Photo courtesy of The Bombay Club on Facebook

New Orleans is the city of over-indulgence, known for its cocktails and rich Creole cuisine. It’s also a great place for desserts. Doberge cake, bananas Foster, pralines and snoballs are just a few confections that were invented or perfected in the Big Easy. Looking for a place to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here are a few essential spots in the French Quarter — start with dessert-caliber breakfast and end with hot buttered rum. Life is sweet.

Arnaud’s (813 Bienville St.)

“Bread Pudding Fitzmorris” at this iconic and upscale Creole establishment is named after the city’s famous food critic and radio host of “The Food Show” on WWL Tom Fitzmorris. It’s not his recipe, but Fitzmorris praised this version of the dessert so much the restaurant owner named it after him. Antoine’s bread pudding is bread layered with thick slabs of custard and thinner layers of cinnamon and topped with rum-soaked raisins and warm Bourbon Sauce. It’s also offered as part of Arnaud’s excellent jazz brunch menu. Then, of course, there’s a whole slew of classic New Orleans desserts beyond bread pudding, like the old-fashioned pecan pie, bananas Foster, and café brûlot (hot spiced coffee flamed with brandy tableside).

Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Nightcap or dessert? A sweet cocktail such as Irish coffee, brandy milk punch or a grasshopper solves the age-old dilemma. There’s also bread pudding and house-made ice cream floats at this swanky live jazz club.

Brennan’s (417 Royal St.)

To this day, the original recipe Bananas Foster is Brennan’s most-ordered item. The restaurant reportedly flames 35,000 pounds of bananas for the famous dessert. The dramatic, tableside-flambéed original remains a standalone draw for the post-dinner crowd, visitors and locals alike, who flock to enjoy just the dessert, maybe with a cocktail, at the restaurant’s lush, iconic courtyard.

Café Conti (830 Conti St.)

Sweeten up breakfast with a Nutella and banana, peaches and cream or chocolate and strawberry crepe, among other flavors. Sometimes there’s also a sweet French toast of the day at this elegant little café.

Café du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

It wouldn’t be a trip to New Orleans without a beignet (or three). Deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a little bit of heaven served with a cup of café au lait.Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal St.)

The historic courtyard at this restaurant is so great they named the restaurant after it, and its Creole menu and the jazz brunch are staples of the local culinary scene. The brunch buffet’s selections change seasonally, but Court of Two Sisters made the traditional version of Bananas Foster part of its dinner and jazz brunch menus (it’s served with brandy and banana liquor over French vanilla ice cream). Other luscious selections New Orleans classics plus ice cream and New York-style cheesecake.

Croissant D’Or Patisserie (617 Ursulines Ave.)

This pretty, pastel coffee shop serves up house-made pastries, including almond croissants, fruit tarts, eclairs, crème brûlée, tiramisu, and specialty cakes.

Southern Candymakers (334 Decatur St.) 

Do you like fresh pralines? This classic southern confection makes for a great edible souvenir to take home, and Southern Candymakers makes small batches daily (you can also check out Loretta’s at the French Market).

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also a great opportunity to soak up New Orleans’ culinary traditions. Beignets, eggs Benedict, brandy milk punch—some of the city’s most revered dishes and beverages were made to be consumed before noon. Of course, breakfast is also a time to refuel and give your body the nutrition it needs for a long day (and night) of exploring. Fortunately, thanks to a bevy of breakfast spots near Prince Conti, it won’t be hard for you to find a meal that hits the spot.

Cafe Conti

Deep-fried everything topped with cream sauce — if that sounds like the stuff you’ve been eating in New Orleans, you aren’t alone. Louisiana cuisine can land heavy, which is why a healthy breakfast can be such a refreshing way to start your day. Cafe Conti (830 Conti St.), located in the Prince Conti Hotel, offers the best of both worlds — hearty Southern fare like po-boys and Cuban sandwiches, as well as lighter fare including fruit salads and crepes.

Brennan’s

Brennan’s (417 Royal St.) is a bastion of Creole dining that’s been known for indulgent Creole breakfasts since 1946. Seafood gumbo, eggs Benedict, duck Andouille, buttermilk biscuits, served along with the classic eye-opener cocktails. You’ve never had breakfast this luxurious or service this attentive. There’s also a two-course, prix fixe breakfast option for those who want to indulge just a tiny bit less.

Cafe du Monde

Here’s the thing about Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.): You really can’t pick a bad time to visit the 24-hour beignet destination. It’s great in the afternoon when the French doughnuts and cafe au laits serve as sugary, caffeinated pick-me-ups. The cash-only joint is also great for late-night noshing when a greasy snack to soak up the booze is just what the doctor ordered. But it may be best in the morning when the sun rises over the Mississippi, the streets are freshly washed and the vendors are just setting up in Jackson Square. Beignets for breakfast at a spot that’s been slinging them since 1862 — there’s nothing more New Orleans than that.

