Things to Do in New Orleans: What to Eat, See & Experience

[ad_1] <img data-perfmatters-preload="" decoding="async" width="2268" height="3402" src="https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830.jpg" alt="best things to do in New Orleans, what to do in New Orleans, New Orleans travel guide" class="wp-image-1903925" srcset="https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830.jpg 2268w, https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830-295x443.jpg 295w, https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830-1100x1650.jpg 1100w, https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_7830-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 2268px) 100vw, 2268px"/>

With summer time in full swing (okay, technically it’s nonetheless spring – however it positive appears like summer time!), many people are gearing up for thrilling journey adventures. We simply received again from a really enjoyable journey to the Huge Straightforward, and I’ve acquired fairly a number of DMs asking about our expertise. It looks as if lots of you might be inquisitive about our favourite issues to do in New Orleans, the place we stayed, and the very best locations to eat – so right this moment I’m protecting all of it!

P.S. Talking of holidays, should you’re contemplating a seashore getaway this summer time, you should definitely try final yr’s submit on issues to do in Sarasota and my seashore journey packing listing!

The place to Keep in New Orleans

Earlier than diving into all of the enjoyable issues to do in New Orleans, you’ll wish to discover the right place to remain. That mentioned, it’s useful to have a number of actions in thoughts as you’re deciding on lodging – since your plans could affect which location is finest on your journey.

NOLA is a big metropolis made up of many distinct neighborhoods, so the place you keep can actually form your expertise. One of the best lodge for you'll depend upon the vibe you’re going for and the areas you wish to discover.

After doing a little analysis, we narrowed our choices all the way down to Resort Peter and Paul within the Marigny neighborhood and Resort Saint Vincent within the Decrease Backyard District.

Resort Peter and Paul

In the end, we landed on Resort Peter and Paul. The interiors are completely lovely, and the Bywater space simply down the road has some actually wonderful eating places and bars – all inside strolling distance. Whereas the lodge doesn’t have a pool simply but, one is at present beneath development and is about to be accomplished by the top of summer time.

Sadly, we didn’t have the finest keep at Resort Peter and Paul. The room we got was under no circumstances what we anticipated – which was such a bummer based mostly on the pictures on the location. We additionally weren’t knowledgeable about on-site development going down on the property till 48 hours earlier than check-in. I actually hope our keep was an anomaly, as so many others have raved about this spot!

Resort Saint Vincent

We did jump over to Resort Saint Vincent to test it out throughout our journey, and it was simply as gorgeous! The workers had been tremendous pleasant, and the situation felt way more central – inside strolling distance of so many nice spots and issues to do in New Orleans. We’ll undoubtedly be giving this lodge a attempt the subsequent time we go to town!

High 5 Issues to Do in New Orleans

When you’ve determined the place to remain, it’s time to start out planning all of the enjoyable actions! There are such a lot of issues to do in New Orleans that it could possibly really feel a bit overwhelming at first.

As I discussed in my Sarasota weblog submit, I all the time like to start out by eager about why I’m visiting a metropolis and who I’m touring with. Are you heading to New Orleans with a major different or with children? Are you hoping to see the traditional vacationer sights, or are you extra interested by exploring hidden gems and native favorites? Begin by outlining your principal targets for the journey, and let that information your itinerary.

Our principal targets for this journey had been to chill out, have enjoyable, and expertise a few of our favourite issues in a brand new vacation spot. For us, that meant music, structure, artwork, tradition – and, after all, having fun with some actually unbelievable meals!

1. Benefit from the Music

Whereas we had been on the town, we checked out the lineup on the newly constructed Fillmore – and one in all our favorites, Ryan Bingham, occurred to be enjoying. We scooped up tickets immediately! The venue is rather well run and an excellent spot to catch a stay present.

And talking of music, you possibly can’t go to New Orleans with out listening to some jazz. We tried to keep away from Bourbon Road, so we opted to scope out some stay music spots on Frenchman Road as an alternative. The vitality there may be so enjoyable and genuine – it’s a should for music lovers.

2. Take within the Structure

The structure in NOLA is completely gorgeous – so I extremely suggest making a degree to stroll via the Backyard District and take a look at the historic mansions. It’s one of the lovely components of town. There are a ton of free strolling excursions out there to obtain earlier than your journey, like this one!

3. Examine Out the Artwork

One other one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans is to go to NOMA (the New Orleans Museum of Artwork) and discover the outside sculpture backyard. The displays are unbelievable and such a peaceable strategy to take pleasure in artwork in nature. Only a heads up – should you’re visiting in late spring or summer time, be sure to convey an umbrella. We received caught within the rain extra instances than I can rely!

