New Orleans is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.—and for good reason. In 2024 alone, we welcomed more than 19 million visitors and landed on just about every “best of” list: Time Out’s #1 Food City in the World, Travel + Leisure’s #2 U.S. Destination for 2025, Forbes Travel’s Top 12, and one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go.

The French Quarter

It’s an icon for a reason. As one of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods, the French Quarter is a must-visit for anyone. And for many locals, an afternoon or evening spent wandering its historic streets can feel like an opportunity to revisit old memories while uncovering new hidden gems.

“My absolute favorite ‘touristy’ thing to do is walk the French Quarter,” local influencer Kortlynn Jenae’ Johnson explains. “There’s something about the colors of the sky complementing our beautiful architecture with the sounds of the city that is literally undeniable.”

There’s always something new to learn—even for those born and raised here. Caitlin Minshew of @EatingWithCaitt recalls a recent walking tour she did through Streets of Sin, a local tour company.

“Walking through the French Quarter and learning about the city’s rich history really reminded me that there’s truly no other place like New Orleans. The charm and the atmosphere are just unmatched.”

Amy Merhtens of Copper Vine loves an afternoon or morning of antique shopping in the Quarter, saying it provides the perfect opportunity for "a good walk with coffee and a chance to dig through some weird old stuff." 

Shannon Bingham, the executive chef at Junebug, shared his ideal Quarter day, starting with lunch before relaxing over drinks.

"Muffulettas and Pimm’s Cups at Napoleon House, followed by beers at the Chart Room, makes for a perfect French Quarter afternoon."

Breanne Kostyk of Flour Moon Bagels says one of her favorite ways to enjoy the Quarter is for a quiet weeknight date.

“We hop around to some of our favorite spots: a frozen daiquiri at the bar at Manolito or Cane and Table, a French 75 at Peychaud's Bar, and dinner at the bar at Sylvain are our go-tos.”

Sylvain received multiple shout-outs as a locally loved gem hiding in plain sight. Local meteorologist and trusted foodie Scot Pilié is among its many fans.

“Sylvain in the Quarter is a must. Cozy, delicious, and the cornbread is always a crowd-pleaser.”

When it comes to drinks, Galactic's Stanton Moore can't help but recommend The Pirate's Bar in Pirate's Alley, which he acknowledges is "a little touristy, but it's the only place I know of that you can sit outside and drink absinthe." Although he cautions against having more than two.

And for Ashwin Vilkhu (Saffron and The Kingsway), a stop by Jewel of the South is a must for their "elevated small plates and one of the best Sazeracs in town."

The Carousel Bar remains another classic, making both Moore's list as well as local food and influencer Karen Phan's (@AintThatPhancy) list, saying that a stroll through the French Quarter reminds she and her fiancé of all the good times.

"Some of our spots are Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone, grabbing a frozen drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and find newer restaurants like Patula to dine at."

Karen isn't alone in her love for Laffitte's–and more specifically, their famous purple drink.

Mark Latter, owner of Latter Hospitality (which includes Tujague’s, The Bower, and Birdy’s), says:

“Don’t ask questions, just get it.”

John Price, GM of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, takes it a step further:

“I think you anger the gods if you come to New Orleans and don’t get a purple.”

Beyond the French Quarter: Neighborhood Favorites

Exploring the neighborhoods outside the Quarter offers visitors a glimpse into everyday life in New Orleans—along with some true local gems. And whether on foot, by bike, streetcar or rideshare, there are so many ways to explore the various neighbothoods of New Orleans.

Karen Phan of @AintThatPhancy loves seeing the city by bike.

"Our favorite thing is to rent Blue Bikes (affordable bikeshare in New Orleans) and just sightsee in each neighborhood."

Bayou St. John

Congregation Coffee's Patrick Brennan often pairs a visit to the Quarter with a scenic drive through some of New Orleans’ most beautiful residential areas.

“I usually follow a morning in the Quarter with a driving architecture tour of the Marigny and Garden District, before heading out to Bayou St. John for a po-boy on the bayou.”

Chef Maggie Scales agrees that it’s a perfect next stop.

“Once all the French Quarter touristy things are out of the way, we head to City Park. If there are kids visiting, we hit Storyland and City Putt mini golf. Otherwise, we’ll walk around the Sculpture Garden. On the way to City Park, I pick up lunch from Porgy’s or Parkway and bring a blanket to sit and relax.”

