Guidebook for New Orleans
Getting Around
The ferry is a great way to get you to the French Quarter, casino, aquarium, shopping, Superdome and countless restaurants and music venues. It's $2/person each way and make sure you have exact change! Be mindful of the schedule as it changes from time to time, so you'll want to make sure it coincides with your activities.
68 locals recommend
Algiers Ferry Terminal station
The ferry is a great way to get you to the French Quarter, casino, aquarium, shopping, Superdome and countless restaurants and music venues. It's $2/person each way and make sure you have exact change! Be mindful of the schedule as it changes from time to time, so you'll want to make sure it coincides with your activities.
Taking a ride on the streetcar (don't call it a trolly) down picturesque St. Charles Ave is a great way to relax and take in all of the beautiful architecture of the historic mansions. It's also a great way to get to Audubon Park and the Zoo. It's also a great way to see the weird things people are doing in their cars beside you.
150 locals recommend
Saint Charles Avenue
Saint Charles AvenueTaking a ride on the streetcar (don't call it a trolly) down picturesque St. Charles Ave is a great way to relax and take in all of the beautiful architecture of the historic mansions. It's also a great way to get to Audubon Park and the Zoo. It's also a great way to see the weird things people are doing in their cars beside you.
When you feel like being driven around by a total stranger with inadequate insurance and possible multiple driving infractions... or it might be totally cool. Why not roll the dice, what could go wrong?
63 locals recommend
Uber Greenlight
2520 Bayou RdWhen you feel like being driven around by a total stranger with inadequate insurance and possible multiple driving infractions... or it might be totally cool. Why not roll the dice, what could go wrong?
New Orleans Electric Cars and Scooter Rentals
235 Basin StIf you're tired of walking around, try a scooter!
Chances are pretty good you know what this place is all about. Well here it is on the map for logistical purposes.
46 locals recommend
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
1 Terminal DrChances are pretty good you know what this place is all about. Well here it is on the map for logistical purposes.
Food Scene
This is a great little spot to grab some food and a drink before or after your ferry ride. They serve all the standard New Orleans favorites - gumbo, po-boys, red beans and rice, etc. It's also a bar, so bottoms up!
54 locals recommend
Dry Dock Cafe
133 Delaronde StThis is a great little spot to grab some food and a drink before or after your ferry ride. They serve all the standard New Orleans favorites - gumbo, po-boys, red beans and rice, etc. It's also a bar, so bottoms up!
This is a funky little coffee shop that also serves breakfast and lunch. It's only a few blocks away!
82 locals recommend
Tout De Suite Cafe
347 Verret StThis is a funky little coffee shop that also serves breakfast and lunch. It's only a few blocks away!
If you like to get drunk but in a classy sort of way, check this place out. It's nice and cozy with a great wine selection and food. It would be suitable if you want to eat light or just have something to keep your wine buzz in check.
17 locals recommend
Vine and Dine
141 Delaronde StreetIf you like to get drunk but in a classy sort of way, check this place out. It's nice and cozy with a great wine selection and food. It would be suitable if you want to eat light or just have something to keep your wine buzz in check.
Absolutely my favorite restaurant in New Orleans! It's not close by but well worth the trip. You can make an evening out of it buy going to dinner and then to the Maple Leaf bar a few doors down - they always have great bands. Note: on a weekend or during a busy time (festival, etc.) you will have to wait a while for your table. No big deal, just grab a drink, take a walk down Oak Street and you'll be seated before you know it!
406 locals recommend
Jacques-Imo's
8324 Oak StAbsolutely my favorite restaurant in New Orleans! It's not close by but well worth the trip. You can make an evening out of it buy going to dinner and then to the Maple Leaf bar a few doors down - they always have great bands. Note: on a weekend or during a busy time (festival, etc.) you will have to wait a while for your table. No big deal, just grab a drink, take a walk down Oak Street and you'll be seated before you know it!
This place is outstanding, and it's 3 short blocks away! You pick up your food and go, no dine-in. He has daily specials and if you're lucky enough to get there in time for crab cakes, then your day is complete. Seriously, go here. There's a sample menu in my binder or look him up on Facebook for the daily offerings. Or, just stop in. There will be a line, it will be well worth it. Truly a hidden gem where the locals go.
30 locals recommend
Appetite Repair Shop
400 Vallette StThis place is outstanding, and it's 3 short blocks away! You pick up your food and go, no dine-in. He has daily specials and if you're lucky enough to get there in time for crab cakes, then your day is complete. Seriously, go here. There's a sample menu in my binder or look him up on Facebook for the daily offerings. Or, just stop in. There will be a line, it will be well worth it. Truly a hidden gem where the locals go.
