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Indoor Itinerary

Top indoor things to do in New Orleans on rainy days

New Orleans is a city known for being warm when most places are cold, and hot and humid during the summer months. As a tropical climate, we’re even subject to the occasional fickle rainstorm that pops up out of nowhere. But lucky for you, we’re built for this, so there’s plenty of things to do indoors to keep cool and dry. Your day isn’t ruined - it’s made even better by the indoor activities below.

Indoor Activities in the French Quarter

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Vue Orleans
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The Carousel Bar
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Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
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Antoine’s Baked Alaska
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(1) Vue Orleans, (2) The Carousel Bar, (3) Audubon Aquarium, (4) Antoine's

There are plenty of attractions in the French Quarter that are indoor - with one offering the best view in the city.

 

Breakfast

Dip into Stanley near Jackson Square. It's the perfect breakfast spot for classic Southern brunch specialties inspired by Tennessee Williams’ "A Streetcar Named Desire."

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 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 which offers some of the best dim sum in the city. 

Aquarium and Insectarium

Get up close and personal with more than 15,000 sea creatures at Audubon Aquarium, located along the Mississippi River at the foot of Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter. The world-class facility is also home to the Audubon Insectarium, which has over 50 displays with live arthropods, a butterfly garden, Bug Appétit to discover and taste edible insect cuisine, and much more. Together, you've got a full afternoon of indoor educational fun that any animal lover will adore. 

The Escape Game

Located in the French Quarter, The Escape Game is America’s #1 escape room and immersive adventure. You and your team will work together to find clues, overcome challenges, and ultimately complete a mission. The Escape Game truly is epic for everyone, from friends and families to thrill-seeking tourists and team building outings.

Museums 

There are many great places to explore indoors, notably The Cabildo, BK House, the 1850s House, and the Historic New Orleans Collection. Looking for some of the best views of the city? The aptly named Vue Orleans provides panoramic, 360-degree views from the top of the Four Seasons New Orleans, and also includes immersive history lessons and interactive visual explorations of the city’s rich cultural fabric, from our food to our music.

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.

Indoor Activities in the Arts/Warehouse District & Central Business District

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BBQ Shrimp Toast - Willa Jean
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The Ogden Museum of Southern Art
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The National WWII Museum
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Key Lime Pie - Peche
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(1) Willa Jean, (2) Ogden Museum of Southern Art, (3) The National WWII Museum, (4) Peche

Known for museums, industrial architecture, and a hot restaurant scene, the Warehouse Arts District and CBD are hotspots in warm or 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. If it’s the weekend, check out brunch at plates, a tapas restaurant specializing in seafood.

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 these American heroes and their sacrifices overflows with galleries and artifacts that bring history to life. If you’re looking for an artistic 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 is a destination restaurant for any seafood enthusiast, featuring 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 Reyn Studios Power Yoga, an inspiring escape from the weather where you can 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 dishes and a wide selection of delectable cocktails to sip as the rain falls. Pluck Wine Bar is another great stop for shared small plates and glass of your favorite vintage. You can't go wrong at Gianna, which serves upscale Italian dishes with a New Orleans twist.

Indoor Activities in Uptown/Garden District

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The Prytania - cinema
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District Donuts.Sliders.Brew
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Hurricane, Neal Bodenheimer, CURE
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Garden District Book Shop
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Paprika Studios Dakar Menu Item
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(1) The Prytania, (2) District Donuts.Sliders.Brew, (3) Cure, (4) Garden District Book Shop, (5) Dakar

Uptown offers a host of indoor activities for year-round fun, from a century-old movie theater to fine dining and shopping.

 

Breakfast

Whether you’re a donut-fanatic or biscuit sandwich devotee, District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. will satisfy your breakfast cravings. The Garden District spot serves uniquely-flavored donuts along with its breakfast, sandwich, and beer coffee menus. Down the street, Molly's Rise and Shine has a funky menu with breakfast classics to start your day off right. 

Attractions

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 take the NOLA Brewery Tour 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. Or grab a book at Garden District Book Shop and then settle into their adjoining sister restaurant, Chicory House, for light fare, sandwiches, and a coffee. 

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. For a meal you won’t forget, book at Dakar, where James Beard Award-winning Chef Serigne Mbaye shares his Senegalese cuisine.

Music

Stay indoors and get down to some of New Orleans’ best local tunes at Tipitina's or Maple Leaf.

Drinks

There are few more magical places to catch a midsummer rainstorm than from the comfort of 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 are another splendid option.

