Where to Stay, Eat, Drink, and Revel in New Orleans, Ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl

A bastion of hedonism, New Orleans is where indulgence is expected, revelry encouraged, and a good time all but guaranteed. Without question, eating and drinking (sometimes in artful excess) is part and parcel of any visit to the Big Easy—but the city’s culture stretches far beyond beignets and Sazeracs, converting first-time visitors into lifelong devotees of its countless charms. This magnetism can be experienced through its most celebrated events—from Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras to Tales of the Cocktail and the Essence Festival. And with the city’s very own Caesars Superdome playing host to the 2025 Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 9, NOLA’s best traits will be on full display. That said, even if your visit doesn’t coincide with programming, all it takes is a stroll down its oak-lined avenues and historic corridors to spark a lifelong love affair with New Orleans.

For centuries, the city has played host to literary giants and jazz luminaries, civil rights leaders, and iconic artists. It’s a mysterious place where funerals become parades, Voodoo is still practiced, and tombs are above ground. Adding to its uniqueness, the city winds along the Mississippi River and is surrounded by distinct wetland habitats of swamps, bayous, and marshes.

The oldest neighborhood here is The French Quarter (also known as Vieux Carré), which despite its reputation for rowdy tourists and souvenir shops, is tightly woven into the tapestry of New Orleans culture (read: don’t skip it). But you shouldn’t stop there—the Marigny, Bywater, Tremé, Garden District, Bayou St. John, and Warehouse District (among others) should also be on your radar when curating an itinerary. If you’re in town for the Big Game (for the love of football, Taylor Swift proximity, or otherwise), position yourself in the Central Business District to keep close to the action.

Whether you’re planning a first-time visit or returning for an annual pilgrimage, laissez les bon temps rouler with our New Orleans travel guide below.

Getting Around

One of the best ways to experience New Orleans is by foot. Thanks to flat terrain, compact neighborhoods, and several pedestrian-friendly streets, it ranks high in walkability. If you plan to use the streetcar to get around (another great option relied upon by tourists and locals alike), download the Le Pass app to search for schedules and purchase your ticket ahead of time. (If you don’t, be sure to bring exact change—$1.25—with you.) The are five different streetcar lines, the historic, open-air Saint Charles Line being the most charming (more on that ahead). Rideshares like Lyft and Uber are also available in New Orleans, but word to the wise: don’t call one in the French Quarter unless you’re okay with getting stuck behind a slow-moving mule-drawn carriage.

Where to Stay

You can almost imagine what it felt like to stroll through its glamorous halls when The Pontchartrain Hotel originally peeled its doors open in 1927. This Garden District icon (which began as a luxury apartment building but converted to a hotel in the ‘40s) clutches onto its nostalgic charm with details like the lobby’s original terrazzo floor, heavy velvet drapes, and gleaming crystal chandeliers. (Not to mention the hotel key cabinet behind the front desk.) The original owners allowed long-term guests to haul in their own furniture and decor, and that pied-à-terre flair lingers throughout the suites and guest rooms. There are four food and beverage spaces in the hotel: the Hot-Tin Rooftop Bar, their fine dining concept Jack Rose, The Silver Whistle Café, and the Bayou Bar for Creole-inspired dishes and live jazz. Previous guests include Truman Capote, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, and Tennessee Williams, who worked on A Streetcar Named Desire during his residency here.

Located in the Marigny (the French Quarter’s quieter, calmer neighbor), this boutique property from Ash Hotels is set within a former Catholic church that was erected in the 19th century. The rooms (each individually decorated) stretch across three different historic buildings: the schoolhouse, the rectory, and the convent. (There’s also the brick church next door with its stained glass windows and restored murals that is now used as an event space.) This is no doubt an aesthete’s hotel—there are over 700 antiques throughout the expertly curated spaces as well as furnishings produced locally. (Don’t miss the cypress double staircase by the front desk, it will take your breath away.) From limestone clawfoot tubs, sumptuous canopy beds, and perfectly mismatched upholstery, a stay at Hotel Peter and Paul is right in step with what makes New Orleans a destination with distinction.

For those naysayers who profess they’ll never stay overnight in the boisterous French Quarter, The Celestine has other plans for you. This new 10-room boutique hotel strikes a fetching balance between modern creature comforts and old world charm (think: antiques and four-poster beds puzzled together with Five Wits toiletries and a curated wet bar)—and the interior courtyard set to the gurgling tunes of its three-tier fountain offers a slowed-down pace to immerse in the old city. The building dates back to 1791 and was once the home of Antoine Amedee Peychaud (founder of Peychaud’s bitters, father of the Sazerac cocktail) and his wife, Celestine. Tennessee Williams also stayed here when he was working on A Streetcar Named Desire in the 1940s, and his former suite has been converted into the hotel’s lobby. While here, don’t miss out on Peychaud’s Bar where guests and passersby alike can enjoy a reserve cocktail dreamt up by Neal Bodenheimer from Cure Co.