Great food and a fantastic jazz trio that performs 7 nights a week. A perfect spot for live local music with your dinner. It can get pretty busy on the weekends so you might want to call ahead for reservations.
85 locals recommend
Houston's
1755 St Charles AveGreat food and a fantastic jazz trio that performs 7 nights a week. A perfect spot for live local music with your dinner. It can get pretty busy on the weekends so you might want to call ahead for reservations.
9 Roses Restaurant
1100 Stephens StFantastic Vietnamese food, and it's only about 5 minutes away!
Fine dining at its best. Go on, treat yourself. You don't need to make that house payment this month. It's an upscale restaurant with prices to match but absolutely worth it!
71 locals recommend
Emeril's New Orleans
800 Tchoupitoulas StFine dining at its best. Go on, treat yourself. You don't need to make that house payment this month. It's an upscale restaurant with prices to match but absolutely worth it!
Many locals will debate where to get the best po-boy. Well for me, this is it. My favorite is the shrimp po-boy and you can make another meal with the shrimp that falls off of it. It's a little off the beaten path and they're not open for dinner - lunch only. If you're in that area I highly recommend it.
37 locals recommend
Crabby Jack's
428 Jefferson HwyMany locals will debate where to get the best po-boy. Well for me, this is it. My favorite is the shrimp po-boy and you can make another meal with the shrimp that falls off of it. It's a little off the beaten path and they're not open for dinner - lunch only. If you're in that area I highly recommend it.
This is not 'touristy' but well known by the locals so plan on a bit of a wait. No problem, as you can go across the street and grab a bottle of wine and relax outside on beautiful Esplanade Avenue and drink as you wait. My favorite is the paella and their garlic bread is the best.
257 locals recommend
Lola's
3312 Esplanade AveThis is not 'touristy' but well known by the locals so plan on a bit of a wait. No problem, as you can go across the street and grab a bottle of wine and relax outside on beautiful Esplanade Avenue and drink as you wait. My favorite is the paella and their garlic bread is the best.
The burritos don't actually fly, but they're amazing nonetheless. Be sure to wash it down with a frozen margarita, you won't be disappointed with this place! They also have other locations around the city - on Carrollton and in the CBD.
198 locals recommend
Juan's Flying Burrito - LGD
2018 Magazine StThe burritos don't actually fly, but they're amazing nonetheless. Be sure to wash it down with a frozen margarita, you won't be disappointed with this place! They also have other locations around the city - on Carrollton and in the CBD.
Sometimes you just need a heap of sugar and dough to get you going so this is the place. Besides, you can't come to New Orleans and not have a beignet!
703 locals recommend
Cafe Du Monde French Market
800 Decatur StSometimes you just need a heap of sugar and dough to get you going so this is the place. Besides, you can't come to New Orleans and not have a beignet!
If you need a Middle Eastern fix, this is the place. Definitely a local favorite. I'm a big fan of their grape leaves and chicken shwarma. They also have a few other locations around town - in mid city on Banks St and on Magazine St.
47 locals recommend
Mona's Cafe Frenchmen
504 Frenchmen StIf you need a Middle Eastern fix, this is the place. Definitely a local favorite. I'm a big fan of their grape leaves and chicken shwarma. They also have a few other locations around town - in mid city on Banks St and on Magazine St.
Upscale and a New Orleans culinary institution. They are know for their excellent jazz brunch with several strolling jazz trios throughout the restaurant. So get dressed up, whip out that check book (do people actually write checks anymore?) and give it a try. Don't forget to tip the band, especially if you request a song!
574 locals recommend
Commander's Palace
1403 Washington AveUpscale and a New Orleans culinary institution. They are know for their excellent jazz brunch with several strolling jazz trios throughout the restaurant. So get dressed up, whip out that check book (do people actually write checks anymore?) and give it a try. Don't forget to tip the band, especially if you request a song!
Best burger joint in town! Just kidding. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it's a perfect place to try some Louisiana seafood, particularly oysters. Unless you don't like oysters. Then it would be a horrible place for you to go. Though I'm sure they have other things on the menu besides oysters. Why don't you try it and then let me know...
174 locals recommend
Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville StBest burger joint in town! Just kidding. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it's a perfect place to try some Louisiana seafood, particularly oysters. Unless you don't like oysters. Then it would be a horrible place for you to go. Though I'm sure they have other things on the menu besides oysters. Why don't you try it and then let me know...
