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Things To Do
The National World War 11 Museum
A must for any history buffs, the National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in World War II. Located in the city to honor New Orleanian native Andrew Higgins, creator of the Higgins boat, you can visit here to learn the crucial role that Higgins and other Louisianians played in creating the boats that helped win the war. With several immersive and interactive exhibits, including the 4D Beyond All Boundaries film and the USS Tang Submarine Experience, this is definitely our favorite educational activity in the city.
Napoleon House
Napoleon House, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Built in 1797, the building originally served as the residence of Nicholas Girod, the then-mayor of New Orleans. The property earned its name from the mayor's offer, in 1821, to provide refuge to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile. Napoleon never made it there, but you can! Try the muffalettas if you decide to stop by!
Pelicans v. Warriors - Smoothie King Center
For any sports fans, you can tune in to see the Golden State Warriors play the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, November 22. Watch the game in a local bar or grab some tickets and head on over the Smoothie King Center to see for yourself. Tip-off is at 8PM!
Café Du Monde
The original Cafe Du Monde coffee stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. A century and a half later, they're still serving the best cafe au lait and beignets you'll ever have. Satisfy your sweet tooth here!
Caesars Casino
If you're in the mood for some excitement, swing by Caesar's Casino to try your luck! They have all your standard table games and slot machines as well as their luxury sportsbook lounge and live entertainment.
The Cabildo
Located in the building adjoining the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803, which finalized the United States’ acquisition of the Louisiana Territory. The Cabildo served as the center of New Orleans government until 1853 when it became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court. The building was transferred to the Louisiana State Museum in 1908 and has since served to educate the public about Louisiana history by featuring artifacts such as documents, paintings, and 3D objects from the museum’s vast collection.
Pat O'Brien's - Home of the Hurricane
Pat O’Brien ran a speakeasy in the French Quarter until the repeal of Prohibition when he officially opened the bar on December 3, 1933. During the 1940s, when domestic alcohol was scarce due to the war, rum coming up the Mississippi River from the Caribbean islands was plentiful. O'Brien's experimented with recipes and eventually found their iconic combo of rum and passion fruit. A glass shaped like a hurricane lamp was the perfect vessel and the O'Brien's Hurricane cemented its spot in New Orleanian history. Come here for an absolutely iconic cocktail!
Shops At Jax Brewery
The Shops at Jax Brewery is host to immense history and culture. The original Jackson Brewery was constructed in 1891 and was the largest independent brewery in the south. The brewery was in continuous operation for 80+ years and was the only New Orleans brewery to survive Prohibition by producing soft drinks before returning to its roots of producing JAX Beer. Today, the building is no longer an active brewery, but is home to the premier retailers of the New Orleans French Quarter and the most breathtaking views of the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
Audubon Aquarium
The Audubon Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you’ll never forget. Also, the Audubon Insectarium is now included with your Audubon Aquarium admission ticket! One of the Insectarium's most amazing exhibitions is a beautiful garden overlooking the Mississippi River with hundreds of free-flying butterflies! It's worth it to visit for that alone, but if you're feeling brave you can check out their restaurant Bug Appétit to taste edible insect cuisine!
Bearcat CBD
A full-service sit-down cafe with a heavy emphasis on high-quality, fresh breakfast and lunch options. They also boast an array of sustainable, micro-sourced coffees, and a wide variety of loose-leaf teas and house-made bottled beverages. For those with dietary restrictions, Bearcat offers a variety of Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, and gluten-free choices. Everyone should try brunch here at least once. We never visit the city and skip Bearcat. Seriously, you won't regret a visit here!
The French Market
The location of the French Market dates back to the indigenous Choctaw People who used this natural Mississippi River levee location to trade their wares to the river traffic. The early European settlers later came by boat to this location to sell their products, as well. It was such a crucial commercial location that the City of New Orleans was established on that area of the Mississippi River in 1718. As the city expanded, the original location came to be known as the “Vieux Carre” better known as the historic French Quarter; the French Quarter's first established food market, an informal open-air facility located on the levee in this area above the present-day Jackson Square, came to be known as the French Market. The French Market now comprises seven buildings anchored at the Jackson Square end by the Cafe Du Monde and on the other end by the Farmers and Flea Market sheds. Browse the shops here and experience over 250 years of commerce, community, and culture!
Nobu
A known celebrity hotspot, Nobu is a widely celebrated Japanese restaurant recognized for pioneering a new style of Japanese cuisine with a menu crafted by award-winning chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Nestled in the historic city of New Orleans, Chef Nobu will bring his signature cuisine to Louisiana, setting a new standard for elevated Japanese dining in the heart of the Big Easy. If you are dining at Nobu for the first time, the chef recommends trying 3 or more of the menu's "Eight Highlights." The best way to enjoy this experience is to start with 2 or 3 cold dishes; then move on to 2 or 3 hot ones. Finally, end with some sushi and dessert!
Steamboat Natchez
The Steamboat Natchez is known as the last authentic Steamboat on the Mississippi River! The Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz and Daytime Jazz cruises run daily, year-round, in the style of authentic steamboats on the Mississippi River in New Orleans for centuries. Cruising on the Steamboat Natchez includes Steam Engine Room visitation, calliope, live jazz, and optional Creole food and local beverages. See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river. Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.
Davenport Lounge
At Davenport Lounge, light fare and cocktails are served to the sounds of live jazz courtesy of resident musician Jeremy Davenport and his band. Click the link below to view his performance schedule!
Tropical Isle - Home of the Hand Grenade
Tropical Isle has been rated as the #1 Bar in the French Quarter and we’ve also been on the TV show “Drinking Made Easy,” both due in part to its iconic drink known as the Hand Grenade. Their sizeable and explosive cocktail isn't the only fun thing about them, though. They also feature a live street webcam on the corners of Bourbon & Orleans, making it a great place to make fun memories that will last! If you're looking for a drink in the French Quarter, definitely think about stopping by Tropical Isle and trying out a Grenade. (Don't be afraid of the size, you can take it to go!)
The Sazerac House
Located on the edge of the French Quarter, the Sazerac House is one part history and traditions, two parts interactive exhibits and experiences, mixed with spirited events and a dash of rich New Orleans culture. Sazerac House is a captivating museum, bar, and distillery all rolled into one interactive experience. Their self-guided historical tour is open to visitors of all ages, and admission is free. Adult visitors can also sign up for cocktail or whiskey tastings!
Drago's Seafood Restaurant
You can't visit New Orleans without having a least a BIT of seafood, and Drago's is a great spot to try! Located inside the Hotel New Orleans Riverside, Drago's is famous for inventing the recipe for charbroiled oysters that anyone with a love for seafood needs to try at least once! Their menu also boasts a wide array of all the best foods associated with New Orleans, including a delicious bread pudding.
Canal Place
The Shops at Canal Place is New Orleans' premier shopping destination. It's the place you'll want to go if you're looking for luxury fashion and beauty brands, boutique clothing stores, home goods, etc. Visit Canal Place and snap a pic in front of their famous "With Love From NOLA" moss wall for your Insta, or see a movie at our absolute favorite theater in the city, Prytania Theaters, located on the third floor!