9 of the Best Views in New Orleans and Where To Find Them

On the 33rd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, the Vue Orleans Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, complete with multiple viewfinders so that you can get a closer look at the Big Easy’s famously beautiful architecture. And don’t forget your camera: This is definitely one of the top places for photos in New Orleans. Just be sure to prebook your tickets to guarantee your spot.

The Four Seasons isn't the only hotel in New Orleans with gorgeous views. One of the loveliest hidden viewpoints in New Orleans is on the top of the Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the French Quarter. A highlight of this historic property is its heated rooftop pool that’s great for swimming or lounging while taking in city views. The hotel is also known for its literary connection, and its lobby lounge—the Carousel Bar—was once a popular haunt for the likes of Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner.

Occupying a former penthouse on the rooftop of the Pontchartrain Hotel, Hot Tin is an ultra-chic indoor-outdoor space. There’s a main patio with excellent views of the downtown New Orleans skyline and the Mississippi River plus an additional terrace that looks out over Saint Charles Avenue. The overall vibe is evocative of the 1940s, with plenty of vintage art to add pizazz to the space. The menu isn’t bad either, with classics such as Old Fashioneds made with sugarcane syrup alongside a decent selection of beer and wine. A stop here is the perfect complement to a New Orleans cocktail tour.

North of central New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain is a great place for hiking, fishing, boating, and simply taking in the views, especially if you come around sunset, when the colors of the sky reflect on the estuary’s waters. While you're there, it’s worth stopping at the New Canal Lighthouse on the southern shore to learn about the area’s ecology. Though you won't be allowed in the cupola, you can visit the New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center on the first floor.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you won’t have to go far from the heart of New Orleans to take in great views of verdant foliage. Just head down St. Charles Avenue to Audubon Park, a massive green space featuring ample room for picnicking, jogging, cycling, or just taking in the scenery. Highlights include a lagoon with its own "Bird Island" (officially known as Ochsner Island), a popular nesting spot for all sorts of avian species, including egrets and herons.

A National Historic Landmark in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is one of the city’s most famous destinations. While it’s not a New Orleans viewpoint in the traditional sense, it’s certainly among the most scenic places to hang out and soak in the scenery. Many of the city’s local artists tend to see this pretty spot in a similar light, and if you visit in the day or early evening, you’ll likely see plenty of painters showcasing their works—or even actively at work, painting St. Louis Cathedral as it looks out over the square.

When it comes to beautiful architecture, the Garden District certainly gives the French Quarter a run for its money. This gorgeous, upscale neighborhood is where you'll see many of the city's most glorious old homes, many of which have stood in the area for centuries. While architectural styles vary, many of the grandest properties were built in the Greek revival and Italianate styles, often on lots ensconced with intricate wrought-iron fences. The neighborhood is also home to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, among the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in town, which features on many a New Orleans city tour.

For unobstructed views of New Orleans, just head out for a Mississippi River cruise aboard the city's most famous sternwheeler boat: Steamboat Natchez. This historic boat offers all sorts of short cruise options, many of which include meals. While dinner cruises are particularly great if you want to enjoy a meal while taking in the city lights, sunset cruises are the best option for photographers who want to see New Orleans in a variety of different lights.

If you want to see the city from the highest possible perch, an air tour is the way to go. Sightseeing flights will take you up over the city, giving you the chance to see New Orleans and its architectural and geographical highlights in a whole new light. Many fly over surrounding bayous and waterways to add extra perspective to your journey. Best of all, most last less than an hour, giving you enough time to see the highlights before continuing your day of adventure in the Big Easy.