The All-Time Greatest Things to Do in New Orleans

New Orleans has long been heralded for being unlike anywhere else in the US. Founded in 1718, it is one the nation's oldest cities, with a cultural atmosphere enriched by centuries of global influences melding together.

If it’s your first time in the city, there’s a good chance your itinerary will center on the French Quarter, like many new travelers. But here, the road more travelled is popular for good reason: It’s the oldest, most famous, and most visited neighborhood in the city, and it’s chock full of historic, crowd-pleasing spots. But to revel in the breadth and depth of the city’s soul, you’ll need to branch out.

Along the way, here’s a reminder: don’t get too caught up in appearances. Just as the city has a wealth of nightlife options, there are even more experiences to find beyond the party scene that dominates the common narrative. New Orleans is a destination for culinary enthusiasts, art lovers, history buffs, music fans, and even families. It’s a multidimensional city with rich cultural traditions that can surprise, delight, and inspire. Most visitors to the city will undoubtedly explore world-class attractions like the National WWII Museum, indulge in iconic treats like beignets at Cafe du Monde, or hop on a swamp tour. But for those who want to hone in on a more specific side of the city, this guide is for you.

Whether you’re into food, music, or art, you’ll find a seamless fusion of past and present, as the influences of tradition and innovation mix to form a most inviting cultural gumbo, so to speak, the kind that keeps out-of-towners coming back to the Crescent City for repeat visits.

See:The heart of the city from above. New Orleans is brimming with eye-catching art and architecture. You could take it all in while walking the streets or riding the streetcars, but there’s nothing like seeing the French Quarter and the Mississippi River from way up high. Head over to Observatory Eleven, the bar atop the Westin, to get a bird’s eye view of the bend in the river that inspired the Crescent City’s name. You’ll also be able to see how the city grows in all directions from the Vieux Carre.

Touch:A piece of living history. Did you know that one of the world’s oldest and most impressive collections of oak trees resides in City Park? The oldest among these are estimated to be nearly 800 years old, but many of the oaks date back to before the city’s founding in 1718.

Smell:Red beans cooking on a Monday. Between the hypnotizing aromas of fresh jasmine, blooming magnolias, and bubbling crawfish boils, New Orleans’s unique perfume changes throughout the year. But, one constant is the smell of red beans and rice cooking on a Monday. Whether it’s from a local restaurant, a school cafeteria, or someone’s home, the smell of this staple is unmistakable.

Hear:Music from the streets. You can catch amazing music any night of the week at clubs around the city, but for an ultimate, NOLA-specific experience, seek out the sounds emanating from the city’s streets. From high school marching bands practicing for parades or a second line on a Sunday to a rag-tag group on Royal Street, the sounds of the city are unmistakably New Orleanian.

Taste:The influence of cultures that have shaped the city. There’s no more evocative (or appetizing) way to experience the full array of global communities within New Orleans like wandering the restaurant-packed streets wafting the smells of hot coffee, simmering gumbo and jambalaya, fresh-fried beignets, and towering muffulettas. These iconic dishes and other local favorites are the product of generations of immigrant communities from throughout the African continent, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Vietnam, Honduras, and more making the Gulf City their home—voluntarily or not. So don’t just your food tours at the stereotypical dishes; look for soul-nurturing bowls of pho and joy-making pastelitos as well.

In New Orleans, every bite tells a story. From neighborhood joints dishing out red beans and rice to white-tablecloth restaurants serving expertly plated trout amandine, the city's culinary scene is varied in both form and fashion—meaning you’ll find truly great food at luxe and humble restaurants alike. Additionally, you eat just as well by checking off a list of the best restaurants in New Orleans as you can by taking random spontaneous recommendations from the baristas, museum attendants, and waiters you’ll encounter during your trip.

“New Orleans is a place with a long history of culinary traditions and culture that have been passed down for generations,” says chef and cookbook author Eric Cook of Gris-Gris and Saint John. “Our local restaurants are the storytellers of that great history, celebrating what makes Creole cuisine special through every meal.”

You’ll learn a lot about how this city ticks in the process of clearing your plate. But you’ll also find a wealth of museum exhibits, cookbook-filled bookstores, and shops specializing in cooking tools to fuel your passion long after you’ve returned home.

