If you’re coming to New Orleans for work, there’s no reason you can’t have a little fun while you’re in town even if it is just for a few days. Here’s some advice on how to make the most of your work trip whether it’s two days or a week.

Do your research

With a dining scene as vast as ours it can be intimidating to choose where to eat while you’re in town, especially if you’re only here for a few days. Whether you’re looking for casual lunch spots or Creole classics, we have you covered. Check out our New Orleans Cuisine page for all your New Orleans foodie inspiration.

Paul Broussard
Chargrilled Oysters - Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House

Around the clock there’s always something fun happening in New Orleans, from live music to sports games and comedy shows there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out our calendar before you leave home to know what’s happening while you’re in town.

Our 300-year-old city has a lot to offer which is why we’ve created the ultimate trip planning tools page. Whether you’re looking to discover our unique neighborhoods, learn more about our beautiful architecture or anything in between, we have you set. We even created itineraries for you, so you don’t have to!

  • When you come to New Orleans, come hungry. Between the culinary history and cocktail culture, New Orleans is the best place to eat in America.
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  • Mother nature got you down? Ditch the umbrella and explore the great indoors with some of our favorite climate-controlled spaces throughout the city.
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  • You don’t have to be a big spender to jump into a million-dollar New Orleans experience. The Big Easy can be easy on the wallet, if you know where to look. From happy hour specials to hidden...
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Book ahead

The weather in New Orleans can be rather dramatic. Plan and pack accordingly by checking the weather forecast before you leave home. A rain jacket is always a good idea during the spring and summertime for those mid-afternoon showers.

Depending on what time of year you’re coming to New Orleans it can be busy, so we recommend making reservations in advance. Make a few reservations at some of those places you’ve been wanting to try and book that swamp tour, you won’t regret coming prepared.  

Make the most of every minute!

If you’re doing business around the Convention Center all day and don’t have time to get out of Downtown to explore the city, no need to worry. There’s still so much to see and eat all within a one-mile radius of the Center. You can still have a memorable New Orleans trip:

  1. Visit a nearby museumWWII Museum or Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
     
  2. Go see some live music at the Howlin’ Wolf.
     
  3. Get artsy on Julia Street.
     
  4. Watch a sports game at the Rusty Nail.
     
  5. Do some mid-meeting shopping at The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk.
     
  6. Take a break by the River at Woldenberg Park.

6 Great restaurants within a mile of the Convention Center

  • A butcher shop, a sandwich counter and a wine bar. Butcher offers small plates, daily lunch specials and dinner entrees. Inspired by old-world meat markets, Butcher specializes in house made meats,...
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  • A chef-driven food hall and private events space from Politan Row featuring a curated mix of local food and beverage talent. This urban oasis for unique flavors and design is a destination for the...
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  • Independently owned New Orleans steakhouse inspired by the “parilladas” of Argentina. We offer the largest variety of cuts in NOLA. The wine list is purely Argentine and offers the widest selection of...
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  • Peche Seafood Grill in New Orleans' Warehouse District serves simply prepared coastal seafood with a unique, modern approach to Old World cooking methods. Featuring rustic dishes and a raw bar...
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  • - Located in the Warehouse District, Meril is Chef Emeril’s lively neighborhood restaurant. Meril showcases some of Lagasse's favorite dishes offering a diverse menu complete with craft cocktails and...
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  • The second locale of St. James Cheese offers creative European influenced cheese-centric dishes, sandwiches and salads. Cheese-lovers must try the cheese bar. Browse the artisan cheeses and gourmet...
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