More of a vintage inspired shop than actual vintage store; this uptown boutique is a great place to buy pin-up style dresses and other old-style... Read More
Across Lake Ponchartrain in Abita Springs, is the brewery that makes Abita beer, famous for being the preeminent local beer in New Orleans. ... Read More
Located on lower Magazine Street, this fantastic men’s shop is a barrage of class. Aiden Gill, a Dublin native, opened this shop with the goal of... Read More
In New Orleans, ice cream is taken as seriously as any other sensual pleasure, and since 1905, Angelo Brocato has been serving up Italian delights in an... Read More
An eclectic mix of 18th- and 19th-century antiques from around the globe. Read More
Germaine Wells, one of the past owners of the famous Arnaud’s Restaurant, is immortalized in all of her Mardi Gras glory in a small museum that is free... Read More
The Gulf Coast is obviously a marine-rich environment, and some 500 species from here and further afield are collected at this impressive aquarium. A... Read More
The aquarium is one of the main attractions for visitors looking to entertain themselves with hours of nature discovery. One of the parts of the... Read More
The former New Orleans Custom House now houses the largest free standing insectarium in the country, with a huge array of space for exploring bugs and... Read More
Run by the same conservation group as the aquarium, the insectarium is conveniently located in the French Quarter, which makes it a perfect destination... Read More
This lush, central city park dotted with lagoons and oak trees full of Spanish moss is an ideal spot for a romantic picnic. Read More
Across the street from Tulane University is the ever-popular Audubon Park. A 1.8-mile loop takes joggers and cyclists through a scenic trip around... Read More
The 58 acres of this uptown zoo make for a full afternoon. The zoo dates back to the 1930s, but its most recent major renovation was in the 1980s. It's... Read More
The fly is a great park that’s wide open, safe, and perfect for picnics when the weather is nice. The best part is that it’s right next to the... Read More
Located in the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel, Bar Uncommon serves classic and original cocktails created by acclaimed fourth-generation bartender... Read More
This classic Victorian house is a beautiful restoration of the home of Confederate General Pierre Beauregard, as well as American author Francis Keyes.... Read More
Located in the Garden District, this destination day spa offers hydrotherapy, massage, and skincare. Hidden in the back of a bright and airy retail shop... Read More
Even if you’re staying at a hotel with its own spa, you might want to consider hopping in a cab for a treatment at this Magazine Street oasis. The... Read More
Running from New Orleans to Kenner along the Mississippi River is a paved levee trail that is a fantastic day trip for the adventurous outdoorsman. ... Read More
If you’re looking for the big time, look no further than Blue Nile Music Club. Known as the one of the longest standing jazz clubs on Frenchmen... Read More
Make sure to book this space well in advance—if you do, you’ll get to experience one of the most quintessential dining—and people-watching—spots in the... Read More
This great Magazine Street shop is very popular with local college students looking to freshen up their wardrobe in a fun and inexpensive way. ... Read More
The sister restaurant to Commander’s Palace, this Creole café and cocktail bar is named for the now-deceased bon vivant Adelaide Brennan.... Read More
A 40-minute drive (they'll pick you up) over Lake Pontchartrain lands you at Honey Island Swamp Tours on the Pearl River. The swamp here is a veritable... Read More
Climb about the quirky, 14-passenger bus for six-stop food tour of some of Lafayette’s best Cajun restaurants. Along the way, a guide fills you in... Read More
The local geology means that in New Orleans, people are mostly laid to rest above ground level, resulting in the vast number of large, ornate tombs that... Read More
With an area of around 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the ten largest parks in the United States. There is an incredible array of features to explore,... Read More
This new Warehouse District wine bar and meat market combo from the owners of Herbsaint and Cochon brings a loving Cajun inflection to the art of cured... Read More
There are few better ways to explore the city outside the French Quarter than on a bicycle. This tour supplies you with a tuned-up bike, and then leads... Read More
Cork and Bottle offers a shopping experience that's nothing short of meditative, with a selection and layout so compelling that you'll find it hard to... Read More
More than half of the 180 miles from Johnson Bayou to Grand Chenier are perched above the area's brackish water—teeming with alligators—on... Read More
The Spread: In NOLA, a foodie town that claims the No. 3 position on our America's Favorite Cities Survey, chefs from some of the Louisiana city's best... Read More
Steve, a 40-year veteran of the second hand book business, runs Dauphine St. Books. And he knows every inch of his shop, which is extremely well... Read More
