Guidebook for New Orleans
Drinks & Nightlife
Ale on Oak
70118 8118 Oak StBeer garden nearby
Barrel Proof
1201 Magazine StFabulous Scotch selection.
Oak
8118 Oak StWine bar, with occasional wine tastings on Thursday evenings.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland AveWine, cheese, other yummies, and love music.
The Delachaise
3442 St Charles AveCharming spot and great alcohol selection.
Cure
4905 Freret StCraft cocktails and a metropolitan vibe.
As grungy as a local bar can get, but charming nonetheless. Walking distance!
99 locals recommend
Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge
7612 Oak StreetAs grungy as a local bar can get, but charming nonetheless. Walking distance!
Fun bar and music venue. Hosts some great shows and occasional burlesque performances. They also have a great 80s night late on Thursdays.
82 locals recommend
One Eyed Jacks
Fun bar and music venue. Hosts some great shows and occasional burlesque performances. They also have a great 80s night late on Thursdays.
Great for Jazz and Blues. Wonderful hub to wander from to explore Frenchman Street.
387 locals recommend
d.b.a.
618 Frenchmen StGreat for Jazz and Blues. Wonderful hub to wander from to explore Frenchman Street.
Glorious jazz venue. If something is going on, check it out. The space is built for jazz acoustics.
27 locals recommend
New Orleans Jazz Market
1436 Oretha Castle Haley BlvdGlorious jazz venue. If something is going on, check it out. The space is built for jazz acoustics.
You cannot visit New Orleans without coming here for jazz, and kids are even welcome! The first show is typically at 8PM.
264 locals recommend
Preservation Hall
726 St PeterYou cannot visit New Orleans without coming here for jazz, and kids are even welcome! The first show is typically at 8PM.
Hole in the wall, but they have Mod Night, for which a local DJ spins '50s and '60s records and it is fabulously fun to dance to.
129 locals recommend
Saturn Bar
3067 St Claude AveHole in the wall, but they have Mod Night, for which a local DJ spins '50s and '60s records and it is fabulously fun to dance to.
Slightly grungy bar/theater that leans a bit toward the LGBT crowd. Fabulous burlesque performances. If interested, look up Bella Blue Entertainment and check whether she has anything going on during your stay.
264 locals recommend
Allways Lounge and Theater
2240 St Claude AveSlightly grungy bar/theater that leans a bit toward the LGBT crowd. Fabulous burlesque performances. If interested, look up Bella Blue Entertainment and check whether she has anything going on during your stay.
An upscale bar that spins along a carousel. Good luck finding a spot at the bar though. For that, check it out during the day.
251 locals recommend
Carousel Bar
214 Royal StAn upscale bar that spins along a carousel. Good luck finding a spot at the bar though. For that, check it out during the day.
Upscale bar where the talented Jeremy Davenport croons Sinatra-esque ballads through the night.
27 locals recommend
The Davenport Lounge
921 Canal StUpscale bar where the talented Jeremy Davenport croons Sinatra-esque ballads through the night.
The most nearby music venue/bar, which has great jazz/blues offerings most days of the week.
384 locals recommend
Maple Leaf Bar
8316 Oak StThe most nearby music venue/bar, which has great jazz/blues offerings most days of the week.
Tipitina's
501 Napoleon AveIconic music venue. Check out their offerings!
House Of Blues
225 Decatur StSome of the best acts often play here.
The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon StGreat spot for jazz and Irvin is a fabulous entertainer.
A sexy and chic little bar adjoining Arnaud's. A great spot to elevate your French Quarter evening beyond the usual Pat O Brian's and hand grenades!
60 locals recommend
French 75
813 Bienville StA sexy and chic little bar adjoining Arnaud's. A great spot to elevate your French Quarter evening beyond the usual Pat O Brian's and hand grenades!
They are open when they want to be, and it is a quirky place, but truly iconic. Kermit himself plays here some Sundays.
