Start the day at The Cabildo and Presbytère. These two identical buildings are Louisiana State Museums that flank St. Louis Cathedral on either side in Jackson Square. Nearby, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher with exhibits ranging from sculptures to photographs of the French Quarter. Take your time exploring the wealth of artifacts before walking to Hermann-Grima House. This restored French Quarter home built in 1831 includes a Federalist architectural façade, original operating open-hearth kitchen, a courtyard, and more. 

After lunch, visit BK Historic House & Gardens​, a historic home dating back to the 19th century complete with twin curved staircases, a Tuscan portico, and a brick-walled garden. The 1850 House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is another historic home.

Another option is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, where you can learn all about the history of medicine in the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist. Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum for exhibits, live performances, and more.

There are plenty of COOLinary dining deals to be found at restaurants in the French Quarter. Enjoy fine Creole cuisine at Antoine's, Caribbean fare at Cane & Table, or Korean-Cajun cuisine at Sun Chong. Browse all participating French Quarter restaurants here.

In Tremé you'll find the New Orleans African American Museum. Dedicated to showcasing Black art, the museum is home to rotating exhibits. Nearby is Backstreet Cultural Museum, a space dedicated to showcasing colorful Mardi Gras Indian suits and other artifacts and memorabilia. Both museums are great for learning about the history and culture of Black New Orleanians.

Once in Mid-City, take a brisk walk to City Park, home to both the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Perfect for families, the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) offers hands-on learning and play spaces dedicated to teaching children about sustainability and the resiliency of Louisiana. The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is one of the country’s leading art institutions, home to over 40,000 objects as well as traveling exhibits.

A bit of a ways outside the neighborhood, explore Longue Vue House & Gardens. This house museum was built by the late philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern. The Classical Revival-style mansion is surrounded by eight acres of breathtakingly landscaped gardens designed by some of the finest outdoor architects of the early 20th century.

In Tremé, grab Haitian cuisine at Fritai or Southern cooking at Gabrielle, both of which are participating in COOLinary. 

In Mid-City, dine at Café NOMA located inside the Museum of Art. Or, head to Esplanade Avenue for English cuisine at The Bell or French cuisine at Cafe Degas.

See here for all participating COOLinary restaurant in Mid-City/ Tremé.

The Warehouse/ Arts District is busting with museums of every kind. Art lovers will flock to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for the latest mixed media exhibit highlighting Southern artists. Across the street is the Contemporary Arts Center, another art museum. 

Frequently ranked as one of the best museums in the country, The National WWII Museum is known for its interactive exhibits. Enjoy a 4D film experience in the Victory Solomon Theater Pavilion and explore an array of vintage aircrafts and personnel carriers.

History buffs have a lot to choose from next. Head to the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, which features exhibits, collections, and programs focused on the unique and remarkable history of Southern Jews. Another option is the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum, a small museum detailing the state’s civil rights history. And then there's the American Italian Cultural Center, detailing the impact of Italian immigrants on New Orleans.

Also in the Warehouse/ Arts District, visit Sazerac House. This museum is a reservation-only, three-story building dedicated to the history of the Sazerac cocktail. Enjoy interactive elements, the behind-the-scenes of a distillery, and free samples (ages 21+).

A little ways away is the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, which features fun exhibits on Southern cuisine such as the Popeyes chicken exhibit.

There's no shortage of dining options in the Warehouse/ Arts District. Enjoy COOLinary dining deals at Compère Lapin, Galliano Restaurant, or WOW Turkey. Dive into a plate of oysters at Seaworthy, gumbo at M Bistro, or dry aged steaks at Brasa. Browse all Warehouse/ Arts District restaurants participating in COOLinary here.

In the Bywater, visit Studio BE, Brandan 'Bmike' Odums' 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse that features that the stories of revolutionaries, heroes, and everyday New Orleanians through large-scale art. This interactive museum is family-friendly and great for creative thinkers.

In the Marigny, just outside of the French Quarter is JAMNOLA, where visitors of all ages can on an immersive joy ride through the heart and soul of New Orleans. This one-of-a-kind cultural funhouse features 29 exhibits that celebrate the city’s iconic art, music, food, and theatrics—all brought to life by over 100 visionary local artists and creative partners.

Enjoy Italian fare (and maybe a show!) at Pulcinella, upscale Venezuelan cuisine at Origen Bistro, or fresh Gulf seafood at The Crustacean Crab. Browse all participating COOLinary restaurants in the Bywater/ Marigny here.

Find more information on Museum Month here and COOLinary here.