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Top spots in New Orleans
Garden District Walk
OutdoorsGarden District
Antebellum mansions, Lafayette Cemetery and the St. Charles streetcar.
Frenchmen Street
NightlifeFaubourg Marigny
Locals' alternative to Bourbon — live jazz at three venues per block.
City Park
OutdoorsMid-City
1,300 acres bigger than Central Park — sculpture garden + storyland.
Steamboat Natchez
FamilyRiverfront
Jazz cruise on the last authentic steam-powered paddlewheeler on the Mississippi.
Where to eat
Commander's Palace
$$$$Creole · Garden District
Turquoise institution since 1893 — 25¢ martini lunch.
Cochon
$$$Cajun · Warehouse District
Donald Link's whole-hog Cajun — book ahead.
Café du Monde
$Café / Beignets · French Quarter
Open 24/7 since 1862 — beignets and café au lait, cash only.
Willie Mae's Scotch House
$$Southern · Treme
James Beard 'America's Classic' fried chicken — go for lunch.
Compère Lapin
$$$Caribbean-Creole · Warehouse District
Nina Compton's curried goat and rum-forward room.
Live & on stage
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Fair Grounds · Apr 24 – May 3 · Jazz / Mixed
French Quarter Festival
French Quarter · Apr 9–12 · Free / Local
Voodoo Music Experience
City Park · Oct 30 – Nov 1 · Festival
Mardi Gras
Citywide · Feb 17 · Parades / Free
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Garden District Walk, Frenchmen Street, City Park. The shortlist is curated by people who live in New Orleans and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.