Are you new to New Orleans, visiting on a weekend trip, coming down south for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour or just looking to venture outside of your neighborhood for a change?
We've got you covered.
Whether your searching for a good martini, the funkiest antique store or a new restaurant to try, our guide complies various restaurants, bars and fun spots to explore in every New Orleans neighborhood.
There's far more to do or explore in each of these neighborhoods, but our favorites in this list will give you a good starting point.
Uptown
The Rink
This indoor shopping plaza boasts a collection of boutiques to choose from, including a cozy cafe filled with charming murals and fresh sandwiches. After browsing the shelves at the Garden District Book Shop, you can pay a visit to The Chicory House, a light-filled coffee shop perfect for diving into your new book. With outdoor seating, this cafe is guaranteed to boost your spirits on a sunny day.
Le Petit Bleu
Just across the street from the Rink, under the bright teal and white striped awning, is Le Petit Bleu. This casual French-style cafe has limited seats, but if you're in the mood for crepes or a hearty Turtle soup, it's worth a visit. Established in early 2024 as a laid-back alternative to New Orleans' culinary staple, Commander's Palace, this cafe offers a takeout option and an assortment of gifts to choose from.
Lucy Boone Ice Cream
Craving a scoop of ice cream after your meal? Check out Lucy Boone to try their homemade flavors like Cold Brew or Blueberry Crisp. Made from as many local ingredients as possible, a cone of Lucy Boone's is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mid City
Floor 13
This Wes Anderson-inspired furniture warehouse is a spectacle of used, refurbished and modern furniture displayed in a museum-like fashion. With a variety of differently themed rooms, Floor 13 has an abundance of statement pieces to furnish your new home. From a repurposed car bumper to a human-sized Big Bird, a stroll through this spot is an unforgettable experience.
Pal's Lounge
Recently mentioned on the Kelly Clarkson show, Pal's is a Mid-City staple, known for its cocktails and popularity among locals. Offering pop-up bites and a cozy dive bar atmosphere, you're bound to enjoy their reasonably priced drinks and play a board game or two.
Cafe Degas
There's no place quite like this French bistro. And that's because of the tree growing through their dining room. Great for a date night or happy hour with friends, this restaurant is located on the historic Esplanade Avenue. Named after French impressionist Edgar Degas, the bistro is just a few minutes away from the painter's New Orleans house.
Central City
Central City BBQ
Central City BBQ is both a restaurant and outdoor concert venue, making it a funky hangout spot to bring friends and family. Though this restaurant is only eight years old, it's already become a Central City favorite, serving up award-winning smoked wings and flavorful brisket.
Hot Tin
At the top of the Pontchartrain Hotel on St. Charles sits Hot Tin. This elegant little bar has some of the best views of the New Orleans skyline, and is a chic choice for cocktails. With couches and high-tops that face breathtaking views, Hot Tin is a must for date nights, celebrations or a girl's night out.
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum
This nonprofit is committed to telling the story of the South's most iconic foods and drinks. On top of their tours, the museum has plenty to offer: special exhibits, demonstrations, tastings and cooking classes. If you're more interested in the cocktails of the South, you can also stop by the Museum of the Cocktail for a quick history on the spirits of the South.
Lower Garden District
Birdy's Behind the Bower
On the hunt for your new favorite bottomless brunch spot? Check out Birdy's. Serving southern-inspired cuisine, this breakfast, brunch and lunch place has an outdoor courtyard for large groups and trendy indoor seating perfect for any upcoming celebrations.
Barrel Proof
In the heart of the Garden District, this rustic bar offers over 350 kinds of whiskey, among its various beers, wine and cocktails. With a dark atmosphere and wood-paneling, this bar encourages customers to try their wide assortment of whiskey and bourbon. Barrel Proof opens their kitchen up to different local pop-ups including Lord of the Wings, Matchbook Kitchen and Daddy Hot Bird.
Simon of New Orleans
Want to meet the man behind New Orleans' iconic and vibrant signs? You can find Simon Hardeveld in his outside art gallery that leaves no space untouched. =
Warehouse District
World War II Museum
The World War II Museum is world-renowned, and for a good reason. Dubbed "America's World War II Museum" by Congress, this impressive collection of history spans seven buildings and is an eye-opening and, often harrowing, look at the past. Still, the museum is a must-see.
Meril Restaurant
Looking to celebrate your birthday with a special twist? Meril has a nightly happy hour and a cotton candy spool with sparklers for the occasion. This restaurant serves Cajun and Creole cuisine with a hint of Asian influence. Be sure to try their Korean Fried Chicken Wings and Spicy Rigatoni.