Amy Mehrtens of Copper Vine shares in a love for the Sculpture Garden, stating that a picnic in the (totally free to enter) outdoor arts sanctuary is "simple, quiet, and easy." 

"Grab a sandwich and a bottle, sit under the oaks, and get away from the noise."

Ti Martin, co-proprietor of Commander’s Palace and self-proclaimed “Bayou St. John girl” seconds the perfection of picnic plans, sharing:

“The best days are simple picnics on the bayou at sunset with a few friends. It is the friendliest area, and just peaceful, funky, and fun.”

Uptown and Magazine Street

The Uptown area—including the Garden District, Irish Channel, and Central City—is a sprawling crescent of residential New Orleans bursting with shops, dining, and culture.

Chef Tyler Spreen of Herbsaint suggests kicking off a day of Magazine Street exploration with French Truck Coffee (there are two locations along Magazine) and a stop at Peaches Records.

Chef Maggie Scales Magazine Street days naturally begin with breakfast at La Boulangerie before heading out to explore the locally owned boutiques and businesses that line the popular thoroughfare:

“The local galleries and great shops make the 4-mile walk a breeze. Avis Aldine and Cole Pratt Gallery are two must-stop locations.”

For many locals, Audubon Park is non-negotiable.

“A walk through the park is one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans,” says Caitlin Minshew.

Chef Aom Srisuk, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Good Catch Urban Thai Bistro and Pomelo, agrees:

“Uptown, nothing beats a day at Audubon Park.”

And for those who golf, Mark Latter recommends a round at Audubon:

“It’s a great activity with your visitors who enjoy the game, or even the newbies. It’s a fairly quick course, making it easy to do 18 holes in about three hours. It’s also picturesque. Old live oaks with moss, lagoons, and animals all right in the heart of the city.”

John Price adds that nearby landmarks are not to be missed:

“I love taking people to see the Tree of Life in Audubon Park, which is magnificent. From there, I like to walk people to the Fly. The view of the river from there is particularly captivating. Watching the river traffic reminds people that New Orleans is a port city, which many don’t realize, and we talk about how that has shaped so much of the culture here, from the food to the accent.”

If you're looking for a good poolside hang, Galactic's Stanton Moore recommends a day at The Chloe, which offers daily pool passes to non-guests:

"[It's] a great boutique hotel on St. Charles with really good food and an awesome outdoor hang right on the Avenue."

When it comes to dining, the Uptown picks are full of flavor and nostalgia. Mark Latter shares his go-to’s:

• Clancy’s – “My quintessential New Orleans Restaurant, hidden in a quiet Uptown neighborhood. When you walk into what looks like a house, you will find a lot of familiar faces enjoying classic New Orleans food and they have one of the best wine lists in the city.” 
• Domilise’s – “My father brought me here as a kid, and now I bring my son here. The walls are lined with pictures of the Mannings growing up and many other locals as kids. The shrimp po-boy, fully dressed plus hot sauce, or what we call the 20-napkin hot roast beef, dressed, is also the way to go.”
• Hansen’s – “You are going to wait in line, but the wait is well worth it…I would have to say they have the best in the city.”

Minshew calls Uptown “the perfect foodie tour of New Orleans,” and shares her usual lineup:

“Breakfast at Red Dog Diner (their blueberry pancakes are a must), chargrilled oysters and frozen French 75s at Superior Seafood, and dinner at Osteria Lupo, because they have some of the best Italian food in the city.”

Chef Scales recommends Saffron:

“It’s hardly a hidden gem as every local loves them, but it might not make it on a lot of tourist maps. Come hungry—you’ll want to eat everything on the menu.”

For nightlife, Chef Srisuk suggests ending the evening with music and cocktails.

“I love to grab a nightcap at Dos Jefes, where you can always find a lively music act—and sometimes the night ends with drinks and conversation with the talented musicians!”

Amy Merhtens of Copper Vine says that she loves Maple Leaf for live music, where you can expect "no frills, just solid shows." Adding that, "you'll probably run into other service industry folks unwinding after a shift."

Congregation Coffee's Patrick Brennan also loves to head to classic Uptown music venues along Oak Street or Magazine.

