Top Culture in Louisiana

I recommend hitting the Great Hall first when you get there, it can get super busy. It’s the heart of the museum and best to experience when it’s less crowded.

My advice is to plan for at least 3-4 hours here. There's so much to see! I felt rushed, wish I had more time to take it all in.

If you want to save a little cash, consider visiting on a Wednesday. They often have special discounts and you'll avoid the weekend crowds!

Don’t miss the St. Louis Cathedral! It’s free to enter and absolutely stunning inside. I recommend taking a few moments to sit and soak in the ambiance.

If it's hot, take breaks in the shade under the trees or grab a cool drink at a nearby stand. I underestimated the heat and had to find a place to cool off.

If you’re on a budget, skip the fancy cafes around the square and grab a beignet from Cafe du Monde a short walk away. It’s iconic and way cheaper!

Keep an eye out for local artists displaying their work. I found some affordable, unique pieces to take home that weren't found in shops. Support local talent!

I suggest visiting during the weekday morning; it’s way less crowded and you can really soak in the beauty of the architecture. Plus, you’ll have more space for those Insta pics!

You might want to check out the smaller shops that aren’t as advertised; I found unique souvenirs that were cheaper than in the big stores, and totally worth the hunt!

I think it’s smart to wear comfy shoes. The cobblestone streets can be a bit tricky, and you don’t want to miss the beautiful details while being uncomfortable.

if you're into photography, i recommend visiting in the late afternoon when the sun is lower. the glow on the facade is just stunning, trust me, you won't regret it!

Make sure to go early around 9 am when it opens. The light streaming through the stained glass is amazing, and it's way less crowded, giving you time to soak it all in.

I suggest bringing cash for donations if you're planning to light a candle. It really adds to the experience and helps the cathedral maintain its beauty.

My advice is to grab a map as soon as you enter. It really helped me navigate through the exhibits without missing anything cool!

If you can, visit on a weekday around 2 PM. The museum was super quiet then, and I could take my time with each piece without rushing

I suggest checking their website for free admission days; I went on a Sunday and it saved me a good amount. Just be ready for more crowds on those days.

I think you should check out the feeding times for the bugs. I missed them during my visit and it sounds like it would have added a whole other layer of fun to the experience

I recommend bringing a camera and a water bottle... The butterfly garden is absolutely stunning, and you’ll want to capture every moment... Just be mindful of not disturbing the butterflies...

I suggest going on a weekday especially if you can swing it around 2 PM. The crowds are way lighter then and you can really take your time exploring without bumping into too many people.

I recommend booking your tickets online to save some time. The lines can get pretty long, especially on weekends. I did this and it really sped things up for me!

I think it’s worth sticking around for the tour guide's stories; they really bring the place to life. But try going during the weekdays if you can; it's less crowded and more enjoyable.

My advice is to check the schedule for the float-building workshops. They only run at specific times, and I missed one because I didn’t plan ahead.

I recommend taking the self-guided tour. The pamphlet provided a lot of interesting info and allowed me to go at my own pace.

The museum's gift shop has some unique items, so my advice is to check it out before leaving. I found some great souvenirs without breaking the bank.

If you can, visit on a weekday instead of the weekend. It was way less crowded and I could take my time exploring without feeling rushed.

Don’t miss the little courtyard at the back; it’s a nice spot to relax for a moment and take a few photos... I almost skipped it, but it turned out to be a highlight!

I suggest checking out the park in the morning, like around 8 or 9 AM. You can avoid the crowds and catch some great natural light for photos – trust me, it’s way better than dealing with the midday heat.

I think you should explore the side streets around the square too. Some hidden gems and local shops are just a short walk away, and they give you a better feel for the culture than the main drag. Don't miss them!

I suggest visiting on a Wednesday if you can; they had some great midweek specials when I was there! It saved me a few bucks, and it was less crowded, too

my advice is to grab a snack nearby before you go in. there’s a cute café just down the street, and trust me, the museum cafe is a bit pricy for what you get!