New Orleans' French Quarter — And Beyond

NOLA is more than the French Quarter’s brass bands and beignets. Just a quick walk, streetcar ride, or rideshare away, you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods like Bywater, the Garden District, the Warehouse District, Frenchmen Street, Magazine Street, and more — each with its own flavor, history, and heartbeat.

Whether you’re here for a conference, a weekend escape, or just chasing good vibes, we’ve handpicked the city’s can’t-miss spots so you don’t waste a meal (or a night). From legendary po’boys to rooftop cocktails, these are the places we tell our friends to go — now they’re yours to explore. Take a chance, wander a little farther, and enjoy New Orleans like a local.

Oysters

Chargrilled, raw, or fried—oysters are a way of life here. These are the must-slurp spots that define the New Orleans oyster experience.

Beignets

Pillowy, powdered-sugar bliss. Whether you're team classic or trying a twist, these beignets are worth the powdered shirt.

Muffulettas

Big, bold, and briny. These iconic sandwiches are packed with cured meats, melty cheese, and a tangy olive salad on sesame bread—New Orleans in a bite.

Brunch

From jazz brunches to boozy late-morning feasts, these spots mix flavor, flair, and that signature New Orleans charm.

Breakfast

Hop into San Antonio's craft beer scene with local brews that pour passion into every pint. Cheers to that!

Po'Boys

French bread. Fried seafood. Overflowing everything. These are the po'boys we dream about—and you will too.

Gumbo

A steaming bowl of comfort — rich roux, tender seafood or meat, and flavors that could only come from Louisiana. These gumbo spots keep tradition alive with every bite.

Breweries & Distilleries

From bold craft beers to small-batch spirits, these breweries and distilleries are pouring the city’s best. Tour, taste, and toast your way through New Orleans’ flavorful drinking scene.

Jazz Music

Live brass. Dim lights. Unmistakable soul. These are the places where jazz still feels alive—and unforgettable.

Rooftop Bars

Skyline views, craft cocktails, and that unmistakable NOLA breeze—these rooftops shine day or night.

Steaks

Prime cuts, polished service, and classic Southern hospitality. These steakhouses know how to impress—without overdoing it.

Pizza

Crusts with character and toppings with swagger. New Orleans has a surprisingly solid pizza scene—and these are the standouts.

Creole

Bold, soulful, and built on tradition. This is where rich sauces, local seafood, and generations of flavor come together on one plate.

Vegetarian

Even in a meat-and-seafood city, these spots prove that veggies can shine—with creative plates and serious flavor.

Italian

From red-sauce classics to Creole-infused pasta, these Italian spots serve comfort with a New Orleans twist.

Chicken

Fried, hot, or smothered—this is chicken done the Louisiana way. Flavor-packed and always crave-worthy.

Things To Do

Beyond the beignets and brass bands, these are the experiences, shops, and must-sees that round out your New Orleans adventure.

Kid Friendly

Fun, relaxed, and full of flavor—these spots keep kids happy and grown-ups sane. No kids’ menus needed when the food’s this good.

Pet Friendly

From shady patios to dog-loving staff, these spots roll out the welcome mat for your four-legged sidekick. Water bowls and tail wags included.

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Curation

We handpick only the best—places we'd recommend to our closest friends.

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Connection

Bringing travelers, locals, and small businesses together through unforgettable experiences.

Excellence

Credibility

Every spot is selected with care—locally loved, experience-driven, and truly worth your time.

(*)Disclaimer:

City Compass is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cvent. We reference the Cvent Top Meeting Destinations list solely as a publicly available resource to help guide our expansion

and better serve conference travelers. All data and rankings belong to Cvent.

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