Croissant d’Or

Stepping into this pastel jewel-box of a cafe is like stepping into a 19th-century ice cream shop (probably because that was the building’s original use). Grab a cup of coffee and a fresh-baked almond croissant for the best pastry outside of Paris, and enjoy both in Croissant d’Or’s (617 Ursulines Ave.) petite courtyard, populated by fountains, plants, and sparrows swooping in to peck up crumbs. Those with larger appetites may opt for something heartier, like the huge ham and cheese baguettes or spinach quiche. It’s really hard to go wrong when the ambiance is this charming and everything displayed in the gleaming case so delicious.

Stanley

 Stanley (547 St. Ann St.) has so much going for it: the sunny, airy space, prime location overlooking Jackson Square, a literary reference in its name, and generously portioned yet affordable all-day breakfast packed with Louisiana favorites like fried oysters and BBQ shrimp and grits. Try the signature Bananas Foster French toast, or Eggs Stanley: cornmeal-crusted oysters, poached eggs, Canadian bacon and Creole hollandaise on a toasted English muffin. Eggs Benedict gets a po-boy treatment by being served on toasted French bread. Or, if you can handle it, try the breakfast seafood platter, with soft-shell crab, oysters, and shrimp. Wash it down with a Mega (double) Bloody Mary or a milkshake punch while you people-watch.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

With seven locations in New Orleans and counting, The Ruby Slipper Cafe (1005 Canal St. and 204 Decatur St. are two locations in the French Quarter) is a local chain that’s slaying the breakfast and brunch game. Breakfast staples like omelets and buttermilk pancakes meet distinctly Louisiana fare like shrimp and grits and bananas Foster pain perdu. Plus, there’s a lengthy selection of breakfast cocktails at the homey, comfortable cafe. It’s the perfect spot to chow down after a feat of endurance, like running the Crescent City Classic or window-shopping on Royal Street.

We hope to welcome you to Prince Conti.

Located comfortably in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, the charming Prince Conti Hotel is just steps away from all the fun and excitement the city has to offer. Despite its proximity to the 24/7 action, Prince Conti Hotel offers a quiet respite from it all, an oasis with an elegant yet relaxed vibe. Read on to discover why the Prince Conti Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers of any group size, who want to stay in the French Quarter during their visit to New Orleans.

1. Modern Amenities Combined With Old-World Elegance

Our historic hotel is a cool oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, featuring an old-world southern atmosphere yet with modern amenities. The hotel is housed in a historic 19th-century townhouse, which sports a carriageway and plenty of European charm. Some of its rooms feature exposed brick, and recent renovations updated the amenities and the interior’s rich colors and moldings, adding touches of opulence and the classic New Orleans charm.

There are five room types, with either a king or a queen bed, and we also have rooms with two queen beds. The petite room is well-appointed and offers great value. If you treasure your privacy and are sensitive to noise, the windowless interior room with two queen beds also offers great value and all the peace and quiet you need. Our beautiful deluxe room offers a little more space and features elegant decor. The junior suite, with its sitting area, and the suite rooms with a separate elegant parlor, offer the most space.

We welcome groups of all kinds, too, including meetings, tour groups, conventioneers, family reunions, couples, and wedding groups at our convenient French Quarter location!

2. Martinis and Live Music on Premises

Guests of the Prince Conti Hotel don’t have to walk far to experience the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere and outstanding New Orleans cuisine. The hotel houses the Bombay Club Bar & Restaurant, a classic New Orleans favorite featuring creative cocktails and bar bites. The Bombay Club is tucked away in the carriageway at the back of the hotel. There you will find nightly live music, including jazz and cabaret performers, an inventive menu (think British with a Cajun twist), and the largest selection of martinis in the city.

In the morning and afternoon hours, dine in style at the Cafe Conti, also located in the Prince Conti Hotel. Serving a variety of breakfast and lunch fare daily, the Cafe Conti’s menu gives special attention to Creole and French cuisine.

3. Prime Location in the Heart of the French Quarter

The Prince Conti Hotel is also very close to a plethora of renowned historic sites and fun destinations. The always-hopping Bourbon Street is only a block away, and the historic St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are six blocks away.

The shopping and dining destinations of Canal and Royal streets are close by, and the museums and world-class restaurants of the CBD are a short ride away. New Orleans is also known for its exciting nightlife, and the Prince Conti Hotel puts you close by some of the best nightlife destinations, like Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, Pat O’Brien’s, House of Blues, and more.

4. Easy Access to Other Neighborhoods 

Just outside the Quarter, not far from the Prince Conti, you’ll find a wealth of nearby neighborhoods with their own distinctive character. You can bar-hop to live music in the Marigny, hit the many museums and art galleries of the Arts District, get a crash course in Tremé history at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, ride the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar into the majestic splendor or the Garden District, or walk or bike along the Mississippi from the Marigny to the Bywater through Crescent Park.

5. Navigation Is a Breeze

You can pretty much walk to all of your destinations in the French Quarter from the hotel as the terrain is flat, the area is just 78 square blocks, and the street layout makes sense and is easy to navigate. The next best thing would be to bike or hail a pedicab.

