If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans or simply want to learn more about the city, sit back and let my blog highlight some of the best restaurants and tourist attractions in New Orleans.
I will also share my thoughts on the Airbnb where I stayed.
New Orleans or NOLA, is known for its diverse southern food culture, music, and vibrant energy.
It’s impossible to talk about New Orleans without mentioning Loius Armstrong. Let me first give you a brief overview of his significance.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Jazz Musician.
You are bound to come across images or statues alluding to this great historical figure adorning the streets of New Orleans.
In fact, both the main airport and a well-known park are named after him.
According to my research and what I read while there, Loius Armstrong was born in New Orleans in the 1900s.
He became a famous Jazz trumpeter and rose to fame while touring the United States with well-known bands.
Louis Armstrong is now a significant figure in the state of New Orleans and around the world. He is regarded as the father or pioneer of jazz music.
Moreover, there is a Louis Armstrong House Museum here in Queens New York City. If you are in the big apple, add this to your list of places to visit.
Best New Orleans Restaurants For Foodies
If you are a Food Explora like me, you will enjoy the southern dishes available in NOLA (New Orleans + Louisiana).
More importantly, if you enjoy seafood, this is the state you should visit. There are menu items across different restaurants to satisfy every foodie’s taste buds.
Creole, French, and Cajun, are just some of the southern flavors that this city has to offer. There are fast food joints easily accessible and cheaper for all the foodies.
Bourbon Street New Orleans
When in New Orleans, you must take a visit to Bourbon Street. This street is what I will describe as the entertainment hub of New Orleans.
The street is lined with some of the best New Orleans Restaurants for foodies, bars, street performers, hotels, clubs, and other nightlife activities.
Maybe the food culture and festivities explains why the State of Louisiana Tourism Board reports that in 2021 (during a pandemic) they attracted 41 million domestic and international visitors to the state.
NOLA Cookery is rated one the best New Orleans restaurants for foodies. It is located on Bourbon Street. The ambiance, like most of the restaurants I have visited, is warm and inviting. You will undoubtedly experience southern hospitality.
I got their Crawfish Etouffee. It’s a hearty southern cajun stew flavored with crawfish, herbs, and cajan seasoning.
Etouffee is a French word that translates “to smother.” The stew is accompanied by a very small bowl of white rice.
The Food Explora in me, on the other hand, would pair this delectable stew with
my Buttery Cassava Sweet Potato Mash or my homemade Garden Mash Potatoes.
I tried one of their local beers called Purple Haze Raspberry Lager. Not the best-tasting beer I have ever tried, but it was ok.
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Mambo’s is yet another top New Orleans Restaurant and bar on Bourbon Street. My waitress persuaded me to try their Cajun Jambalaya Pasta instead of their Mambo’s Burger that I originally intended to order.
This penne pasta dish is made with juicy pieces of shrimp, alligator sausages, onions, and sweet peppers cooked in a delicious creole sauce.
The different flavor of the dish made it unique from the shrimp pasta dish I am accustomed to eating.
On their appetizer menu, they offer Gator Tail Bites. The Food Explora in me was going to order a serving, but since the pasta already had the gator sausages, I did not bother to order.
Interestingly, the ceiling of the restaurant is decorated with metal structures of alligators (see video). For these reasons I have called this restaurant the “Alligator Restaurant”
One of the surprising things I discovered in New Orleans was that the cost of dining was relatively high for the portion size of the meals.
I’m not sure if this high cost is due to the current inflation, or if it’s because the restaurants are in a tourist area.
We Dat’s Restaurant is on Canal Street, directly across from the Airbnb where I stayed.
It’s a small dine-in establishment. Even though they do not sell alcohol, the restaurant’s layout, sports jerseys, and multiple TVs hanging on the walls gave it the feel of a sports bar.
However, I ordered their Cajun Catfish and French Fries and thoroughly enjoyed them.
The dance hall music playing in the restaurant at the time of my visit reminded me of one of the Jamaican restaurants in New York City.
Mother’s is a small dine-in restaurant in New Orleans that is said to be popular.
I was particularly drawn to this establishment because of the name.
In Jamaica, we also have a fast food chain restaurant by the name Mother’s.
The numerous picture frames that cover every inch of each wall may catch your eye as you enter this relatively small dine-in restaurant.
They do, however, give a homey feel to them. Most New Orleans restaurants appear to have this as a decorative theme.
I have always wanted to try real southern gumbo. The cashier suggested their Seafood Gumbo. The texture is similar to Jamaican stewed peas.
The gumbo stew is visually appealing, with shrimp, seafood, and okra served over spoonfuls of white rice.
It did, however, fall short of my expectations. It was quite pricey for the portion size, and the flavor and texture were disappointing. But it wasn’t that bad.
The Food Explora in me couldn’t resist ordering a slice of their Pecan Pie. It was ok; not really noteworthy.
