New Orleans Travel Guide (2025): Top Attractions, Food, and Design Inspiration
Planning a New Orleans trip? Whether you’re chasing jazz in the French Quarter, wandering the mansion-lined streets of the Garden District, or hunting for your next design obsession on Magazine Street, this city is a feast for the senses—and your Pinterest board.
This New Orleans travel guide highlights top attractions, hidden gems, design inspiration, and a few can't-miss brunch spots. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or diving into a longer itinerary, these neighborhoods and experiences will help you explore the city in style.
French Quarter: Vibrant, Historic, and Full of Life
Colorful Creole townhouses, ornate iron balconies, and the sounds of jazz floating down the street—the French Quarter is where New Orleans comes alive.
Don’t miss:
Royal Street for galleries and antique shops
Jackson Square for street performers and views of St. Louis Cathedral
Café du Monde for iconic beignets (worth the powdered sugar mess)
Live jazz at Preservation Hall or a spontaneous second line
Design Tip: Capture the vibe at home with wrought iron accents, vintage mirrors, and rich jewel tones.
Magazine Street: Boutique Chic and Bohemian Vibes
This six-mile stretch winds through Uptown and is packed with independent shops, art galleries, and cafés. It’s the go-to spot for discovering unexpected home decor or sipping cocktails between stores.
Don’t miss:
Sucré for macarons and beautiful sweets
Lucy Rose for curated home goods
Any of the local coffee shops with rattan chairs and a good people-watching perch
Design Tip: Layer vintage finds with bold patterns and artisan touches for that relaxed, collected aesthetic.
Garden District: Timeless Elegance and Southern Charm
Garden District: Mansions, Oaks, and Southern Charm
Refined and picturesque, the Garden District is lined with antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and shaded sidewalks perfect for a slow stroll.
Top experiences:
A walking tour of historic homes (and front porch envy)
Commander’s Palace for a jazz brunch under chandeliers
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (hauntingly beautiful and historic)
Design Tip: Bring home this look with ferns, antique furniture, and a soft palette of creams and blues.
Warehouse District & Museums
A hub for culture and modern flair, the Warehouse District blends art, history, and rooftop cocktails.
Top Museums to Visit:
The National WWII Museum: Located in the Warehouse District, this museum combines interactive exhibits with compelling storytelling.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): Nestled in City Park, NOMA showcases fine art and a serene sculpture garden.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Celebrates Southern artists with a blend of traditional and modern works.
Need a Place to Stay?
From luxury icons like Windsor Court to boutique gems with local flair, New Orleans has a hotel for every vibe.
Explore our hotel roundup → (link to article 2 once live)
3 Days in New Orleans: A Stylish Weekend Itinerary
Whether it’s your first visit or a return to the Crescent City, here’s how to make the most of three days packed with culture, food, and design inspiration.
Day 1: French Quarter First Impressions
Morning:
Coffee and beignets at Café du Monde
Stroll Jackson Square and tour St. Louis Cathedral
Browse antique shops and galleries on Royal Street
Afternoon:
Lunch at Napoleon House or Sylvain
Visit the Preservation Hall area for street jazz
Optional: Take a guided French Quarter history tour
Evening:
Dinner at Brennan’s
Drinks at Carousel Bar
Optional: Catch a ghost tour or live music set
Day 2: Garden District Elegance
Morning:
Breakfast at The Vintage on Magazine Street
Walk through the Garden District and visit Lafayette Cemetery
Afternoon:
Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace
Shopping along Magazine Street
Coffee break at La Boulangerie
Evening:
Dinner at Coquette or Atchafalaya
Sunset drinks at Hot Tin Rooftop Bar
Day 3: Culture, Parks & Chill
Morning:
Light breakfast, then head to the National WWII Museum
Or visit Ogden Museum for regional art
Afternoon:
Explore City Park and its sculpture garden
Lunch at Café Degas or another Mid-City gem
Optional: Streetcar ride to soak in the sights
Evening:
Stroll the Mississippi Riverfront
Final dinner at Peche, Saba, or Emeril’s
Nightcap at Bar Marilou or The Chloe
Inspired by NOLA: Design You Can Take Home
Each New Orleans neighborhood tells a visual story. Whether it’s the elegance of the Garden District or the layered creativity of Magazine Street, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
Need help recreating the look?
Head to our design guide → (link to article 3 once live)
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Contrast
New Orleans is a city of contrasts—timeless yet buzzing, refined yet gritty, lively yet deeply soulful. However you plan your trip, make space to wander, linger, and let the rhythm of the city shape your experience.
