New Orleans only gets better the longer you stay. The music sounds soulful. The architecture is unique and centuries old. With more personality in a single block than most cities can assemble within their entire city limits, you’ll find more to see and explore. From the white-linen wearing Garden District residents to old-school French Quarter natives, you’ll find New Orleans share a passion for interesting storytellers, chance-takers and loyal spirits.
BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Start your stay exploring the French Quarter, with its cocktail culture, unique eateries and general vigor, it’s a visual feast. With so much to see, take time to wander, grab a Sazerac (whiskey or brandy, bitters, simple syrup, absinthe and lemon twist) and end the night with comfort food at spots like Verti Marte or the iconic Café du Monde.
As you keep exploring, go minutes from the Quarter to the Faubourg Marigny & Bywater neighborhoods — offering some of the city’s best restaurants and Frenchmen Street, a local-preferred alternative to Bourbon Street with some of the best NOLA nightlife. Meander through the city’s Garden District via the St. Charles Streetcar or visit Tremé, a neighborhood and cultural center for African-American and Creole history.
DELIGHTFUL DINING
If you thought you’d have a hard time choosing a place to drink in New Orleans, good luck choosing a restaurant. With an incredible variety of cuisines, plus NOLA staples like po-boy shops and oyster houses, you’ll be hard pressed to select a place to dine. To start, enjoy the casual eats at St. Roche market, a St. Claude Avenue eating hall offers a wide array of great bites for a good price. For tapas, you’ll find several options in the city serving small plates in upscale locations and on casual patios. For lunch, stop by any of the city’s butchers or sandwich shops for a muffuletta. For dinner, don’t shy away from the city’s finer fare — just bring a dress or sport coat, since these spots often have a dress code.
ART & CULTURE
Summing up art and culture in New Orleans? It’s impossible, art is as present in the city as the waterway breeze. Do a little research on the neighborhood you’re staying in, because you’re likely to find venues for both performance and visual art. A few key highlights, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art for its French Asian and African collections. To see art at work, watch a live demonstration at the New Orleans Artworks at the New Orleans Glassmaking and Printmaking Studio or visit the Contemporary Art Center. As far as history, don’t miss out on a visit to the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and History or the National World War II Museum.
ATTIRE (WHAT TO PACK)
Bring a mixed wardrobe for your time in NOLA, so you’ll always have the right outfit for wherever you explore. In the summer months and into the fall, shorts and short sleeves are a must during the hot days. Pack shoes you can walk in, especially in the city’s cobbled streets. Bring sun protection too, like a hat and sunglasses. In the evening, dressy casual clothes might serve you well if you’re stopping in to a nicer restaurant. If you’re in town for any of the city’s celebrations like Mardis Gras, Halloween and JazzFest, dress to party — just like the city’s residents.