First time in New Orleans — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in New Orleans, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in New Orleans
St. Louis Cathedral
CultureJackson Square
The country's oldest continuously active cathedral, the city's signature steeple.
French Quarter
CultureVieux Carré
Wrought-iron balconies, Jackson Square artists and bourbon-soaked nights.
City Park
OutdoorsMid-City
1,300 acres bigger than Central Park — sculpture garden + storyland.
Garden District Walk
OutdoorsGarden District
Antebellum mansions, Lafayette Cemetery and the St. Charles streetcar.
Where to eat
Willie Mae's Scotch House
$$Southern · Treme
James Beard 'America's Classic' fried chicken — go for lunch.
Café du Monde
$Café / Beignets · French Quarter
Open 24/7 since 1862 — beignets and café au lait, cash only.
Cochon
$$$Cajun · Warehouse District
Donald Link's whole-hog Cajun — book ahead.
Commander's Palace
$$$$Creole · Garden District
Turquoise institution since 1893 — 25¢ martini lunch.
Compère Lapin
$$$Caribbean-Creole · Warehouse District
Nina Compton's curried goat and rum-forward room.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: French Quarter, Garden District Walk, City Park. The shortlist is curated by people who live in New Orleans and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.