Looking to make your next visit to New Orleans unforgettable? Stay in a stylish Roami rental and explore the city's most Instagrammable places in New Orleans right from your doorstep. Perhaps you’re looking forward to a leisurely stroll down Royal Street, or maybe you simply want to admire the French Quarter balconies or capture the beauty of the City Park. Whatever your taste, we've rounded up the best photo spots to fill your feed with NOLA charm.
French Quarter Balconies & Royal Street
You’re no doubt already aware that the New Orleans French Quarter is the heart of the city's charm, so you really shouldn’t miss it. The historic French Quarter balconies are adorned with hanging plants, and combined with the architecture, this makes for a truly picture-perfect backdrop.
- Great photo spots: Take a shot from below to capture the intricate ironwork.
- Insider tip: Early morning provides soft lighting and fewer crowds.
Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
As the crown jewel of the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral are perfect spots for a classic New Orleans photo. Best of all, the park is surrounded by historic buildings, lively street performers, and stunning city views, so it’s a tactical choice if you’re short on time.
- Best time to visit: Sunset for a golden glow.
- Perfect shot: Capture the cathedral framed by the live oak trees in the foreground.
Bourbon Street
Looking for a more lively atmosphere from this list? We’ve got you covered. Bourbon Street is one of the most Instagrammable spots at night, with neon lights and bustling nightlife. Grab some friends and a few drinks, and enjoy!
- Shot recommendations: A standout spot for nightlife shots.
- Tip: Visit early for a quieter, more photogenic experience.
Orleans City Park & Botanical Gardens
As we briefly mentioned in the introduction, New Orleans City Park is a sprawling green oasis filled with great photo spots, such as the Botanical Gardens and the Sculpture Gardens. It serves as a perfect green retreat if you’re exhausted after a long day exploring the city.
- Photo opportunities: The enchanting oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
- Don't miss: The oldest grove of live oaks in the U.S.
Café du Monde
Woke up in New Orleans craving coffee? Well, have we got a recommendation for you! No trip to NOLA is complete without a beignet from Café du Monde. Capture the powdered sugar perfection and the bustling energy of this National Historic Landmark.
- Great photo spots: The outdoor courtyard with the Mississippi River in the background.
- Insider tip: Snap a boomerang of your first bite!
Garden District & Cute Houses
Visitors to New Orleans often overlook the beauty of the Garden District, so don’t make the same mistake. It’s lined with beautiful homes, grand mansions, and adorable storefronts, making it easily one of the most photogenic places in New Orleans.
- Best photo spots: The charming streets lined with live oak trees.
- Must-visit: The famous Buckner Mansion, featured in American Horror Story.
Hotel Monteleone & The Carousel Bar
We’re sure that you’ll want to throw in some elegant shots into your Instagram feed, and there are plenty of opportunities for this in New Orleans. In particular, we’d recommend a visit to Hotel Monteleone and its famous Carousel Bar—a rotating bar that makes for a unique photo-op.
- Great photo spots: Capture a slow-motion video as the bar turns.
- Tip: Arrive early to get a seat at the carousel!
Audubon Park & Charles Streetcar
For a truly classic New Orleans shot that your dad is going to love, hop on the Charles Streetcar and explore Audubon Park. The shady paths and towering oak trees make for a dreamy, Southern-inspired backdrop, and that’s going to look great in your photo album.
- Best photo spots: The large, draping live oak trees near the water.
- Insider tip: The morning light filters beautifully through the trees.
Commander’s Palace & Creole Cuisine
Most famous for its striking white building and famous Creole cuisine, Commander’s Palace is a must-visit for food lovers. Don’t get put off by the name; sure, it’s a fancy establishment, but it’s got little to do with history and war, and a lot to do with Creole food!
- Great spot for: Food photography—order a classic turtle soup.
- Dress code: A little fancy, but worth it for the ambiance.
Charles Avenue & Hanging Plants
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without taking a leisurely stroll down Charles Avenue. Here, you’ll find a plethora of hanging plants, historic mansions, and classic Southern charm. Your audience is going to love that!
- Photo opportunities: Capture the charm of historic buildings with cascading greenery.
- Insider tip: Try a wide-angle shot to get the full grandeur.
New Orleans Museum & Sculpture Gardens
It should go without saying that the New Orleans Museum of Art and its Sculpture Gardens should make your must-visit list in New Orleans. On display is a wide variety of modern and classic art, making it one of the best photo spots for art lovers.
- Perfect spot: Capture the contrast between sculptures and lush greenery.
- Pro tip: Visit on Wednesdays for free admission.
Country Club & Outdoor Courtyard
Any visitors to New Orleans who are looking for a more tropical and relaxed vibe need to stop by The Country Club. Here, you’ll be greeted by a colorful outdoor courtyard with a lush, hidden oasis feel.
- Great photo spots: The vibrant poolside setting.
- Best time to visit: Midday for bright, colorful shots.
Peter Street
Without a doubt, Peter Street is the perfect embodiment of New Orleans culture, filled with historic charm and quaint local shops. If you’re not stopping by to take some snaps for your Insta reel, what are you even doing!?
- Great photo spots: Capture the antique storefronts and charming details.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon for warm lighting.
Mississippi River & Great Photo Spots
For a scenic photo spot, walk along the Mississippi River at sunset for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Seriously–skyline photographers are going to be spoiled for choice at where to aim their camera.
