Discovering New Orleans
New Orleans, the vibrant city known for its rich history, jazz music, and delectable cuisine, is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're savoring beignets at a historic café or strolling through the picturesque Garden District, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. Here’s a guide to the best cafés, restaurants, scenic areas, tours, and experiences that showcase the essence of New Orleans. Happy travels!
Cafes, Restaurants and Bars
Café du Monde
Start your day at the iconic Café du Monde, where the aroma of fresh beignets and café au lait fills the air. This spot is perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning snack, inviting you to indulge in sweet, powdered sugar-dusted treats.
Café Amelie
For a relaxing lunch, visit Café Amelie, a charming courtyard café that serves fresh Louisiana cuisine. The ambiance is as delightful as the food, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal.
Commander’s Palace
Step into history at Commander’s Palace, a standout restaurant in the Garden District famous for its refined Creole dishes. This culinary gem is perfect for an elevated dining experience.
Willa Jean
At Willa Jean, you can enjoy modern Southern cuisine with house-made pastries and creative breakfast options. The trendy atmosphere is perfect for a stylish yet laid-back meal.
Napoleon House
Known for its historic ambiance, Napoleon House offers classic New Orleans fare, including the famous muffulettas. This quintessential lunch spot is steeped in charm and tradition.
Café Beignet
Take a break at Café Beignet, a lovely café with locations near Royal Street, where you can enjoy beignets and coffee amidst a cozy atmosphere.
Herbsaint
Experience a refined yet casual dining experience at Herbsaint, where modern Southern cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere in the Warehouse District.
Galatoire's
Galatoire's is a New Orleans classic, known for its timeless charm and delicious Creole cuisine. Located on Bourbon Street, this historic restaurant has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1905. With its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, Galatoire's offers a unique dining experience that truly captures the essence of New Orleans hospitality.
Meril
La Petite Grocery
Looking for a romantic dinner? La Petite Grocery serves elevated New Orleans classics in an upscale setting, perfect for a special night out.
Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is an iconic jazz bar in New Orleans steeped in history. Founded in 1961, it’s known for its intimate live jazz shows in the heart of the French Quarter. You can catch live music there every night of the week, all year round.
Sazerac House
Sazerac House—located at the site where the first cocktail was served—to learn the history of the Sazerac cocktail through immersive exhibits and chats with virtual bartenders in an impressive setting.
Things to Do
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a lively hub featuring local art displays, beautiful views, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.
Horse and Carriage Tour
Hop on a beautifully adorned carriage and let a knowledgeable guide take you through the charming streets, sharing stories about the architecture and local legends along the way.
Woldenberg Park
For a peaceful riverfront experience, head to Woldenberg Park, where you can enjoy great views of the Mississippi River—ideal for a morning walk.
French Quarter
The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans, brimming with character and history. Known for its vibrant architecture, the area features colorful buildings with intricate wrought iron balconies and lush courtyards. You can wander through lively streets filled with shops, art galleries, and street performers, all while soaking up the sounds of jazz drifting from nearby bars.
Royal Street
Stroll down Royal Street, lined with antique shops, art galleries, and upscale boutiques—perfect for leisurely shopping and people-watching.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, live jazz music, and historic charm. With neon-lit bars, Creole restaurants, and a festive atmosphere, it features street performers and colonial architecture with the unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences.
Magazine Street
Shop along Magazine Street, a lively thoroughfare offering a mix of antiques, home goods, and local fashion boutiques.
Garden District Walk
Admire the grand mansions and historic charm of the Garden District on a self-guided or guided walk. Don’t miss Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located nearby.
The Shops at Canal Place
For a more upscale shopping experience, visit The Shops at Canal Place, home to brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and local boutiques.
Vue Orleans
Vue Orleans features spectacular 360° indoor and outdoor observation decks overlooking the Mississippi, plus an interactive experience that celebrates the culture, history and music of the city.
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is near the Convention Center and offers tours that give you a firsthand look at the heart of Mardi Gras parade experience, regardless of the time of year.
Organized Tours
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
Experience a scenic riverboat cruise with live jazz music aboard the Steamboat Natchez. Enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.
Garden District Walking Tour
Learn about the Garden District on a guided walking tour that explores its beautiful architecture and history, with stops at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
French Quarter Ghost & Legends Tour
Discover the spooky side of New Orleans with an evening ghost tour through the French Quarter, hearing tales of hauntings and local legends.
FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours
Explore New Orleans by e-bike with FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours, covering the French Quarter, Garden District, and lesser-known neighborhoods. Don’t miss the Creole & Crescent E-Bike Tour!
City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
Explore the city at your own pace with the City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour, which stops at key attractions like the French Market, Jackson Square, and Magazine Street.
Hands-On Experiences
New Orleans School of Cooking
Get hands-on at the New Orleans School of Cooking, where you can learn to make classic Creole and Cajun dishes before enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Local History Museums
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Explore Southern art at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which showcases a comprehensive collection focused on the region’s history and culture.
The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC)
Discover the city’s history at THNOC, where exhibitions explore New Orleans' colonial past, Creole culture, and neighborhood development.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
Celebrate New Orleans' African American culture at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which focuses on traditions like jazz funerals and Mardi Gras Indians.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Visit the quirky New Orleans Pharmacy Museum to learn about the city's medical history, housed in a 19th-century apothecary.
Hurricane Katrina Tour by Gray Line
Gain insight into the impact of Hurricane Katrina with a comprehensive bus tour that includes visits to the Lower Ninth Ward and stories of resilience.
Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum
Experience the community-driven Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum, which preserves personal stories and the history of the neighborhood's recovery post-Katrina.
Rebirth Bike Tours – Post-Katrina Recovery Tour
Join a guided bike tour with Rebirth Bike Tours that focuses on neighborhoods affected by Katrina, showcasing the progress of recovery and community efforts.
Self-Guided Tour Options for Hurricane Katrina Impact
Levee Exhibit Hall and Rain Garden
Located at the New Canal Lighthouse, the Levee Exhibit Hall explains the role of levees in New Orleans and the engineering improvements made since Katrina.
St. Bernard Parish and Chalmette
Drive through St. Bernard Parish and visit Chalmette Battlefield for a broader picture of suburban recovery and reflection on the city's history.
Sports
NFL – New Orleans Saints at the Superdome
NBA – New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center
College Football – LSU Tigers & Tulane Green Wave
The home for unique & authentic travel