When visiting New Orleans, I still believe that indulging in a delicious bowl of authentic southern gumbo is a must.
Sucre La Nouvelle Orleans
“Sucre” was Ecuador’s basic monetary unit and is also the official capital of Bolivia. In New Orleans, however, it is the French term for “having a taste of sugar.”
SUCRE describes its business as a dessert and coffee boutique.
Their elegant French pastries, cakes, macaroons, and gelato ice cream are available at the French boutique.
You may sit, drink coffee and enjoy the sweet experience at Sucre.
The Food Explora in me could not stop me from trying their Caramel layered bar cake.
It was so deliciously rich that I wished it was ten times bigger. However, it would have cost me more than $100.
Click on the link below to learn more about Sucre in New Orleans.
The Beach On Bourbon
By day, The Beach On Bourbon is a great place to hang out with friends, play games, and drink a few drinks.
Their outdoor bar offers some of the best alcoholic beverages, particularly during happy hour.
However, by night, the area is transformed into a massive dance floor with live bands. It’s a great place to get lost in the music and dance the night away.
The IHOP Restaurant is located on Canal Street, just a few minutes walk from where I stayed.
If you enjoy buttermilk pancakes and are looking for a good breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ihop is the place to go.
Best New Orleans Fast Food Restaurants
New Orleans is not short of fast food restaurants. Willie’s Chicken Shack and Willie’s Pizza and Wings boast that their food is “Slap Yo Mamma Good” I did not have the opportunity to visit any of these New Orleans Fast food chains. In addition, they can be found throughout the city.
Fat Tuesday and Mango Mango Daiquiri are two very popular restaurants that specialize in frozen cocktails.
They are very popular and can be seen all over New Orleans. Their alcoholic slushies remind me of those from Wet Willies. These drinks will keep you cool on hot and humid summer days.
If you are looking for common fast food chain restaurants, Shake Shack, SUBWAY, and McDonald’s are all within walking distance.
Furthermore, you can also go to CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens for grocery items, and liquor stores for your alcohol needs.
New Orleans Tourist Attractions
THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
The organizers of The National World War II (WWII) Museum did an excellent job of providing its visitors with an unforgettable experience by immersing them in a real-life-like WWII combat experience via video and other multimedia presentations.
This is a fantastic family adventure that comes highly recommended. Adult admission to the museum cost $33 at the time of my visit.
Children are admitted at a reduced rate, and all Veterans are admitted free of charge.
A short video and photo presentation of the museum is provided below.
New Orleans WWII Museum
Here’s another must-see tourist attraction in New Orleans. The Louis Armstrong Park is about a 15-minute walk from where I stayed at Airbnb.
The public park features a pond, sculptures, and green open space where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the works of local New Orleans artists who perform at the Louis Armstrong Park Local Fest.
The park’s statue of the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong stands tall in the middle of the park by the pond.
Several vendors were observed selling their art, jewelry, clothing, and food at the time of my visit.
Louis Armstrong Park Local Music Fest.
Caesars Superdome Of New Orleans
If you are a New Orleans Saints fan or just a sports lover, then you will enjoy a visit to the Dome of the Saints.
The multi-purpose Caesars Superdome stadium nestled in New Orleans’ business district, is the preferred venue for sporting events and concerts.
The stadium has previously hosted several Super Bowl games, college basketball games, and concerts featuring some of the country’s top artists.
Add this tourist attraction to your vacation list. To find out more about upcoming events, go HERE.
It’s a family affair here. If you enjoy bowling, arcades, watching sports, and dining, the New Orleans Dave and Buster’s. It is just a few blocks away from the Caesars Superdome.
I occasionally go to Dave & Buster’s in Times Square New York City. These sports bars are ideal for socializing with friends and family. There is something enjoyable for everyone.
New Orleans City Bus Tour
One of the best ways to see a city is to take one of its tour buses. CitySightSeeing is a must-do tourist attraction in New Orleans for seeing and learning about the city with a live tour guide.
The open double-decker buses can be seen all over the city. You can conveniently hop on and off the bus at any time during the 1.5-hour ride.
You can choose from a variety of tour packages. However, a single-day pass for an adult will cost $39.
Children under the age of 12 pay only $10, at the time of my visit.
Visit HERE to learn more about the tour bus and ticket prices.
Getting Around New Orleans
Public Bus
Outside of Uber or Lyft, public transportation is another cost-effective way to get around New Orleans. Luckily, my Airbnb is in a perfect location within walking distance of most tourist attractions and the best restaurants to eat.
Street Cars
The red and green street cars were new to me. Riding on one of these felt like I was riding back in time to the 1960s.
They are cooling looking, both inside and out. They are a fun way to get around the city. It cost me $1.25 for 1 way. However, you may purchase a daily pass for $3.
