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  • Things to do

New Orleans is a top destination for big annual events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, for its renowned restaurants and bar scene and—for better or worse—Bourbon Street. Beyond the Quarter and its non-stop party scene, however, you can still find plenty of fun things to do in New Orleans, from world-class museums and amazing architecture to eye-opening history and outdoor attractions. Shop local businesses and unique art, dine at trendy new spots and beloved dives, take in the majesty of the mighty Mississippi, catch some incredible live music and so much more. The best things to do in New Orleans will give you a taste of all the city has to offer, setting the stage for many return visits. This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

  • Restaurants

One of the most iconic New Orleans dishes, gumbo is a staple of home cooking. Many locals will say that the best bowl of gumbo in New Orleans is made by a relative, or comes from a recipe passed down over generations. It’s worth noting that Gumbo takes a good amount of time to prep, starting with the delicate process of making a perfect roux, which proves to be too time consuming for most. Fortunately, various local restaurants offer bowls of gumbo that are a worthy substitute for mama’s cooking or making it at home. Gumbo is a rich, flavorful dish—much more than just a stew—full of Creole spice. Classic versions include chicken and sausage gumbo or seafood gumbo. Traditionally, it’s thickened with okra or filé (dried ground sassafras leaves), and while some chefs put their spin on it, the roux and a mix of flavorful spices are standard elements. Served over rice, gumbo is a complete, comforting meal, though a side of grilled cheese and/or potato salad is always welcome. The dish is so revered that there are two popular festivals devoted to it. If you’re passing through town in October, you can catch the Bridge City Gumbo Festival—featuring a gumbo cookoff—across the Mississippi River in Bridge City, AKA “The Gumbo Capital of the World.” In March, the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival in Armstrong Park celebrates the dish with a variety of gumbo styles, including vegan. For all other times of year—especially in the cooler months—here’s where to get some of the best gumbo in New Orl

  • Things to do

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and that legacy lives on while flourishing in jazz clubs and neighborhoods throughout the city. Catching a live music show (blues, funk, brass, rock & roll and more genres are all represented here) should be on every visitor’s bucket list. Still, there’s something even more special about hearing jazz—both traditional and modern—in the city where it was born. Seek out local artists like Kermit Ruffins, Big Sam, Jeremy Davenport, Doreen Ketchens and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, all of whom proudly carry on the tradition of the genre. Catch them and many others at cozy clubs and classy haunts around town. Here are some of the best places to see jazz in New Orleans. Once you’ve dined at one of the many amazing restaurants in the city, you’ll welcome the chance to dance off the calories to the sounds of live jazz. Pro tip: tune in to local jazz and heritage radio station WWOZ to hear the latest concert updates while getting in the mood for some live music. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🍻 The best bars in New Orleans🍴 The best restaurants in New Orleans🏘️ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

  • Restaurants

New Orleans is home to a slew of renowned restaurants scattered all around the city. If you’re spending the bulk of your time in the French Quarter—a mere square mile jam-packed with historic treasures—you’ll still be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. The oldest neighborhood in the city is home to some of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants, from the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the U.S. to new spots that were quickly showered with accolades upon opening. The Quarter boasts special occasion restaurants where you can dress to the nines and receive top-notch service, but you can also find casual spots for a quick bite that are still quintessentially New Orleans. There are even eateries where the cocktails stand out as much as the cuisine. Dive in at the best restaurants in the French Quarter and you’ll be rewarded with a taste of culinary tradition and history. Don’t worry about the calories—you can dance them off at a jazz club afterward. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in New Orleans🎷 The best spots to see jazz in New Orleans🍻 The best bars in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏘️ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

  • Restaurants

New Orleans has a slew of must-try iconic foods, from beignets and po-boys to Bananas Foster and red beans. It’s no surprise that some of the best versions of these dishes were created at the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. The city’s unique culinary history is unquestionable, and the best way to explore it is through these classic restaurants. Diners can enjoy the city’s hospitality alongside its Cajun, Creole, African, Italian, French and Caribbean influences in everything from high-end, white tablecloth restaurants to hole-in-the-wall neighborhood joints. You can fill years with unforgettable dining experiences at both top restaurants and bars around town, but for a sampling of the dining delights that have made their mark on the rich culinary landscape, these are the most famous New Orleans restaurants that are a must for locals and visitors alike. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

