Your ultimate guide to the top attractions and activities in New Orleans. Discover more travel inspiration for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival right here.
“In other cities, culture is imposed from above. In New Orleans, it rises from the streets.” These words from the late jazz pianist and NOLA native Ellis Marsalis remain just as relevant today. Originally settled by the French in 1682, the city became part of the United States in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase, yet it still maintains a distinct European character.
The lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 are still evident (you can learn more at the Living with Hurricanes exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum), but New Orleans has largely redefined itself while preserving its unique charm. Tourists flock here for the world-renowned Mardi Gras in February or early March, as well as the Jazz & Heritage Festival in April. But beyond these events, visitors are captivated by the city’s Southern hospitality, its constant soundtrack of live music, and the rich flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Art & Architecture
The French Quarter is like an open-air museum, showcasing an eclectic mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in its architecture. The New Orleans Museum of Art, housed in a grand building with Greco-Roman columns, features works from artists like John Singer Sargent and Joan Miró. Be sure to explore the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where massive oak and magnolia trees surround over 90 sculptures by renowned artists such as Anish Kapoor, Henry Moore, and Frank Gehry.
For those drawn to the city’s mystical side, cemetery tours are a popular choice. However, an equally atmospheric (and free) option is The Historic New Orleans Collection, which offers a deep dive into the city’s past. If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, don’t miss a swamp tour—airboats take you through marshy canals filled with curious alligators, raccoons, egrets, and pelicans. But beware: as one tour guide put it, “If you fall in, I can’t help you.”
Music: Jazz, Brass, and More
The biggest cultural event in town is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place every spring and attracts performers and fans from around the globe—including musicians from genres well beyond jazz. But live music is a constant presence in the city, from brass bands on the streets to intimate performances in lively bars.
For a true taste of the local scene, head to Frenchmen Street, where you’ll find bars and restaurants featuring jazz, reggae, and blues, as well as a vibrant nighttime street art fair. If you’re in the French Quarter on a Saturday, you might even come across a second-line parade, where a wedding party takes to the streets in a joyful, music-filled procession.
Food & Drinks
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, known for its Creole dishes influenced by European, African, and Native American traditions. Be sure to try gumbo (a rich, hearty stew), jambalaya (a spicy rice dish), and the legendary Po’ Boy—an oversized sandwich served on French bread. The city is also famous for its fried chicken; for some of the best, visit Neyow’s, where the buttermilk chicken is tender and served with a wide variety of sides.
For an upscale dining experience, check out Brennan’s, where innovative Creole cuisine shines (and their Bananas Foster is flambéed tableside), or Commander’s Palace, a historic restaurant known for its famous turtle soup. Another top choice is La Petite Grocery, which has been nominated for a James Beard Award.
If you’re craving Vietnamese flavors, Lilly’s Café serves bold and aromatic bowls of pho. And for brunch, try the Baked Eggs in Purgatory at The Elysian Bar, a stylish eatery set in a converted church.
Coffee is serious business in New Orleans, best enjoyed alongside the city’s beloved beignets—deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Café Du Monde is the go-to spot for this treat, but be prepared for long lines. As for cocktails, don’t leave town without trying a Sazerac (a rye whiskey twist on the Old Fashioned) or the Hurricane, a sweet and potent rum-based drink that’s a local favorite.
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