9 am - Indulge in breakfast at Brennan’s.
Kick off the day with an iconic breakfast at this legendary French Quarter spot. Brennan’s has been a high-end destination since 1946, and it’s still going strong. The menu offers standout staples like a Cajun Bloody Mary, the restaurant’s famed turtle soup, and duck confit hash, alongside a robust array of options, so you can’t go wrong. Plus, the flaming Bananas Foster is a Brennan’s invention that belongs on every table—even if it’s early. Looking for something lighter? The New Orleans bakery scene is thriving thanks to outposts like Ayu, Levee, and Bellegarde whipping up fresh breads and pastries.

11 am - Grab a locally roasted coffee.
Fight off the post-meal slump with a little caffeine boost and a walk. Take this opportunity to try the Crescent City’s signature coffee, which is infused with chicory to add a nutty burst that sets it apart from a standard cup of Joe. Head to Magazine Street to try CR Coffee, Trumpet and Drum, or Undergrowth—each of which has prime spots on the bustling street to sit down and refuel for a busy day.

12 pm - Shop for local culinary inspiration.
The perfect souvenir for a food lover comes from spots like Potsalot Pottery, where you can find handmade kitchen ceramics, or NOLA Boards'custom wood cutting boards, tools, and other kitchen items with local flare. Seasoned, a shop for “experienced” kitchen items, is a great place to dig for vintage treasures like the iconic Magnalite pots and cast iron beloved by Louisiana cooks for generations. Or stop by a local bookshop to pick up cookbooks from famed local chefs that not only feature amazing recipes, but also dive into the culinary history that inspired them like Commander’s Kitchen, Chef Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen, Eric Cook’s Modern Creole, and Melissa Martin’s Mosquito Supper Club.

2 pm - Experience lunch like a local.
Lunch in New Orleans is a festive experience, whether you go for a po’ boy on the go or a leisurely multi-course meal. Traditional neighborhood joints like Liuzza’s by the Track and Lil’ Dizzy’s are places for experiences as much as they are for meals, serving up fried seafood, gumbo, smothered okra, and other local favorites. Queen Trini Lisa’s Trinbagonian plates have quickly become a favorite for a different sort of mid-day meal. Dooky Chase’s offers a more formal lunch option with an art gallery feel, where diners talk business and share stories while surrounded by local art. Galatoire’s is a full-on white tablecloth feast that can last long enough to become dinner.

4 pm - Nerd out at a food museum.
From old recipes and menus to famous restaurant signs, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum celebrates the culinary heritage of the city and the South at large. Learn about classic dishes, regionally specific tools of the trade, celebrated culinary figures, and why food means so much to this city. The museum also explores the local history of cocktail-making, adding a spirited angle to your studies. Simply explore the museum on your own time, or turn up the heat by taking a Creole cooking class followed by lunch in the on-site kitchen.

6 pm - Choose your own dinner adventure.
Commander’s Palace, Antoine’s, and Arnaud’s are just a few of the classics well-known for Creole cooking and New Orleans cuisine. Smaller gems like Brigtsen’s and Clancy’s carry on the same traditions in cozier neighborhood environs. Newer restaurants like Pêche celebrate the local bounty with more modern offerings, while other lauded spots like Fritiai, Saffron, and Dakar explore the complexity and brilliance of Louisanian identity.

9 pm - Enjoy a classic cocktail, by-the-book or with a twist.
Did you know the first-ever cocktail was invented in New Orleans? It’s still made today, and it is one of the city’s most famous: the Sazerac. Head to the namesake Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt for one of the best versions around. Or, venture to Jewel of the South, a restaurant with a highly decorated cocktail bar, to try its exceptional take on the drink. For a more playful take on the drink, you can find a Sazerac (and other classic cocktails) with a twist at Cure, where the seasonal riff on a Sazerac includes notes of raisin and menthol.

New Orleans’s music culture is so strong that there’s a local community radio station dedicated exclusively to it. Switch over to 90.7FM (or go to WWOZ.org outside of the city) to hear everything from jazz and funk to brass and bounce, spun by passionate local DJs who share their own collections and knowledge. Stay tuned for the Livewire Music Calendar, which will surely impress anyone with the number of shows constantly happening around the city each night: If you’re a music lover, there’s something great to hear any day of the week.

The city also has a slew of festivals year-round celebrating its music. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (better known as JazzFest) was initially created to celebrate the local music scene and has grown to feature global icons alongside local legends. French Quarter Festival, Cajun-Zydeco Festival, Blues & BBQ Festival, and Fiesta Latina are dedicated to the music, while food and neighborhood-specific festivals boast lineups filled with the city’s best bands. You can even catch top local acts performing at regular porch concerts in charming residential settings.

