Things To Do

If you have a little extra time, here are some of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and explore in New Orleans.

New Orleans Guide

  1. Jackson Square & Café du MondeFrench QuarterThe heart of the French Quarter. Grab beignets and chicory coffee, then wander among the artists, musicians, and historic streets.
  2. WWII MuseumCentral Business DistrictOne of the country's best museums. Powerful, beautifully designed, and well worth a visit.
  3. Ogden Museum of Southern ArtWarehouse DistrictA wonderful collection celebrating the art and culture of the American South. An easy stop if you're exploring the Warehouse District.
  4. Walk The Garden DistrictGarden DistrictStroll beneath the live oaks and wander past some of the city's most beautiful historic homes. One of the best ways to experience New Orleans at its own pace.
  5. Audubon ParkUptownA great morning stroll spot if the weather is nice. Beautiful live oaks, Spanish moss, and one of the city's prettiest parks.
  1. Galatoire'sFrench QuarterA New Orleans institution. Friday lunch is legendary, but lunch or dinner is always a good idea too. Jackets required after 5 p.m.
  2. Clancy'sUptownOne of our favorite places in the city. Warm, unpretentious, and consistently great. Make reservations or walk in at the bar.
  3. Brennan'sFrench QuarterA New Orleans classic known for elegant breakfasts, Bananas Foster, and its iconic pink façade.
  4. Commander's PalaceGarden DistrictRefined Creole fare in one of the city's most iconic dining rooms. Don't miss the jazz brunch if you have time.
  5. Domilise's Po-BoysUptownA legendary, no-frills hole-in-the-wall po-boy shop. Cash only.
  6. Parkway Bakery & TavernMid-CityA bustling neighborhood institution famous for its roast beef debris po'boy and one of the city's best lunch stops.
  1. PatoisUptownA charming neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal French and Southern food. The sidewalk tables are especially lovely on a nice evening.
  2. La Petite GroceryUptownA cozy, French-inspired Uptown bistro. Elevated Creole cooking without feeling overly fancy.
  3. Cochon ButcherWarehouse DistrictA beloved sandwich counter that's easy, delicious, and perfect for lunch. Get the turkey sandwich.
  4. Molly's Rise and ShineUptownCreative breakfast and brunch in a bright neighborhood setting. Don't be discouraged by the line. It moves quickly.
  5. Camellia GrillUptownAn old-school diner with counter seating and classic comfort food. Think New Orleans' version of Waffle House.
  1. Pat O'Brien'sFrench QuarterTouristy? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. Home of the hurricane. Dueling piano bar is beyond fun.
  2. Carousel BarFrench QuarterIconic rotating bar inside Hotel Monteleone. Worth a stop for a cocktail and a little people-watching.
  3. The Columns HotelGarden DistrictGrab a drink on the porch and watch the St. Charles streetcars roll by. One of our favorite places to spend an afternoon or evening.
  4. French 75 BarFrench QuarterAn old-school New Orleans favorite for classic cocktails, tucked inside Arnaud's. Think polished French brasserie meets New Orleans charm.
  5. Snake and Jake's Christmas Club LoungeUptownDelightfully weird Uptown dive bar. Cheap drinks, Christmas lights, and a crowd that's always interesting.
  1. Preservation HallFrench QuarterThe quintessential New Orleans music experience. Tiny room, no frills, unforgettable jazz. Buy tickets beforehand.
  2. Tipitina'sUptownA legendary New Orleans music venue. Check the calendar before your trip. If there's a good show, go.
  3. Maple Leaf BarUptownThe kind of place locals actually go. Cheap drinks, great music, no pretense.
  4. Snug Harbor Jazz BistroFrenchmen StreetCome here when you want to sit down and really listen. Some of the city's best jazz musicians play here.
  5. The Spotted CatFrenchmen StreetOne of our favorite spots on Frenchmen. Small, lively, and always a good time. We rang in New Year's here and would do it again.
  1. Magazine StreetLower Garden District & UptownSix miles of the city's best boutiques, cafés, antique stores, and galleries. Don't miss Friend, Pilot & Powell, and Scriptura.
  2. Tara ShawUptownIf you love beautiful homes and European antiques, don't skip this one. Even if you're just browsing, it's worth stepping inside.
  3. Moss AntiquesFrench QuarterCome here if you love to hunt. Every room is packed with antiques, artwork, and one-of-a-kind finds.
  4. Sunday ShopWarehouse DistrictSmall, bright, and thoughtfully edited. Our favorite stop for gifts, books, and things you'll actually pack in your suitcase.
  5. LucullusFrench QuarterA tiny French Quarter shop filled with antique cookware, linens, and the kind of things you wish you'd inherited.
Enjoy the city. We can't wait to share it with you.