Rainy Day Itinerary

New Orleans is a city of weather, a place where the skies can open up and rain buckets down especially during the steamy summer months. Luckily, the showers usually pass pretty quickly. If you find yourself caught in a New Orleans shower, there are endless indoor activities all over town that will keep you entertained until the sun comes out again.  

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing are currently required in indoor spaces in New Orleans. There may be additional restrictions in place for restaurants, bars or attractions. For the latest information about the city’s Phased Reopening Plan, see here. 

The French Quarter

The gorgeous French Quarter is the perfect place to walk between the raindrops, thanks to cover provided by lacy wrought iron balconies and galleries that give shelter to passersby.

Breakfast – Dip into Stanley, the perfect breakfast spot for classic Southern brunch specialties inspired by Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire in Jackson Square.

Shopping – Spend the day at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk or the Shops at Canal Place, both havens for upmarket brands and iconic designer boutiques.  Or spend the afternoon getting lost amongst the extensive (and eccentric) collection of antiques, jewelry and artwork at M.S. Rau’s Antiques, which almost feels more like a museum than a store.

Lunch – Located inside a restored 1794 cottage, The Gumbo Shop is a great venue to experience traditional and contemporary Creole cuisine. Another great option is Dian Xin. They offer some of the best dim sum in the city. Be sure to check out their soup dumplings.

Aquarium – Get up close and personal with more than 15,000 sea creatures at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located along the Mississippi River at the foot of Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter.

Museums – There are many great places to explore indoors, notably The Cabildo, Beauregard-Keyes House, the 1850s House, and the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Drinks – Have a classic New Orleans cocktail at the revolving Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, the famed watering hole frequented by the likes of Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote.

Dinner – Savor an unforgettable New Orleans fine dining experience at Antoine's, known for its gorgeous interior and classic Creole menu, or try one of our other famous favorites, Mr. B’s, Galatoire’s or Arnaud’s – all revered for wonderful food and stately décor.

The Arts/Warehouse District & Central Business District

Known for museums, industrial architecture and a red-hot restaurant scene, the Warehouse Arts District and CBD are hotspots in stormy weather.

Breakfast – Willa Jean serves a savory Southern-contemporary menu, with favorites including fried chicken on a biscuit and chocolate chip cookies with a side of cookie-dough and vanilla-infused milk. Oh my.

Museums –The National World War II Museum is a fabulous way to spend the day. Ranked by TripAdvisor as No. 4 in the top 25 museums in the United States, this profound tribute to America’s Greatest Generation overflows with galleries and artifacts that bring history to life. Or if you’re looking for a more artsy experience, check out the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which dazzles visitors with art from 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia.

Lunch – Peche Seafood Grill is a destination restaurant for any seafood enthusiast, with a raw bar and an extensive menu of Gulf seafood grilled over an open wood fire.  

Yoga and Wellness – Once you digest, take a class at Free to Be Power Yoga, an inspiring escape from the rainy weather. Practice in a spacious wood and exposed brick space sure to leave you feeling fit and empowered.

Dinner – In the mood for small plates by acclaimed celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse? Check out Meril, which features his signature food and a wide selection of delectable cocktails to sip as the rain falls. Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant is another great stop for shared small plates and great pours.

Uptown/Garden District

Uptown offers a raft of indoor activities during stormy weather. 

Breakfast – Whether you’re a donut-fanatic or biscuit sandwich devotee, District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. will satisfy your breakfast cravings. The Garden District spot fries up donuts in fetching flavors like Salted Dulce de Leche and brown butter and other sublime ingredient combinations along with its breakfast and beer menus. Down the street, Molly's Rise and Shine has a funky menu with breakfast classics. 

Tours – For a one-of-a-kind look into the magic of Mardi Gras, visit Mardi Gras World on the Uptown edge of the Port of New Orleans. Or swing by NOLA Brewery to get an up-close look at the crafting of some of the city's favorites beers.

Lunch – Just because the sun isn’t shining, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a po-boy. Family owned and operated, Domilise's is famous for its fried shrimp and fried oyster sandwiches, dressed of course. For something more upscale, Lilette offers French fare and great wine. 

Movies – Catch a flick at Prytania Theatre, New Orleans’ historic single-screen theater that shows new, classic, family and indie films.

Dinner –Brigtsen's is a cozy dinner spot by the river offering a diverse menu with a New Orleans twist. Or try the Rum House, Basin, and other casual, homey restaurants on Magazine Street.

Music – Stay indoors and get down to some of New Orleans’ best local tunes at Tipitina's.

Drinks – There are few more magical places to catch a midsummer rainstorm than from the comfort of The Columns Hotel’s covered front porch overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Also on St. Charles, The Chloe’s front patio offers a haven from the storm. Craft cocktails at Cure on Freret Street is another splendid option.

Mid-City & Esplanade Ridge

Mid-City offers a neighborhood vibe filled with funky local treasures.

Breakfast – The Ruby Slipper Cafe is an ideal spot to wait out a storm. Enjoy decadent brunch dishes and sip on specialty breakfast cocktails while you wait for showers to pass.

Museums – Come see the incredible collection of paintings, sculptures and art from around the globe at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The museum is ranked among the top 25 percent of the nation’s largest and most significant museums, making it a treat for any New Orleans visitor. Once the storm passes, be sure to check out the neighboring Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an expansive urban oasis just waiting to be explored. Just down the road, there’s the Edgar Degas House Museum honoring the artist who lived there.

Lunch: Cooking Class – Grab a friend and sign up for a cooking class at The New Orleans School of Cooking, which offers personalized cooking classes focused on authentic Creole dishes.

Bowling – Hide from the showers at Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl, where you can rock out to live music, enjoy a full bar and bowl with your friends or family.

Dinner – Grab a table at Lola's with a group of friends and split the paella, along with a pitcher of delicious red wine sangria, or dine at Zasu, a cozy shotgun house converted to a restaurant with a menu that combines local and international ingredients.