Virginia & Juan Carlos
Things to do in New Orleans
Pat O´s Courtyard Restaurant
Outdoor hangout with a flaming fountain, connected to the bar that invented hurricane cocktails.
French Quarter
Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of NOLA's most historic neighborhoods. But you'll find plenty of new mixed in with the old. There’s a reimagined French Market, modern boutiques and artisan cocktails mix with beloved antique stores and old restaurants. (Antoine’s. Arnaud’s. Galatoire’s. Brennan’s – the world would be far less flavorful without you!) Like the Creole aristocrats lining the galleries of the Historic New Orleans Collection, the French Quarter is a timeless portrait – especially come dusk when swallows glide above the fortunetellers on Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral’s butter-crème-colored walls reflect the fiery sunset. Ghost tours troop past mad Madame LaLaurie’s mansion while neon signs stutter to life on Bourbon Street where syrupy red Hurricanes, slosh in famed ‘go cups’– those plastic tumblers responsible for uncountable curbside parties.
Frenchmen Street
It’s around midnight in the Marigny. Neon blinks, a trombone slides and a crowd gathers for another impromptu curbside concert on Frenchmen Street. Frenchmen -- crowded, buzzing and vibrant -- might just be the most consistently musical stretch of asphalt in New Orleans. Its venues offer an array of live performances ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae and rock and are, themselves, famous, attracting audiences from all over the world.
The National WWII Museum
Re-live the American experience in World War II through immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts. Upgrade to include a 4-D movie or a guided tour.
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Explore a different side of the South at New Orleans' newest museum. The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE) tells the unique story of Jews in thirteen Southern states from Colonial times to the present. Learn how Jews in the South were influenced by the culture of their new communities, and how they shared their own culture with these communities (which were primarily Christian) through heritage and traditions.
Algiers Ferry Terminal
At the foot of Canal Street, hop aboard the Algiers Ferry to feel the power of the Mississippi firsthand. The short ride on this commuter ferry will give you an amazing view of the city and a few minutes to be one with the river. On the other side, spend some time wandering the petite neighborhood of Algiers Point: cute homes, oak-lined streets, and a few cafes and bars.
Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
How to deal with the spring and summer heat? Snoballs of course. Downing cups of fine, fluffy ice topped with sweet syrup is sure to cool you off. Locals are loyal to their favorites, but every neighborhood has a worthy option. Try Hansen’s, Williams Plum Street, Pandora’s, or Sal’s. Each offers standard flavors like cherry, spearmint, and bubblegum, but you can also branch out with more inventive ones like nectar cream or king cake, or top your snoball with condensed milk.
Commander's Palace
The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880. There’s no resting on laurels here, though: Chefs Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jaime Shannon, Tory McPhail and now Meg Bickford have nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. The iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal, large celebration or relaxed 25-cent martini lunch. Turtle soup is a must, the bread pudding soufflé provides an excellent finish and everything in between will impress.
Brigtsen's Restaurant
This century-old Victorian cottage tucked away in the Riverbend is home to some of the best modern Creole fare in the city. Chef Frank Brigtsen updates classic dishes in a straightforward way with delicious results. Perfect after enjoying a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, it’s an excellent option for sampling New Orleans cooking in an intimate, friendly setting that feels like a friend’s home. Each dish—from the rabbit gumbo and maque choux to shrimp rémoulade and trout meuniere—is made with care and full of flavor.
Pêche Seafood Grill
The NOLA dream team of Donald Link, Steven Stryjewski and Ryan Prewitt assembled to launch Pêche Seafood Grill in 2013, and you’d best assemble a dream team to dine here—because you’ll want at least one of everything on the menu, up to and including the whole grilled fish special. In fact, generous portions notwithstanding, you may want multiple orders of smoked tuna dip and steak tartare garnished with oyster aioli. You’ll certainly want a cocktail to kick things off—this is the Big Easy, after all—and a spot of sipping rum to wind things down. Not that winding things down will be easy: at 160 seats, the rustic-chic space radiates energy no less than the food.