20 of the Best Things to Do in New Orleans in 2026

Start with late-night gumbo at a tucked-away eatery, then wander past marie murals with your sibling and snap photos of a lively band under glittering lanterns near a row of eateries.

Morning plan pairs museums with street-food markets: explore a trio of museums that fuse arts and science, then sample a recipe beside gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets at a lively eatery.

For a quick dive into local vibes, catch a brass-band performance at a late-night venue, where a spectacle blooms and crowd size swells as a fountain glows nearby.

In marie district, wander along creole blocks, stop by eateries where beignets vanish in seconds, then ask questions about origins of gumbo, and compare photos with your companion.

Pair activities with a cooking class for a hands-on recipe, so you and husband can recreate a taste at home, then share a joyful moment with a sibling, noting size of portions and spice levels.

Final stop blends a bird cage gallery with a sunset stroll, encouraging you to wander, collect photos, and miss nothing as you answer questions that linger after dusk.

20 Best Things to Do in New Orleans in 2025: NOLA Po’Boys

Kick off with a shrimp po’boy at Domilise’s Po-Boy Shop, then move to Parkway Bakery & Tavern for roast beef on baguette, followed by Casamento’s for fried seafood goodness.

Next, stroll through a neighborhood with plenty of attractions, including sculptures in a sculpture garden in City Park, riverfront views, shaded by green awnings, and casual coffee spots. Take a short detour to Marigny for mural walks and small galleries, where friendly t-shirts are sold, just steps away.

Evening detour leads to ghost stories and live music at venues where performers, fans, and friendly bartenders mingle. That detour suits either casual explorers or devoted food fans.

Dining scene includes spots like noma-inspired pop-ups and chefs who spent years at noma, delivering boundary-pushing plates via casual spots, tasting menus, bright greens, and fried fish pairings. Hollywoods vibe threads through storefronts, and many eateries began as family-run kitchens, based in historic houses, adding intimate vibe.

Pro tip: allocate plenty time for ghost detour, po’boy crawl, and finale spectacle featuring street performers, fans, and friendly locals. Coach shuttles help navigate among neighborhoods after dusk, while a short walk rounds out a green evening breeze, route stays compact, although busy.

20 Best Things to Do in New Orleans in 2025

Visit Preservation Hall at sunset for pure jazz vibe. History comes alive as groups perform roots of American music.

cafe crawl along fabled Frenchmen Street: chicory coffee, beignets, and creative bites appear at several stops.

Ride a streetcar along St. Charles Avenue to catch river views and stretching breaks at convenient stops.

Enjoy crawfish boil at louisianas favorite seafood spot, spice on rice, floor gleaming.

Audubon Aquarium offers shark sightings behind a glass cage; fins slip through water.

mama cooks share family recipes at a warm cafe; savor gumbo and jambalaya.

Live jazz at intimate venues yields living rhythm, instruments filling crowded rooms.

Hollywoods era mansions line St. Charles Avenue, offering elegant facades and grand floor tiles.

Second line parades draw groups across louisianas culture each month during spring and fall.

Street food stalls along Royal Street offer crawfish etouffee, muffuletta, and creative snacks.

Riverfront cruise at sunset pairs cocktail hours with live blues and a view of water.

Cultural history museum displays louisianas heritage, including instruments and what locals cherish.

Garden District stroll reveals ornate balconies, ironwork, and floors that became symbols of living elegance.

Bywater murals showcase creative art; stop for coffee at a quirky cafe.

louisianas music scene night venues host series of performances along St. Charles Avenue and adjacent avenues.

Adults savor cocktail hours inside a cozy bar; conversations bloom as night falls over river.

Another cafe stop offers beignets, chicory coffee, and stories from mama kitchen.

Shopping on Royal Street balances history, crafts, and curious instruments at small galleries. need steady pacing to cover spots.

Stretching along riverfront yields blue hour views, live music, and living culture.

Cocktail crawl across avenues, plan months of nights and groups of adults.

Top Po’boy Shops for Classic New Orleans Sandwiches

Pick Domilise’s Po-Boy Sandwich Shop for storied flavors; crusty bread stands up to generous fillings and remoulade that sings. Months spent chasing iconic bites arrive here, specifically after riverfront strolls, crowds spilling along Magazine Street.

• Domilise’s Po-Boy Sandwich Shop – storied Magazine Street landmark; signature shrimp and debris po’boy; crusty loaf, tangy remoulade; crowd grows after late-night tours; bread hand-made by local stand; traffic crossed by streetcars along nearby riverwalk; at park corner, fans pause to share bites.
• Parkway Bakery & Tavern – roast beef po’boy with generous gravy; crust stays crisp, edges toasted; outdoor seating along shaded corner; line forms after sunset; travelers pick Parkway for a quick dive into Cajun flavors while parked near Mississippi river view.
• Acme Oyster House – oyster po’boy with Gulf freshness; crunchy exterior, hot sauce on side; flavors pair with pickle spear; locations span region, but original location on Dumaine Street remains anchor.
• Liuzza’s by the Track – Italian sausage po’boy, pepper-onion combo; bread from neighborhood bakery; long counter service; storied dining room; park vista nearby; good after nature walk along Bayou trails.
• Parasol's on Esplanade – shrimp po’boy and roast beef options; outdoor patio for fresh air; ghostly murals and a shark-shaped sign on brick; boudin bites sometimes pop up as side; travelers stop before visiting park or concert hall across river.
• Mother’s Restaurant – debris po’boy; robust jus, crisp lettuce; late-night staple for fans after tour stops; restored storefront along Esplanade Corridor; cross-town bus lines pass by; hands-on staff help avoid flavor overload.

