New Orleans bursts with vibrant music, historic architecture, and world‑famous cuisine; famed for its Creole heritage, jazz, and Mardi Gras celebrations, the city shines year‑round but is especially lively in spring and fall.
Top Things to Do in New Orleans
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Getting Around New Orleans
From the Airport
Rideshare. Uber and Lyft operate at MSY; rides are typically 15‑20 minutes to downtown and cost $30‑$40. Bus. Jefferson Transit’s Airport‑Creole (E2) runs every 30 minutes, 45 minutes to the French Quarter, $2 fare. Taxi. Official airport taxis are metered, about 20‑minute ride to the French Quarter, fare around $36 plus tip.
Once You're There
Streetcar. The St. Charles, Canal, and Riverfront lines connect the French Quarter, Garden District and Mid‑City; $1.25 per ride.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
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Where to Eat in New Orleans
Phở Công | Noodle & Grill★★★★★1200 US-190 BUS, Covington, LA 70433, United StatesA casual Vietnamese noodle and grilled meat spot, known for pho and char‑grilled specialties.
Acme Oyster House★ 4.6 (14,167)Popular for its raw Gulf oysters and classic po’boy sandwiches.
Cochon★ 4.6 (10,701)Celebrated for its modern Cajun pork dishes, especially the cochon de lait sandwich.
Commander's Palace★ 4.6 (8,647)Renowned for its haute Creole tasting menu and the legendary Turtle Soup.
Herbsaint★ 4.6 (1,901)Chef Donald Link’s French‑Southern bistro famed for the turtle crêpes.
Café du Monde★ 4.5 (46,101)Iconic open‑air café serving fluffy beignets and chicory coffee since 1862.
Emeril's★ 4.5 (2,565)Emeril Lagasse’s flagship spot known for the “New Orleans‑style” banana‑butter crumble.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant★ 4.4 (3,605)Home of the iconic fried chicken and a historic civil‑rights meeting spot.
Coop's Place★ 4.3 (6,536)Casual spot loved for its hearty jambalaya and all‑night crawfish.
Galatoire's★ 4.3 (2,959)Historic Bourbon Street restaurant famed for its traditional Creole brunch and no‑reservation policy.
Willie Mae's Scotch House★ 4.3 (1,137)World‑renowned for the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken in the South.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in New Orleans
French Quarter & Riverfront
Morning. Stroll Jackson Square, admire St. Louis Cathedral, and browse the stalls of the French Market for local crafts.
Afternoon. Explore the Royal Street art galleries and then walk along the Mississippi Riverfront to the Moon Walk.
Evening. Enjoy live jazz at Preservation Hall and soak up the neon buzz of Bourbon Street.
Garden District & Magazine Street
Morning. Take a guided walking tour of the Garden District’s historic mansions and peek inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Afternoon. Shop the boutiques and cafés along Magazine Street, then relax in Audubon Park’s oak‑shaded paths.
Evening. Dine on modern Cajun fare at Cochon and finish with a cocktail at a nearby bar.
Treme, Bywater & City Park
Morning. Visit Louis Armstrong Park and the Backstreet Cultural Museum to learn about the city’s African‑American roots.
Afternoon. Wander the colorful murals of the Bywater, then head to City Park to see the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Best of the World sculpture garden.
Evening. Savor Creole classics at Dooky Chase's Restaurant and catch late‑night jazz on Frenchmen Street.