Step foot in New Orleans once, and the city will stay with you forever. Louisiana’s largest metropolis is one of America’s last great cultural capitals, where food, music, architecture, and art pulse together in a rhythm that feels entirely its own. Known for its anything-goes spirit, the Big Easy is the kind of place where the party never truly ends. Yes, Mardi Gras draws the world every winter, but the celebration spills far beyond the parades—into a full festival calendar that runs year-round. Highlights include Tales of the Cocktail, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, Essence Festival, and of course, the crown jewel of spring: the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Better known simply as Jazz Fest, this year’s edition (April 25–May 5, 2024) promises a star-studded lineup, from the Rolling Stones to Anderson .Paak, Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, and more.
Can’t make Jazz Fest? Don’t worry. The city’s cultural calendar is so full that there’s never really a wrong time to plan your getaway. Below, a curated guide to the best places to stay, sip, savor, and shop in New Orleans. As locals say, laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll.
Where to Stay
One of the joys of New Orleans is its abundance of stunning hotels, each with its own personality. Hotel Saint Vincent, a former orphanage turned modern design gem tucked into the Lower Garden District, has long been a personal favorite (and yes, it’s where I got married). Its pool alone makes it worth the stay. Prefer to be in the thick of the action? Base yourself in the French Quarter, where the Eliza Jane, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, and the freshly renovated Four Seasons put you just steps away from Bourbon Street’s wild abandon. That’s the beauty of New Orleans—within a single day, you can swing between opulent revelry and slow, soulful Southern mornings.
Where to Drink
In New Orleans, it’s nearly impossible to stumble into a bad bar. Cocktail culture runs deep here, whether you’re craving an experimental spritz or a classic French 75. Spend a lazy afternoon at Bacchanal in Bywater, where a bottle of wine and an overflowing charcuterie plate feel like pure magic. Come happy hour, Luke downtown serves its French 75 with cognac—the true NOLA way—alongside briny oysters on the half shell. Peychaud’s and Columns Bar nail the martini, while the Paradise Lounge at Hotel Saint Vincent mixes an unforgettable rosemary spritz. For a late-night espresso martini with skyline views, the Ace Hotel’s rooftop can’t be beat.
Where to Eat
Sorry, New York—but New Orleans might just be the best food city in America. The classics are non-negotiable (beignets, gumbo, po’boys), but what makes the dining scene so exciting is how chefs are constantly reinventing Creole flavors. Start with Acme Oyster House for chargrilled oysters (don’t forget the hot sauce and extra bread), then wander to Elizabeth’s in Bywater for praline bacon and the kind of Southern breakfast that stays with you forever. Cafe Sbisa’s shrimp and grits and chicken with sweet potato waffles are must-tries, while Turkey and the Wolf delivers sandwiches so big you’ll need two hands and then some. For brunch in a fairy-tale courtyard, Cafe Amelie is a dream; for lighter fare, Satsuma is a local favorite. And if you want to explore beyond Creole, Dakar’s acclaimed Senegalese-inspired dishes will redefine your idea of New Orleans dining. And yes, a powdered-sugar stop at Cafe du Monde is absolutely mandatory.
Where to Listen
Technically, the party is everywhere—but Frenchmen Street remains the epicenter of live music. Here, you’ll find intimate clubs where world-class musicians play just feet away. Favorites include DBA, the Spotted Cat Music Club, the Rabbit Hole, and Treme Hideaway. Whether it’s brass bands or jazz standards, the soundtrack of New Orleans is alive on every corner.
Where to Shop
For style lovers and music enthusiasts, New Orleans doubles as a treasure hunt. Record collectors will lose hours flipping through vintage vinyl at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District. Independent boutiques like Lekha, Elysian by Emily Morrison, and Saint Claude Social Club capture the city’s eclectic energy through fashion and home goods. Meanwhile, luxury seekers should stop by ByGeorge inside Hotel Saint Vincent, which curates a beautifully edited selection of resortwear and accessories from Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers, and Rabanne.
New Orleans is more than a destination—it’s an experience that blends indulgence, artistry, and spontaneity. Come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with memories that will tug you back again and again.
