Things to do in New Orleans this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in New Orleans this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in New Orleans
Steamboat Natchez
FamilyRiverfront
Jazz cruise on the last authentic steam-powered paddlewheeler on the Mississippi.
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.
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.
Frenchmen Street
NightlifeFaubourg Marigny
Locals' alternative to Bourbon — live jazz at three venues per block.
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.
Live & on stage
French Quarter Festival
French Quarter · Apr 9–12 · Free / Local
Mardi Gras
Citywide · Feb 17 · Parades / Free
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Fair Grounds · Apr 24 – May 3 · Jazz / Mixed
Voodoo Music Experience
City Park · Oct 30 – Nov 1 · Festival
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: French Quarter, Garden District Walk, Frenchmen Street. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.