“Down the river from the French Quarter, you’ll find the Tremé and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods. Tremé includes Louis Armstrong Park and is a historic Black neighborhood fighting gentrification. The Marigny is all about music and street culture. Ayu Bakehouse in Marigny is a great place for a treat and a pause from the busy street life nearby. I gave some of their marshmallows away as holiday presents this year—they’re so good!”

“Tipitina’s is a music club on Napoleon Avenue. It’s been there since I went to school. It’s now owned by Galactic, a very popular New Orleans funk band. They feature local acts and more and it’s always great music—it’s a funky, super-fun place to listen to live performances.”

"There are a couple of great po’ boy places in the same neighborhood as Tipitina’s, including Guy’s on Magazine Street. You can’t visit New Orleans without having a classic po’ boy."

"Another po’ boy institution uptown is Domilise’s. Domilsie’s was my go-to when I went to Tulane. I love going back there when I have a chance; Domilise’s is such a vibe!"

"Shopping and eating on Magazine Street is a fun way to pass time. Saffron is an Indian restaurant with a Creole twist. I like how classic New Orleans food—which is Creole, a combination of French, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences—mixes with new cuisines, and Saffron is a fun place to experience that blend. After Saffron, try other Creole-influenced cuisines at places like Dong Phuong Bakery (Vietnamese), Jamila’s (Mediterranean), Mayas (Latin American), and Dakar NOLA (Senegalese).”

"Heading into the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a historic music hall known for traditional New Orleans–style jazz. In the evenings, visitors sit on hardwood benches and listen to incredible jam sessions. It’s not fancy, but it’s right around the corner from Bourbon Street. Ben and his family, who run it, are institutions in the city.”

“Cafe du Monde is a must-visit New Orleans landmark. It’s where you go to get those delicious fried beignets. When you’re done enjoying their beignets and café au lait, wander through the French Quarter toward the riverfront. You’ll pass Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the LaBranche House. These sites form the iconic center of the tourist quarter."

“Chapter IV is the newest restaurant from the Dooky Chase family of restaurants. The restaurant has excellent food and is always busy. It’s near Canal Street, which separates the French Quarter from what we call the Central Business District.”

“The Sazerac House celebrates the Sazerac—a cocktail that originated in New Orleans. Many people say New Orleans started the whole cocktail culture, though others disagree. The upstairs museum is a fun place to learn about that particular cocktail and have a drink or two.”

"The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) is an incredible music education program and community hub, inspired by the vision and legacy of the late great Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Check out their event calendar to buy tickets to their monthly concerts that are open to the public."

"There are lots of music clubs in the Marigny. Snug Harbor is one of the OGs, featuring jazz, R&B, and New Orleans funk. The music is always solid."

“A spot in Tremé that I love is Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe, which is known for its classic, seafood-focused Creole cuisine. There are many great restaurants like it throughout the city. It’s a place where locals would eat.”

“Another must-visit spot for lovers of live music. This is Kermit Ruffins’ place, where he performs several nights a week. They also serve great barbecue, and red beans and rice that Kermit used to make himself. A really fun spot to check out when you’re visiting the city.”

“This is the Museum of Free People of Color, an interesting piece of city history. Because of the French laws, New Orleans had a higher concentration of freed people—descendants of slaves. This museum is working to tell that story. It’s a little obscure, but I included it because it’s part of my family history and I think it’s super-interesting. Other great local museums are the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the New Orleans Museum of Art, just to name a few.”

“Vaucresson’s is a Creole hot sausage maker, and they have a little café there now. A lot of people in New Orleans eat Vaucresson’s food, and the current owners are from generations of sausage makers.”

“My friend actually owns Eclectic Home on Oak Street. It’s one of those places on one of those streets where you can do a ton of shopping—not for tacky souvenirs, but for things that would be fun to bring home or to put in your living room and say you got them from New Orleans. And she just has amazing taste.”

"A local favorite, this restaurant is in my old neighborhood, Pontchartrain Park. But you don’t have to go there; you can go to their location in New Orleans International Airport. Start your visit off right!"