Restaurant & Museum Recommendations for a New Orleans Weekend
Enjoy a wonderful weekend in New Orleans with our suggestions for dining, culture and outdoors. New Orleans is steeped in rich history, from its founding by France in 1718, to its place in the War of 1812, to its prosperous “Antebellum” years and beyond. This southern city is where Jazz was born, and home to local historic figures such as the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, the pirate Jean Lafitte, and author Anne Rice. Enjoy all that history, fantastic Creole cuisine, and the city’s lovely parks and gardens.
Where to Eat in New Orleans
These restaurants in the French Quarter and Garden District are some of the oldest and most celebrated restaurants in the United States. Their Creole cuisine, with its French and southern American influences are legendary.
Antoine’s is an iconic French Quarter dining mainstay, offering some of the finest Creole cuisine in New Orleans.
Galatoire’s is local institution that recreates the feel of “Antebellum” New Orleans.
K-Paul’s - Famed Chef, Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun kitchen is an upscale-casual affair. Chef Prudhomme is one of the father’s of New Orleans’ cuisine.
Commander’s Palace - Located in a sprawling blue historic home in the heart of the Garden District, the restaurant features a popular "Jazz" brunch and sits across the street from Lafayette Cemetery #1.
Café Du Monde - Cafe Du Monde is famous for its delicious beignets, which are deep-fried pastries dusted with sugar powder.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House - Willie Mae's is a historic soulfood spot known for their fried chicken.
Suggestions for Things To Do in New Orleans
LIVE MUSIC VENUES IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
On the weekend, explore the bars and music clubs of the French Quarter along historic Bourbon Street. And be sure to visit the bars on Frenchmen Street, which has a large number of legendary live music spots.
MUSEUMS & CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
The National WWII Museum is not to be missed. The WWII Museum has a great comprehensive narrative of the war, and is one of the most visited museums in the United States.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is a special museum to see beautiful examples of paintings, as well as fine and decorative arts.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art focuses on the American South's cultural contributions to the arts in all mediums and forms.
Visit Audubon’s Zoo, Aquarium and the Butterfly & Insectarium.
1850 House is part of a complex of buildings near Jackson Square. where you had tour historic and preserved buildings. Other historic buildings in the French Quarter to visit are The Ursuline Convent, The Williams Residence and the Brulatour House. The last two buildings are managed by the Historic New Orleans Collection.
OUTDOOR SPACES IN NEW ORLEANS
The Botanical Gardens in City Park is home to some of the oldest oak trees in the world (700+ years). Plan to visit the adjacent Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
You must visit Audubon Park. Named after the famed ornithologist and botanist, Audubon has a famous a zoo and a beautiful setting along the Mississippi River. Nearby is Tulane University campus and the historic Garden District.
ARCHITECTURAL HOUSE TOUR IN THE GARDEN DISTRICT
The city’s Garden District has many elegant mansions in the Greek-revival style. It is perfect for a self-guided architectural walking tour. Be sure to see historic Lafayette Cemetery #1, with its rows of mausoleums and highly decorative tomb stones and monuments.
You can find all of this information and more on the Red Map of New Orleans