New Orleans

We’ve compiled the best of the best in New Orleans - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Bar Marilou

    Central Business District

    An evening at this dimly-lit venue begins with an aperitif hour and ends with burlesque, a jazz trio, or other entertaiment appropriate for a place that is part intimate library and part Parisian club. The food here is fittingly European, with grazing options like almonds, olives, and anchovies; seared scallops in white miso dressing and a satisfying pub burger are among more substantial choices. If you're looking for atmosphere and romance served alongside your expertly crafted cocktails, this is your spot.

    544 Carondelet St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-814–7711
  • 2. Cellar Door

    Central Business District

    Travel through the narrow doors of this cocktail bar to rooms full of wood-panelled walls and exposed brick, dimly lit chandeliers, and a general atmosphere that is a quiet, refreshing escape from the more corporate surroundings outside. Located within a historic mansion, curl up in one of the many romantic nooks and crannies for a cocktail or two; the cocktail menu favors the classics.

    916 Lafayette St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70113, USA
    504-265–8392
  • 3. Circle Bar

    Warehouse District

    Like something out of a Tim Burton film, this teetering old Victorian house that straddles the concrete jungles of downtown and the Warehouse District hides one of the coolest indie-rock clubs in the city. Scenesters descend around 10 pm, but earlier in the evening this is a laid-back neighborhood haunt. Pull on your skinny jeans, so that you can squeeze into the room that holds what might be the world's tiniest stage.

    1032 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-588–2616
  • 4. Ernst Cafe

    Warehouse District

    Ernst has been operating as a bar since the first years of the 20th century, and the classic interior and upstairs balcony provide a welcome respite for conventioneers, lawyers from nearby firms, and service-industry folks winding down from shifts at area hotels. The classic menu includes local bar-food staples like fried green tomatoes, po'boys, wraps, and burgers.

    600 S. Peters St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-525–8544
  • 5. Harrah's New Orleans Casino

    Central Business District

    Commanding the foot of Canal Street, where it anchors a cluster of restaurants and clubs, this beaux-arts–style casino is the largest in the South. Try your luck at one of the 3,800 slot machines, 20 poker tables, and every other game of chance that you can imagine. There's an upscale steak house and a club in the middle of the gaming floor. Valet parking is available.

    8 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-533–6000
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  • 6. Howlin' Wolf

    Warehouse District

    This New Orleans favorite has long been a premier venue and anchor of the Warehouse District club and music scene. With a great corner location in a converted warehouse, they host larger rock, funk, blues, Latin, and hip-hop shows nearly every night on the main stage. Meanwhile, a side bar called The Den books intimate events and popular weekly parties like Brass Band Sundays.

    907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-529–5844
  • 7. Loa

    Central Business District

    In voodoo tradition, loa are the divine spirits, and this bar just off the lobby of the chic International House Hotel certainly strives for an extraordinary experience with its modern, upscale decor. Well-heeled downtown professionals mingle with an international crowd gathering for the evening to sip on inventive, high-end cocktails created by the friendly bartenders here. An aperitif hour from 4 to 5 pm Thursday through Saturday includes a tasting of one of the delicious signature cocktails.

    221 Camp St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-553–9550
  • 8. Piscobar

    Central Business District

    Hidden on a small CBD side street, this chic little bar serves both inventive and traditional cocktails crafted from the Peruvian spirit, pisco. The inner courtyard is divine for a sunset drink, and the hotel operates an equally charming rooftop bar as well.

    914 Union St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
    504-603–2442
  • 9. Republic

    Warehouse District

    Part of the new generation of music venues in the Warehouse District, this rock club retains the rough-timbered feel of the cotton-and-grain warehouse it used to be. The club books touring hip-hop stars and rock bands as well as local acts, and DJs take over the sound system late at night for popular dance parties.

    828 S. Peters St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, USA
    504-528–8282
  • 10. Rusty Nail

    Warehouse District

    Nestled in between the overhead highway and a series of converted 18th-century warehouses, this discreet neighborhood bar can be difficult to find. With lively DJs and football crowds, a great selection of scotches, a gorgeous renovated patio, frequent visits by food trucks, and even the occasional play reading, it's worth the trek to get here.

    1100 Constance St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 40130, USA
    504-525–5515
  • 11. The Sazerac Bar

    Central Business District

    One of the most famous bars in Louisiana, this art deco gem and slinger of fine libations has a pedigree that dates back to the mid-19th century. Drawn to the signature Sazerac cocktail and Ramos gin fizz, a famous and intriguing clientele has graced this hotel bar over the years, including Governor Huey P. Long, who in the 1930s built a 90-mile highway between New Orleans and the state capital, just so, many believe, he could get directly to the hotel lounge for his signature drink.

    123 Baronne St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
    504-648–1200
  • 12. Victory

    Central Business District

    Amid the city's drab business district hides another entry in the growing list of craft cocktail bars. Named for Daniel Victory, one of the city's best mixologists (and an owner), it draws a young professional crowd to its dimly lit, vaguely industrial space for drinks that push the boundaries of traditional cocktails. A cozy room in the back is available for private parties and intimate sipping. At Drink Lab (343 Barrone St.), cocktail novices can take mixology classes from Victory's experts.

    339 Baronne St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
    504-522–8664

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