Things to do in New Orleans this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in New Orleans this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in New Orleans
French Quarter
CultureVieux Carré
Wrought-iron balconies, Jackson Square artists and bourbon-soaked nights.
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.
St. Louis Cathedral
CultureJackson Square
The country's oldest continuously active cathedral, the city's signature steeple.
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
- Locals' favourites right now: French Quarter, Garden District Walk, Frenchmen Street. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.