- Perfect spot: The riverwalk near Jackson Square.
- Best time for photos: Sunset for golden hour reflections.
Frenchmen Street & Live Jazz Music
Love a vibrant nightlife scene? Frenchmen Street is the go-to place for live jazz music and lively bars, making it one of the best photo opportunities in the Big Easy.
- Best photo spots: The neon-lit music clubs and energetic street performers.
- Insider tip: Visit at night when the street comes alive with musicians.
Buckner Mansion – A Piece of TV History
Famous for its role in American Horror Story, Buckner Mansion is a perfect spot for those who love eerie yet elegant historic buildings. If you think you can handle the spookiness, your Instagram account won’t regret a visit.
- Great photo spot: The mansion's white columns and classic Southern charm.
- Tip: Try a black-and-white filter for a dramatic effect.
Algiers Point & Mississippi River Views
Another recommendation from Roami is to take a ferry across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point when visiting New Orleans, Algiers Point is a quiet, colorful neighborhood filled with adorable storefronts and Victorian homes–you’re going to love it.
- Best photo spots: The riverside view of the New Orleans skyline.
- Don't miss: The charming streets filled with cute houses and hanging plants.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
For a hauntingly beautiful shot, explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District. The intricate mausoleums and live oak trees create a timeless setting. Surprisingly, it’s less spooky than Buckner Mansion!
- Perfect spot: Capture the contrast of sunlight filtering through moss-covered oak trees.
- Insider tip: Visit in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere.
Studio Be – A Colorful Art Experience
You might think it’s strange to visit a massive warehouse in New Orleans, but once you get inside, you’ll understand. The Bywater is filled with murals that showcase New Orleans culture, activism, and street art, so a few snaps here would be very appropriate.
- Best photo spots: The large-scale, thought-provoking paintings.
- Pro tip: Capture a close-up of the detailed brushwork.
Tremé – Oldest African American Neighborhood
Sadly, so many New Orleans tourists miss out on Tremé as they simply didn’t do their research. This historical neighborhood is rich with culture, soul food, and jazz history, making it a must-visit for authentic photo opportunities.
- Great photo spots: Colorful murals and second-line parades.
- Tip: Visit during a festival for an even livelier scene.
Mardi Gras World
Come on, do we really need to explain why a visit to Mardi Gras World is recommended? Here, you’ll be able to get up close with the extravagant floats and props used in New Orleans' biggest celebration. Now that’s a photo opportunity!
- Most Instagrammable spots: The oversized, hand-crafted Mardi Gras floats.
- Insider tip: Wear bright colors to match the lively setting!
Faubourg Marigny & Its Colorful Houses
As with many others in New Orleans, this artsy neighborhood features vibrant beautiful homes with unique architecture, making it one of the best photo spots. Specifically, we’d recommend:
- Perfect shot: Capture a row of colorful Creole cottages.
- Pro tip: Try a low-angle shot to emphasize the details of the facades.
The Rusty Rainbow at Crescent Park
Don’t be put off by its unusual name–this pedestrian bridge offers incredible panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. You won’t need to spend much time here to get some great shots, so it’ll be easy to squeeze into your itinerary.
- Great photo spot: The bridge’s industrial design with NOLA’s skyline in the background.
- Insider tip: Golden hour lighting makes for the best pictures.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
Located in the heart of Tremé, this museum highlights Orleans culture and Mardi Gras Indian traditions. We’d recommend checking it out at the start of your trip, as it will give future photographs a whole lot more context.
- Best photo opportunities: Vibrant Mardi Gras costumes on display.
- Must-visit: Great for cultural immersion and unique shots.
Bacchanal Wine Garden – A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the Bywater, this outdoor courtyard offers a charming backdrop of twinkling lights, rustic tables, and live music. The location means that so many tourists miss out on experiencing it, so take note, now!
- Most Instagrammable places: A wine glass shot with the garden in the background.
- Best time to visit: Evening for the ultimate romantic glow.
The Roosevelt Hotel Lobby at Christmas
If you happen to be visiting New Orleans during the holiday season, we’ve got a real treat for you. The Roosevelt’s lobby is transformed into a twinkling wonderland, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in New Orleans.
- Great photo spots: The tunnel of holiday lights.
- Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
While it might sound bizarre, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum gives you a unique opportunity to browse vintage apothecary bottles and medical oddities from the 19th century. It’s not for everyone, but the photographs will certainly turn heads.
- Perfect spot: A moody, old-world feel with vintage artifacts.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon for eerie lighting.
The Singing Oak at City Park
Last but not least, The Singing Oak is a hidden gem in City Park, an ancient grove tree with wind chimes that create a melodic atmosphere. This tree is over a staggering 100 years old, so making a visit, it’s like taking a trip back in time.
- Great photo spots: Capture the tree’s massive limbs adorned with chimes.
- Insider tip: Lay underneath for an immersive experience shot.
Make Your New Orleans Instagram Adventure Happen with Roami!
Overall, you should have learned from this list that there are countless Instagrammable spots in New Orleans–we just wish we had room to mention more!
Either way, whether you're in the city for the great photo spots, Instagrammable places, or simply to explore this beautiful city, consider staying with Roami for the best access to these unforgettable Instagrammable spots in New Orleans!
