Top 10 Weirdest Things to See in New Orleans

New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and rich history, also houses an array of unique and peculiar attractions that defy the conventional tourist path. From mystical voodoo relics to a bar that celebrates Christmas year-round, here’s a roundup of the top 10 weirdest things to see in New Orleans, guaranteed to provide unforgettable stories.

1. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo

No visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring the mystical world of voodoo. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo offers a deep dive into this misunderstood religion and culture, showcasing voodoo dolls, potions, and offering psychic readings

Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo

2. The Pharmacy Museum

This creepy yet fascinating museum was America’s first licensed apothecary shop, and it's filled with medical instruments, potions, and the unsettling history of healthcare before modern regulations.

The Pharmacy Museum

3. The Singing Oak

Tucked away in City Park, the Singing Oak is a unique tree adorned with wind chimes that harmonize together, creating a serene and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The largest chime measures 14 feet, contributing to its deep, resonant tones.

4. Mardi Gras Costume Museum

Experience Mardi Gras year-round at this museum, which showcases the elaborate costumes and vibrant history of one of the world’s most famous festivals. It's a colorful and bizarre celebration of creativity and excess.

Mardi Gras Costume Museum

5. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Dedicated to preserving and educating visitors about the rich history of Voodoo in New Orleans, the Historic Voodoo Museum is a must-visit. It offers an authentic glimpse into the rituals, potions, and artifacts that define this Afro-Caribbean religion, including items that once belonged to Marie Laveau herself.

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

6. Nicolas Cage's Pyramid Tomb

In the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s most visited burial sites, you'll find an imposing pyramid tomb intended to be the future final resting place of actor Nicolas Cage. Coated in sleek gray marble and inscribed with the Latin phrase "Omnia Ab Uno" (Everything from One), the tomb is a peculiar sight amid the more traditional gravestones and mausoleums.

Read more about it HERE

7. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

One of the oldest bars in America, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is rumored to have been used by the pirate Jean Lafitte as a front for his smuggling operations. It retains an old-world charm, with no electric lighting to maintain its eerie ambiance.

8. The Odditorium

A haven for the bizarre, The Odditorium is an antique shop that doubles as a museum, displaying oddities from shrunken heads to unusual taxidermy. It’s a treasure trove for the curious and brave.

9. Krampus NOLA

While not a year-round attraction, Krampus NOLA brings the European Christmas demon to life with a parade that celebrates the darker side of the holiday season. It’s Christmas with a twist, featuring costumes that range from the whimsical to the nightmarish.

10. The Museum of Death

Dive into the macabre at the Museum of Death, which features a large collection of art and artifacts related to death, including mortician and coroner instruments, old photographs of early mortician practices, and more. It’s a stark reminder of the mortality we often choose to ignore.

The Museum of Death

New Orleans’ blend of cultures, histories, and traditions has fostered these unique attractions, each telling a story of the city’s multifaceted personality. Whether you’re drawn to the bizarre, the historical, or the mystical, New Orleans has something to pique your curiosity and leave you with stories that sound almost too strange to be true.

Where to stay in New Orleans:

HOTEL MONTELEONE

HOTEL LE PAVILLON