Bike Carts
Right outside the corner of Bourbon Street and Canal Street, you will find these bike carts waiting to take you for a ride to your destination of choice. If you visit NYC you will see these bike carts in New York City Times Square.
Transportation from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Depending on the time of day, an Uber or Lyft from the airport to the Airbnb apartment I stayed at on Canal Street will cost you between $30 and $40.
The E1 bus is another inexpensive way to get to and from the airport. This will only cost you $2.
If you find yourself at Louis Armstrong International Airport and have a foodie craving, I recommend the Shake Shack Restaurant’s burger meal.
They are, in my opinion, one of the best fast food burger joints.
In New York City, I occasionally go there for their Angus beef burgers.
Expedia was where I found my vacation travel package. You, too, can take advantage of the reasonably priced packages to New Orleans and other destinations around the world.
To find low-cost vacation packages, click on the image or HERE.
This post contains affiliate links to services. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Where To Stay In New Orleans
Sonder Review
Sonder describes what I call an Airbnb, as private apartments. It is located on Canal Street In the Business District of New Orleans, next door to Tulane University School Of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is the beautiful Sonder 1-bedroom Airbnb apartment on the 11th floor.
A small swimming pool on the 19th floor with views of the city is accessible to keep you cool during the hot, humid days. A video tour of the entire apartment is provided below.
When Is The Best Time To Visit New Orleans?
Except for brief periods when the temperature falls below normal cold, the weather is pleasant all year. The warmer seasons, from April to October, are, in my opinion, the best time to visit New Orleans.
A few locals recommended that I attend the next Mardi Gras. According to my understanding, it is New Orleans’ annual carnival parade in which there is music and participants display their costumes as they march through the street of NOLA. The festivities begin around Lent. More information can be found by clicking HERE .
New Orleans Sonder Airbnb Apartment Tour.
New Orleans: Best Restaurants | Airbnb review | Tourist Attractions
Aruba is one of my highly recommended travel destinations. Click HERE to check out my Aruba travel blog.
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Thanks for sharing, I have never visited New Orleans but you have given me a good start whenever I visit as I will know exactly where to eat.
Most definitely Rosaline. Hope you enjoy New Orleans when you do visit.
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans! It looks like there is TONS of good food and lots to see and do. I’ll save this post!
Thanks for dropping by Carrie.
I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’d love to! Bookmarking this for when I go!
Thanks for dropping by Katie.
A true tour guide to keep… and not to miss. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate you coming by Bruno.
NOLA is so fun! It’s rich with culture; there’s so much to do there. Awesome post, thanks for sharing!
Thank you FlawlessWorld.
I have been to NOLA once but seems like I need to go back and checkout some of these places.
Vaishali, I will need to go back and explore NOLA also; so many things to see and do.
I absolutely LOVE New Orleans and visit often. I’ve visited a few restaurants on the list and will save this post for future restaurant suggestions. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Debbie. Glad you enjoyed your visits.
New Orleans is such a charming place. Bourbon street sounds so inviting.
Amazing tips, definitely I would search for something vegan.
I am sure I came across vegan menu options at the restaurants I visited. or maybe there are Vegan restaurants available. You will have a great time anyways.
How fun! New Orleans was one of my favorite vacations I’ve ever taken. Surprisingly I didn’t try any of these restaurants during my visit. I guess I better go back and try them! Haha
Lyssa, I agree, You cannot explore New Orleans in one visit.
Oh, thank you so much for sharing this great list! Extremely helpful!
Thank You, Rahma.
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans but haven’t made it there yet. This is such a perfect and complete guide for anyone looking to visit NOLA. My first stop would be the NOLA cookery to try that etouffee 😍 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Jenna for stopping by. Hope you enjoy NOLA as much as I did on your next visit.
I don’t think we ate any of those restaurants when we went. Have to go back for sure!!
Thanks for dropping by Christina. You cannot explore New Orleans in one visit. Hope my blog provided you with some insight for your next trip to NOLA.
Totally bookmarking this because my fiance and I are planning a road trip next year and New Orleans is on our list but with so many places to eat and so little time, I’m so excited to have your guide to narrow things down! Thank you!
Glad my post was helpful. Hope you and your husband will have a fun-filled road trip.
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, and thank you for sharing your restaurant recommendations! I definitely would like to go to NOLA Cookery and Mother’s. Also the city bus tour does sound like a great way to see the city.
Thanks for dropping by Karalee. Hope you enjoy your visit when you go.
Has New Orleans fully recovered from that hurricane a few years back? Anyway, it sounds like the places that are open in New Orleans have a lot of interesting menus going on. Should I ever find myself in New Orleans, I’ll have to check these out
I am not sure about NOLA’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. However, I observed a number of old abandoned buildings in New Orleans. But I can assure you will have a good time.
