When in New Orleans, eat as the New Orleaneans do! That means starting your day with beignets and café au lait at the iconic Café du Monde. Open since 1862, this open-air coffee stand serves up pillowy, sugar-drenched beignets and rich chicory coffee. Its bustling location in Jackson Square makes it ideal for people-watching, but stop by early if you want to snag a seat.

Grab lunch at Napoleon House, a 200-year-old landmark steeped in old-world charm. Built in the late 1700s as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, the restaurant takes you back in time with its weathered walls, classical music, and European bistro vibes. Try their famous muffuletta, a hot sandwich filled with Italian meats and olive salad. Pair your meal with the signature Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing cocktail with deep New Orleans roots.

Savor a lively, Cajun-style meal at Cochon Restaurant in the Warehouse District. The hotspot blends rustic-industrial charm and a social dining atmosphere with modern flavors. Order the smoked pork ribs, fried alligator with chili garlic aioli, and boudin balls for a true taste of Louisiana. With James Beard award-winning chef Donald Link at the helm, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. 

Enjoy French-Creole cuisine at Antoine's Restaurant, the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Join the ranks of presidents, celebrities, and royalty who have dined here over the years. This hotspot is the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, so start your meal with the legendary dish. Then, dig into the seafood gumbo or crab-crusted redfish. If you’re a wine lover, ask for a peek inside their impressive wine cellar—it’s stocked with more than 25,000 bottles. 

Head to the National WWII Museum, consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the country. Learn the story of America’s role in World War II through immersive exhibits like The Road to Berlin, The Road to Tokyo, and the D-Day Invasion Experience. Don't miss the Beyond All Boundaries 4D film, narrated by Tom Hanks. The museum is massive, so you could easily spend 3-4 hours here if you want to see it all. 

Step beyond the touristy spots of New Orleans with a visit to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Get a deeper look at the traditions that shaped the city through jazz funeral traditions, second-line memorabilia, and hand-sewn Mardi Gras Indian suits that take a whole year to create. The museum is small, but it’s teeming with artifacts that offer a deep dive into the city.

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic French Quarter, starting at Jackson Square to check out the street artists and performers.  Admire the blend of Spanish, French, and Creole architecture throughout the neighborhood. Browse the art galleries and antique shops lining Royal Street. Stop by the LaLaurie Mansion—one of the city’s most haunted spots.

Catch a live jazz show at Preservation Hall for the most authentic jazz experience in the city. Embrace the intimate, no-frills atmosphere of this family-friendly music club. You won’t find a bar or food menu, but you’ll be treated to performances by some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Seats are first-come, first-served, so arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime. 

Hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez for a jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live music performances, Creole cuisine, and stunning views of the skyline and Crescent City Connection Bridge. During your journey on one of the area’s last authentic steamboats, learn more about the city’s maritime heritage. This is a popular New Orleans tourist attraction, so book in advance.

Immerse yourself in jazz history at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, housed in the Old U.S. Mint. Discover unique artifacts like Louis Armstrong’s first cornet, rare jazz recordings, and memorabilia from jazz legends like Fats Domino and Dizzy Gillespie. Explore hands-on exhibits to listen to old records and watch memorable jazz performances. The museum regularly hosts live performances, so you might even get to watch the magic in action.