New Orleans, the vibrant city known for its jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations, is a place where culture and history blend together in a unique way. When visiting this enchanting city, it’s easy to get caught up in the tourist traps and popular attractions, but to truly experience the essence of New Orleans, you need to know where the locals hang out. In this article, we will delve into the neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, and events that are favorites among the locals, giving you an insider’s perspective on the city.
Exploring the Neighborhoods
New Orleans is a city of charming neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. While the French Quarter is a must-visit for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere, it’s not where you’ll find most locals hanging out. Instead, head to the surrounding neighborhoods, where you can experience the authentic New Orleans lifestyle.
The Marigny and Bywater
The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods are located just east of the French Quarter and are known for their eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and young professionals. These neighborhoods are filled with colorful street art, independent shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Locals flock to these areas for their laid-back vibe and creative energy.
Frenchmen Street
One of the most popular spots in the Marigny is Frenchmen Street, which is often referred to as the local’s Bourbon Street. This lively street is lined with jazz clubs, bars, and restaurants, and is the perfect place to experience the city’s legendary music scene. From spontaneous jam sessions to planned performances, Frenchmen Street is always buzzing with energy and activity.
Bars and Restaurants
New Orleans is famous for its drinking culture, and there’s no shortage of great bars and restaurants to explore. While Bourbon Street is a popular spot for tourists, locals prefer to hang out in more low-key establishments, where the atmosphere is relaxed and the drinks are always flowing.
Cocktail Bars
The city is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the country, with expert mixologists and innovative drink menus. Locals love to gather at bars like the Sazerac Bar, where they can enjoy classic cocktails in a sophisticated setting, or the Carousel Bar & Lounge, which offers a rotating bar and live music.
Local Favorites
For a truly local experience, head to bars like the Circle Bar or Hi-Ho Lounge, where you can find live music, delicious pub grub, and a lively atmosphere. These bars are favorites among locals, who appreciate their no-frills approach to drinking and socializing.
Events and Festivals
New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate, and there’s always something going on, from jazz festivals to parades and parties. While Mardi Gras is the most famous event in the city, there are plenty of other festivals and events that are just as exciting, and often less crowded.
Local Events
One of the best ways to experience the city like a local is to attend one of the many neighborhood festivals, which take place throughout the year. These festivals feature live music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, and are a great way to meet locals and learn about the city’s culture.
French Quarter Festival
The French Quarter Festival is a free event that takes place every spring, and features live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. This festival is a favorite among locals, who love to come out and celebrate the city’s heritage and culture.
Insider Tips
To truly experience New Orleans like a local, you need to know the insider tips and tricks. From the best places to eat beignets to the secret spots for live music, we’ve got the scoop on what to do and where to go.
Breakfast and Brunch
New Orleans is famous for its delicious breakfast and brunch spots, and locals love to gather at places like Cafe du Monde, where they can enjoy beignets and coffee, or Willa Jean, which offers a Southern-inspired menu and a lively atmosphere.
Dinner and Late-Night Eats
For dinner, locals head to restaurants like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which serves up delicious Creole cuisine, or Coop’s Place, which offers mouth-watering Cajun food and a fun atmosphere. And for late-night eats, head to Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar, where you can find some of the city’s best po’ boys and a lively crowd.
In conclusion, to experience the real New Orleans, you need to know where the locals hang out. From the charming neighborhoods to the best bars and restaurants, and from the local festivals to the insider tips, we’ve given you the inside scoop on what to do and where to go. So come and explore the city like a local, and discover the magic of New Orleans for yourself.
| Neighborhood | Description |
|---|---|
| The Marigny | A charming neighborhood with a mix of artists, musicians, and young professionals |
| Bywater | A hip neighborhood with a laid-back vibe and a mix of independent shops and restaurants |
| The French Quarter | A historic neighborhood with a lively atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants |
- Explore the city’s neighborhoods, such as the Marigny and Bywater, to experience the authentic New Orleans lifestyle
- Visit local favorite bars and restaurants, such as the Sazerac Bar and Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, to enjoy delicious drinks and cuisine
- Attend local events and festivals, such as the French Quarter Festival, to experience the city’s culture and heritage
What are some of the best local neighborhoods to explore in New Orleans?
The best local neighborhoods to explore in New Orleans are those that are off the beaten path, yet still offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history. Neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater, and Treme are great places to start, as they are home to a mix of artists, musicians, and long-time residents. These neighborhoods are filled with colorful street art, historic architecture, and a plethora of local eateries and bars that showcase the city’s famous Creole cuisine.
Visitors can spend hours wandering through these neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems like the famous St. Roch Market, which offers a variety of local food vendors and artisanal goods. The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods are also home to a number of independent coffee shops, record stores, and vintage clothing boutiques, making them a haven for hipsters and those looking for a unique and authentic New Orleans experience. By exploring these local neighborhoods, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history, and experience the city like a true local.
What is the best way to experience the local music scene in New Orleans?
