New Orleans, Louisiana
Where Jazz Was Born and Every Street Has a Story
New Orleans pulses with an intoxicating blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. From the wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter to the live oak canopies of the Garden District, this is a city that celebrates life with unmatched passion through music, food, and festivals.
Where to eat in New Orleans
- Commander's Palace
Elegant fine dining with Southern charm Order: Turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé. Local tip: Wear a jacket - they enforce a dress code and it's worth dressing up for this institution - Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Historic family-owned cornerstone of Treme culture Order: Gumbo z'herbes and fried chicken. Local tip: Come for Thursday lunch buffet to sample the most dishes from this civil rights era landmark - Acme Oyster House
Boisterous oyster bar with communal tables Order: Chargrilled oysters and red beans and rice. Local tip: Skip the French Quarter location if there's a line - the Uptown spot is less touristy - Jacques-Imo's Cafe
Funky neighborhood joint with an anything-goes attitude Order: Alligator cheesecake and barbecue shrimp. Local tip: Expect a wait and embrace the chaos - drinks flow freely while you wait outside - Cochon
Rustic modern with focus on local ingredients Order: Wood-fired cochon with cracklins and boudin. Local tip: Make reservations well ahead - this Donald Link restaurant fills up fast - The Ruby Slipper Cafe
Colorful local chain with creative morning dishes Order: Pain perdu and bananas foster French toast. Local tip: The Marigny location has the most character and shortest waits compared to touristy spots
Neighborhoods
- French Quarter — Tourist heart with authentic gems hidden among bead shops and overpriced bars Best for First-time visitors and architecture lovers. Don't miss: Royal Street's antique shops and art galleries away from Bourbon Street chaos
- Marigny — Bohemian and artsy with colorful Creole cottages and the best live music scene Best for Music lovers and nightlife seekers wanting authentic experiences. Don't miss: Frenchmen Street's live music venues and Washington Square Park
- Garden District — Antebellum mansions and Victorian homes under ancient oak trees Best for Architecture enthusiasts and peaceful afternoon strolls. Don't miss: Magazine Street shopping and Commander's Palace restaurant
- Treme — Historic African American neighborhood and birthplace of jazz Best for Cultural history and understanding New Orleans' musical roots. Don't miss: Congo Square and Backstreet Cultural Museum
Things to do
- French Quarter Walking Tour — Explore the oldest neighborhood with its wrought-iron balconies, Creole cottages, and hidden courtyards while learning about pirates, voodoo, and colonial history Tip: Start early morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Second Line Parade — Follow brass band parades through the neighborhoods where locals dance in the 'second line' behind the organized parade, experiencing pure New Orleans joy Tip: Check social media for parade schedules and bring cash to tip musicians
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — Tour the 'Cities of the Dead' with above-ground tombs including Marie Laveau's alleged final resting place Tip: Guided tours are required now - book through official tour companies only
- Garden District Mansion Tour — Stroll past antebellum mansions and Victorian homes under massive live oak trees in America's most beautiful neighborhood Tip: Take the St. Charles streetcar to get there - it's part of the experience
- Frenchmen Street — Experience authentic jazz clubs and street musicians on the local alternative to touristy Bourbon Street Tip: Club hop between venues - most have no cover and incredible live music
- Audubon Park — Run, walk, or picnic under 300-year-old live oaks in this riverside park with lagoons and the Audubon Zoo Tip: The 1.8-mile loop is perfect for morning jogs with locals
Drinks and nightlife
- Preservation Hall — Intimate traditional jazz in candlelit room
- Napoleon House — Crumbling elegance with classical music and strong drinks
- The Sazerac Bar — Art deco glamour with master bartenders
- Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop — Dark candlelit rooms in 18th-century Creole cottage
- The Spotted Cat Music Club — Intimate jazz club with brass bands and swing dancing
Hidden gems
- Backstreet Cultural Museum — Tells the untold story of African American culture in New Orleans including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, and second lines
- Crescent Park — Elevated linear park along the Mississippi River with stunning skyline views and minimal crowds
- St. Augustine Church — America's oldest African American Catholic parish with incredible gospel music and community spirit
- Bacchanal Wine — Hidden courtyard wine bar where you buy bottles inside then enjoy live music in the magical backyard
Annual events in New Orleans
- Mardi Gras
The greatest free show on earth. Two weeks of parades, masking, and music culminating in Fat Tuesday. - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Seven days of world-class music across 12 stages, plus the best Louisiana food fair anywhere. - French Quarter Festival
Four days of free live music on 20+ stages throughout the French Quarter, celebrating local talent. - Essence Festival
The nation's largest celebration of Black culture and music — 500,000+ attendees over four days. - Tales of the Cocktail
The world's premier cocktail festival, honoring New Orleans' birthright as cocktail capital of the world. - Voodoo Fest
Three days of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music set against the oak-draped backdrop of City Park. - Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
A full street festival dedicated to NOLA's beloved sandwich, with inventive po-boy variations from 60+ vendors. - Creole Tomato Festival
A celebration of Louisiana's prized Creole tomato — cooking demos, tastings, and heirloom varieties.