75 locals recommend
Kermit's Treme Mother in Law Lounge
1500 North Claiborne AvenueThey are open when they want to be, and it is a quirky place, but truly iconic. Kermit himself plays here some Sundays.
Hot Tin
2031 St Charles AveBest rooftop view of the city from atop the Ponchartrain Hotel.
Food Scene
Fabulous baguettes. Open only Wednesday to Sundays, but the bread is fantastic and it's so close by!
93 locals recommend
Breads On Oak
8640 Oak StFabulous baguettes. Open only Wednesday to Sundays, but the bread is fantastic and it's so close by!
Ninja Karaoke
8433 Oak StMediocre but delivers!
Mellow Mushroom New Orleans - Oak Street
8227 Oak StPizza, delivers!
Nearby fancier sushi, with a great happy hour both from 4-6 and late at night.
31 locals recommend
Chiba
8312 Oak StNearby fancier sushi, with a great happy hour both from 4-6 and late at night.
Jacques-Imo's
8324 Oak StEssential New Orleans food, a walk away!
Iconic New Orleans diner nearby. Brunch line is out of the door.
189 locals recommend
The Camellia Grill
626 S Carrollton AveIconic New Orleans diner nearby. Brunch line is out of the door.
Jaque-Imo's sister hole-in-the-wall with divine po'boys and fried green tomatoes.
37 locals recommend
Crabby Jack's
428 Jefferson HwyJaque-Imo's sister hole-in-the-wall with divine po'boys and fried green tomatoes.
Zotz Cafe
8210 Oak StNearby grungy coffee shop.
Rue De La Course
1140 S Carrollton AveStandard coffee shop in a cool building.
Hivolt
1829 Sophie Wright PlBest for coffee snobs.
Creole. Great brunch and it's sister spot next door has fabulous wings.
119 locals recommend
Boucherie
8115 Jeannette StCreole. Great brunch and it's sister spot next door has fabulous wings.
Coquette
2800 Magazine StFabulous French Restaurant. Get a reservation. Very worthwhile.
Another French gem. The next door bar Bouligny also has great wine and small plates, and a great vibe.
137 locals recommend
Lilette
3637 Magazine StAnother French gem. The next door bar Bouligny also has great wine and small plates, and a great vibe.
Angelo Brocato
214 N Carrollton AveOh, Italian deserts to die for. Very worthwhile.
Great vegetarian offerings, though so yummy that non vegetarians love it.
237 locals recommend
1000 Figs
3141 Ponce De Leon StGreat vegetarian offerings, though so yummy that non vegetarians love it.
Cute French restaurant right by the Museum of Art. Great escargot and French onion soup. Get a reservation!
314 locals recommend
Cafe Degas
3127 Esplanade AveCute French restaurant right by the Museum of Art. Great escargot and French onion soup. Get a reservation!
Yummy French restaurant. I adore the blue crab beignets and they have great wine. Get a reservation.
184 locals recommend
La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine StYummy French restaurant. I adore the blue crab beignets and they have great wine. Get a reservation.
Shaya
4213 Magazine StA hot spot which has won numerous awards lately. A reservation is a must.
A New Orleans institution: suit jacket and slacks required for men. This is where New Orleanians go to feel fancy after church, but the food is fabulous and service is impeccable. Also the Lafayette Cemetery across the street is awesome to explore. And Octavia Bookshop nearby is my favorite in the city.
574 locals recommend
Commander's Palace
1403 Washington AveA New Orleans institution: suit jacket and slacks required for men. This is where New Orleanians go to feel fancy after church, but the food is fabulous and service is impeccable. Also the Lafayette Cemetery across the street is awesome to explore. And Octavia Bookshop nearby is my favorite in the city.
This is another lunch/brunch hot spot which though casual, requires reservations well in advance. Their bakery is award winning and according to my croissant connoisseur son, their croissants are the only ones in New Orleans comparable to Paris.