“We follow a dinner on Oak with a trip to Maple Leaf or nearby Le Bon Temps—or wherever else we can find a brass band.”

Stanton Moore of Galactic and Tipitina's agrees about Le Bon Temps, saying that it's a great stop after a fun night at Tipitina's:

"[It's] a great neighborhood corner car that has pool tables in the front and live music in the back...the Soul Rebels play there regularly on Thursday nights and this is a quite fun scene to check out. They're open 24 hours and have good bar good food as well." 

Marigny and Bywater

The Marigny and Bywater are neighborhoods where creativity and character collide, where you’ll find vibrant pockets filled with music, color, and a food-and-drink scene that feels equal parts neighborhood hangout and culinary playground.

The Marigny's Ayu Bakehouse makes it to the top of many locals' must-eat lists, but when co-owners Samantha Weiss and Kelley Jacques have some time off, they're spending it in the neighborhood surrounding their beloved bakery.

"I can never resist Paladar 511," Weiss shares. "Their fresh pastas, Gulf fish, and the Picket Fences drink are always a hit. After dinner, a stop at Chance in Hell Sno-Balls for an artisanal treat like Sweet Corn & Basil with a drizzle of condensed milk is the perfect mix of refreshing and indulgent. Top it off with a walk to Crescent Park to catch the sunset over the river."

Jacques agrees that a visit to New Orleans is all about the food, but that low-key neighborhood spots can be just the ticket after a long day of exploration.

"Hosting guests in New Orleans is always about the food. While New Orleans offers plenty of fine dining, sometimes after a full day of sightseeing, all you need is a rest and then a walk to a casual neighborhood spot that still delivers something special. I love Budsi's Authentic Thai, tucked into a Creole cottage, for its bold, Isan-region dishes. And you must get the Roti!"

Breanne Kostyk is a regular at Bar Pomona, a cozy spot that’s part jam shop, part natural wine bar.

“Bar Pomona is one of our favorite hidden gems. They have a small, well-thought-out menu, often with a few seasonal offerings. Their wines by the glass are always great, as is their fig leaf martini. The soft serve is some of the best I've had and a must-have on a hot evening.”

Meanwhile, Caitlin Minshew praises nearby N7 for its “hidden, romantic vibe and French-Japanese fusion.”

And if you ask Scot Pilié where to grab brunch, he’s sending you to Elizabeth’s.

“The praline bacon never misses. Plus, they have a delicious iced Irish coffee.”

Meanwhile, when it comes to a sweet treat, Kortlynn Jenae’ says that she always tells people to get the beignets and sweet potato cookie from Loretta’s Pralines, but for drinks?

“It’s gotta be JusTini’s! I truly believe they have the best drinks in the city, and their food NEVER misses.”

Then there’s Bacchanal, the backyard wine bar that seems to show up on every local’s list, no matter how long they’ve lived here.

“If you’re a wine, food, and live music lover then you’ve gotta put Bacchanal on your list,” says Nicole Caridad Ralston of @EatenPathNOLA. “They’ve got happy hour ‘til 6 p.m. and their bottle shop is 10/10. Plus, they’ve got a gorgeous courtyard with live music every night and best of all… lots of fans to keep the heat at bay.”

Her usual order?

“The bacon-wrapped dates and confit chicken leg. Pair it with a chilled wine for the perfect moment.”

Some folks may say Bacchanal has gotten too popular, but not John Price.

“It’s got great wine, excellent food, and the best backyard music in town.”

And to him, Bacchanal’s popularity doesn’t take away from its magic. It actually reinforces what makes this city so special.

Algiers and the West Bank

Just across the river from the French Quarter, Algiers and the West Bank offer a different side of New Orleans—one that’s a little more residential, a little more relaxed, and filled with under-the-radar restaurants and neighborhood charm. Old Algiers Point in particular is not only the second-oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s also easily accessible from the foot of Canal Street by ferry–and then extremely walkable once there.

Scot Pilié never gets tired of the ride over.

“The ferry offers the best views of New Orleans.”

Chef Tyler Spreen says that one of his favorite family-friendly activities involves taking the ferry to Algiers for pizza at Nighthawk or tacos at Barracuda, the latter of which is conveniently located across from an adorable community playground where the kids can play while adults finish beverages or dinner.

Go a little farther (and for these, you’ll need a car or ride-share), and the culinary options keep coming. Spreen, who lives on the West Bank, has a whole lineup of neighborhood favorites.

