Discover New Orleans Beyond the Conference
Welcome to the heart of New Orleans! While you're here for the convention, take some time to explore the vibrant culture, rich history and unforgettable flavors near the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Whether you're in the mood for world-class cuisine, local breweries, guided tours or unique attractions that capture the spirit of the city, you'll find plenty to see and do nearby. We've curated a list of spots to help you make the most of your time in NOLA.
French Quarter Restaurants & Bars
The most well-known neighborhood of New Orleans, the French Quarter boasts a colorful mix of Creaole architecture, raucous jazz and a cultural blend of French, Spanish and American influnces.
Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St.
Upscale seafood with a lively Bourbon vibe.
Galatoire's, 209 Bourbon St.
A classic Creole restaurant offering traditional New Orleans cuisine since 1905.
Pat O'Brien's, 718 St. Peter St.
Home of the famous Hurricane cocktail and a lively dueling piano bar.
Old Absinthe House, 240 Bourbon St.
Historic absinthe bar with a mysterious past.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St.
One of the oldest bars in America, candlelit and rich in pirate lore.
Café Lafitte In Exile, 901 Bourbon St.
The oldest continuously operating gay bar in the U.S., known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Café Du Monde, 800 Decatur St.
Iconic open-air café serving beignets and café au lait since 1862.
French Quarter Music Venues
The French Quarter also boasts the iconic Bourbon Street, which buzzes with nightlife, while Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral offer a more serene, picturesque charm.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, 733 Bourbon St.
Intimate traditional jazz club.
Maison Bourbon, 641 Bourbon St.
Jazz-focused venue preserving “America’s classical music.”
The Jazz Playhouse, 300 Bourbon St.
Elegant jazz lounge in the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
21st Amendment at La Louisiane, 725 Iberville St.
Speakeasy-style bar with live jazz.
Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St.
Party bar famous for the Hand Grenade.
The Swamp, 516 Bourbon St.
Rowdy multi-level nightclub with balcony views.
Preservation Hall, 726 St. Peter St.
An intimate venue offering authentic New Orleans jazz performances nightly.
21st Amendment at La Louisiane, 725 Iberville St.
Speakeasy-style bar with live jazz.
Convention Center Restaurants & Bars
Once an industrial hub, the area around the convention center has transformed into an arts destination with trendy restaurants, chic galleries and museums.
Cochon Butcher, 930 Tchoupitoulas St.
Butcher shop/sandwich counter with artisanal meats and craft beers.
Compère Lapin, 535 Tchoupitoulas St.
Caribbean–Creole fusion by Top Chef alum Nina Compton.
Emeril’s New Orleans, 800 Tchoupitoulas St.
Upscale Creole with a modern twist by Emeril Lagasse.
Two Chicks Café, 901 Convention Center Blvd #109
Breakfast and lunch spot with healthy options.
Galliano, 200 Julia St.
Modern Cajun and Creole cuisine in a stylish space near the Warehouse District.
Restaurant Rebirth, 857 Fulton St.
Creative Creole fusion in an intimate, brick-walled setting.
Briquette, 701 S Peters St.
Contemporary seafood restaurant known for its open kitchen and wood-fired grill.
Drago's Seafood Restaurant, 2 Poydras St.
Famous for their charbroiled oysters and lively seafood fare.
Convention Center Music Venues
The area around the convention center inludes several music venues to get your groove on; and cultural attractions to explore the history of the crescent city.
The Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St.
Funk, rock, comedy, and local music.
Republic NOLA, 828 S Peters St.
Warehouse club with DJ sets and concerts.
The Fillmore, 6 Canal St.
Big acts and stylish décor inside Harrah’s.
Peacock Room, 501 Tchoupitoulas St.
Jazz and cocktails in a luxe lounge setting.
Mulate’s, 201 Julia St.
Cajun dancing and food with nightly zydeco.
Cultural Attractions
The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St.
One of the top museums in the U.S.
Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans P1
Float-building warehouse tour.
Riverwalk Outlet Collection, 500 Port of New Orleans P1
Waterfront shopping and dining.
Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, 1 Canal St.
Family-friendly marine and insect exhibits.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St.
A museum dedicated to showcasing the art, culture, and history of the American South.
Garden District/Lower Garden District
The Garden District is a picturesque neighborhood known for its grand pre-Civil War mansions, oak-lined streets, and lush, manicured gardens. It offers a glimpse into the city’s affluent 19th-century past.
Restaurants and Bars
Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Ave.
Landmark fine dining with jazz brunch.
The Avenue Pub, 1732 St Charles Ave.
24-hour beer haven with elevated pub food.
The Bulldog Uptown, 3236 Magazine St.
Huge beer selection, burgers, and chill patio.
Cultural Attractions
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, 1400 Washington Ave.
Iconic above-ground cemetary dating back to 1833
Buckner Mansion, 1410 Jackson Ave.
Stunning Greek Revival Manason (and TV star).
Morris-Israel House, 1331 First St.
Ornate Italianate home worth a photo stop.
Coliseum Square Park, 1704 Coliseum St.
Leafy, peaceful retreat surrounded by historic homes.
Shops & Strolls
The Rink / Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St.
Quaint shopping center with local flavor.
St. Charles Streetcar Line, Runs through Garden District
Take in the mansions and oaks from this historic ride.
Family Attractions
Audobon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St.
Family-friendly zoo featuring exotic animals and a Louisiana swamp exhibit.
City Park, 1 Palm Dr.
A vast urban park with art museum, gardens, trails, and ancient oak trees.
Faubourg Marigny
The Faubourg Marigny offers a vibrant art scene with local artisians' galleries, funky live music venues, and art markets. The Marigny embodies the essence of these adjacent neighborhoods..
Live Music and Nightlife
D.B.A., 618 Frenchmen St.
Smoke-free venue featuring local and regional acts nightly, known for its great acoustics and atmosphere
Blue Nile, 5322 Frenchmen St.
Intimate venue showcasing top funk, blues, soul, and brass shows with a loyal local following,
Riverfront & Mississippi
Steamboat Natchez, 400 Toulouse St.
A traditional paddlewheel steamboat offering jazz cruises along the Mississippi River.