Indoor Activities in Mid-City & Esplanade Ridge

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New Orleans Museum of Art
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Smoked Trout Dip - The Bell
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Canal Streetcar
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(1) New Orleans Museum of Art, (2) The Bell, (3) Canal Streetcar

Mid-City is an eclectic neighborhood filled with 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. Or grab bagels at Flour Moon - while the majority of the seating is outdoors, it's also covered, which means you'll stay nice and dry while enjoying your breakfast sandwich or tartine. Mid-City is also filled with coffee shops, from The Bean Gallery and French Truck to The Station and HEY Coffee Co.

Museums

Come see the incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibits 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, a tribute to the artist inside his former home.

Lunch

Head to Café NOMA for lunch, which has plenty of indoor seating. You'll want to try brunch at Katie's on the weekends. Parkway Bakery & Tavern has most of its seating outdoors, but it's covered with tents. Stop at Parkway for po-boys and an ice cold beer. Neyow's is a great spot for red beans & rice, charbroiled oysters, and more.

Shopping

Shop bottled wines at Swirl and décor items at Home Malone. Thrifters will love treasure hunting at Junk's Above, open on weekends.

Dinner 

Grab a table at Lola's with a group of friends and split the paella along with a pitcher of delicious white wine sangria, or dine at Zasu, a cozy shotgun house converted to a restaurant with a menu that combines local and international ingredients. The Bell has English fare in a decorated atmosphere: think Union Jack flags, wooden racquets, plaid upholstery, and an eight-seat bar.

Indoor Activities in Tremé

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Whole Fish from Fritai
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Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge
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Backstreet Cultural Museum
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(1) Fritai, (2) Kermit's Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge, (3) Backstreet Cultural Museum

The historically Black neighborhood of Tremé is brimming with culture just waiting to be explored.

 

Breakfast

For a quick bite, check out the Buttermilk Drop Bakery to see why beignets aren’t the only donut in this town. Backatown Coffee Parlour offers a relaxing environment with delicious coffee and pastries, like their crawfish quiche.

Museums

Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum for a look at the Mardi Gras and Black Masking Indians tradition, with several hand-beaded suits on display. Nearby, the New Orleans African American Museum features rotating exhibits from Black artists.

Lunch

For lunch, you've got to try Lil' Dizzy's for Creole cuisine. Sweet Soulfood serves vegan comfort food on Broad Street. Tremé Coffeehouse is a sweet spot for light fare. 

Dinner

Dine where presidents have at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, with gumbo so good you’ll want to come back. Or head to Bayou Road for a taste of global flavors, like Addis NOLA (Ethiopian cuisine) and Coco Hut (Caribbean). A ways down you'll find Fritai serving authentic Haitian cuisine.

Music

Everyone enjoys a visit to Kermit's Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge, with Kermit Ruffins himself at the helm. Bullet’s Sports Bar is an additional stop for music and vibing.

Indoor Activities in the Bywater/Marigny

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Pulcinella!
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Studio BE
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JAMNOLA - House of the Rising Sun
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COOLinary - Origen Bistro
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(1) Pulcinella!, (2) Studio BE, (3) JAMNOLA, (4) Origen Bistro

Filled with eclectic art galleries and divine eats, the Bywater is an ideal place to spend a rainy day in New Orleans.

 

Breakfast

Get a down home Southern breakfast at Elizabeth's (candied bacon, anyone?) or enjoy lighter fare at Bywater Bakery. Satsuma Café serves farm fresh cuisine with multiple options for vegetarians and vegans. We can't forget about Ayu Bakehouse, which serves pastries as well as creative cuisine, like muffuletta breadsticks.

Art Galleries

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. Or, step into the mouth of an alligator, the suit of a Mardi Gras Indian, and the tongue of a New Orleanian at JAMNOLA, an interactive museum known as New Orleans' cultural funhouse. 

Lunch

St. Roch Market is a food hall offering different cuisine from more than eight vendors! Enjoy Caribbean, Egyptian, Cuban, Japanese, and Southern cuisine at St. Roch. Also be sure to check out the oyster bar and happy hour specials.

Music

Head to Frenchmen Street for a taste of live jazz music in New Orleans. Bounce from club to club spanning just a few blocks. For a variety show, check out The Allways Lounge.

Dinner

There are so many options to choose from for a top-tier dinner in the Bywater. Pulcinella! serves up a menu featuring pasta, seafood, and Italian food favorites. Saint Germain has a tasting menu that celebrates French cuisine. Melba's is open 24 hours a day. The Elysian Bar and N7 are great for a date night out.