  • Travel

Not sure where to stay in the Big Easy? Fret not; our guide to the best places to stay in New Orleans will put you on the right path to an unforgettable getaway. NOLA is much more than the French Quarter, but don’t take that as a dismissal of its most famous neighborhood; love cafes, you’ll be swooning there.  With a location that positively hugs the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a jumble of fascinating neighborhoods that offer everything from family-run restaurants to debauchery and excess in spades. Wherever you choose to stay in New Orleans, you are in for a great time, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Recommended: 🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans💰 The best cheap hotels in New Orleans  

  • Restaurants

There’s no better way to recover from a long night out at New Orleans’ best bars than an indulgent weekend brunch. Brunch was invented here in the 1870s by Madame Begue to cater to workers who finished their shifts after traditional breakfast hours, but it has since evolved into a leisurely weekend meal that’s perfect for a festive gathering or to celebrate any occasion. The best brunches in New Orleans feature bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys as well as hearty dishes that put a Southern spin on breakfast faves, with vibes that encourage you to take your time and enjoy. You’ll find this most excellent meal served at iconic restaurants and modern upstarts, from classy jazz soirees to drag brunches. You might need a nap after sampling the likes of boudin omelets, crab beignets or shrimp and grits, but at least you’ll be fueled up for another full day of enjoying the best things to do in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in New Orleans🍻 The best bars in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🎷 The best spots to see jazz in New Orleans🏘️ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

  • Restaurants

New Orleans has been a melting pot of cultures since its beginnings. French, Spanish, Italian, African and Caribbean influences can be seen in the city’s architecture and traditions, but nowhere is this cultural influence more evident than the incredible food scene. The best restaurants in New Orleans include century-old classics, creative modern upstarts, and neighborhood joints frequented by generations of regulars. Like the city itself, each meal can be a journey of discovery. New Orleans has a slew of bucket-list restaurants, ones made famous by their chefs, longevity or celeb status in addition to amazing food. You can find the city’s most iconic foods—including gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys and beignets—at the spots where they were created. Feast on dishes featuring an array of flavors: from Cajun and Creole Italian to Vietnamese and Haitian. The options are endless and, but wherever you dine—from a white tablecloth restaurant to a hole-in-the-wall cafe—it’s sure to be a fantastic experience. RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in New Orleans🍩 The best beignets in New Orleans🍳 The best brunch in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans

  • Things to do

There’s a reason that NOLA is sometimes referred to as “the Northernmost Caribbean city,” and that’s due to its tropical climate and breezy, laid-back attitude. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the best New Orleans beaches (not in the city itself, but located within a three-hour radius) aren't just nearby, but they happen to be some of the most beautiful throughout the Gulf Coast.We know what you're thinking: if you're in NOLA, why leave? Sure, the city has amazing restaurants, vibrant festivals, and enough jazz music alone to keep anyone smitten. But if you’re looking for relaxation, or a way to move the NOLA-style party to the coast, these beaches offer white sand, crashing waves, and plenty of sun. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, and fresh seafood straight from the Gulf—in some cases, you can even tack on a night at the casino or a major concert.Sure, you’ll never run out of things to do in NOLA, but an escape to the beach is a welcome break even in the dead of winter (note: if you’re going during hurricane season, keep an eye on the weather). Here, we’ve selected the best New Orleans beaches that are well worth the drive. RECOMMENDED: to the best things to do in New Orleans

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Hotels
  • French Quarter
  • price 3 of 4

This upscale hotel in the French Quarter opened in 1886 under the direction of Sicilian nobleman, Antonio Monteleone. What started as a 64-room hotel has grown into 578 rooms, and the business has remained in the family since its inception. Hotel Monteleone is perhaps most known for its revolving Carousel Bar, which slowly spins 25 imbibers around as they swish their glasses and swivel in their seats. Beloved by acclaimed writers like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and Truman Capote, the Hotel Monteleone is not to be missed, even for those not booking one of its opulent rooms.