It's so easy to blow it—to never leave the French Quarter or end up in a Yelp-recommended jazz club on Bourbon Street that's packed with tourists wearing Mardi Gras beads no matter the time of year. The biggest problem you'll have here is that there's way too much to eat, drink, and see in this city to waste any meal, cocktail, or hours between lunch and dinner. What follows is our guide to never feeling like a tourist in a town crawling with them.
Chris Granger
New Orleans Travel Guide
Plan Your New Orleans Trip
Featured
Author Casey McQuiston on the Simple Pleasures of New Orleans
And how they mark the milestones in life—often with a classic chargrilled oyster.
The Best New Orleans Tours, from Cemeteries to Street Art
There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with the Big Easy.
In New Orleans, an Exciting Wave of Chefs Are Pulling Diners Away from the French Quarter
Thanks to non-profits like Touré Folkes' Turning Tables, the city's restaurant scene is becoming more inclusive—and everyone's energized by it.
19 Best Hotels in New Orleans
Our favorite places to stay in the Big Easy.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Kimpton Hotel Fontenot$ | United States, New Orleans, 501 Tchoupitoulas StRead full reviewA bold addition to the CBD.
Readers Choice Awards - The Windsor Court$ | United States, New Orleans, 300 Gravier St.Read full reviewThe Windsor Court Hotel is a singular experience in New Orleans, like British high society brought to the Big Easy.Readers Choice Awards
- Maison de la Luz$$ | United States, New Orleans, 546 Carondelet St.Read full reviewA bejewelled takeover in historic New Orleans.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery$$ | United States, New Orleans, 535 Tchoupitoulas St.Read full reviewRight on the edge of the CBD, this hotel feels extremely thoughtful—not to mention comfortable.Readers Choice Awards
- Virgin Hotels New Orleans$ | United States, New Orleans, 550 Baronne StRead full reviewNot far from the nightclubs of Bourbon Street, this upscale spot is fun and fabulous.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans$$ | United States, New Orleans, 2 Canal StRead full reviewSet in a landmark tower overlooking the Mississippi River, it's all about understated elegance.Readers Choice Awards
- Pontchartrain Hotel$ | United States, New Orleans, 2031 St Charles Ave.Read full reviewAttention to design details and value for money make The Pontchartrain Hotel a must-stay.Readers Choice Awards
- Hotel Saint Vincent$$ | United States, New Orleans, 1507 Magazine StRead full reviewA 19th-century orphanage reimagined as a Deco-disco playground in New Orleans' Lower Garden District.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - InterContinental New Orleans, an IHG Hotel$ | United States, New Orleans, 444 St Charles Ave.Read full reviewJust two blocks from the French Quarter, a carnivalesque property perfect for Mardi Gras or milling about.Readers Choice Awards
- Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans$ | United States, New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St.Read full reviewThis Bourbon Street staple sees a parade of tourists and visitors looking to stay in the heart of the action.Readers Choice Awards
- Ace Hotel New Orleans$ | United States, New Orleans, 600 Carondelet St.Read full reviewAs is true of any Ace Hotel, the vibe is decidely hipster; prepare to mix with young and beautiful people around the rooftop pool.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - The Chloe$$ | United States, New Orleans, 4125 St. Charles Ave.Read full reviewA true Garden District boutique that celebrates the history and the here-and-now of modern-day New Orleans.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Hotel Peter & Paul$ | United States, New Orleans, 2317 Burgundy St.Read full reviewOne of the U.S.’s hottest design teams gets theatrical on a grand old church with very affordable rooms.Readers Choice Awards
- The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton$ | United States, New Orleans, 1000 Magazine St.Read full reviewThe building exterior has a stark, almost modern Gothic look, which gives way to a retro, Art Deco aesthetic inside.Readers Choice Awards
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The Best Things to Do in New Orleans
- 20 Best Things to Do in New OrleansThis city is so much more than Bourbon Street.
- The 10 Best Tours Not to Miss in New OrleansThere’s no better way to familiarize yourself with the Big Easy.
- 9 Best Museums in New OrleansThere's more to this city than beignets and jazz clubs.
- 3 Best Day Trips from New OrleansEasy trips from the Big Easy.
- 12 Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids (That Are Fun for You, Too)The best of New Orleans when you're visiting with kids.
Editor Recommendations
- Courtyard Brewery$$ | United States, New Orleans, 1160 Camp StreetRead full reviewThis nano-brewery and neighborhood bar in the Lower Garden District has a confident, come-what-may attitude that’s immediately welcoming.
- New Orleans School of CookingUnited States, New Orleans, 524 St Louis StreetRead full reviewFit for novices and gourmands alike.
- Vue OrleansUnited States, New Orleans, 2 Canal StreetRead full reviewA beautiful view complemented by a huge array of fascinating and professionally-presented cultural context.
- Backstreet Cultural MuseumUnited States, New Orleans, 1531 St. Philip StreetRead full reviewThis is a rare chance to see the stunning details and breathtaking creative dedication of Mardi Gras costumes up close.
- Mardi Gras WorldUnited States, New Orleans, 1380 Port of New Orleans PlRead full reviewA behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the country's biggest free party.
- Southern Food & Beverage MuseumUnited States, New Orleans, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley BlvdRead full reviewA museum dedicated to one of the most popular topics in New Orleans.
- Ogden Museum of Southern ArtUnited States, New Orleans, 925 Camp StRead full reviewThis Smithsonian-affiliated museum's architecture bridges old and new, and celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists.
- Cajun Encounters Tour CompanyUnited States, Slidell, 55345 US-90Read full reviewKeen to go beyond French Quarter beignets? Take a flat-bottom boat tour of the bayou—alligators included.