94 locals recommend
Willa Jean
611 O'Keefe AveThis is another lunch/brunch hot spot which though casual, requires reservations well in advance. Their bakery is award winning and according to my croissant connoisseur son, their croissants are the only ones in New Orleans comparable to Paris.
A fantastic New Orleans brunch. Reservation required, but casual. Great menu and divine Bloody Mary Bar.
222 locals recommend
Atchafalaya
901 Louisiana AveA fantastic New Orleans brunch. Reservation required, but casual. Great menu and divine Bloody Mary Bar.
Hands down my favorite tacos and salsa in the city, and pretty budget friendly during Happy Hour!
22 locals recommend
Del Fuego NOLA
4518 Magazine StHands down my favorite tacos and salsa in the city, and pretty budget friendly during Happy Hour!
Amazing Colombian restaurant. The arepas as fabulous and the margaritas are basically bowls.
69 locals recommend
Maïs Arepas
1200 Carondelet StAmazing Colombian restaurant. The arepas as fabulous and the margaritas are basically bowls.
The best fancy restaurant in New Orleans - reservation imperative. It's expensive but very worthwhile. True love.
79 locals recommend
August
301 Tchoupitoulas StThe best fancy restaurant in New Orleans - reservation imperative. It's expensive but very worthwhile. True love.
The Joint
701 Mazant StBBQ love
Everything at the Ace Hotel is chic. The restaurant, the rooftop bar, the hotel bar, the music venue. It has a fabulous vibe and is well worth the visit.
17 locals recommend
Josephine Estelle
600 Carondelet StEverything at the Ace Hotel is chic. The restaurant, the rooftop bar, the hotel bar, the music venue. It has a fabulous vibe and is well worth the visit.
Sort of hole-in-the wall, but incredibly authentic Treme. Best fried chicken in the city!
201 locals recommend
Li'l Dizzy's Cafe
1500 Esplanade AveSort of hole-in-the wall, but incredibly authentic Treme. Best fried chicken in the city!
Sucré
3025 Magazine StMacaroons
Bar and seafood restaurant with great cold seafood plate offerings. Awesome vibe.
30 locals recommend
Seaworthy
630 Carondelet StBar and seafood restaurant with great cold seafood plate offerings. Awesome vibe.
Indoor market of rotating offerings, but very well done and always offering something interesting.
466 locals recommend
St. Roch Market
2381 St Claude AveIndoor market of rotating offerings, but very well done and always offering something interesting.
Divine Italian-ish. Very worthwhile, very much requires a reservation. A must especially around Christmas because the Roosevelt lobby is stunning.
112 locals recommend
Domenica
123 Baronne StDivine Italian-ish. Very worthwhile, very much requires a reservation. A must especially around Christmas because the Roosevelt lobby is stunning.
Best pizza in the city. They do have a good Happy Hour but it's early - 3-5.
97 locals recommend
PIZZA domenica
4933 Magazine StBest pizza in the city. They do have a good Happy Hour but it's early - 3-5.
Gourmet hot dogs. A must, especially with kids. They have 3 locations: Magazine, Freret, and Frenchman.
359 locals recommend
Dat Dog
5030 Freret StGourmet hot dogs. A must, especially with kids. They have 3 locations: Magazine, Freret, and Frenchman.
Wine market with great lunch offerings and smaller deli/charcuterie yummies to bring home.
66 locals recommend
Martin Wine Cellar New Orleans
3827 Baronne StWine market with great lunch offerings and smaller deli/charcuterie yummies to bring home.
Fabulous cheese spot, with a nice lunch selection.