Set in a mid-19th-century cottage in uptown, this neighborhood bistro combines upscale Creole cuisine with quirky touches like cocktails served in... Read More
It’s the guide that really makes a tour great… and this trip through the city’s old St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is made extra special by the knowledge and... Read More
This live oak studded avenue is a must see for bike tourists looking to experience a beautiful part of the city. Once you get to City Park stop at... Read More
Located in the former home of William Faulkner, this quaint bookstore is one of my favorites. The selection here is a snapshot of great American... Read More
This historic covered market is a huge draw for tourists, who crowd among the stalls selling hot sauce, pralines, souvenirs, and fedoras. All... Read More
Heralded as the largest free festival in America, the French Quarter Fest boasted an attendance of more than 732,000 people this past year. The festival... Read More
To get a quick feel for the streets of the French Quarter, start on Canal and head down Burgundy to Esplanade. Then take a right and head back... Read More
Strange Factor: You don’t have to be a fan of Twilight or True Blood to enjoy this creepy two-hour vampire-themed walking tour through NOLA&rsquo... Read More
The Freret Street Festival is held in April every year in one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in New Orleans. I like going because unlike colossal... Read More
A New Orleans institution, Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s often attracts the city’s gentile population for a long day of eating and drinking. Because... Read More
Famous for being one of the best industry dive bars in the French Quarter, The Erin Rose has one drink that few bars do – the frozen Irish Coffee. ... Read More
As one of the most relevant vintage stores in the city, Funky Monkey specializes in the ‘what’s hot right now’ of the old-school fashion scene. ... Read More
Housed in a building that was originally a skating rink in the late 1800’s the Garden District Book shop is famous for their commitment to hosting... Read More
This is probably one of the city's best kept secrets. An instant bonus for visitors is that it's above a fine bar, the French 75 Bar, so you can order a... Read More
There are over 4,000 exotic, threatened, or endangered animals at the one-of-a-kind center on 900 acres. Take the half-hour guided Safari Wagon Tour to... Read More
The most interesting sights in New Orleans are often the people. Because of the city’s laissez-faire policies regarding public drinking, the... Read More
Every year the Zurich classic takes place at the TPC Louisiana in Avondale, LA. A short 30 minutes away, this championship golf course is the best... Read More
If it’s cocktail history you crave—and why wouldn’t you, here in New Orleans?—then book this walking tour with Joe Gendusa, easily one of the most... Read More
Head here on Saturdays for a brewery tour—Great Raft is the only local craft beer brewery in northern Louisiana—or just head to the tasting... Read More
As one of the most celebrated destinations in the city, this historic and luxurious hotel is always full of interesting people. Come during the... Read More
This music club is a favorite among local musicians. They say that because of the talented audio engineers that work here, and the venues great... Read More
Known locally as “The Jesuit Church,” this imposing and beautiful church sits right across from the Roosevelt Hotel in the downtown business district.... Read More
Located inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel, this fantastic jazz club is home to legendary New Orleans trumpet player Irvin Mayfield. But don’t... Read More
This central square in the French Quarter was originally named Place D'Armes when the city was a French Colony. It was given a face lift around 1850,... Read More
Set right in the center of the French Quarter, this park is the locus of New Orleans’ most lively neighborhood. Walk the perimeter to see the... Read More
A culinary bookshop that carries in the vicinity of 9,000 titles, Kitchen Witch covers the full gambit of cookbooks. Foodies and home cooks in New... Read More
There aren’t too many grandstands set for Mardi Gras but this spot is where to find the highest density of them. Most of the stand owners will... Read More
In 1832, Delphine LaLaurie and her husband moved into their mansion which is situated on the 1100 block of Royal Street. Over the course of her... Read More
Most parades tend to pass by the only traffic circle in New Orleans. The large area around Lee Circle is perfect for getting a great spot to catch... Read More
Located inside the Loft 523 boutique hotel near Canal Street, this Central Business District bar is known for having a different theme each night,... Read More
Housed in a renovated house, this Magazine Street boutique specializes in hand-selected, restored, vintage items. Specializing in cocktail dresses, the... Read More
Years as Agent: 18. Specialties: New Orleans, Switzerland. Fee: Varies. Read More