- Contemporary Arts CenterUnited States, New Orleans, 900 Camp StRead full reviewContemporary arts in a variety of media including painting, film, theater, and music.
- Tipitina'sUnited States, New Orleans, 501 Napoleon Ave
- Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture GardenUnited States, New Orleans, 1 Collins Diboll CirRead full reviewSurprise and delight are over every bridge in this sculpture garden.
- Saenger TheatreUnited States, New Orleans, 1111 Canal StRead full reviewAlthough the capacity has been cut since it opened in 1927, this theater is still one of the grandest in town.
- French Quarter PhantomsUnited States, New Orleans, 718 N Rampart StRead full reviewKeep an eye out for Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
- Louis Armstrong ParkUnited States, New Orleans, 701 N Rampart StRead full reviewThere aren’t many green spaces downtown, so this 32-acre park outside the French Quarter is a welcome option.
- New Orleans Museum of ArtUnited States, New Orleans, 1 Collins Diboll CirRead full reviewIn City Park, a grand building and five-acre sculpture garden with a fine-art collection that’s equally impressive inside.
New Orleans Beyond Bourbon Street
Heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? There’s more to the Big Easy than the neon lights and flashing signs of Bourbon Street. Just a few blocks from the madness, you'll find authentic food, great jazz, and good vibes on Frenchmen Street.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in New Orleans
- 27 Best Restaurants in New OrleansPicking a place to eat in the Big Easy may be the ultimate travel challenge.
- The 12 Best Po' Boys in New OrleansEveryone has an opinion on New Orleans’ favorite sandwich.
- 23 Best Bars in New OrleansIn the spiritual home of the cocktail, there's no shortage of storied places to drink.
- 12 Best Brunches in New OrleansIn the Big Easy, brunch is about more than just washing down last night’s (poor) decisions.
- Best Beignets in New OrleansFrom Café du Monde and beyond.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- The Will and the Way$$ | United States, New Orleans, 719 Toulouse StreetA downtown New Orleans watering hole with a focus on wine—and a few fun cocktails.
- Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29$$ | United States, New Orleans, 321 North Peters StreetA slick and inventive tiki operation in NOLA's French Quarter
- Bar Marilou$$ | United States, New Orleans, 544 Carondelet St.A truly striking library, with scarlet bookshelves, orange ceilings, and tiger-striped carpets.
- Avenue Pub$$ | United States, New Orleans, 1732 St Charles Ave.It's been a beacon for serious beer fans in New Orleans for years.
- The Spotted Cat Music ClubUnited States, New Orleans, 623 Frenchmen StIf Frenchman Street is home to the city’s best jazz, the Spotted Cat is its epicenter.
- Restaurant R’evolution$$$ | United States, New Orleans, 777 Bienville St.A loving, high-end tribute to humble bayou cuisine, with knockout crab beignets to boot.
- Ralph’s On the Park$$ | United States, New Orleans, 900 City Park Ave.Interesting twists and turns along the French-Creole front.
- Toups’ Meatery$ | United States, New Orleans, 845 N Carrollton Ave.There are not many people giving meat the level of attention and care that Isaac Toups does.
- Molly’s Rise and Shine$ | United States, New Orleans, 2368 Magazine St.This follow-up act to Turkey & the Wolf kicks breakfast up a notch with a playful menu and vintage decor.
- Doris Metropolitan$$$ | United States, New Orleans, 620 Chartres St.Doris Metropolitan is no ordinary steakhouse—it’s one we would even recommend to vegetarians.
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The Creole Muse at Arnaud's in New Orleans
Chris Hannah mixes up a Creole Muse at Arnaud's French 75 in New Orleans, just in time for Mardi Gras.
More from New Orleans
Steamboat Natchez
United States, New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St
The Steamboat Natchez is a well-loved and well-established tour with two harbor cruises, as well as dinner and Sunday brunch cruises.
Crescent Park
United States, New Orleans, Cres Park Trail
Post-industrial wasteland turned riverside park that’s a favorite among locals.
City Park
United States, New Orleans, 1 Palm Dr
Almost all of New Orleans life is contained within the park.
The National WWII Museum
United States, New Orleans, 945 Magazine St
Loads of eyewitness accounts and wartime artifacts that tell the story of the "war that changed the world."
Preservation Hall
United States, New Orleans, 726 St Peter
Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues—and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz.
Music Box Village
United States, New Orleans, 4557 N Rampart St
The venue encourages a particular kind of collaboration and invention, and most artists rise to the challenge.
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
United States, New Orleans, 818 Howard Ave
A New Orleans newcomer tracing the history of Jews in the American South.
Killers and Thrillers Ghost Tour, Ghost City Tours
$ | United States, New Orleans,
This adults-only tour goes deep into the city's most notorious crimes.
Hermann-Grima House Urban Enslavement Tour
United States, New Orleans, 820 St Louis Street
A new offering from the well-established Hermann-Grima House, a historic house museum in the French Quarter.
Saints and Sinners Tour, French Quarter Phantoms
United States, New Orleans, 718 N Rampart Street
A recounting of the city's good and bad characters that is serious when it needs to be and lighthearted when it can be.
LGBT Queer History Tour, No Secrets Tours
United States, New Orleans, 519 Wilkinson Street
A look at New Orleans' LGBTQ+ history, from Stonewall-era riots to queer culture in today's Mardi Gras celebrations.
New Orleans Street Art & Mural Walk
United States, New Orleans, Ninth Ward
Real passion about street art, and how it works within an urban environment.
Sazerac House
United States, New Orleans, 101 Magazine St
As deep as you can go on New Orleans' official cocktail.
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