88 locals recommend
St. James Cheese Company - Uptown
5004 Prytania StFabulous cheese spot, with a nice lunch selection.
Cowbell
8801 Oak StGreat burgers and the nearest restaurant to us!
The Company Burger
4600 Freret StFab burgers and fries of many varieties.
Ancora Pizzeria
4508 Freret StLovely fancy pizza spot, and the site of my first negroni!
MOPHO
514 City Park AveDelicious Vietnamese fusion with unusual pairings.
Toups Meatery
845 N Carrollton AveDivine meats and charcuterie, amazing for real carnivores!
Crescent City Steak House
1001 N Broad StA local institution in an unlikely area. Worthwhile!
Herbsaint
701 St Charles AveWonderful upscale American/Creole. Reservation required.
A New Orleans fixture that does not accept reservations and requires coat jackets for gentlemen. Try to go at an off time, not Friday lunch, since New Orleanians literally hire line-holders to stand in line for them from 3AM to get in. Crazy, yes.
167 locals recommend
Galatoires
209 Bourbon StA New Orleans fixture that does not accept reservations and requires coat jackets for gentlemen. Try to go at an off time, not Friday lunch, since New Orleanians literally hire line-holders to stand in line for them from 3AM to get in. Crazy, yes.
Palace Café
605 Canal StGreat turtle soup!
Lovely New Orleans fixture with oddly enough, a basement. Upscale for dinner, reservation required.
83 locals recommend
Mr. B's Bistro
201 Royal StreetLovely New Orleans fixture with oddly enough, a basement. Upscale for dinner, reservation required.
Don't go when raining, as most seating is outside, but it's in an enchanting little alley in the French Quarter and they have many vegetarian treats that delight the carnivores also!
50 locals recommend
Green Goddess
307 Exchange PlDon't go when raining, as most seating is outside, but it's in an enchanting little alley in the French Quarter and they have many vegetarian treats that delight the carnivores also!
Charming spot for lunch, very worth dropping into on your French Quarter stroll, as many iconic New Orleans dishes were born here.
112 locals recommend
Napoleon House
500 Chartres StCharming spot for lunch, very worth dropping into on your French Quarter stroll, as many iconic New Orleans dishes were born here.
Yes, the line is long, but just do it to have done it. I prefer to take the beignets to go and sit either in Jackson Square or on the Riverfront to enjoy them.
703 locals recommend
Cafe Du Monde French Market
800 Decatur StYes, the line is long, but just do it to have done it. I prefer to take the beignets to go and sit either in Jackson Square or on the Riverfront to enjoy them.
If you're going to Acme Oyster House and the line is huge, come here instead!
26 locals recommend
Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar & Fish House, Bienville
512 Bienville StIf you're going to Acme Oyster House and the line is huge, come here instead!
Antoine's Restaurant
713 Saint Louis StreetAnother must for real New Orleans favorites. Go for lunch!
A French Quarter favorite, especially for brunch. Make reservations and dress in your Sunday best!
136 locals recommend
Brennan's
417 Royal StA French Quarter favorite, especially for brunch. Make reservations and dress in your Sunday best!
In case you've yet to realize, I adore steak, and this is Argentinian steak galore with wine pairings!
36 locals recommend
La Boca Steakhouse
870 Tchoupitoulas StIn case you've yet to realize, I adore steak, and this is Argentinian steak galore with wine pairings!
A bit far from the apartment, but so worthwhile for a truly decadent (taste, not price) brunch experience. They do not take reservations and it is very popular, so visit at an off time or on a weekday, not Saturday at 11AM, unless you'd like to stand in line.
442 locals recommend
Elizabeth's
601 Gallier StA bit far from the apartment, but so worthwhile for a truly decadent (taste, not price) brunch experience. They do not take reservations and it is very popular, so visit at an off time or on a weekday, not Saturday at 11AM, unless you'd like to stand in line.
Great Vietnamese with interesting fusion offerings like kimchi fries, and about a 15 - 20 minute walk from us!
24 locals recommend
Ba Chi Canteen
3547 Maple StGreat Vietnamese with interesting fusion offerings like kimchi fries, and about a 15 - 20 minute walk from us!
This place is amazing for po-boys, and was allegedly Angelina Jolie's favorite during her and Pitt's time in the Quarter. Very hole-in-the-wall. Take your goodies over to Jackson Square.