Named for benevolent deities from the Voodoo tradition, this boutique bar and lounge channels the many moods of New Orleans by specializing in designer... Read More
Cesar Rivera, from the legendary Aidan Gill salon, opened Magazine St. Barber Shop in 2010, where he uses an antique towel steamer for hot-towel shaves.... Read More
Home to legendary jazz group, the Rebirth Brass Band, this venue is easily one of my favorites. Every Tuesday Rebirth plays to a packed house.... Read More
It doesn’t take long to notice that New Orleans has a love affair with hats. Nothing compliments a suit and bowtie better than a hat from Meyer’s.... Read More
What started as a shopping mall bowling alley in 1941 was transformed into a live music venue in the late 1980's. Today, Rock 'n' Bowl has reached... Read More
One of the best trails for amateur and aspiring professional cyclists, this riverside path is easily one of the best places to bike in the city. ... Read More
Again, normally I would never recommend going to a museum after cocktails—but this is one exception. The Wax Museum is an otherworldly,... Read More
New Orleans is a city that addresses death with joy as well as mourning. If you're lucky, you'll witness a famous Second Line parade, complete with jazz... Read More
Superior Seafood is a fantastic restaurant that holds up this corner of the New Orleans parade circuit. Look up exactly when the parade plans to... Read More
Originally opened to celebrate the work of local shipbuilder Andrew Higgins (his boats played a major role in the D-Day landings), this huge facility... Read More
This museum is a must-see. The emotionally moving pieces will transport you to 1941 in a way you’ve never seen before. Make sure to catch ... Read More
Set in the resplendent grounds of City Park, NOMA (and the adjacent Besthoff Sculpture Garden) is one of the most important artistic facilities in the... Read More
At the top of Esplanade Avenue is the biggest and most prestigious art museum in the city. Covering it often takes many hours, so make sure ... Read More
Another fantastic example of a guide making the tour is Brian Huff’s Boos! and Booze Tour. His itinerary leads you on an adults-only, cocktail-fueled... Read More
While not technically a men specific shop, this store has a great collection of Southern style ties that are perfect for taking your look from drone to... Read More
For the motoring enthusiast the NOLA Motorsports Park is a great outing only 30 minutes outside the city. Race go-carts with your friends around... Read More
An hour west of New Orleans is the home of one of most famous plantations in the area. Purchased in 1830 this historic sugar plantation is a... Read More
Recently voted the best locally-owned bookstore by The Gambit, Octavia Books is a wonderful place to discover local authors as they routinely host book... Read More
The Ogden is one of the best local museums, and it’s totally dedicated to Southern Art. Located in the Central Business District, this museum is... Read More
The specialty at this character-filled shop—once filled with market staples—is po’ boys (the owner hails from New Orleans) made with... Read More
This wonderful example of French Colonial architecture dates to 1752, and is one of the oldest buildings in the American South. It is one of the few... Read More
Built in 1752, this building is the oldest surviving example of French colonial architecture in the United States. It is also famous for being the... Read More
Located in the Carrolton neighborhood uptown, this local consignment shop is the best in the area. Vintage merchandise is stacked from back to... Read More
Every Thursday One Eyed Jacks has a really fun ‘80s night dance party. Popular with the locals and tourists it’s definitely a night to plan on... Read More
Located in Mid-City, this dive bar offers creative cocktails, $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a variety of entertainment, from air hockey and retro board... Read More
Because of the rules set in place by the Vieux Carre Commission, almost no restaurants and cafés in New Orleans are allowed to serve guests on the... Read More
You’d be hard-pressed to find a New Orleans gentleman who doesn’t own a shirt from Perlis. Embroidered with the classic crawfish logo, these... Read More
It should be obvious why this is one of the best festivals in New Orleans. Every year at the end of November, people from all over town gather on... Read More
Inside the lavish Windsor Court Hotel, jazz plays on two floors. On Thursday and Friday, stay downstairs at the Cocktail Bar from 6-9 pm for... Read More
Designed like an English club with dark wood furnishings and equestrian-themed décor, the Polo Lounge is an elegant, intimate place for a classic... Read More
This intersection is prime real estate along the routes of most of the big parades. This area tends to be one of the more lively spots so make... Read More
Although technically this is a music venue—and operates as such, with two or three concerts daily—it belongs with museums because it was founded in 1961... Read More
Designed with tinted windows and retro red vinyl, this old-school watering hole is located on the first floor of the Royal Street Inn, a self... Read More
