There is no other place on earth like New Orleans. Truly one of America's greatest cities, its hospitality, culture, and unforgettable food put it in a class of its own when it comes to hosting events like the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome .
Most people know about Bourbon Street, and to be honest, it's Are you okay. Unless you're really into drunken anarchy, it's a comfortable place to watch for five minutes and then jump. Instead, we'll focus on the best places to go that give you a sense of the city's charm but aren't the typical tourist traps.
The heart of New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures. It was built by the French and rebuilt by the Spanish, but the common thread is that they were West African slaves. Really They built cities and created their cultures. Modern New Orleans doesn't shy away from the darker parts of its past, embracing its Creole core that blends European, African, and Caribbean cultures to make it something entirely unique.
Learn how to get the most out of New Orleans with a quick trip to the Sugar Bowl.
accept walking
New Orleans is a big city and has a lot to explore. But most tourists will likely stay in the area around the Mississippi River Crescent. This includes areas like the French Quarter and the Garden District that you could easily spend an entire day getting lost in.
One of the things that makes this city so special is just walking through the streets and taking it all in. From street performers who rival most city's professional musicians, to pop-up parades that happen at unexpected times, to just soaking up the atmosphere, Creole locals are talking about the park.
New Orleans knows what it is, and it's acceptable to dress down a little, even at some of the city's best restaurants, where a nice pair of jeans and a button-down are perfectly acceptable in most places. So, make sure you have comfortable shoes and be proactive about increasing your step count. This is because you will need it when eating.
where to eat
It's really impossible to list just a few bullet points of the best places to eat in New Orleans. Although there are literally thousands of restaurants, there is not even a true monolith when it comes to classic Creole cuisine. Locals will tell you their favorite places for gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, red beans and rice, or fish and grits. They are rarely in the same location.
Here are some of the most memorable places to visit in New Orleans.
- Melba's (Elysian Fields) $: You can get a great breakfast for less than $10 at Melba's, but the real name of the game here is the po' boys. A gigantic sandwich filled with fried seafood that spills out of perfectly toasted French bread. Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to po-boys, and Melba's doesn't often hide ingredients behind sauces. This is perfect for highlighting the quality of local bay shrimp and fish, simply seasoned with Creole seasoning.
- Napoleon House (French Quarter) $$: To be honest, many of the restaurants in this area can be tourist traps. A bright neon sign flashing “GUMBO” is designed to fool travelers into thinking the product is genuine. Napoleon House is a big exception. Opened in 1914, this small, unassuming restaurant boasts some of New Orleans' best classics in food and cocktails. Napoleon House is located in the heart of everything and is the ideal place to grab a hearty lunch or dinner before exploring further. Reservations are required, but the food is definitely worth it.
- Dakar (Garden District) $$$: One of the most memorable dining experiences of the past decade was at this small, five-table Senegalese restaurant, a love letter to how West African food traditions evolved into modern Creole cuisine. It's from. Chef Serigne Mbaye has used a modern flair to draw deep from her family's recipes to create a menu with flavors that feel both deeply familiar and yet completely different. From a deep, rich okra soup reminiscent of gumbo to seared redfish with millet “grits” with tamarind sauce, a trip to Dakar is as much about learning as it is about eating. After enjoying the classics of New Orleans, visiting Dakar is a (admittedly expensive) experience worth the splurge.
- Cafe du Monde (French Quarter) $: Are there better beignets in New Orleans? Yes. Does Café du Monde have any history? No, instead of chasing the absolute best, get something close to perfect, dust it with powdered sugar, and accept that you'll end up looking like Tony Montana on a three-day bender. The lines for breakfast at the original Café du Monde in the area can be ridiculously long, so aim to line up mid-afternoon. Grab a few beignets, sip a traditional chicory-blend cafe au lait and gaze out over the Mississippi River, and you'll appreciate being in a place where locals have been visiting since 1862.
What tourist attractions should you visit?
As mentioned before, there is no shortage of things to do in New Orleans when it comes to partying, drinking, and eating. However, if you're in town for the Sugar Bowl and want a slightly deeper cultural experience, check out these places.
- View Orleans (Canal Street): A new addition to the New Orleans skyline, View Orleans is a self-guided museum located on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel that tells the history of the city, from Native American occupation to the modern cultural influence of jazz. From there, take the elevator to the top, where you'll find 360-degree views of the city. Here, you can appreciate the enormity of New Orleans as you overlook the Mississippi River and beyond. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, and if you need a break, there's also a cocktail lounge on the top floor where you can sit back, relax, and take in unparalleled city views.
- Frenchman Street (7th arrondissement): One of the biggest misconceptions by tourists is that Bourbon Street is also a music hub. The jazz hub is just a few blocks away on Frenchman Street, with clubs lining both sides of the street and offering some of the city's best late-night experiences. Walk into literally any bar and you'll hear great music, from the iconic Spotted Cat Music Club to the blues-focused Apple Barrel Bar. There is one thing to note. Most Frenchman venues play jazz until around 11 p.m., at which time many venues switch to funk, hip-hop, or something in between. So if you're looking for classic jazz or brass sounds, plan to arrive a little earlier than expected.
- National World War II Museum (Lower Garden District): The greatest exhibit of World War II history in the United States actually exists in New Orleans, but most people don't know about it. The city played an important role in the construction of the landing craft used in the Normandy Raid. They outline the role of the United States on the European side of the war, as well as the Pacific Theater, the Eastern Front, and everything in between. A must-see for anyone who knows about the era when we kicked Hitler's ass.
- Southern Food & Beverage Museum (Central City): Much of New Orleans is focused on food, and the best place to understand this on an intellectual level is the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFab). From highlighting the various cultural exchanges that led to the rise of Creole and Cajun cuisine to charting food trends across the southern United States, it's a fascinating journey for foodies. In addition to regular exhibits, SoFab currently has two special exhibits hosted through the Sugar Bowl. One is “First Settlement: Filipinos in Louisiana,” which shows the influence of Filipino culture on the city's food, and the other is “Louisiana Trajectory.” “Smoke and Fire” highlights the cultural development and influence of barbecue throughout the southern United States.
Above all: Explore without fear
One of the most common and harmful misconceptions about New Orleans is that it is a violent city where you must always watch out for yourself. Nothing could be further from the truth. Of course, like in any city, you don't want to wander into the wrong neighborhood at the wrong time, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a safer place to walk at night than the French Quarter.
The city recognizes the importance of tourism and is committed to helping everyone from the business owners keeping an eye on the streets to the locals with a genuine interest in having a good time. I am. Don't be afraid to get out and breathe in New Orleans. There is no other place like it on earth.