173 locals recommend
Verti Marte
1201 Royal StThis place is amazing for po-boys, and was allegedly Angelina Jolie's favorite during her and Pitt's time in the Quarter. Very hole-in-the-wall. Take your goodies over to Jackson Square.
This is a lovely brunch spot that's open into early afternoon. It's an easy walk a little bit beyond the streetcar stop - it's about a 15 - 20 minute walk from us, but is in a great little hub of dining, shopping, and local cafes - Maple Street.
83 locals recommend
Satsuma Café
1320 Magazine StThis is a lovely brunch spot that's open into early afternoon. It's an easy walk a little bit beyond the streetcar stop - it's about a 15 - 20 minute walk from us, but is in a great little hub of dining, shopping, and local cafes - Maple Street.
Owned by a friend, they offer amazing little French candy, but also much more. The olive oil is divine, and for many of the goodies, Kyly, the owner, is the sole importer in the US.
Petit Paris Market & Confiserie
3719 Magazine StOwned by a friend, they offer amazing little French candy, but also much more. The olive oil is divine, and for many of the goodies, Kyly, the owner, is the sole importer in the US.
Shogun
2325 Veterans Memorial BlvdLost authentic sushi NOLA offers. I love the uni!
Super hip French restaurant with a fantastic ambiance. They specialize in imported canned sea creatures (mmm... baby eels) but have plenty more with also a bit of Japanese infusion. They don't list their number and so don't take reservations, and look like a back yard, which is part of the charm.
143 locals recommend
N7
1117 Montegut StSuper hip French restaurant with a fantastic ambiance. They specialize in imported canned sea creatures (mmm... baby eels) but have plenty more with also a bit of Japanese infusion. They don't list their number and so don't take reservations, and look like a back yard, which is part of the charm.
kin
4600 Washington AveTiny ramen restaurant in the middle of nowhere, but so yummy!
Favorite place to bring anyone new to NOLA - incredible seafood-based Cajun food served home-style. Buy tickets online. Also there's a fantastic bakery pop-up at the same space on Saturday mornings at 10am. Don't miss!
19 locals recommend
Mosquito Supper Club
3824 Dryades StFavorite place to bring anyone new to NOLA - incredible seafood-based Cajun food served home-style. Buy tickets online. Also there's a fantastic bakery pop-up at the same space on Saturday mornings at 10am. Don't miss!
Paladar 511
511 Marigny StGreat restaurant in an interesting area.
Very popular Cajun restaurant, heavily based on cochon... pork!
448 locals recommend
Cochon RESTAURANT
930 Tchoupitoulas StVery popular Cajun restaurant, heavily based on cochon... pork!
The Italian Barrel
1240 Decatur StYummy upscale Italian
Great for breakfast, lunch, brunch, this is a fun cafe not too far away from us with a very varied menu.
85 locals recommend
BEARCAT CAFE UPTOWN
2521 Jena StGreat for breakfast, lunch, brunch, this is a fun cafe not too far away from us with a very varied menu.
Fabulous for lunch, and they'll have you know they're Obama's favorite! They also have one of the US's best collections of African American art and are a Civil Rights Era fixture.
250 locals recommend
Dooky Chase Restaurant
2301 Orleans AveFabulous for lunch, and they'll have you know they're Obama's favorite! They also have one of the US's best collections of African American art and are a Civil Rights Era fixture.
At the edge of the French Quarter, across from Armstrong Park, yummy and generally easy to get a reservation.
50 locals recommend
Meauxbar
942 N Rampart StAt the edge of the French Quarter, across from Armstrong Park, yummy and generally easy to get a reservation.
Right by the St. Louis Cathedral, this restaurant is wonderful and the ambiance is great. Wonderful spot around which to base a French Quarter Evening.
150 locals recommend
Sylvain
625 Chartres StRight by the St. Louis Cathedral, this restaurant is wonderful and the ambiance is great. Wonderful spot around which to base a French Quarter Evening.