This music—especially jazz, blues, and brass bands—is rooted in centuries-old traditions. Explore this well-researched history at the New Orleans Jazz Museum or the Jazz National Historical Park. On the other hand, there’s nothing like the spontaneity of a second line or the joy of encountering a high school marching band practicing for Carnival parades. As Ellis Marsalis famously said, "In New Orleans, culture doesn't come down from on high, it bubbles up from the streets."

The city’s musical legends and iconic venues are too numerous to name, but here’s how you can spend a day getting a feel (and a groove) for the way of life that is music in New Orleans.
 

9 am - Dance while you eat.
There’s no better way to merge two of NOLA’s calling cards—fine dining and music—than a jazz brunch. While there are many options around the city, the jazz brunch is legendary at Antoine’s, the country’s oldest (c. 1840) family-run restaurant. A roving jazz trio performs as you dine on classics like shrimp and grits, eggs Sardou, and pain perdu. At the other end of the spectrum is the jazz brunch at Buffa’s, a quintessential neighborhood bar on the edge of the Quarter. Alternatively, if it’s not Sunday, grab breakfast at Stanley, where the sounds of street musicians in Jackson Square are just outside the door.

11 am - Shop for local music.
While you can certainly hear live music any time of day, prep for your listening pleasure by visiting one of NOLA’s beloved record shops. Euclid Records, Louisiana Music Factory, and Peaches Records are the kind of stores where music lovers can easily lose track of time while digging through stacks of vinyl or perusing a never-ending assortment of music-themed gifts and bric-a-brac. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop by when there’s a record release party or local happening, and if you’re doing it right you’ll follow the groove straight out of the store and to a nearby venue for a live show.

1 pm - Stroll Royal Street or catch a second line.
Enjoy a musically-inclined stroll along Royal Street. This atmospheric, single-lane passage in the heart of the French Quarter is often lined on weekends with a kaleidoscopic assortment of performers, from earnest buskers and classically-trained musicians to off-duty performers looking to make a few bucks between gigs. For a more active experience, seek out one of the city’s epic Sunday second lines, during which thousands of revelers stroll through a neighborhood while dancing along to live brass bands and other performers.

3 pm - Dive into musical history.
Stroll around Armstrong Park to soak up the spirit of New Orleans’s musical heritage. You can walk through Congo Square—where enslaved people from Central Africa could gather and play music from their homeland—see statues that honor Louis Armstrong, Tootie Montana, and the venerable Mahalia Jackson Theater. Plus, the historic Treme neighborhood is adjacent to the park. Make your way over to the New Orleans Jazz Museum to explore more musical history—you might even catch a popular band playing during one of the Museum’s scheduled performances.

5 pm - Cut a rug on Frenchmen Street.
The Spotted Cat, one of several venues along the constant bustle of Frenchmen Street, hosts live music starting at 2 pm daily. Early sets usually feature upbeat genres like traditional jazz and klezmer, so no one would blame you for hitting the dance floor. Other music lounges and clubs, like d.b.a. and Cafe Negril, start cooking in the early evening, as well. Alternatively, head to the Quarter for a set at historic Preservation Hall.

7 pm - Grab a bite with the band.
New Orleans is home to an assortment of venues where you can enjoy a live music performance during dinner. For a social party vibe (especially when the weather’s nice), check out the Bywater’s favorite spot for wine-fueled fun, Bacchanal. Build a charcuterie plate or order a few dishes while taking in everything from bluegrass to jazz. If you’re looking for a more formal, buttoned-up affair—where you can enjoy a Grammy-winner’s crooning after noshing on oysters and gumbo—check the schedule at Jazz Playhouse in the Quarter or Snug Harbor on Frenchmen.

9 pm - Head out for a big finale.
Join the crowds awaiting killer shows at local institutions like Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf, Mother in Law Lounge, and Chickie Wah Wah; they’re first-class listening rooms with fine-tuned acoustics and clear sightlines of the performers, all evidence of the venues’ track records hosting thousands of legendary shows. Best of all, tickets for these more intimate shows are drastically more affordable than those of their arena- or stadium-sized counterparts. Take advantage of the chance to enjoy world-class rock, funk, soul, blues, and jazz without blowing through your entire travel budget. Attending just one gig will surely inspire you to come back for more.

New Orleans is brimming with creativity on all fronts. The arts community is just as vibrant as the music and culinary circles are. From the sleek, contemporary galleries dotting the Warehouse Arts District and the whimsical folk art of Dr. Bob and Simon to technicolor street murals and Magazine Street’s funky galleries, New Orleans is a lush feast for the senses.