This is where the locals go for some real down-home cooking. It's cafeteria style, huge portions and good food. It's way off the beaten path so it's best if you have a rental car to get you here. You could check out the Chalmette Battlefield while you're here and make a day of it.
34 locals recommend
Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant & Bar
613 W St Bernard HwyThis is where the locals go for some real down-home cooking. It's cafeteria style, huge portions and good food. It's way off the beaten path so it's best if you have a rental car to get you here. You could check out the Chalmette Battlefield while you're here and make a day of it.
A fantastic little Italian dessert shop with the best gelato and cannolis in town. I highly recommend the salted caramel gelato.
256 locals recommend
Angelo Brocato
214 N Carrollton AveA fantastic little Italian dessert shop with the best gelato and cannolis in town. I highly recommend the salted caramel gelato.
Sucré
3025 Magazine StSweet tooth? This is the place!!!
Good New Orleans soul food, but be warned - the tourists are all over this one so chances are pretty good you're going to have to wait in line. It's on the other side of Harrah's Casino once you get off the ferry.
100 locals recommend
Mother's Restaurant
401 Poydras StGood New Orleans soul food, but be warned - the tourists are all over this one so chances are pretty good you're going to have to wait in line. It's on the other side of Harrah's Casino once you get off the ferry.
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen
95 French Market PlPizza with a twist. As you were.
A local favorite. I always get the turtle soup and when they ask, yes, you want sherry with that!
199 locals recommend
Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal StA local favorite. I always get the turtle soup and when they ask, yes, you want sherry with that!
Cozy, cool and healthy. If you feel like you'll explode with one more poboy, check out 1000 Figs. Salads, lentil soup, things with broccoli in it. Don't worry, you can still get booze here.
237 locals recommend
1000 Figs
3141 Ponce De Leon StCozy, cool and healthy. If you feel like you'll explode with one more poboy, check out 1000 Figs. Salads, lentil soup, things with broccoli in it. Don't worry, you can still get booze here.
Great live music, great beer. Standard local favorite food on the menu.
27 locals recommend
Crescent City Cooks
527 Decatur StGreat live music, great beer. Standard local favorite food on the menu.
Rio Grande Tacos
3211 General Meyer AveI haven't been here yet, but who doesn't like tacos? Give 'em a try.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is definitely a place to hang out with the locals. You'll meet some interesting characters (and possibly their pets), have some drinks and listen to great live music at night. It's also only a few blocks from where you're staying!
82 locals recommend
Old Point Bar
545 Patterson RdThis is definitely a place to hang out with the locals. You'll meet some interesting characters (and possibly their pets), have some drinks and listen to great live music at night. It's also only a few blocks from where you're staying!
A great little authentic English Pub that's only a few blocks away, also right around the corner from the ferry.
73 locals recommend
Crown & Anchor English Pub
200 Pelican AveA great little authentic English Pub that's only a few blocks away, also right around the corner from the ferry.
Top notch funky New Orleans music 7 nights a week, highly recommended!
384 locals recommend
Maple Leaf Bar
8316 Oak StTop notch funky New Orleans music 7 nights a week, highly recommended!
World class musicians perform here 7 nights a week, this venue is primarily known for jazz music. You can arrive a little early and get something to eat before the show.
273 locals recommend
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
626 Frenchmen StWorld class musicians perform here 7 nights a week, this venue is primarily known for jazz music. You can arrive a little early and get something to eat before the show.
Some of the best musicians in town play here, a local favorite for sure. A great place for drinks and funky New Orleans music. It's off the beaten path so you might want to plan on Uber or other transportation to get you here.
429 locals recommend
Tipitina's
501 Napoleon AveSome of the best musicians in town play here, a local favorite for sure. A great place for drinks and funky New Orleans music. It's off the beaten path so you might want to plan on Uber or other transportation to get you here.
This is where some of the bigger acts perform. Not only is it a great venue for live music but they have a great bar, restaurant and gift shop as well. You might want to call ahead to reserve your tickets.
169 locals recommend
House Of Blues
225 Decatur StThis is where some of the bigger acts perform. Not only is it a great venue for live music but they have a great bar, restaurant and gift shop as well. You might want to call ahead to reserve your tickets.
It's pretty tough to have a bad time at the Spotted Cat. There's always upbeat and lively party-time bands here with a traditional music feel. If you're on Frenchmen Street you should definitely stop in for a set or two.
521 locals recommend
The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen StIt's pretty tough to have a bad time at the Spotted Cat. There's always upbeat and lively party-time bands here with a traditional music feel. If you're on Frenchmen Street you should definitely stop in for a set or two.