As with so many historic hotels in New Orleans, Columns has toggled through several previous lives—first as a private residence, then as a boarding house during World War I, and finally as a hotel (which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Locals know and love Columns for its massive porch—which becomes particularly lively during weekend brunch—and the interiors retain that private residence feel for guests, from toile wallpaper and stone fireplaces to a mahogany staircase that climbs upwards to reveal a stained glass skylight. When you’re hungry (and thirsty), head for the bar (or garden) for a cocktail, followed by dinner at the restaurant helmed by executive chef Paul Terrebonne.

This 14-room boutique hotel tucked in the heart of the leafy Garden District is a refined respite brought to you by local hospitality veterans, LeBlanc + Smith. The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the structure—it’s housed within a 19th-century mansion that’s been painted a shadowy slate blue. Similarly, the walls in the interior public spaces are tinted in deep jewel tones and decorated with a textural mix of clever antiques and vintage objects. There’s an all-day restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating (the focaccia with goat cheese and olive oil is nonnegotiable), a stylish lobby bar where you can pull up a stool or take your cocktail out onto the front porch, and out back, you’ll find a pool with an adjacent bar serving up small bites and tropical drinks.

A grand dame of New Orleans, this magnificent property opened its doors in 1893 as the Grunewal Hotel, eventually coming to bear its current moniker in honor of former president Theodore Roosevelt in 1923. Stepping into the gilded, block-long lobby with its soaring ceilings and 1867-era Eugène Farcot clock, guests are ushered back in time. Dive deeper into the hotel’s history with a visit to The Sazerac Bar, an iconic watering hole from the 1940s with well-preserved Art Deco design. Also not to be missed: the extensive salumi menu at the property’s Domenica restaurant, plus a bit of pampering at the Waldorf Astoria Spa (complete with a glass of welcome Champagne).

The first new-build hotel along St. Charles Avenue in the last several decades, Hotel Henrietta injects a fresh perspective to the Garden District, with rooms designed for both short and long-term stays. (The expansive suites are equipped with kitchenettes and can be combined for large groups.) The design leans into texture, color, and silhouette to shape the aesthetic, with details like velvet headboards, mosaic tiles, and wall coverings by French design legend Pierre Frey. There are balconies on every floor, plus a front porch equipped with fire pits and snug seating nooks (ideal for enjoying a post-dinner amaro from the lounge, which also serves coffee and Flour Moon bagels in the morning and small dishes all day).

Well positioned within the Warehouse District, this elegant hotel (formerly Maison de la Luz) was built in the early 1900s and served as an annex to New Orleans's former city hall. Now, it’s one of the most admired boutique guesthouses in the city offering 67 rooms. A nightly wine and cheese hour offers the opportunity to enjoy the ground-level lounge, which resembles the parlor of a well-traveled collector. (There’s also an honor bar for whipping up your own Sazerac or French 75). Stroll through to the next room and you’ll discover the Instagram-ready breakfast nook with its blue-and-white wallpaper and impressively tall windows. When you’re ready for a drink, slip into Salon Salon for a craft cocktail and small bites (we recommend the pommes pave), or opt for an even more intimate setting in the guest-only speakeasy-themed after astrology and accessed via a bookcase door.

Where to Eat

Rightfully earning its position on The New York Times’s 2024 Best New Restaurants list, this seafood-driven Mexican spot in the Bywater neighborhood is in a league of its own. Co-owned by sisters and Mexico City natives Ana and Lydia Castro (the former a James Beard Award-nominated chef), Acamaya is one of the most exciting new additions to New Orleans’s storied hospitality scene. There’s no point giving ordering advice here—everything on the menu is just that good.

Caribbean flavors meet Cuban heritage at this French Quarter mainstay that’s helmed by executive chef Alfredo Nogueira. The bar has been open for over a decade, but each visit offers something new thanks to its seasonal approach to ingredients. The cocktail menu is sensational (first-timers should get the classic Hurricane & Table) and flavorful dishes like the sweet plantains and fish rundown complement each other from start to finish.