I really love their local coffee and they have several locations. Much better quality than Community Coffee or PJ's, which are the other local options.
183 locals recommend
French Truck Coffee
1200 Magazine StI really love their local coffee and they have several locations. Much better quality than Community Coffee or PJ's, which are the other local options.
Open 24 hours and in a great location in City Park. Try your beignets here unless you just MUST go to Cafe du Monde.
221 locals recommend
Morning Call
56 Dreyfous DrOpen 24 hours and in a great location in City Park. Try your beignets here unless you just MUST go to Cafe du Monde.
Stein's Market and Deli
2207 Magazine StGreat for sandwiches and Jewish-American fare.
District Donuts Sliders Brew
2209 Magazine StWild flavors of donuts!
Restaurant and pool, very LGBT friendly. They have a great drag brunch on Saturdays! Require you to be 21+ even for just the restaurant.
451 locals recommend
The Country Club
634 Louisa StreetRestaurant and pool, very LGBT friendly. They have a great drag brunch on Saturdays! Require you to be 21+ even for just the restaurant.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
300 N Broad StWhole Foods is Whole Foods
Castellon Pharmacy
8232 Oak StNearest Pharmacy
Robért Fresh Market
135 Robert E Lee BlvdNot great, but a nearby grocery.
This is our newest, nearest grocery - 10 - 12 minutes walking. It's mostly local and organic, very near by.
15 locals recommend
Made Grocery
8201 Oak StThis is our newest, nearest grocery - 10 - 12 minutes walking. It's mostly local and organic, very near by.
Arts & Culture
An absolute must. One of our favorite museums in the world, to the point that we have a family membership. May require two days to fully experience, but incredibly well done.
804 locals recommend
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine StAn absolute must. One of our favorite museums in the world, to the point that we have a family membership. May require two days to fully experience, but incredibly well done.
A fabulous art museum with a frequently rotating collection. They also have Ogden After Hours on Thursday evenings, which is the best way to experience the museum - with cocktail in hand and great live music playing.
315 locals recommend
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Camp StA fabulous art museum with a frequently rotating collection. They also have Ogden After Hours on Thursday evenings, which is the best way to experience the museum - with cocktail in hand and great live music playing.
Very worthwhile with a large collection. The Sculpture Garden is especially cool.
782 locals recommend
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll CirVery worthwhile with a large collection. The Sculpture Garden is especially cool.
A plantation like none other, this one is devoted not to the owners but to the African Americans on the backs of whom it ran. Absolutely essential to Louisiana and African American history and very lovingly created.
70 locals recommend
Whitney Plantation
5099 LA-18A plantation like none other, this one is devoted not to the owners but to the African Americans on the backs of whom it ran. Absolutely essential to Louisiana and African American history and very lovingly created.
They often have performances and the space itself is very interesting.
34 locals recommend
Marigny Opera House
725 St Ferdinand StThey often have performances and the space itself is very interesting.
A local creative arts school, they often have openings and performances that are pretty worthwhile.
13 locals recommend
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (Nocca)
2800 Chartres StA local creative arts school, they often have openings and performances that are pretty worthwhile.
Orpheum Theater
129 Roosevelt WayLovely recently restored theater, with something often going on.
Near and dear to my heart, as my family long ago owned and renovated the Saengar. Performances and Broadway shows are often showing, so check out their offerings.
112 locals recommend
Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal StNear and dear to my heart, as my family long ago owned and renovated the Saengar. Performances and Broadway shows are often showing, so check out their offerings.
A must visit for historical reasons. There's often something going on but even when there isn't, it's a great spot to walk around and soak in local history.
49 locals recommend
Congo Square
701 N Rampart StA must visit for historical reasons. There's often something going on but even when there isn't, it's a great spot to walk around and soak in local history.
Fascinating and impossible to describe - this is an open air collection of musical architecture - musical instruments made of unusual materials. They frequently have concerts but visiting midday during operating hours is fabulous also - you can play with the instruments yourself!
