New Orleans
Come discover New Orleans...where French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences create an intoxicating cultural gumbo. Beyond Bourbon Street's neon lights, find centuries-old architecture in the French Quarter, soulful jazz on Frenchmen Street, and Creole cuisine. Stroll through the Garden District's oak-lined streets, explore bohemian Bywater's colorful shotgun houses, or catch a streetcar through Uptown. From second line parades to beignets at Café du Monde, Nola offers a uniquely American experience delightful for all senses.
The Big Easy
New Orleans is hands down one of my favorite cities in the United States. I lived here for 4 years while attending medical school and loved every second of it. The food is to die for. The amount of talented musicians is unparalleled. The nightlife is thrilling. Nola has all the ingredients necessary for having a blast. It's so hard to pick recommendations because there are SO many things to do and places to go. But these are my absolute top picks. Enjoy and laissez le bon temps rouler!
Founded in 1718 by the French, New Orleans evolved through Spanish rule and the Louisiana Purchase into a cultural melting pot. This heritage shapes today's distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisines, featuring gumbo, jambalaya, and po'boys at landmarks like Commander's Palace and Dooky Chase's.
The birthplace of jazz traces its musical roots to Congo Square, where enslaved people gathered to play African rhythms. This tradition evolved into jazz through pioneers like Louis Armstrong, with today's scene thriving on Frenchmen Street and at Preservation Hall.
Essential experiences include exploring French Quarter architecture, riding streetcars through the Garden District's mansion-lined streets, and discovering Bywater's artistic scene. Beyond Bourbon Street's revelry, authentic New Orleans emerges in neighborhood second lines and jazz funerals.
Mardi Gras culminates before Lent with historic krewes (the generic term for all Carnival organizations) leading elaborate parades. The weeks-long celebration features ornate floats, masked balls, and traditions dating to the 1800s. Local tip: experience the festivities beyond Bourbon in neighborhoods like Uptown, Lower Garden District, and Mid-City for a more authentic and family-friendly carnival atmosphere. However, I always warn people about going to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Don't get me wrong, it's a blast and I love going to parades. But it can be a pain getting around because of the many street blockades and increase in tourists. So if you want an authentic New Orleans experience, do not go during Mari Gras. If you want a Mardi Gras experience, then I recommend staying in the Garden District so you'll be right in the action but can head back to your accommodation to use your own bathroom.
Arrive to New Orleans via the sleek new Louis Armstrong International Airport, where modern terminals welcome visitors just 30 minutes from the French Quarter. In the city, historic streetcars rumble through neighborhoods and along oak-lined boulevards like moving monuments, their mahogany seats and brass fittings unchanged since 1923. New Orleans is also a very walkable city. However as with any city, and especially at night, stick to more trafficked streets and be aware of your surroundings.
In conclusion, the city's diverse influences create an atmosphere that makes New Orleans uniquely fascinating year-round, whether you're catching brass bands at The Spotted Cat or savoring beignets at Café du Monde. You will undoubtably have the time of your life.
Neighborhood Guide
New Orleans is an eclectic and diverse mix of neighborhoods containing some of the most interesting architecture, food and entertainment in the world. Explore away!
Historic heart of Nola with Creole architecture, street performers, restaurants, and bars. Includes the world famous Bourbon Street. Tourist-heavy but a must! Essential stops include the French Market, Antoine's, Napolean House, Manolito, and Cane & Table.
One of the most beautiful areas with grand mansions, oak-lined streets, shopping and art galleries on Magazine Street, the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and iconic restaurants. Fixtures include Stein's Market and Deli, Joey K's Restaurant & Bar, Sucré, Coquette, and The Bulldog.
Historic district with a vibrant nightlife next to French Quarter. Known for Creole cottages, local bars, restaurants, and one of the best places for live music: Frenchmen Street. Don't miss food hall St. Roch Market, Brieux Carré Brewing Co., Three Muses, or The Elysian Bar.
Artistic neighborhood with colorful shotgun houses, cafes, street art, and bars. Meander through the neighborhood streets, or check out the brooklyn-esque vibe of local galleries and food spots along St. Claude Avenue. Great spots include Parleaux Beer Lab, Pizza Delicious, Bywater Bakery, and Vaughan's Lounge.
Modern downtown area between the French Quarter and Garden District. Hotels, office buildings, upscale restaurants, and museums like Ogden Museum of Southern Art and WWII Museum. A very central location with highlights including Lucy's, The Rusty Nail, Herbsaint, and innumerable art galleries on Julia St. Check out First Saturday Gallery Openings, a monthly event where many of the galleries are open to the public.
Elegant area with universities, Audubon Park, and historic mansions with a mix of students and families. Also great restaurants and shopping along Magazine Street and Oak Street. Make sure to stop by Plum Street Snowballs,
Brigtsen's, or catch a show at Maple Leaf Bar.