4. Take part in a Historic or Cultural Occasion

New Orleans is legendary for its unbelievable lineup of historic and cultural occasions – Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Tales of the Cocktail, French Quarter Competition, New Orleans Meals & Wine Competition, and so many extra! It typically appears like there’s one thing occurring each weekend, providing numerous alternatives to expertise one thing enjoyable and distinctive throughout your go to. Town additionally hosts a Delight celebration, for which they sometimes have a giant end up!

5. Savor the Taste

NOLA is understood for lots of issues – and the unbelievable meals and drinks are excessive on that listing. Town is full of bars and eating places which have rave opinions, and attempting new spots every time we go to is hands-down one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans! With so many wonderful choices to select from, I’m switching gears and giving meals and drinks their very own well-deserved highlight under.

The place to Eat and Drink in New Orleans

There’s by no means sufficient time to attempt all of the wonderful NOLA eating places. Actually, even narrowing down our listing and making reservations felt a bit daunting – however we did it, and we ended up loving each spot we dined at!

I extremely suggest making reservations upfront, particularly you probably have your coronary heart set on a number of must-visit locations. One factor to remember: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays generally is a bit tough, as many eating places within the space select to shut on these days.

Breakfast

Let’s kick issues off with breakfast! Ayu Bakehouse was excellent. Personally, I liked the peaches and cream pastry and the Matcha Fizz (a particular the week we had been there).

Lagniappe, positioned in Central Metropolis, is a 2025 James Beard Award finalist—and for good cause. They've glorious pastries! Simply you should definitely get there early to snag what you need earlier than they promote out!

Lunch & Dinner

For this journey, we skipped many of the well-known spots – , those that present up on the high of each journey information. As I discussed earlier, attempting new eating places is one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans. Since I’ve visited earlier than, I felt like I’d already skilled lots of the extra established joints and was able to department out! So this time, we opted for newer institutions and locations that felt a bit extra native.

N7 was by far our favourite eating spot. It’s quaint, peaceable, and felt tucked away from the hustle and bustle – and the meals was wonderful!

La Petite Grocery was the one exception to our “no established spots” rule. This restaurant is a New Orleans staple that I’ll fortunately return to each time I’m within the metropolis. As common, it didn't disappoint!

We wished to modify up the delicacies for one in all our meals, so we gave Saba a attempt. Their menu is Mediterranean, and the whole lot was so contemporary. It was the right spot for a wet lunch and gave us an opportunity to discover Uptown.

Nibbles & Drinks

Between meals and adventures, we grabbed a number of nibbles and drinks. We stopped by The Elysian Bar, conveniently positioned inside our lodge, greater than as soon as. And in contrast to our total lodge expertise, I’m blissful to report that this bar was so enjoyable.

Evviva was one other small-bites spot we tried – and it was a complete standout. This restaurant simply opened this yr and has already popped up on a number of “finest new restaurant” lists. We couldn’t agree extra! The workers was pretty, the meals was incredible, and the wine listing was so fascinating.

What I liked most about this place was that it felt like a real neighborhood spot. Individuals had been operating into their neighbors, the workers knew nearly half the friends who walked via the door, and plenty of lingered lengthy after dinner to sip one other drink and simply hang around.

Cocktail Hour

If attempting enjoyable new drinks is in your listing of issues to do in New Orleans, relaxation assured – there are many nice choices!

On our first evening, we stopped by Resort Saint Vincent for drinks. The property is completely gorgeous, and I used to be thrilled to see a Lambrusco cocktail on the menu – Lambrusco is my favourite!

For a elaborate nightcap, we ventured to Jewel of the South one night. It was equal components lovely and engaging!

And I really like a very good/excessive low second (in vogue and the whole lot else in life!), so I wished to cease at a enjoyable dive bar, too. One afternoon, we grabbed a beer at Anna’s, and it felt just like the sort of place I’d like to have across the nook from residence – tremendous laid again and chill. Plus, cool merch! 🙂

On My Want Checklist

There have been a number of different eating and ingesting spots I'd’ve liked to go to if we’d had extra time! These come extremely advisable, so that they’re undoubtedly value wanting into should you’re planning a visit to NOLA: Bacchanel, Acamaya, Lilette, and Turkey and the Wolf. They’re all on our want listing for the subsequent time we’re again!

Remaining Ideas on Issues to Do in New Orleans

Whether or not you’re heading to the Huge Straightforward this summer time or just dreaming up a future getaway, I hope these tips about the place to remain, what to eat, and the very best issues to do in New Orleans are useful. It’s actually a magical metropolis – wealthy in tradition, filled with allure, and full of unforgettable experiences. If it’s not already in your journey listing, I extremely suggest including it!