Welcome to New Orleans — a city built on food, music, and centuries of layered history. Whether your stay is in the heart of the French Quarter or just outside it, you're within walking distance of some of the best food and live music in the country. Here's what our team recommends to make the most of your visit.

Getting Around

● Walking: The French Quarter and Garden District are best explored on foot — streets are narrow and parking is limited and expensive.

● Streetcar: The St. Charles and Canal Street lines are an easy, inexpensive way to see the Garden District and connect to downtown.

● Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available and generally the easiest option for late-night travel or trips outside downtown.

● Airport (MSY): Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about a 25–35 minute drive from the French Quarter depending on traffic.

Where to Eat & Drink

New Orleans' food scene spans nearly two centuries, from century-old Creole institutions to newer James Beard–recognized kitchens. A few standouts across price points:

● Antoine's — A French Quarter classic since 1840, known for inventing Oysters Rockefeller — a special-occasion, reservations-recommended spot.

● GW Fins — Modern seafood with a daily-changing menu built around that morning's Gulf catch; consistently rated among the city's best.

● Bayona — A cozy French Quarter courtyard restaurant serving refined Creole dishes — a favorite for a relaxed, lingering dinner.

● Café du Monde — Open 24 hours since 1862; the classic stop for beignets and chicory coffee, especially good late at night.

● Turkey and the Wolf — A no-reservations lunch spot loved by locals for its pressed sandwiches and fried chicken sandwich — expect a line, but it moves fast.

● 9 Roses Café — A relaxed Vietnamese spot reflecting the city's large Vietnamese community — a great break from classic Creole fare.

● Quick tip: Rouse's on Royal Street is a real neighborhood grocery with grab-and-go options — good for a picnic in Jackson Square on a nice day.

Things to Do

● Jackson Square & the Cathedral — Wander Jackson Square, visit St. Louis Cathedral, and browse the art vendors along the fence.

● Live music — Frenchmen Street (just outside the Quarter in Marigny) is the spot locals go for live jazz, brass, and blues without the Bourbon Street crowds.

● Garden District — A short streetcar ride away — beautiful historic homes, tree-lined streets, and above-ground cemeteries worth a guided or self-guided walk.

● Museums — The National WWII Museum and the Mardi Gras/Katrina exhibits near Jackson Square are both well worth the visit if you enjoy museums.

● Day trips — A riverboat cruise or a swamp/plantation day trip are popular half-day add-ons if you want to see beyond downtown.

Good to Know

● Weather: New Orleans is warm and humid most of the year; hurricane season runs June through November, so keep an eye on the weather during a Gulf Coast trip.

● Festivals: If your stay overlaps with Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest, or Jazz Fest, expect crowds, street closures, and higher prices — book restaurants ahead.

● Footwear: Streets can be uneven; comfortable shoes are worth it, especially on cobblestones in the Quarter.

● Open containers: It's legal to walk around the French Quarter with a drink in a plastic ("go") cup — glass containers are not allowed on the street.