“I love to take people to Tan Dinh, 9 Roses, Hong Minh, or Perino's Boiling Pot. You can also go to Hong Kong Market and walk around then grab some bahn mi and share.”

Another West Bank institutions worth calling a car for?  Mosca’s, a family-style Italian-Creole restaurant tucked along a quiet stretch of Highway 90 in Westwego.

“Mosca’s is definitely a classic attraction that has never lost appeal,” says Chef Maggie Scales. “Their chopped salad and Spaghetti Bordalaise is perfect.”

Whether it’s your first time across the river or your fiftieth, there’s a feeling to Algiers and the West Bank that sticks with you—slower, quieter, and every bit as rooted in New Orleans as the neighborhoods on the other side.

Riding the Streetcar

Few things feel more iconic to New Orleans than the green streetcars rumbling under the oaks along St. Charles Avenue. For locals, it’s more than just a scenic ride. It’s a reminder that everyday life here can be beautiful, and getting around can feel like part of the adventure.

Chef Ashwin Vilkhu of Saffron and The Kingsway says that for him, there's a timelessness to exploring the Garden District by way of the streetcar.

"Whether you're local or visiting, a stroll through the Garden District (or a streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue) never gets old. It's the perfect way to soak in New Orleans' charm, especially if you can top it off with cocktails on the porch at The Columns Hotel."

Mark Latter sees the St. Charles line as the perfect introduction to parts of the city many visitors miss.

“A lot of tourists never make it beyond the French Quarter, but there are so many charming parts of the city and a streetcar ride down St. Charles gives you a glimpse into the other side of our city. From the historic mansions in the Garden District to passing by the beautiful campuses of Loyola and Tulane, a streetcar ride on St. Charles is a must-do in New Orleans.”

For Emily Shaya, it’s not just transportation—it’s a way to build a whole evening around good food, good drinks, and neighborhood discovery. In this case, it’s a rolling oyster crawl.

“Start at Cooter Brown's, stop at Napoleon and go to Pascal's Manale, then walk over to Mosquito Supper Club for bar bites and Brightside oysters. The last stop is at the foot of Canal Street at Four Seasons Hotel, for a sophisticated ending at Miss River's bar with a flaming espresso martini and beignets.”

Whether you ride it from end to end or hop on and off along the way, the streetcar isn’t just a way to get somewhere. It’s a way to see New Orleans as it lives and breathes.

Major Events and the Moments That Reinforce Why We Love New Orleans

The city’s most famous festivals and events—Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Fest—draw thousands of visitors each year. But for locals, they’re something more. Beyond just dates on a calendar, they exist as cherished opportunities to come together with friends, neighbors, and complete strangers to celebrate the unique culture and community that makes New Orleans what it is.

Take Mardi Gras, for instance. For Chef Maggie Scales, Mardi Gras is about more than beads and partying.

“Mardi Gras for me is always a reminder of why I love New Orleans. Being in the center of the Uptown parades at La Boulangerie brings out all the families and regular customers we don’t get to see outside of their coffee or lunch routines. The vibe is fun and respectful, and new friends are always made.”

John Price feels that same sense of connection every spring.

“My love for New Orleans gets renewed every year by Jazz Fest. The onslaught of color, sound, and flavor is unmatched anywhere in the world. Plenty of places have music festivals, but none are infused with as much vibrant culture and a rich sense of place.”

And for him, French Quarter Fest holds its own kind of magic.

“There is something otherworldly about lying in the grass in front of the Abita stage and letting the world go by one musician at a time. One time, a few years ago, a fellow was singing ‘What a Wonderful World’ and the crowd started singing along. And right then, the Natchez paddleboat steamed by, and it was just this perfect New Orleans moment.”

Scot Pilié found that feeling during this year’s Pride parade.

“It absolutely stormed, like torrential downpour. Yet, the party continued while the rain poured, people dancing in the streets, and huddled inside of bars laughing and passing a good time despite the weather. It was that unmistakable energy you only find here.”

Locals don’t just live in New Orleans—they live for it. The food, the music, the parades, and the parks are part of the rhythm of everyday life. So, when they bring visitors along, they’re not just showing off. They’re sharing what they love most. And that’s the heart of what makes this city unforgettable.