Best Ways to Tour New Orleans
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While New Orleans prides in being a walkable city, there are multiple unique ways other than by foot to explore the city.
Board a Streetcar
Board the city’s historic streetcar that costs just $1.25 per ride. You can also purchase the discount Jazzy Pass, which is good for unlimited ride for $3 a day. The streetcars make a stop at all key destinations throughout the city.
Ride a Mule-Drawn Carriage
Ride a friendly mule-drawn carriage with a knowledgeable driver who will guide you through New Orleans. Both romantic and family-friendly, the mule-drawn carriage, which you can reserve with a company that has been around since 1941, will surely provide a memorable experience.
Relax on a Pedicab
Relax on the back of a three-wheeled pedicab that maneuvers through even the narrowest alleyways. The manually powered pedicab, which has a maximum capacity of two people per vehicle, operates on the streets of the city with retractable canvas roofs to protect you from rain or sun.
Hop on a Double-Decker Bus
Hop on and off the iconic, red double-decker bus that frequently rolls through top destinations like Jackson Square, French Market, and the Arts District. In addition to getting you to your desired destination, the tour includes a live guide narration and many deals & discounts at local shops when you present your ticket.
Glide on a Segway
Glide effortlessly through the historic streets of the French Quarter, the spooky cemeteries, and the breathtaking Mississippi River Front via the most fun and efficient transportation - Segway! The two- or three-hours guided tour offers unique local stories and fantastic photo opportunities…all on your favorite two-wheeler.
Best Place to Stay in New Orleans
Hyatt Regency in New Orleans
Hyatt Regency
Perfect location, state-of-the-art amenities, and top hospitality: Hyatt Regency in New Orleans has got it all. Situated in the heart of Downtown and located just minutes from the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Warehouse District, Hyatt Regency in New Orleans offers the best blends of activities for those traveling for leisure or business. The majestic, high-tech hotel - equipped with nearly 1,200 guest rooms - features button free elevators for efficiency, swimming pool and 24-hour gym, relaxing spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars serving everything from barbecue to sushi.
Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the cityscape from your spacious room or suites. The modern interior of the room infuses southern elegance. Each room is equipped with Smart TV’s for an all day entertainment. Don’t forget to start your day at the 8 Block Kitchen & Bar to indulge in a delicious assortment of breakfast pastries, artisanal meat & cheese board, freshly made smoothies, and make-your-own omelets.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters
Get the best of both worlds - live music and tasty food - when you attend the daily Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Court of Two Sisters offers scrumptious Jazz Brunch that includes an impressive buffet selections of traditional brunch items with Southern and Creole influence. The made-to-order omelets includes options like seafood omelet stuffed with crawfish and shrimp. Sample other traditional New Orleans cuisines like Creole jambalaya and Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, all the while enjoying live jazz music.
Decadent Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
A must stop in New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde specializes in warm beignets (a French donut) with fluffy, pillow-y center and crispy exterior. Operating since 1862, Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours to indulge those early-risers as well as late party-goers. These decadent, square-shaped doughnuts are topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Pair it with chocolate milk or coffee, and see who can get the most powdered sugar on their lips
Comfort Food at Mother’s Restaurant
Experience the ultimate comfort of home-cooked meals at Mother’s Restaurant, a New Orleans culinary landmark that opened its doors in 1938. Having served as a local hang-out place for the U.S. Marine Corps during and after WWII, Mother’s is famous for its expansive menu of traditional breakfast fares (i.e. buttermilk biscuit, grits, and pancakes) that are served all day, as well as the world famous juicy baked ham, an assortment of po’ boys, and big plates of Creole favorites like jambalaya or crawfish etouffee served with a choice of two hearty sides.
Elegant Dinner at Brennan’s Restaurant
Brennan’s Restaurant
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Brennan’s recently reopened after undergoing an $18 million renovation. The family-owned and -operated restaurant highlights the culinary creativity of James Beard Award finalist Chef Slade Rushing, who infuses an innovate flair to the traditional Creole cuisine. You can bask in the elegant yet whimsical and colorful dining room while enjoying signature dishes like BBQ Lobster, Vadouvan Spiced Black Drum, and - of course - the famous Bananas Foster that is made at the tableside.
Shareable Plates at Shaya
The bustling dining scene in the Big Easy is certainly not limited to Creole, Southern food. Shaya, an upscale, modern Israeli restaurant, draws influence from a region rich in diversity of cuisine and culture (i.e. Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa) to prepare delicious food that also celebrates the fresh, seasonal ingredients of Louisiana. The “For the Table” option featuring 3 to 5 dips and garnishes like baba ganoush, tabouleh, and Moroccan carrots are perfect for sharing, and pairs well with Shaya’s warm, wood-fired pita. Other items like a small plate of Crispy Halloumi and Roasted Cabbage are a must.
Eclectic Cuisine at Vitascope Hall
Catch up with friends or watch sports on the big screen at Vitascope Hall, a modern and casual restaurant + bar named after the world’s first for-profit movie theater in New Orleans. At Vitascope Hall, you can pair high-tech entertainment system with trendy food items and delicious cocktails. Try everything from homemade potato chips and fried oyster po’ boy to fresh sashimi and sushi rolls.
Hand-Crafted Cocktails at Public Belt
Relax in a warm ambiance with live piano music at Public Belt, a recently opened cocktail lounge at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Named after the iconic railroad of the early 20th century, Public Belt features candle-lit rooms and intimate nooks to provide a mystique vibe of the prohibition era in a contemporary setting. Sip on hand-crafted, classic NOLA cocktails, such as the Hurricane concocted with dark rum, passion fruit syrup, fresh lime and orange juice, and cherry, while enjoying great company and live music.
Best Places to Visit in New Orleans
French Quarter
Take a free, self-guided tour of the historic French Quarter. As the cultural epicenter and the oldest neighborhood in the city, the French Quarter is home to numerous historic landmarks, colorful architecture, and lively music venues. Don’t miss sights like the 222-year-old St. Louis Cathedral, bars lined up on Bourbon Street, as well as antique shops and galleries.
Louisiana State Museums
Showcasing the unique history and traditions of New Orleans, the consortium ofLouisiana Sate Museums include nine landmark properties like the Cabildo, Presbytere, Old US Mint, and the 1950 House. Each museum has its own distinct characteristics, ranging from the elegant, Spanish colonial building Cabildo that houses rare artifacts of America’s history to the 1850 House where visitors have the chance to glimpse into the lifestyle of the 17th century.
Mardi Gras World
It’s Mardi Gras all year long at Mardi Gras World. Embark on a festive journey at this warehouse where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras floats and costumes. In addition to getting close and personal with the colorful floats, visitors can also watch a short video about the history of this beloved festival, get a chance to don authentic Mardi Gras costumes, and have a bite of the famous King Cake.
The National World War II Museum
Home to an impressive collection of World War II memorabilia, recordings, and artifacts, the massive National WWII Museum is a destination worth spending the whole day. Starting from D-Day, the museum highlights many important aspects of the war that are complemented by the oral recordings of war participants. With an additional fee, you can experience the “Beyond All Boundaries” 4-D movie, which is narrated by Tom Hanks.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Bask in the beauty of the elaborate garden and elegant mansion at the Longue Vue House and Gardens. This breathtaking estate, designated as a National Historic Landmark, features a classical, revival-style mansion surrounded by eight acres of garden inspired by the Gardens of the Alhambra in Spain. Beautiful both inside and out, the mansion - built by the late philanthropists Edgar Bloom Stern and his wife Edith Rosenwald Stern - is filled with a diverse collection of antiques, pottery, carpets, and needlework.
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