Over 600 paintings and sculptures are counted among the permanent collection at this intimate museum, the most important of which are 16th-century... Read More
New Orleans boasts one of the largest parks in the country, City Park. Only a streetcar ride away, City Park is home to the New Orleans Museum of... Read More
Nowhere in New Orleans will you find such a stunning collection of art galleries than the ones on Royal Street that start on Bienville and continue well... Read More
Opened in 1924 as a haberdashery, this luxury men’s store is one of the finest in town. Their made-to-measure service takes it up a notch by... Read More
See thousands of colorful monarch butterflies on the Wetland Walkway. Read More
Opened in 1927 as the flagship theatre owned by entertainment entrepreneur Abe Saenger, this concert venue was a celebrated landmark on Canal Street for... Read More
This idiosyncratic bar may have lost its iconic jukebox to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but not any of its packrat personality. Founded in 1960, there... Read More
This complex (which also includes the Cabildo and Presbytère) dates to the late 18th century and dominates the central part of the French Quarter right... Read More
For only $2.50 you can ride roundtrip from Canal Street to Carrolton Avenue. Along the way are some of the most beautiful 19th century homes in... Read More
It's formally known as Route 12, but the St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest continually operating streetcar line in the world, having trundled up and... Read More
The fresh blueberry mojito is the specialty at this strangely furnished bar in the Upper Magazine historic district. Inside the small, dim space,... Read More
This church is a New Orleans icon. Located smack in the middle of the French Quarter, at the edge of Jackson Square Park, this beautiful example... Read More
Most jazz clubs on Frenchman don’t charge a cover, making Frenchman St. perfect for those looking to watch their dime. To pick the best club,... Read More
Situated right in front of the Windsor Court Hotel is one of the best places to catch the Muses parade. The hotel usually places a drink stand... Read More
During four days in March, thousands of literary minds converge in New Orleans to celebrate theater, poetry, and Tennessee Williams who had a longtime... Read More
Similar to the trail listed above, the Algiers trail ambles along the river but from the other side. Start by taking the Algiers Ferry at the end... Read More
Located in the third-floor lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, this cocktail lounge is named in honor of the hotel’s headlining trumpeter, Grammy-nominated... Read More
From Wednesday to Saturday every week, you can see the talented Jeremy Davenport sing and play trumpet with his jazz band. This club is inside the... Read More
Pick up a Creole-country souvenir—seasonings and sauces are full of heat; alligator busts make a statement—at this shop dedicated to all... Read More
The extraordinary man who leads this tour, known only by the moniker “Tree,” is the epitome of what a great guide should be. His fascinating tour starts... Read More
This little Frenchman Street joint is a favorite among swing bands, gypsy jazz groups, and the local celebrity Meschiya Lake. They do have a one... Read More
This small Frenchman Street jazz club is the perfect old-style NOLA jazz joint. I have many fond memories of listening to great music here. ... Read More
Starting on the corner of Canal and Bourbon, the St. Charles Streetcar takes passengers all the way uptown along historic St. Charles Avenue for only $1... Read More
There are few better ways to spend a rainy day than at the movies. And the Canal Place theatres are the best in New Orleans. Once inside,... Read More
It’s not edgy in the slightest, and it hasn’t been trendy since Huey Long was in office. Yet the Columns endures, and thank God for that.... Read More
This iconic music venue was first established in 1977 in honor of local R&B legend Professor Longhair, who performed at the club until his death in... Read More
Opened in the late ‘70s as a local juke joint, this historic venue is a thriving homage to the late New Orleans blues legend, Professor Longhair. ... Read More
Probably the most vintage-inspired boutique of the bunch, Trashy Diva easily has the most well designed dresses in the city. Fashion forward women... Read More
Few people leave this dive bar, tucked away in the residential Bywater section of New Orleans, without good stories to share with friends. Whether it... Read More
This massive three-day music and arts festival is held at New Orleans City Park over Halloween Weekend. The crowd is mostly aged 18-30, but anyone... Read More
At the center of the French Quarter, adjacent to the famous Saint Louis Cathedral, is Jackson Square. It spans about two square blocks and is one... Read More
Gliding through the air like a breeze, New Orleans jazz is part of the city in the most intimate of ways. Royal Street in the French Quarter is one such... Read More
See artist Craig McCullen at work at his studio and art gallery in downtown Louisiana. Not only does he make large-scale pieces for houses and churches,... Read More