For anyone who considers art the best souvenir, drop by the monthly arts markets in City Park and Harmony Park, as well as the weekend art market on Frenchmen Street, to see local artists showcase their work on a personal level. For a bigger production, plan a trip around attending one of the annual festivals, like White Linen Night on Julia Street or the cheekier Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street. Elsewhere, the annual LUNA Fête centers explorations of creativity, light, and technology.

"Art and culture is what makes New Orleans, New Orleans,” says Collin Ferguson, co-founder and CEO of Where Y’Art Works. “It's all about local art here. At our core, every New Orleanian is a creative—just look at what locals put into our costuming during Mardi Gras! From the murals scattered throughout the city to the Julia Street galleries to the Frenchmen Street art market and the lesser-known galleries on St. Claude, you can feel it bubbling up from every corner of the city."

Here’s how to spend the day getting an eyeful of New Orleans art.

8 am - Have breakfast at the Lakefront Airport.
Start the day with an early morning drive along Lake Pontchartrain to the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Opened in 1934, the building is an Art Deco gem embodying the elegance and innovation of the 1930s. It was once named one of the most luxurious airports in the world for its opulent murals, terrazzo floors, and sleek aluminum accents. After years of decline, a post-Katrina restoration revitalized the terminal, unveiling long-lost murals by artist Xavier Gonzalez and reiving the interior’s original grandeur. Spend some time admiring its artistry, then grab a classic diner breakfast at Messina’s Runway Cafe.

10 am - Gallery hop and explore Southern art.
Head to the Warehouse Arts District to explore the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The extensive collection celebrates art from 15 states, including works by Walter Anderson, Benny Andrews, Clementine Hunter, George Dureau, Ida Kohlmeyer, and many more. For a change of pace, head to the museum’s rooftop to savor the museum’s added bonus: views of the surrounding scenery—including the Mississippi River Bridge and the National WW2 Museum. Then, stroll over to Julia Street to admire outstanding contemporary art at one of the many galleries filling the area.

1 pm - Refuel, then take a visual tour.
Café NOMA at the New Orleans Museum of Art is a restaurant from Ralph Brennan that combines a restaurant and a gallery into one delicious experience. Stop in for a bite before checking out the collections at NOMA, featuring painters like Monet, Degas, Rodin, and O’Keefe. But if taking in too many paintings starts to feel like watching paint dry, get lost in the museum’s exhibitions using glass, ceramics, pre-Columbian techniques, and film photography. Save time for the stunningly manicured scenery in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

3 pm - View the artistry behind some of New Orleans’s most revered cultural traditions.
Carnival, which culminates with Mardi Gras, is an explosion of color and aesthetic revelry. You can view the incredible skill of the float-makers at Mardi Gras World any time of year. For a more under-the-radar experience, head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum in Treme. This intimate space displays the rich traditions of Black New Orleans culture, from the intricately beaded and feathered Mardi Gras Indian suits and second-line memorabilia and more. Each exhibit bursts with colorful storytelling, providing a window into artistic traditions often overlooked by the mainstream.

5 pm - Don’t forget to explore public art, too.
As you wander the city admiring its architecture, you’ll also notice the massive amount of public art that has popped up around town over the last several years. Drive along Tchoupitoulas to see the Floodwall Mural, an ongoing project that presents a striking visual history of New Orleans. The Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition displays rotating works along the main stretch of the CBD. Murals from a variety of artists have become a vivid feature throughout the city, ranging from formally commissioned pieces to more renegade works of art. To get up close and personal, visit StudioBE, home to the oversized works of acclaimed local artist BMike Odums. Depending on where inspiration takes you, head to JAMNOLA, an interactive art experience. JAMNOLA will close its Bywater location in early February 2025 and reopen shortly thereafter at its new location on Frenchmen Street.

8 pm - Indulge in culinary and visual art.
If you still aren’t convinced that New Orleans food and art go hand in hand, let chef Nina Compton finally change your mind. Renowned for her Caribbean-influenced cuisine at Compère Lapin, Compton will convince you through dishes like green papaya salad with mirliton and tamarind vinaigrette, and curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi. The restaurant is located in the Old No. 77 Hotel, which prides itself on uplifting the local artists it displays throughout the hotel. Take some time during or after your meal to observe the rotating exhibits curated by the Where Y’Art Works team.