A New Orleans fine dining classic, Brennan’s has been an institution since opening in 1946. The restaurant is credited with inventing the flaming dessert, Bananas Foster, which is theatrically prepared table side and worth a visit for alone (though it’s worth mentioning the Eggs St. Charles on the brunch menu are to die for).

Perched on a quiet corner along Magazine Street, this uptown restaurant sits in a 19th-century building that once sold provisions like butter, fresh cream, and imported teas. The menu is helmed by James Beard Award-winner Chef Justin Devillier and offers a creative, contemporary spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the blue crab beignets.

There are few culinary experiences in New Orleans more stimulating than the tasting menu at Emeril’s. Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse opened the flagship restaurant in 1990 and it’s now deftly guided by his son E.J. Lagasse. Expect it all—a lavish butter cart, Petrossian caviar, the finest and freshest Louisiana meats and produce—all savored within an elegant dining room designed with floor-to-ceiling glass that showcases the kitchen in its entirety, which you get a mini tour of at the beginning of your evening. (Might we suggest opting for the wine pairing with your tasting menu?)

This Central Business District indoor-outdoor gem is known for its well-curated wine list—some of which are served on tap—and sits within a three-story home dating back to the 1800s (it now operates as an 11-room inn and restaurant). The property is located just a 10-minute walk from the Superdome, making Copper Vine the ideal destination for a pre-game brunch.

There’s no such thing as the best po’boy in the city—there are too many fine contenders, each offering their own standout style. While Liuzza’s by the Track, Domilise’s, and Parkway Bakery & Tavern are worthy shout-outs for this Louisiana classic, Verti Marte is an undeniable top pick. Don’t expect to be seated—this is a cash-only deli in the French Quarter. But what it lacks in table space, it more than makes up for in flavor.

This modern Senegalese tasting menu—which was named the best new restaurant in the country at the James Beard Awards this year—was born from Chef Serigne Mbaye’s memories of growing up in Senegal. Many of the courses are served family style (a nod to West African dining traditions) and the menu draws a focus on seafood and produce from local farmers in South Louisiana. The menu changes often, but expect highlights like soupe kandja, a Senegalese okra gumbo soup with gulf crab, palm oil, and Louisiana rice.

Named America’s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit in 2017, this humble sandwich shop continues to live up to its accolades. Hopefully you’re not on a diet: the fried bologna—which includes potato chips inside the sandwich—is a must-order, as is the frozen margarita, which is prepared with Cointreau, squirt, and Mountain Dew.

Ask any local what that turquoise-and-white Victorian building in the Garden District is and they’ll know instantly—it’s Commander’s Palace. Since 1893, this landmark restaurant has been serving up classic Creole classics such as turtle soup au sherry and Creole gumbo. Book a table on Saturday or Sunday for the lively jazz brunch.

The first thing you’ll notice at this cocktail bar tucked inside Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is the striking shade of blue-green, stretching from ceiling to floor. The menu emphasizes tipples that offer light and floral notes (think: Japanese gin paired with coriander, mint, lime, and jalapeño), which can be enjoyed on one of their many live music nights. If you’re looking for a pre-game beverage, Peacock Room is a straight shot 20-minute walk to the Superdome.

Spend enough time in New Orleans and you’ll become acquainted with the grand dame restaurants of the city—Arnaud’s being one of them. This family-operated restaurant is over 100 years old, has a jazz brunch, a killer ‘shrimp Arnaud’ dish, a bar dedicated to the French 75 cocktail, and flaming table-side service for their delicious Café Brûlot for two. (Tip: Ask about their secret Mardi Gras Museum.)

For a fuss-free, reliably good Italian meal, Paladar 511 is a go-to spot in the Marigny. It’s great for pizza and pasta (especially the squid ink spaghetti) and its close proximity to Frenchmen Street makes it all too easy for your group to drift from a hearty dinner to live jazz.

Everyone from Duke Ellington and Ray Charles to Beyoncé and Barack Obama have eaten at this quintessential New Orleans restaurant, which has been in operation since 1941. Often called the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase (who was Dooky Chase Jr.’s wife) introduced dishes such as Gumbo des Hermes, fried chicken, and the Creole red style of jambalaya, among many others. She also established the restaurant as a safe haven throughout the civil rights movement, and in her lifetime supported Black artists by displaying their work, eventually creating one of the city’s first galleries dedicated to African American art.