New Orleans Airlift
4559 N Rampart StFascinating and impossible to describe - this is an open air collection of musical architecture - musical instruments made of unusual materials. They frequently have concerts but visiting midday during operating hours is fabulous also - you can play with the instruments yourself!
An irreverent, funny, and fascinating gallery of a local artist that recently has made quite a splash! Lucky you if you can bring a piece home!
9 locals recommend
Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery
4537 Magazine StAn irreverent, funny, and fascinating gallery of a local artist that recently has made quite a splash! Lucky you if you can bring a piece home!
Absolutely top notch photography gallery. If you're into photography it's essential!
A Gallery For Fine Photography
241 Chartres StAbsolutely top notch photography gallery. If you're into photography it's essential!
Parks & Nature
A must for jogging or just wandering around beneath the oaks. And so near by!
893 locals recommend
Audubon Park
6500 Magazine StA must for jogging or just wandering around beneath the oaks. And so near by!
Audubon Park
6500 Magazine StOur zoo is actually quite worthwhile. Check it out!
The levee is 22 miles long and offers a matchless view of the river. And it's a 5 minute walk from us! Borrow our bike and ride along during sunset toward and through Audubon Park! The map is incorrect for this, you can enter the levee on Leake St/River Road just a couple of blocks away from the house.
Levee
LeveeThe levee is 22 miles long and offers a matchless view of the river. And it's a 5 minute walk from us! Borrow our bike and ride along during sunset toward and through Audubon Park! The map is incorrect for this, you can enter the levee on Leake St/River Road just a couple of blocks away from the house.
A recent discovery, this offers such a stunning view of the river and the city itself! Bring a picnic or just wander about and take in the huge barges floating by.
423 locals recommend
Crescent Park
2300 N Peters StA recent discovery, this offers such a stunning view of the river and the city itself! Bring a picnic or just wander about and take in the huge barges floating by.
Very cool swamp trail relatively near by. Highly recommended, but a car is needed.
124 locals recommend
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Very cool swamp trail relatively near by. Highly recommended, but a car is needed.
Awesome insectarium, especially for kids.
190 locals recommend
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
1 Canal StAwesome insectarium, especially for kids.
Great aquarium, one of the better ones I've seen throughout the country.
577 locals recommend
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal StGreat aquarium, one of the better ones I've seen throughout the country.
A large park with many offerings, including a dog park, golf, kids' amusement park, and many trails.
1516 locals recommend
City Park
1 Palm DrA large park with many offerings, including a dog park, golf, kids' amusement park, and many trails.
A day trip away from us, but worthwhile hiking, waterfalls, and the fascinating St. Francisville nearby.
14 locals recommend
Tunica Hills WMA
Louisiana 66A day trip away from us, but worthwhile hiking, waterfalls, and the fascinating St. Francisville nearby.
Waveland
The most nearby beach - very quiet and not touristy at all.
Bayou St John
A lovely bayou to stroll along or rent a kayak and paddle along.
This small park is in a great walking area and it often features music events and fun small festivals. Check around for what might be going on!
33 locals recommend
Lafayette Square
South Maestri StreetThis small park is in a great walking area and it often features music events and fun small festivals. Check around for what might be going on!
Entertainment & Activities
A very charming movie theater nearby, which has many classic film offerings late at night.
125 locals recommend
Prytania Theatre
5339 Prytania StA very charming movie theater nearby, which has many classic film offerings late at night.
A new movie theater with commercial and indie offerings, and a bar.
155 locals recommend
The Broad Theater
636 N Broad StA new movie theater with commercial and indie offerings, and a bar.
Offering indie, foreign, and often odd films.
29 locals recommend
Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center
6621 St Claude AveOffering indie, foreign, and often odd films.
A bit weird, but interesting. In the spring and fall, the Angola Prison Rodeo brings huge crowds.