The Chloe $$
Far from the French Quarter but with easy access via the streetcar, The Chloe is a cozy boutique escape set in a dreamy, 19th-century mansion on St. Charles Avenue. Relax on the porch overlooking the courtyard, chill at the vibey pool with an expertly-crafted cocktail, or dine on Gulf Coast-filled cuisine. With chic rooms overflowing with undeniable charm, The Chloe is a classic Uptown hideaway with plenty of Crescent City soul.

Royal Sonesta $$
The Royal Sonesta is a little slice of sophistication in the thick of the action on Bourbon Street. With luxe rooms and lush decorations throughout the building, it’s just where you want to be at the end of a night on the town. Conversely, you can spend an equally eventful evening inside the hotel—start with drinks at the local favorite Le Booze, have an indulgent dinner at Restaurant R’evolution, and follow it with live music and a nightcap at The Jazz Playhouse—taking in everything that makes New Orleans iconic in one spot.

Dew Drop Inn $$
Dew Drop Inn is a gem reimagined for the modern era. This former music hub in Central City once hosted Ray Charles and Little Richard. In its modern iteration it has been transformed into a stylish boutique hotel that nods to its storied past while embracing more current design aesthetics that deftly blend retro flair with contemporary trends. The on-site lounge provides live music most nights that epitomize a quintessentially New Orleans night.

Hotel Peter and Paul $$
Hotel Peter and Paul is a masterclass in eclectic elegance and historic preservation. Once a 19th-century Catholic church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent, this boutique destination in the Marigny has been transformed into a unique sanctuary where every room tells a story. The design fuses the sacred with the stylish, featuring antique furnishings, high ceilings, and warm palettes that exude Old-world charm. The on-site Elysian Bar is the perfect spot to start or end a night out with an expertly-crafted cocktail.

Hotel Saint Vincent $$$
A former orphanage, the imposing building that is now Hotel Saint Vincent oozes sultry, vintage charm with its bold design, moody lighting, and stunning courtyards. Located in a prime spot in the Lower Garden District, the hotel offers retro-inspired luxury, a vibrant pool scene, chic bar, and eclectic dining. This boutique retreat perfectly blends New Orleans’s historic allure with modern decadence.
 

New Orleans streets are notorious for potholes and near-constant repair work, but visitors need not worry about navigating with a car. Each neighborhood—from Uptown and the Garden District to the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater—is walkable, and getting around on foot is the best way to go with the flow. The streetcar or bus can get you around (Grab a Jazzy Pass if you’ll be using public transportation), but beware: Public services, like many things around here, run a little slower. For the more adventurous travelers, ride the ferry to Algiers Point for a chance to cross the Mississippi River and walk through another unique neighborhood.

There’s always something going on in New Orleans, from nightly concerts to annual festivals, and each season brings unique reasons to visit. Spring is generally the highlight because of the lessened humidity, more manageable temperatures, and a heavily stacked festival roster, led by Jazz Fest and French Quarter Festival. This slate is hard to beat, not to mention it’s peak season for crawfish boils. Going later in the year means enduring summer’s heat and humidity, but this climate suits the sultry vibe and justifies cooling down with snowballs, frozen drinks, and lounging around hotel pools. Fall brings cooler temps, football fever, and food festivals like Po-Boy Fest. Winter’s best attractions are the holiday lights, Reveillon dinners, and the unforgettable Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. In other words, any time is a great time to visit.

Do: Shop local on Magazine, Oak, and Royal streets, where local boutiques and shops are the norm.
Don’t: Buy Mardi Gras beads—come back and catch them yourself for a much more rewarding (and real) experience.
Do: Go beyond the French Quarter and explore Uptown, Mid-City, Marigny, and Bywater. If you have time, get out to Gentilly, Gretna, and Algiers Point to see how the locals do it.
Don’t: Wear flip-flops or loose sandals on Bourbon Street. You will regret it.

New Orleans has a series of nine parallel streets named for the Nine Muses of Greek mythology (as well as some other Greek-inspired street names). They’re located downriver from the Garden District, and are named so because there was once a plan—in the mid-1800s, when Greek Revival architecture was immensely popular—to build a Greek-style neighborhood in the area with a colosseum (Coliseum Street), a racetrack (Race Street), a “people’s university” (Prytania Street), and other features. The neighborhood was never built in that style, but the names remained. And it’s important for visitors to know that we pronounce most of them a little differently: listen for Calliope (ca-lee-ope), Melpomene (mel-po-meen), and Terpsichore (terp-si-core), the most mangled of the bunch.

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