I really enjoyed your post and the food tour. I haven’t been there in a very long time but clearly need to get back sometime ver6 soon. Great restaurant tips and food suggestions. Thanks for sharing,
Appreciate you stopping by Mark. We all need a few visits to explore NOLA.
New Orleans is top of my travel wishlist and these places sound so good!
You will have a good time in New Orleans. Thanks for dropping by.
wonderful suggestions, I will keep them in mind just in case we go there and try these restaurants.
Appreciate you dropping by Fransic.
New Orleans is a foodies paradise….. I’m dying to go back loved it so much and it met all my expectations. Great post!
NOLA is definitely a hub for Food Exploras, Sarah. Looking forward to visiting again as well.
New Orleans was fun! We didn’t get to experience the food as much as we should have. I think it’s time to go back.
Christina, you should visit again. we need several trips to explore the food culture of New Orleans
Heading to NO next year for the first time so this has been sooo helpful as me and my husband are total foodies! Can’t wait to try some of these out. Thanks Kevin
You are welcome Belle. Hope you and your family have a great time in NOLA when you visit.
Wow! This is a really extensive list! I recently visited New Orleans to visit friends and we found a place called The Ruby Slipper that was really good.
I am glad you found my blog useful, Theresa. Thanks for sharing The Ruby Slipper. Will bear this in place when I re-visit.
Never been to New Orleans but I heard the food is amazing. Thanks for sharing this handy guide or where to check out first
Thank you for reading my blog Liv.
I hand family from Louisiana. I can attest that they really do have some of the best food. Great post!
Thank you Kirsten.
New Orleans looks like a thriving place. Hope I go there one day.
New Orleans definitely recovered from Hurricane Katrina. hope you get to visit someday; Jamie, you will have a great time.
What an incredible place with such a rich food history and culture; all of these places sound amazing and I would love to try some of them out even though I’m vegetarian and allergic to fish and shellfish, haha! I’m sure I’d find something crazy delicious.
Molloy, there are vegan options available on many restaurants’ menus. You will have a great time. Thank you for reading.
OMG I’m planning to go to NOLA for my birthday this year. Perfect timing, thanks for sharing!!
You will have a great time Chanelle. Have an awesome birthday. Thanks for reading. Glad it will be a helpful guide.
We visited New Orleans a few years back. LOVE the culture and the beauty of the architecture! The food is AMAZING! Thanks for the trip back down memory lane – now I need to go back! <3
You are right, Beth. New Orleans is a vibe. We have to visit several times to explore the food culture and tourist attractions.
New Orleans is a good heaven! I haven’t been there. But I do believe it’s a good place to visit in the States. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Fadima. NOLA definitely has a good vibe.
Looks like there are lots of delicious things to eat in New Orleans!
Corinne x
Thanks for dropping by Corinne. NOLA is a hub for foodies.
I love this post! I have never been to New Orleans when I visited the USA and now I know where to eat when I get there. The crawfish stew sounds incredible, and so does Sucre! I have a sweet tooth and would try everything!
Lisa, those were actually two of my favorite places I visited. I have a sweet tooth as well. Thanks for dropping by.
This instantly made me want to revisit New Orleans!
Sam, plan another trip to New Orleans. looking forward to reading your blog. Thanks for dropping by.
This takes me right back to when I visited New Orleans decades ago! I loved the food and the vibes.
The Curious Dig, New Orleans has a very strong food culture and vibe.
Very extensive list with awesome info! Thanks for adding in lodging recommendations as well. Never been to New Orleans yet but one day I plan to. I’ll have to keep this post in mind for when I do.
You are welcome Fallon. I hope you enjoy it when you do visit; hope my blog will be a helpful guide
Great read!! Loved in Baton Rouge. Love jambalaya.
Thank you for dropping by Lindsay. New Orlean’s jambalaya hits differently.
I like how thorough your article on New Orleans is. I haven’t been, but I’ve always wanted to go. Bookmarking this and taking note of all those restaurants you mentioned.
Thank you Rosie. Hope you have fun when you visit.
Oh I will have to keep this post in mind in case we ever go to New Orleans one day. Looks like so many good places to eat at!!
You will always have a good time in New Orleans.
OMG…I can’t believe you ate at Mother’s. It’s on my “never go there list” from the time I’ve been attending Essence Fest! I’ve rarely heard good things about it but there’s always a deceiving long line of tourists outside. Well at least I know I can trust your taste buds!!!😝
This was my first time visiting Mother’s in New Orleans. I probably wouldn’t order the same menu items I did. But can’t wait to visit New Orleans again to explore more of its food culture.
love this, New Orleans is a favorite
New Orleans is now my new favorite places to visit.
This post was so thorough and now I want to go to New Orleans! Thank you for the good read.
THANK YOU, ALLY. GLAG YOU FOUND IT USEFUL.