This is a hip little wine bar located on historic St Charles Ave. It's a fun and classy joint with a cozy atmosphere. They serve some great appetizers to go with your wine as well.
188 locals recommend
The Delachaise
3442 St Charles AveThis is a hip little wine bar located on historic St Charles Ave. It's a fun and classy joint with a cozy atmosphere. They serve some great appetizers to go with your wine as well.
In what other city would you list a bowling alley under 'drinks and nightlife?' It's a legitimate bowling alley with a full service bar and great bands. So if you're wondering where you can throw a few strikes, listen to a live band, get hammered and wear shoes that 5000 other people have worn, this will be right up your alley! (rimshot)
160 locals recommend
Rock 'N' Bowl
3016 S Carrollton AveIn what other city would you list a bowling alley under 'drinks and nightlife?' It's a legitimate bowling alley with a full service bar and great bands. So if you're wondering where you can throw a few strikes, listen to a live band, get hammered and wear shoes that 5000 other people have worn, this will be right up your alley! (rimshot)
New Orleans traditional jazz at its finest! Come here for dinner, great jazz or both. Highly recommended.
28 locals recommend
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
1204 Decatur StreetNew Orleans traditional jazz at its finest! Come here for dinner, great jazz or both. Highly recommended.
Any music lover will appreciate the world renowned musicians of Preservation Hall. It's one of New Orleans oldest venues for jazz, you'll want to experience this for sure.
264 locals recommend
Preservation Hall
726 St PeterAny music lover will appreciate the world renowned musicians of Preservation Hall. It's one of New Orleans oldest venues for jazz, you'll want to experience this for sure.
One of the best spots for lively up tempo traditional New Orleans jazz featuring the best musicians in town. You are guaranteed to have a great time here!
83 locals recommend
Fritzel's European Jazz Bar
733 Bourbon StOne of the best spots for lively up tempo traditional New Orleans jazz featuring the best musicians in town. You are guaranteed to have a great time here!
This is a bigger venue for music so be sure to check the Offbeat magazine to see who's playing that night.
41 locals recommend
Howlin' Wolf
907 S Peters StThis is a bigger venue for music so be sure to check the Offbeat magazine to see who's playing that night.
Great music 7 nights a week in a classy venue in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon St.
44 locals recommend
The Jazz Playhouse
300 Bourbon StGreat music 7 nights a week in a classy venue in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon St.
Looks like people have caught on to this place, last time I was here the line was pretty long. It's a great little dive bar with a big menu.
163 locals recommend
Coop's Place
1109 Decatur StLooks like people have caught on to this place, last time I was here the line was pretty long. It's a great little dive bar with a big menu.
Parks & Nature
This trail works its way around the levee and provides excellent views of downtown New Orleans. It's a relaxing and refreshing walk that will take you directly to the ferry and make you more acquainted with Algiers Point.
17 locals recommend
Mississippi River Trail
99 Garden RdThis trail works its way around the levee and provides excellent views of downtown New Orleans. It's a relaxing and refreshing walk that will take you directly to the ferry and make you more acquainted with Algiers Point.
A beautiful park in the heart of the city. There's a great bike/walking trail and when you get tired you can stop and feed the ducks. You can get here by the streetcar on St. Charles, just get off right in front of Loyola and Tulane Universities, it's right across the street.
344 locals recommend
Audubon Park station
A beautiful park in the heart of the city. There's a great bike/walking trail and when you get tired you can stop and feed the ducks. You can get here by the streetcar on St. Charles, just get off right in front of Loyola and Tulane Universities, it's right across the street.
Here you can take a relaxing walk through the park and feed the ducks, play a round of golf, wander around the beautiful botanical gardens or get cultured in the museum. Be sure to call ahead to find out more on the current exhibit.
1516 locals recommend
City Park
1 Palm DrHere you can take a relaxing walk through the park and feed the ducks, play a round of golf, wander around the beautiful botanical gardens or get cultured in the museum. Be sure to call ahead to find out more on the current exhibit.
Who likes parks? Everybody! Here's a good one. The ferry will drop you off at the foot of Woldenberg Park right in front of the Aquarium. It's a peaceful spot with a great view of the mighty Mississippi. It's also the home of the wildly popular French Quarter Fest held every year in April.
51 locals recommend
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
1 Canal StWho likes parks? Everybody! Here's a good one. The ferry will drop you off at the foot of Woldenberg Park right in front of the Aquarium. It's a peaceful spot with a great view of the mighty Mississippi. It's also the home of the wildly popular French Quarter Fest held every year in April.