The best way to experience the local music scene in New Orleans is to visit some of the city’s iconic music venues, such as Preservation Hall, the Spotted Cat Music Club, and the Howlin’ Wolf. These venues showcase a variety of local musicians, from jazz and blues to rock and funk, and offer an intimate and immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with the city’s rich musical heritage. Visitors can also explore the city’s many street performers and live music events, which take place throughout the year and offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant and eclectic music scene.
In addition to visiting music venues, visitors can also explore the city’s many music-related landmarks and attractions, such as Congo Square, where African slaves would gather to play music and dance on Sundays, and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, which offers guided tours and live music performances. By experiencing the local music scene, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural heritage and the important role that music plays in New Orleans’ history and identity. Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for a unique and exciting experience, the local music scene in New Orleans is sure to leave a lasting impression.
What are some of the best local eateries and restaurants in New Orleans?
New Orleans is famous for its Creole cuisine, which reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and its history as a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Some of the best local eateries and restaurants in New Orleans include Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which is known for its gumbo and jambalaya, and Cafe du Monde, which is famous for its beignets and cafe au lait. Visitors can also try some of the city’s famous po’ boy sandwiches at Parkway Bakery and Tavern, or sample some of the city’s best barbecue at the Joint.
In addition to these iconic eateries, visitors can also explore the city’s many food trucks and markets, which offer a wide range of local specialties and artisanal goods. The Crescent City Farmers Market, for example, offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods, while the food trucks at the New Orleans Food Truck Park offer everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ. By trying some of the city’s best local eateries and restaurants, visitors can experience the unique flavors and ingredients of New Orleans’ Creole cuisine and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural heritage.
What are some of the best local festivals and events in New Orleans?
New Orleans is known for its vibrant festival scene, which reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and its history as a city of celebration and revelry. Some of the best local festivals and events in New Orleans include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, which takes place every spring and features a variety of local music, food, and crafts. Visitors can also experience the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations, which take place every winter and feature parades, parties, and other festivities.
In addition to these major festivals, visitors can also experience a number of smaller, local events and celebrations, such as the French Quarter Festival, which takes place every spring and features live music and local food, and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, which celebrates the city’s famous po’ boy sandwiches. By attending some of the city’s local festivals and events, visitors can experience the city’s vibrant culture and community, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and traditions. Whether you’re interested in music, food, or just having a good time, New Orleans’ festivals and events are sure to have something for everyone.
What are some of the best local shops and boutiques in New Orleans?
New Orleans is home to a wide range of unique and independent shops and boutiques, which reflect the city’s vibrant culture and its history as a city of artisans and entrepreneurs. Some of the best local shops and boutiques in New Orleans include the French Quarter’s famous Magazine Street, which is lined with boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores. Visitors can also explore the city’s many vintage clothing stores, such as the Funky Monkey and the Velvet Closet, which offer a wide range of unique and one-of-a-kind fashion items.
In addition to these unique boutiques, visitors can also explore the city’s many local markets and artisanal shops, such as the New Orleans Artisan Market, which features a wide range of local crafts and goods, and the Crescent City Comics, which offers a variety of independent comics and zines. By shopping at some of the city’s best local shops and boutiques, visitors can experience the city’s vibrant culture and community, and take home some unique and authentic New Orleans souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for fashion, art, or just a unique gift, New Orleans’ local shops and boutiques are sure to have something for everyone.
What is the best way to get around New Orleans like a local?
The best way to get around New Orleans like a local is to use a combination of public transportation, walking, and biking. The city’s famous streetcar system is a great way to see the sights and get a feel for the city’s laid-back atmosphere, while the bus system offers a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Visitors can also walk or bike through the city’s many historic neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter and the Garden District, which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture.
In addition to these traditional modes of transportation, visitors can also use some of the city’s innovative transportation services, such as the Blue Bikes bike-sharing program, which offers a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. By getting around New Orleans like a local, visitors can experience the city’s vibrant culture and community, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and traditions. Whether you’re walking, biking, or taking the streetcar, New Orleans is a city that is best experienced at a slow and relaxed pace, with plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of this unique and fascinating city.
What are some of the best local tips and recommendations for visiting New Orleans?
One of the best local tips for visiting New Orleans is to be prepared for the city’s unique and unpredictable weather, which can range from hot and humid to cool and rainy. Visitors should also be aware of the city’s many festivals and events, which can sometimes close streets and affect traffic and transportation. In addition, visitors should be respectful of the city’s vibrant culture and community, and take the time to learn about the city’s history and traditions.
By following these local tips and recommendations, visitors can experience the best of New Orleans and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique culture and community. Some other local tips include trying some of the city’s famous beignet cafes, such as Cafe du Monde, and taking a stroll along the Mississippi River, which offers stunning views of the city and the river. Visitors should also be sure to try some of the city’s famous Creole cuisine, and take the time to explore some of the city’s many historic neighborhoods and landmarks, such as the French Quarter and the National WWII Museum.