can tour them for free! Of course, you can donate to help the preservation continue.
Places to Photograph in New Orleans at Night
Indeed, New Orleans is wonderful at night! Once the sun goes down, the city lights up, and it’s a dream come true for photographers. The true beauty of nighttime in New Orleans is it does not matter if the location is famous or not.
In my experience, every inch of the French Quarter is one of the most fantastic New Orleans photo spots after dark!
More Photography Spots in New Orleans
Bourbon Street
Well of course this is a must if you visit New Orleans. Iconic Bourbon Street has bars, taverns, jazz music clubs, Cabaret joints, and more.
People-watching is so much fun here and a great source of free entertainment. I highly recommend being part of the party, even if you’re not the partying type!
Even though most people think of venturing out to Bourbon Street after dark, the party is on 24/7. In fact you can find live music in the street, in the bars and nightclubs just about anytime. Of course, Frenchman Street is an even better location for musical entertainment in New Orleans.
Haunted Places to Photograph in NOLA
St. Louis Cathedral
Because New Orleans is likely America’s most haunted city, it also adds to its popularity. Of course, if you’re visiting the most haunted city in America, you must experience a haunted tour. Tour companies like Ghost City Tours and Free Tours by Foot offer many types of haunted tours from which to choose. Whether you believe in the Supernatural or not, it’s still a cool thing to do in New Orleans. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic way to learn more about the history of New Orleans.
LaLaurie Mansion
One of the most haunted homes in NOLA is the LaLaurie Mansion. Notably, it is considered one of the most haunted houses in the French Quarter. Many people believe the ghosts of former slaves are causing most of the hauntings.
Andrew Jackson Hotel
Another haunted site you might visit is the Andrew Jackson Hotel The location has seen its fair share of tragedy over the years, but the fires of 1774 are the source of the haunted lore. At that time, a boarding school and orphanage for boys was here. Many of the buildings in the French Quarter were lost. Unfortunately the building here was one of them and five boys perished as well.
Marie Laveau’s House of VooDoo
Obviously the long history of VooDoo and black magic add to the spookiness of Nola. Visiting Marie Laveau’s House of VooDoo or her grave is a top thing to do in New Orleans.
Even if you don’t take a ghost tour, you will probably hear some stories or even feel a little uneasy if alone after dark.
Eat In New Orleans
Obviously, our post would not be complete without mentioning New Orleans’ food. As you will see in the following pictures, much of the food in the restaurants should be on the list of New Orleans photo spots! Therefore, I will leave you with a few images of the tasty items you must try when visiting NOLA. Unfortunately, there are too many choices to list here. Of course, booking a Food Tour is a great way to experience many places!
Jambalaya is not only a staple in New Orleans, but a must-try dish. Jerry’s Jambalaya at Mother’s is a fan favorite. Gumbo is a great choice, also.
Another favorite is the Po’Boy Sandwich. Personally, I love the shrimp Po’Boy the best. Napoleon House is one great restaurant for this sandwich, great muffulettas, and more.
A delicious muffuletta sandwich from Central Grocery & Deli is a must-have.
Last but not least, you must enjoy a beignet. Cafe du Monde’s beignets are the most famous and the best. Cafe du Monde is by far one of the most Instagrammable places in New Orleans, and it’s my favorite, too!
To Book A French Quarter Photo Shoot Tour Click Here
Finally, I hope you found this Best New Orleans Photo Spots post inspiring. Additionally, if you’re ready to plan that trip to New Orleans, check out these great deals here.
Additionally, you may like our Fun Facts About New Orleans post or Cool Places to See & Explore in Houston post.
A Note from Lisa
I’m Lisa, the creator behind FollowSoots.com. I’ve been traveling extensively since 2018 and have visited more than 50 countries across five continents. When I create Pretty Places guides, I focus on destinations that feel beautiful, memorable, photo-friendly, and realistic to explore. My goal is to inspire people to rediscover beauty, creativity & wonder in this world!
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