Ogden Museum
Ogden Museum of Art is home to the biggest and most comprehensive collection of Southern Art. A space dedicated to maintaining the South's visual arts culture, Ogden provides different community events and programs like participatory gallery tours and artist workshops. No matter your art taste, their expansive collection is sure to impress and inspire.
CBD
Brewery Saint X
Brewery Saint X is a lively spot only a few blocks away from Caesar's Superdome. And if you're looking for a place to pregame before heading to a Saints game, the brewery partners up with Devil Moon BBQ to offer the easiest tailgate experience. They have a wide range of drink options, including a cocktail made with beet-infused Mezcal.
Pro-tip: Don't skip the smash burger with special sauce and beef fat fries.
Bar Métier
Recently rebranded from Bar Marilou, this French-style cocktail bar mixes class with cozy. With velvet bookshelves and plush sofas, it's no surprise this bar is in a renovated library. The elegant lounge space is even home to a speakeasy, where guests can enter through the Hotel Métier entrance.
Willa Jean
Known for its pastries, Willa Jean is a delightful southern bakery, bar and restaurant. Turning simple snacks, like a platter of cookies and milk, into an elevated plate is their specialty. The spacious cafe has plenty of light and is great for happy hour or weekend brunch.
Marigny
JAMNOLA
An abbreviation for joy, art and music - New Orleans, JAMNOLA houses 17 exhibits aimed at showcasing the unique culture of the Crescent City. The interactive museum is made up of over 30 local artists' work.
Paladar 511
This Italian restaurant has white brick interiors with large warehouse windows, making it a sleek and cozy spot for lunch and dinner. Serving flavorful cocktails and fresh pizza and pasta dishes, this neighborhood spot is just blocks away from Frenchmen Street.
Frenchmen Art Bazaar
Open seven days a week, this outdoor artisanal art market is packed with vendors selling original art and jewelry. While listening to some of the city's best jazz music, customers can browse a variety of crafts made by local artists.
Bywater
Sneaky Pickle and Bar Brine
Perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Sneaky Pickle is a trendy restaurant that offers dishes from wagyu steak to vegan mac and cheese. This restaurant sources its ingredients from local farmers and serves a menu of innovative meals.
The Bargain Center
For those interested in browsing antique shops or thrift stores, The Bargain Center is a perfect combination of the two. This second hand shop is filled with eclectic pieces of the past. Stacks of well-loved comic books and shelves of miscellaneous antiques line the store, displaying all the oddities it has to offer.
Piety Market at Hotel Peter and Paul
For 10 years, the Piety Market has curated a collection of local art vendors each month. Featuring live music and various food options, this market is open from 12 p.m. to 5. p.m. on the third Sunday of every month.
Lower Ninth Ward
Fats Domino's Home
Legendary rock and roll musician Fats Domino was born and raised in New Orleans. His house, with black and yellow trimming, is located on the corner of Fats Domino Avenue and Marais Street. A tribute to the city's beloved performer, the house is rightfully adorned with his initials and a large black star.
Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum
This museum of the Lower Ninth Ward takes a look into the lives of the neighborhood's residents, featuring oral histories and six rooms of exhibits. It was in this neighborhood that civil rights advocate Leona Tate was born and went to school as part of desegregation efforts.
The Jackson Barrack's Museum
If you're interested in Louisiana military history, give this museum a visit. Chronicling the history of the National Guard, the Jackson Barrack's Museum has exhibits ranging from colonial settlement to current deployments across the world. There is no admission fee.
Tréme
Backstreet Cultural Museum
This museum is home to the largest and most detailed archive of the city's African American community-based masking traditions. Highlighting the Mardi Gras Indians, the museum has a significant collection of the krewe's beaded suits. Anyone even remotely interested in Mardi Gras should take a tour of the Backstreet Cultural Museum.
Broadside and Broad Theater
The Broadside is a combination of a music venue and outdoor event space located down the street from the Broad Theater. Often hosting food trucks and pop-ups this event space is a sister-venue to the Broad Theater, a neighborhood movie theater screening mainstream films.
Tréme Coffeehouse
Located in a bright orange house with blue shutters, this charming coffeehouse is a neighborhood staple offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches and even snoballs. Stop and fuel up here after your visit to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, only a block away.
French Quarter
Napoleon House
Napoleon House is over 200 years old and is both a historic and culinary landmark. With an open courtyard decorated with palms, this French Quarter classic is great for a sandwich and drink.
M.S. Rau
This antique gallery has been open for over 100 years and is home to some of the country's finest art, jewelry and antiques. The gallery has sold works from Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, and curates an annual museum-worthy exhibit of their current collection.
Peychaud's at The Celestine
Named by Esquire as one of the 'best bars in America,' Peychaud's features classic New Orleans cocktails, like the Sazerac and Vieux Carré. The bar has intimate seating inside and an open courtyard connected to The Celestine hotel.