What to do in New Orleans
Your guide to the very best of what New Orleans has to offer from dining, to entertainment to history, we have you covered.
DINING
Commander's Palace
The Garden District grand dame of New Orleans-style fine dining has a new head chef, takeout options, and expanded courtyard dining, making it a good time to revisit the famed Victorian-era mansion. Ever celebratory, Commander’s still raises the bar for hospitality and service, while delighting with reliably delicious Creole dishes like turtle soup, lacquered quail, and a not-to-be-missed bread pudding souffle.
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1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 899-8221
Arnaud's
Of the many historic, defining French Quarter restaurants, Arnaud’s has much to offer: Its James Beard Award-winning bar, (French 75), iconic dishes like the souffle potatoes with béarnaise sauce, and an ornate, dazzling setting that’s tough to beat, even in the Quarter. Try the oysters Ohan, which are baked with eggplant and andouille, and be sure to end your meal with a fire show and order the cafe brulot.
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813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 523-5433
http://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/
GW Fins
GW Fins celebrates everything seasonal, fresh, and from the water, with chef Michael Nelson dreaming up dishes like the delicate lobster dumplings and creative scalibut, a scallop-encrusted filet of halibut served with royal red shrimp risotto. The white linen French Quarter restaurant’s dedication to its product — fish collars, sheepshead, sea bass, and more — make GW Fins a great special occasion choice.
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808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-3467
http://gwfins.com/
Herbsaint
Herbsaint first introduced New Orleans to the now-prolific restaurateur Donald Link. Of all Link’s restaurants, the French, Italian, and Creole Herbsaint is a dazzling standout, one of the city’s best dining destinations for gumbo, chicken fricassee, and duck confit, with the bonus of romantic outdoor seating along the downtown St. Charles streetcar line.
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701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4114
http://www.herbsaint.com/
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Cochon Butcher
We make all of the meat that goes onto our sandwiches… bringing house-made to the next level. Our passion for showcasing artisanal and hand-crafted ingredients is seen in the fresh produce, eggs, and dairy products our forager sources directly from local farmers. House-made baked bread, delivered daily from our sister restaurant La Boulangerie, top our sandwiches. Butcher offers an array of house-made pickles, jellies, jams, mustards, and sauces, as well as a carefully curated collection of hand-crafted knives, cutting boards, and essential Butcher merchandise for gifting
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 588-7675
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Food world icon Leah Chase (who died at 96 in 2019), also known as the ‘Queen of Creole cuisine,’ turned Dooky Chase’s into the legendary fine dining establishment it is now, and luckily the new generation is innovating while upholding her tradition-centric legacy. The Treme institution continues to nourish bodies and souls with gumbo z’herbes, shrimp Clemenceau (a dish of shrimp, potatoes, mushrooms, and peas topped), and fried chicken in the tradition of Miss Chase.
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2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-0600
https://www.facebook.com/Dookychaserestaurant/
ACME Oyster
Food world icon Leah Chase (who died at 96 in 2019), also known as the ‘Queen of Creole cuisine,’ turned Dooky Chase’s into the legendary fine dining establishment it is now, and luckily the new generation is innovating while upholding her tradition-centric legacy. The Treme institution continues to nourish bodies and souls with gumbo z’herbes, shrimp Clemenceau (a dish of shrimp, potatoes, mushrooms, and peas topped), and fried chicken in the tradition of Miss Chase.
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2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-0600
https://www.facebook.com/Dookychaserestaurant/
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Food world icon Leah Chase (who died at 96 in 2019), also known as the ‘Queen of Creole cuisine,’ turned Dooky Chase’s into the legendary fine dining establishment it is now, and luckily the new generation is innovating while upholding her tradition-centric legacy. The Treme institution continues to nourish bodies and souls with gumbo z’herbes, shrimp Clemenceau (a dish of shrimp, potatoes, mushrooms, and peas topped), and fried chicken in the tradition of Miss Chase.
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2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-0600
https://www.facebook.com/Dookychaserestaurant/
ENTERTAINMENT
Frenchman Street
Stroll around Frenchmen Street, New Orlean's top nightlife spot for live music, on this small-group evening tour. Listen to guided commentary on the street's colorful history and visit some of the hottest nightclubs, one of which will serve you an included New Orleans-style cocktail. You can also peruse the Frenchmen Street Art Market to pick up some locally-made souvenirs.
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New Orleans Air Boats
Experience the Louisiana bayou outside of New Orleans on this airboat ride near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Learn about the historic swampland, just a short ride outside the city, teeming with wildlife through your guide’s commentary. This tour offers an excellent way to get out of the city and into Louisiana nature.
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National World War II Museum
The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., and an unforgettable way to experience World War II—from industrial efforts on the home front to the combat experience of the American servicemember abroad. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war: why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.
New Orleans Garden District Tour
Go back in time while exploring the Garden District during this walking tour. Listen to the stories and legends of the city and view the above-ground crypts and graves in Lafayette Cemetery from outside the gate. Stroll through beautiful streets lined with old Southern homes as you hear the history of the Garden District. Get insider tips from your guide on the best places to eat, drink, and be merry.
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Haunted History Carriage Tour
This New Orleans French Quarter haunted history tour sets itself apart from others like it by getting you off your feet and into an old-time, mule-drawn carriage during one of the spookiest times of day: nighttime. Pass by haunted hot spots such as the LaLaurie Mansion, and listen to twisted tales of dark magic, ghosts, and pure evil. With three tour times to choose from, it’s easy to add to your New Orleans itinerary.
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
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Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
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Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
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