Best Jazz Venues with Nightly Live Music

Begin at Preservation Hall for nightly trad-jazz, intimate vibe, and superb acoustics.

For a bigger room with nightly energy, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street delivers strong brass, soulful vocals, and a rotating cast. Admission around $15–25, doors open early, shows begin around 9 pm, expect standing room.

Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmen offers intimate stage, casual vibe, nightly sets, lineup leans trad and funk.

Three Muses in Marigny pairs artful plates with nightly jazz, blues, and swing, inviting guests to linger beyond meals.

Tipitina's on Napoleon hosts world-class acts across multiple rooms, drawing locals and visitors, late-night jams extend past midnight.

Vibe anchors blocks along carrollton towards noma, with attractions and museums within easy stroll. Began hours vary; call ahead. Crossed paths lead to spots where authentic tunes mix with ground-level sound and a fountain glows at night. ghostly shade from live oaks cools patios, offering views below city lights and chicken bites from nearby stalls. Excursions between venues let visitors sample local arts scene. Nostalgic district atmosphere drew crowds who wanted more than a show.

Historic Cemeteries and Above-Ground Tomb Tours

Choose Metairie Cemetery’s above-ground tombs for ghostly immersion; restored mausoleums reveal culture, call-and-response storytelling, Katrina-era memorials.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 offers legendary narratives; performers wander streets, sharing santaria and voodoo2 legends among vaulted halls.

Addition of guided routes and downloadable youtube clips expands after-tour experiences; souvenirs and t-shirts mirror local color.

Tourists should time visits to catch daylight calm, or after sundown for refreshing, ghostly atmospheres; pair with a couple of strolls along nearby streets.

Located amid Louisiana charm, these places offer a rich cultural lens; call local operators to arrange a combined cemetery and above-ground tombs adventure.

Walkable Riverfront, Streetcar Lines, and City Park Highlights

Start with waterfront stroll along Mississippi River, from Crescent Park toward riverfront docks; markings along iron rails guide crossings, offering river views and a steady breeze.

Then hop a streetcar along Canal Street line, which carries passengers through faubourg neighborhoods toward Tulane campus and City Park edges.

City Park highlights include antique oaks along Big Lake, sculpture gardens, Botanic Garden, Storyland, Carousel Gardens, and brunch options nearby; visiting families enjoy wide lawns, pedal boats, and peaceful paths.

French influence radiates through faubourg streets; religious landmarks, quaint chapels, and era-spanning cemeteries sit close by.

Pastpresent vibes emerge while strolling past old cues; beads, calendar entries listed, show pastpresent layers, which locals call part of living heritage.

Visiting spots around riverfront include brunch hubs and Tulane campus near City Park; once you arrive, whiskey tastings brought by a sponsoring company bring warmth to evening air.

Creole Cuisine Spots for Gumbo, Jambalaya, and More

Begin at Gumbo Shop, amazing for a first bite; this spot serves gumbo, jambalaya, and fried seafood with rich roux; riverfront lined with eateries provides walking routes feeding a lively spectacle; hours 11:00–21:00; cost $9–$18; learn flavor profiles quickly; your taste experience will elevate from simple bowls.

Gumbo Shop on St. Peter Street offers gumbo, jambalaya, and oyster po’boy; walkable from waterfront; Hours 11:00–21:00; Cost $9–$18; signature gumbo, seafood variants, and stews; educational walls lined with history; honestly, flavors offer depth beyond surface.

Dooky Chase's Restaurant offers historic Creole cuisine; ghostly jazz era tales color menu; Hours 11:00–14:30; 17:00–21:00; Cost $15–$40; gumbo z'herbes, jambalaya, shrimp Creole; educational notes explain culinary evolution across river areas; walking tour recommended; marching brass bands set mood; offer context for regional flavors.

Commander’s Palace iconic refined Creole dining; Hours 11:45–14:30; 18:00–21:30; Cost $45–$125; gumbo ya-ya, jambalaya, butter-soft crab; educational kitchen tours offered; waterfront stroll complements a tour; couple experiences available; a walking ride returns you to starting point.

Antoine's Restaurant offers classic multi-generation dining; Hours 11:30–22:00; Cost $25–$75; gumbo, seafood creole, oysters Rockefeller; educational décor, lined halls, ghostly candlelight stories; walking areas adjacent to riverfront invite a tour; couple memories can be made here; perfect stop for a lasting culinary memory.