Sightseeing
Do you like fish? All kinds of cool neat looking fish? Then here you go. Just hop on the ferry and it will drop you off on the doorstep of the aquarium. Don't forget your fishing rod. Just kidding. Don't bring a fishing rod.
577 locals recommend
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal StDo you like fish? All kinds of cool neat looking fish? Then here you go. Just hop on the ferry and it will drop you off on the doorstep of the aquarium. Don't forget your fishing rod. Just kidding. Don't bring a fishing rod.
Come watch the animals give a cooking demonstration on how to make jambalaya. Ok, not really, but it's still great! Oh, and there's a komodo dragon...
893 locals recommend
Audubon Park
6500 Magazine StCome watch the animals give a cooking demonstration on how to make jambalaya. Ok, not really, but it's still great! Oh, and there's a komodo dragon...
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic scene of this city. It's only a short ferry ride away and well worth the trip. While you're here, don't forget to visit the Cabildo which was built in 1795 and the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies.
477 locals recommend
Jackson Square
701 Decatur StJackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic scene of this city. It's only a short ferry ride away and well worth the trip. While you're here, don't forget to visit the Cabildo which was built in 1795 and the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies.
Arts & Culture
This is a stunning facility in the heart of downtown dedicated to WWII. There are several buildings of incredible exhibits, stories and information regarding this era in American History. Well worth the visit!
804 locals recommend
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine StThis is a stunning facility in the heart of downtown dedicated to WWII. There are several buildings of incredible exhibits, stories and information regarding this era in American History. Well worth the visit!
Take a break from all the eating and drinking and come learn about the incredible history of New Orleans. The Cabildo is on the National Register of Historic Places and for good reason. Well worth the visit.
96 locals recommend
Cabildo
701 Chartres StTake a break from all the eating and drinking and come learn about the incredible history of New Orleans. The Cabildo is on the National Register of Historic Places and for good reason. Well worth the visit.
Put down that iPad and go read a book! And it's only a few blocks away. SSSSHHHHHHH!
10 locals recommend
Cita Dennis Hubbell Library
725 Pelican AvePut down that iPad and go read a book! And it's only a few blocks away. SSSSHHHHHHH!
A local family owned business that specializes in hand made blown glass and jewelry. Check them out, they're only a few blocks away!
33 locals recommend
Rosetree Blown Glass Studio
446 Vallette StA local family owned business that specializes in hand made blown glass and jewelry. Check them out, they're only a few blocks away!
Shopping
Do you like clothes on the cheap? Of course you do! This outlet mall is only a short ferry ride away and at the very end is a great food court where you can load up for your trip back home.
192 locals recommend
Nordstrom Rack
500 Port of New Orleans PlDo you like clothes on the cheap? Of course you do! This outlet mall is only a short ferry ride away and at the very end is a great food court where you can load up for your trip back home.
If you need some 'New Orleans-y' souvenirs to take back home this is the place. It's rows and rows of leather goods, trinkets, spices, food, t-shirts, art, and more. Once you get off the ferry there is a streetcar that will take you right to it. Keep in mind it closes at 6pm and on rainy days it might be a little sparse as not all vendors will be out.
217 locals recommend
Shops of the Colonnade - French Market
1008 N Peters StIf you need some 'New Orleans-y' souvenirs to take back home this is the place. It's rows and rows of leather goods, trinkets, spices, food, t-shirts, art, and more. Once you get off the ferry there is a streetcar that will take you right to it. Keep in mind it closes at 6pm and on rainy days it might be a little sparse as not all vendors will be out.
If you feel like dropping some serious cash, this is the place to do it. Mostly high end stores in this mall. Be sure to check out the ritzy movie theaters. Massive seats and you can order food and of course, alcohol!
160 locals recommend
Canal Place
333 Canal StIf you feel like dropping some serious cash, this is the place to do it. Mostly high end stores in this mall. Be sure to check out the ritzy movie theaters. Massive seats and you can order food and of course, alcohol!
Did you really come all this way to go to a shopping mall? Hey, I don't judge... Well here it is.
116 locals recommend
Lakeside Shopping Center
3301 Veterans Memorial BlvdDid you really come all this way to go to a shopping mall? Hey, I don't judge... Well here it is.
I wouldn't really call it a mall, but it's more places to shop. Plus it's in a brewery, so there's that...
36 locals recommend
The Shops at Jax Brewery
600 Decatur StI wouldn't really call it a mall, but it's more places to shop. Plus it's in a brewery, so there's that...
Oakwood Center
197 Westbank ExpyRegular old mall, nothing fancy, just letting you know it's here.