Right in the heart of Jackson Square yet somehow hidden in plain sight, this new raw bar is one of the most exciting recent openings in the French Quarter. Fives is in a National Historic Landmark building that dates back to 1851, and the design centers around a wooden horseshoe-shaped bar installed beneath a striking antique chandelier. It’s the kind of peaceful spot you can quickly pop into for a half dozen oysters and a glass of bubbles… but find yourself lingering around for the beef tartare and curated martini menu.

Tourist haven it may be, a pillowy beignet and cup of chicory coffee is a must when you’re in New Orleans—don’t question it! If you’re not up for the wait at the original location, there’s an outpost in City Park that’s just as lovely.

Sylvain is a low-key (but reliably good) Southern bistro in the French Quarter that serves up crowd favorites like cast iron cornbread and slow-cooked short rib. If you’re here for brunch, the Champagne & Fries menu is an obvious go-to.

When you’re in the mood for a thoughtful, well-crafted beverage, head to Jewel of the South. This James Beard Award winner and America’s 50 Best destination is a worthy stop on any New Orleans cocktail crawl, coupling classic techniques with seasonal flavors.

Need a romantic date night spot serving natural wines and French classics like escargot and bouillabaisse? Head for this tried-and-true spot in the Bywater. (Request a table in the garden out back for extra romance.)

Impeccably designed, flooded with natural light, and stocked with heavenly pastries, the Ayu Bakehouse team has made a major splash since opening in 2022. This Marigny bakery is helmed by Breads Bakery alumni Kelly Jacques and Samantha Weiss, and offers a menu told through the lens of their upbringings—expect muffuletta breadsticks and chocolate babka knots placed beside Pandan-infused coconut buns (a nod to Jacques’s Southeast Asian heritage). Also a must: the jalapeño cookie, which pairs well with the chai latte made in-house.

For those muggy New Orleans days when all you want is to stroll around town, frozen beverage in hand, head for Manolito tucked away on Dumaine Street, and order one of their popular daiquiris (to go).

Known and adored for both their warm muffulettas and refreshing Pimm’s Cup, Napoleon House is always worth a pitstop. It sits within a 1791-era building that was once inhabited by the mayor of New Orleans, and would go on to become a restaurant and bar by the Impastato family who emigrated from the Sicilian town of Cinisi.

Told through the lens of Latin, Southeast Asian, Indian, and other global flavors, the culinary narrative of Mister Mao is one that’s eclectic, lively, and unapologetically fun. The restaurant—decorated in the spirit of the tropics—is led by Chef Sophina Uong (who is Cambodian-American) and dishes range from an Indonesian fruit salad to addictive garlic noodles.

Though it’s closer to the cacophony of Bourbon Street than we’d prefer to be, the frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose is entirely worth shimmying your way past the beaded crowds for this refreshing pick-me-up.

Where to Shop

This New Orleans-based eyewear brand’s French Quarter flagship on Royal Street is ideal for picking up a new pair of sunnies while in town. Stick around long enough and they may even offer you a glass of frosé from their in-store frosé machine.

Pick up a handcrafted mug or bowl from this ceramic studio located in the Marigny neighborhood. Birdie’s is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and offers classes, membership, and—lucky for all of us—a storefront shop where members can sell their handmade goods.

Since opening their doors in 2016, Pilot & Powell co-owners Kathryn Bullock Joyner and Coeli Hilferty Boron have been Nola’s resource for approachable luxury. Harmoniously blending brands like Totême, Bernadette, and Rochas, this Magazine Street store is where to go when you need a new wardrobe hero.

Located within the former convent at Hotel Peter and Paul, this petite shop offers a fun mix of vintage clothes, stylish giftables, artisan jewelry, home goods, and more. Iris 1956 Founder Candias Smith curated the assortment and it even includes items from the hotel, including the robes, bath line, and custom candles.

Die-hard vintage enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on this Lower Garden District shop, which sources rare garments from several eras in fashion all around the world (everything from ethereal 1930s chiffon gowns to Moschino and Miu Miu). The owner modeled her brick-and-mortar after the great boutiques and salons of Paris, catching the attention of shoppers such as Blake Lively and Dita Von Teese along the way.

Nestled within Hotel Saint Vincent, this Austin fashion and lifestyle boutique translates its cool girl sensibilities to the Big Easy with a selection of standout labels such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten, and Christopher John Rogers. If you’re feeling especially spendy, peruse their selection of fine watches from Rolex and Cartier.

Head for Kentucky Street in the Bywater for this “unusual New Orleans culinary antiques shop” hawking everything from gorgeous copper cookware to brass bar carts. Or perhaps you’re after a French 19th-century hand-blown verre a café? This is the place to come and get lost in history.

