New Orleans

French Quarter (Vieux Carré)

For First-time visitors who want to be steps from major sights, though it is noisy, crowded, and highly commercialized on Bourbon Street.

The historic heart, defined by Spanish and French colonial architecture, courtyards, and constant street music.

Where to stay — Historic boutique hotels in converted townhouses away from Bourbon Street, such as on Royal or Chartres.

Faubourg Marigny

For Music lovers and travelers seeking a local vibe, though parking is difficult and weekends get loud.

Bohemian and artistic, with colorful Creole cottages and the live music hub of Frenchmen Street.

Where to stay — Bed and breakfasts or small guesthouses.

Bywater

For Creative types and repeat visitors, though it is further from downtown and lacks traditional hotels.

Trendy and industrial-chic, filled with street art, dive bars, and innovative restaurants.

Where to stay — Guesthouses or boutique rentals.

Garden District

For Architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat, though dining options are more spread out.

Quiet and grand, characterized by historic Greek Revival mansions, oak-lined streets, and lush gardens.

Where to stay — Historic mansions converted into boutique hotels or upscale bed and breakfasts.

Central Business District (CBD) & Warehouse District

For Business travelers and foodies who want a central location without the noise of the Quarter.

Modern high-rises meet converted brick warehouses, home to art galleries and trendy restaurants.

Where to stay — Contemporary luxury hotels and hip boutique brands.

Tremé

For Cultural purists and music historians, though visitors should remain vigilant at night as some areas are less lit.

The oldest African American neighborhood in the country, rich in jazz history and civil rights heritage.

Where to stay — Local guesthouses or B&Bs.

Mid-City

For Families and travelers wanting a green, unpretentious escape, though it requires a streetcar or rideshare to reach downtown.

A relaxed, residential neighborhood centered around Bayou St. John and City Park.

Where to stay — Mid-range motels or residential rentals.

Uptown / Carrollton

For Long-term visitors and families who enjoy a collegiate, neighborhood feel, though it is a long streetcar ride from the French Quarter.

Oak-draped avenues, historic university campuses, and local commercial strips like Oak Street.

Where to stay — Historic guest homes along the St. Charles line.

City Park

For

A vast, oak-shaded cultural park where visitors can combine major museums, sculpture gardens, botanical displays, cafés and family attractions. A strong year-round choice; spring flowers and October-to-March temperatures are best for exploring outdoors.

Where to stay —

Magazine Street

For

New Orleans’ best all-purpose shopping-and-food corridor, with six miles of boutiques, galleries, cafés, bars and restaurants that visitors can explore in sections. Best on mild-weather weekdays or weekends; many shops close earlier than bars and restaurants.

Where to stay —

Irish Channel

For

A compact, atmospheric neighborhood of colorful shotgun houses, breweries, brunch spots and lively Magazine Street hangouts. A good year-round evening stop; brewery patios and Magazine Street are especially enjoyable from October through April.

Where to stay —

Esplanade Ridge

For

A scenic, historic avenue linking Tremé and Bayou St. John, known for Creole homes, leafy walks and easy access to neighborhood food institutions. Most comfortable for walking from October to April; the avenue is particularly attractive during spring blooms.

Where to stay —

Faubourg St. John

For

A relaxed local district centered on Bayou St. John, with picnic lawns, kayak access, old-school restaurants and neighborhood bars. Best for bayou walks and outdoor seating in the cooler months; summer sunsets are lovely but hot.

Where to stay —

Bayou St. John

For

The city’s most appealing urban-waterway district, where visitors picnic, paddle, stroll beneath live oaks and eat around the nearby neighborhood crossroads. Best for paddling and picnics in spring and autumn; check weather before booking water activities.

Where to stay —

Algiers Point

For

A compact historic riverfront village reached by ferry, offering Victorian homes, Mississippi views, relaxed bars and a quieter counterpoint to downtown. Best around sunset when the ferry ride and riverfront views are most rewarding; verify ferry hours before setting out.

Where to stay —

Inspired by South American and Spanish open-hearth cooking, serving sustainably sourced Gulf fish over live coals.

Signature — Whole grilled fish with salsa verde

Uses a patented refrigeration system to secure the freshest catch from around the world, printed daily on the menu.

Signature — Scalibut (halibut with sea scallop "scales")

A modern, dry-aging steakhouse with Middle Eastern culinary influences and an exceptional wine list.

Signature — Classified cut (dry-aged in-house)

Louisiana's oldest family-owned steakhouse, serving sizzling steaks in melted butter since 1934.

Signature — Ribeye sizzling in butter

Classic upscale steakhouse with a distinct New Orleans French accent and subterranean clubby vibe.

Signature — USDA Prime Ribeye topped with fried oysters

The grand dame of Creole fine dining, famous for its blue exterior, impeccable service, and jazz brunches.

Signature — Turtle soup finished with sherry

A jackets-required temple of classic French-Creole cuisine where Friday lunches are a theatrical, hours-long social ritual.

Signature — Crabmeat Sardou

The late Leah Chase's historic restaurant, a landmark of Creole cuisine and the civil rights movement.

Signature — Creole gumbo

Chef Donald Link's modern tribute to traditional Cajun pork cookery and wood-fired cooking.

Signature — Louisiana cochon with cabbage and cracklins

Chef Isaac Toups serves aggressive, rustic Cajun charcuterie and nose-to-tail dining.

Signature — The Meastery Board (house-cured meats and pickles)

Operating since 1840, this is the oldest continuously run restaurant in the country, featuring labyrinthine dining rooms.

Signature — Oysters Rockefeller (invented here)

Tucked into a 19th-century cottage, offering highly refined, contemporary tavern fare and world-class cocktails.

Signature — Caviar and boudin

Donald Link's flagship bistro blending French farmhouse cooking with rustic Southern ingredients.

Signature — House-made spaghetti with guanciale and a fried poached egg

Chef Susan Spicer's global-influenced pioneer in a beautiful 200-year-old cottage.

Signature — Sweetbreads with lemon caper butter

Overlooking Bayou St. John, serving definitive po-boys since 1911.

Signature — Hot roast beef po-boy with gravy ("debris style")

A yellow-clad neighborhood corner joint serving classic po-boys on Leidenheimer bread.

Signature — Half-and-half (shrimp and oyster) po-boy

A cramped, 24-hour deli counter at the back of a convenience store, perfect for late-night cravings.

Signature — All That Jazz po-boy (turkey, ham, shrimp, cheese, and wow sauce)

A cafeteria-style vegan spot serving plant-based spins on classic soul food and Creole dishes.

Signature — Vegan bread pudding

A casual lunch spot by day that transforms into a hip dinner venue serving creative, vegetable-forward dishes.

Signature — Tempeh Reuben