Louisiana State Penitentiary
17544 Tunica TraceA bit weird, but interesting. In the spring and fall, the Angola Prison Rodeo brings huge crowds.
Aside from being the site of Jazz Fest, the Fair Grounds are just a great place to kick back, drink bourbon, and bet on horses!
244 locals recommend
Fair Grounds Race Course
1751 Gentilly BlvdAside from being the site of Jazz Fest, the Fair Grounds are just a great place to kick back, drink bourbon, and bet on horses!
Fancy movie theater with traditional and occasional indie offerings, which serves seat-side drinks and food. They do not allow guests under 18 though due to service of alcohol.
136 locals recommend
Cinebarre Theatre Regal Cinemas
333 Canal StFancy movie theater with traditional and occasional indie offerings, which serves seat-side drinks and food. They do not allow guests under 18 though due to service of alcohol.
Sightseeing
This is a great neighborhood to stroll around in, though later at night, I'd suggest sticking to the busier streets like Royal and Frenchman.
130 locals recommend
Marigny
This is a great neighborhood to stroll around in, though later at night, I'd suggest sticking to the busier streets like Royal and Frenchman.
Gorgeous iconic New Orleans cathedral and a must when strolling through the French Quarter. Also midnight Christmas Mass here is gorgeous (and very crowded).
113 locals recommend
Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France
615 Pere Antoine AlleyGorgeous iconic New Orleans cathedral and a must when strolling through the French Quarter. Also midnight Christmas Mass here is gorgeous (and very crowded).
The French Quarter is a must for wandering, exploring, shopping, music, food, and nightlife. I honestly expect it during the daytime, not as much at night. But it's a totally different place, for day and night, so it's worth coming in the afternoon and staying into evening.
790 locals recommend
French Quarter
The French Quarter is a must for wandering, exploring, shopping, music, food, and nightlife. I honestly expect it during the daytime, not as much at night. But it's a totally different place, for day and night, so it's worth coming in the afternoon and staying into evening.
This is a little cliche but is actually a really fun way to explore the Mississippi River over the course of a couple of relaxing hours.
147 locals recommend
Steamboat Natchez
400 Toulouse StThis is a little cliche but is actually a really fun way to explore the Mississippi River over the course of a couple of relaxing hours.
This is my favorite of the paddle boats - it offers a fantastic historic narration and a docking and stopover at the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans. It's also a great perspective from which to see the city.
29 locals recommend
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
1 Poydras StThis is my favorite of the paddle boats - it offers a fantastic historic narration and a docking and stopover at the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans. It's also a great perspective from which to see the city.
A great street for music. Run through Bourbon Street quickly and head here instead.
655 locals recommend
Frenchmen Street
A great street for music. Run through Bourbon Street quickly and head here instead.
Nearby and a great place to take in the local scene, including bakeries, restaurants, bars, wine bars, beer gardens, juice bars, galleries, shops, yoga, and the Maple Leaf music joint. A 5 minute walk away.
33 locals recommend
Oak Street
Oak StreetNearby and a great place to take in the local scene, including bakeries, restaurants, bars, wine bars, beer gardens, juice bars, galleries, shops, yoga, and the Maple Leaf music joint. A 5 minute walk away.
Maple Street is within a 15 - 20 minute walk, and it's a cute little area for eating, shopping, and various other local offerings. It's a hub for students from the nearby universities.
15 locals recommend
Maple Street
Maple StreetMaple Street is within a 15 - 20 minute walk, and it's a cute little area for eating, shopping, and various other local offerings. It's a hub for students from the nearby universities.
Slightly grungy, always surprising, the St. Claude area is definitely worth exploring. It's not much to look at at first, but has some amazing spots - galleries, grunge bars, amazing plant stores, cool venues.
7 locals recommend
Saint Claude Avenue
Saint Claude AvenueSlightly grungy, always surprising, the St. Claude area is definitely worth exploring. It's not much to look at at first, but has some amazing spots - galleries, grunge bars, amazing plant stores, cool venues.