Authentic neighborhood vibe near City Park. Home to cemeteries, New Orleans Museum of Art, streetcar line, and relaxed local eateries/bars like Bayou Beer Garden, Finn McCool's Irish Pub, Vessel, Angelo Brocato, and MOPHO. And definitely come one year for JazzFest.
Click here to purchase the New Orleans Google map with the above recommendations included.
Things To Do
New Orleans captivates with French Quarter charm, jazz-filled streets, historic architecture, streetcar rides through the Garden District, and colorful Bywater art. You won't be at a loss for things to do. Here are some of my favorite activities.
Heart of French Quarter, featuring St. Louis Cathedral, street artists, performers, and fortune tellers. Very popular photo spot surrounded by historic buildings. Best view of the square is from Washington Artillery Park across Decatur St. When you're finished walking around the square, head over to the French Market, a historic open-air market operating since 1791 featuring shopping, dining, music and local traditions.
You can spend the whole day meandering down this elegant shopping street with antique stores, art galleries, and street musicians. While located only one block away from Bourbon Street, it's a different and more relaxed vibe. I'd recommend starting at the intersection with Canal St and head northeast through the quarter. Favorite stops include Rodrigue Studios, Fifi’s Custom Wigs, M.S. Rau, and Reverend Zombie's House Of Voodoo.
Oldest cemetery in the city (established in 1789), and notable for above-ground tombs and Marie Laveau's grave. Guided tours are required to enter the cemetery. There are multiple options, but Cemetery Tours Nola does a great job.
Uptown oasis with oak trees, Audubon zoo, golf course, and jogging path. Relax and stroll through the park, taking in the beautiful trees and houses lining the walkways. Or go have a picnic at The Fly with the locals, and watch the boats cruise down the river.
Six-mile shopping and dining corridor through the Garden District to Uptown. Local boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes galore. I love spending the day strolling from place to place on Magazine St. My favorite stretch is from Louisiana Ave to Napoleon Ave, and make sure to grab lunch at either The Rum House or Dat Dog.
Guided tours of historic mansions, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and celebrity homes such as Anne Rice and Sandra Bullock. The architecture is gorgeous and spans Greek Revival to Victorian. I've joined Tours By Foot multiple times and each guide has a unique tour with their own fun tidbits and insights.
Riverfront park in Bywater with sweeping Mississippi views, walking paths, and event spaces. Great sunset spot, or go in the morning and grab brunch nearby afterwards at Elizabeth's.
Learn some spooky history on one of the many walking tours exploring haunted locations, local legends, and historic crimes. Multiple companies offer different routes and topics, but Witches Brew Tours and adults-only Hottest Hell Tours won't disappoint.
While most tourists head to Bourbon Street, instead go to the local's music scene on Frenchman Street with live jazz, blues, and brass bands. Top venues include Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, d.b.a, and The Maison. Also, make sure to stop at the evening art market Frenchmen Art Bazaar.
1,300-acre urban park featuring centuries-old oak trees, New Orleans Museum of Art, botanical gardens, and small amusement park. Grab beignets from Cafe Du Monde at this more relaxed location and explore the scenic walking trails or head to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Click here to purchase the New Orleans Google map with the above recommendations included.
Where (And What) To Eat
Welcome to a foodie's paradise! New Orleans' cuisine reflects its French, Spanish, African and Caribbean heritage, and is famous for Creole dishes (gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice) and Cajun influences. Modern restaurants blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, while neighborhood joints serve authentic home cooking. Almost every restaurant in Nola is good, because if you're not, you won't survive for long. But here are some classics and well as off the beaten path spots that won't disappoint.
Time For A Drink!
New Orleans' bar scene has real range and includes historic French Quarter institutions, craft cocktail lounges, live music bars, and neighborhood dives. And bonus, the city allows open containers on streets in plastic cups ("go cups"). It's so hard only listing a fixed number of places to wet your whistle because there are SO many great spots. But when in doubt, this list is a good jumping off point.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Founded in the 1700s, this place is not only supposedly the oldest bar in city, but one of the oldest in the country. There's nothing fancy here, especially since lighting is dim, provided by only candles and neon signs. But despite being a tourist hot spot, this bar is iconic (and very historical). So grab a Voodoo Daiquiri from the bar and head to the piano to be serenaded by some local talent.
Where To Stay
As with many cities, where to stay starts with what neighborhood you want to base yourself in. The French Quarter is tourist central and walkable, the CBD/Warehouse district is modern and near the streetcar, the Garden District is quieter with a neighborhood atmosphere, and the Marigny is a more local vibe with a great music scene. And from luxury accommodations to boutique hotels, New Orleans has options for everyone. Far from a comprehensive list, here are a few spots to rest your head in between the sightseeing, eating, and drinking.
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Click here to purchase the New Orleans Google map with the above recommendations included.