Much more than a bookstore, this Black-owned independent company (named after writer James Baldwin) donates hundreds of books to impoverished communities, all in service to its mission of nurturing communities through the written word. On any given day, visitors can shop from the extensive assortment of titles by Black writers, sit in on an author talk, and spark up a dialogue with fellow book lovers at their cafe.

Crate digger? Drop into this well-stocked record shop for new and used vinyl, turntables, and other memorabilia. They also offer DJ and music production lessons and have taught over 500 students throughout New Orleans since opening.

What to Do

Hop aboard a flat-bottomed boat with Cajun Encounters to glide through the wild Honey Island Swamp. The company arranges pick-ups and drop-offs from several points throughout New Orleans and it takes about an hour to arrive in gator territory. If you’re feeling a tad devil may care, you can also book a kayak tour through this striking marshland.

Often cited as the birthplace of jazz, this open space in the southern corner of Louis Armstrong Park is the site where enslaved people of color gathered on Sunday afternoons during the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s here that enslaved Africans drummed, danced, sang, and traded, with some of these gatherings numbering as many as 500 to 600 people. Born from these cultural expressions gradually came Mardi Gras Indian traditions, the Second Line, and eventually New Orleans jazz as we know it today.

Arguably the best World War II museum in the world, this comprehensive collection tells the story of the war that changed the world through impressive multimedia experiences, immersive exhibits, and an eye-popping number of artifacts and first-person detail. Be prepared to spend several hours here (if not the entire day) and don’t miss the 4-D experience narrated by Tom Hanks titled ‘Beyond All Boundaries.’

Often billed as the best way to see the city, New Orleans streetcars are as charming as they are convenient. If you have a free morning, grab a latte and pastry from Lagniappe Bakehouse & Coffee and hop on the St. Charles Streetcar to ride up its namesake avenue to admire the architecture and historic Oak trees. (Tip: download the ‘Le Pass’ app ahead of time to buy your ticket, and simply show your screen to the conductor upon boarding. Otherwise, it’s $1.25 per ride and exact change only.)

Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of this elegant neighborhood, brimming with architectural significance. Whether it's a Greek Revival mansion once owned by Anne Rice or the three-story Italian property where Mark Twain used to party, behind every iron gate lies a story worth untangling.

Formerly a 19th-century church, this opera house is now a striking performing arts venue in the Marigny that’s also played host to a couple of notable celebrity weddings and even a Depeche Mode music video. While in town, check the event calendar to see what’s on during your visit.

This is a museum, research center, and publisher that was founded in the 1960s and tells the story of New Orleans and the Gulf South through exhibitions, original texts, and its public research center. It’s located in the French Quarter and is free to the public. Especially of note is the museum’s exhibition, Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration, which is on through mid-February 2025.

Housed in the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley and one of the few remaining structures built during the French rule (reminder: most buildings in the French Quarter were constructed during the Spanish occupation), this convent was completed in 1752 and offers a fascinating look back in time through the lens of the Ursuline nuns who braved a five-month voyage on the Atlantic Ocean to run a hospital and educate young girls.

It would be sacrilegious to visit New Orleans and skip out on jazz. But where to begin? Frenchmen Street is always a strong bet—walk along the three short blocks and go where your ears take you (Snug Harbor, The Spotted Cat, and Blue Nile are all solid picks). And for free and reliably knock-your-socks-off kind of jazz, head to Bayou Bar inside The Pontchartrain Hotel for their weekly programming.

New Orleans is a community that doesn’t shy away from the supernatural—it’s part of their daily vernacular. Understandably, the city’s many historic cemeteries play an integral role in its cultural identity, with many offering guides or the opportunity to explore alone.

While the sculpture garden in City Park is indeed well worth a visit, for an off-the-beaten-path experience, head for Couturie Forest on the northern side of the park. This hidden gem offers several walking trails that wind through wetlands and woodlands, which are especially hospitable to birders (it’s considered the city’s top bird-watching destination).

This strange (and at times, macabre) collection of artifacts pertaining to the history of pharmacy and medicine sits within a classic Creole townhouse in the French Quarter. Step inside and you’ll be immediately transported back to the 19th and early 20th century, surrounded by old stethoscopes, opium bottles, and even irradiated face powder (remember when beauty products were radioactive?)

Rent a stand-up paddleboard or go on a kayak tour on Bayou St. John for a view of this historic neighborhood from one of the city’s most historic waterways. Keep an eye out for turtles and Egrets, and sneak a peek at Park Island—a little-known area with mid-century modern architecture like the famed Ashtray House.