Everything you’ll need in terms of dining, shopping, sightseeing, and entertainment in the French Quarter and nearby will be within walking distance from the Prince Conti Hotel. You don’t even have to venture far from the hotel as Conti Street, on which the hotel is located, has a few great bars and restaurants of its own. And if you want to go outside the Quarter, try a cab or rideshare, or a streetcar.

Another option is the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus tours by City Sightseeing. They run every 30 minutes on a two-hour loop; the unlimited one-day pass is $39 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. To hop on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, walk to Canal and Carondelet streets (directly across Canal from Bourbon St. in the French Quarter) and look for the iconic green car. It’s only $1.25 one way (exact change only, passes also available).

6. Festivals Near You, Year-Round

From major music and culture events to festivals that honor just about every local food there is, New Orleans celebrates life like no other city. From the fabulously unique traditions like Reveillon and Super Sunday to the Saints football season, the city doesn’t stop eating, drinking, and celebrating.

Cooler temps and the seemingly endless slew of food, drink, and music festivals are on tap in the fall in New Orleans, starting over the Labor Day weekend with the massive and fabulous Southern Decadence, a popular festival that celebrates LGBTQA with block parties, shows, and a parade.

Want to cross an iconic New Orleans restaurant off your bucket list? There’s no time like the Restaurant Week New Orleans, during which dozens of participating restaurants, from the James Beard luminaries to the new hotspots to the Creole grand dames offer set course menus at a deep discount. September fun continues with the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, with performers from all over the world competing for the title of “Queen of Burlesque.”

Closing the month of September are the ever-expanding National Fried Chicken Festival at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park; and NOLA on Tap Beer Fest at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds, the largest fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA and the largest beer fest in the area, with more than 400 beer offerings from the local and national breweries and homebrewers.

October is pretty heavy on food festivals as well: The Beignet Festival and Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival happen then, plus the New Orleans Film Festival, which is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running one festival of its kind in the state.

New Orleans does Halloween like no other city, so if you’re lucky to be visiting around that time, consider any of the balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street! The kid-friendly parade called Krewe of Boo rolls through the French Quarter, courtesy of Kern Studios, and there are many more Halloween activities around the city happening in the couple weeks leading up to Halloween that your children will love.

Then, of course, there’s Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a mammoth outdoor music festival that takes over City Park with the national headliners, art installations, and throngs of partiers in their Halloween finery.

November brings more food festivals — the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Fête des Fromages, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival (in conjunction with the Congo Square Rhythms Festival), and the celebrity-chef studded annual fundraiser by Emeril Lagasse, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer.

Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course is a long-standing New Orleans tradition of turning out at the track on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. Next there’s Bayou Classic, a fan fest, a parade, battle of the bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome between Southern University and Grambling State University. The beloved Celebration in the Oaks kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

There’s a whole slew of events that accompany Christmastime in the Crescent City, from bonfires on the Algiers levies to concerts at St. Louis Cathedral to the family-friendly NOLA Christmasfest to Reveillon menus at some of the city’s classic Creole restaurants. But surely one of the most pleasurable things you can do during the winter holidays in New Orleans is simply strolling through the French Quarter, marveling at the light displays that are hung from wrought iron fences and elegant European-style balconies. The streetcars are decked with wreaths, and the city is alight with the holiday sparkle, including at the annual LUNA Fête that brings large-scale light and sound installations to the Lafayette Square in the CBD.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans include the Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at the historic Jax Brewery in the French Quarter, with a fleur-de-lis drop at midnight to the countdown on Jackson Square, quite a few balcony parties on and around Bourbon Street, and the fireworks over the Mississippi River.

The first day of the carnival season, known as Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, kicks off every year with three parades, marking the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, which culminates every year on Fat Tuesday anytime between February 3 and March 9 (look up the upcoming dates here).

The lovely weather and the endless festivals continue this time of year with BUKU Music + Art Project; Wednesday at the Square; the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (don’t miss the “Stella!” shouting contest); the Mid-City’s own Bayou Boogaloo, held on the picturesque banks of Bayou St. John; and, of course, the two heavy hitters and the reason so many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring — the French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.

St. Patrick’s Day and Easter are subject to more celebration, with multiple parades and parties. Finally, the Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday is a treasured tradition dating back to the 19th century and held on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day, which gets its own unique celebration across the Catholic churches and even private homes in the city with the beautifully appointed altars (the Italian-Sicilian contribution to New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry).

Summer is also packed with events, despite the heat and humidity. The best restaurants and bars in town celebrate Tales of the Cocktail in July, and COOLinary New Orleans with prix fixe menus in August. You can also browse the galleries on the White Linen Night (or its spin-off of sorts, the Dirty Linen Night).

The city comes to life for the Satchmo SummerFest and a slew of events over the Fourth of July and the Labor Day weekends, like Go 4th on the River, and the Essence Festival at the Superdome. The Running of the Bulls brings Encierro to New Orleans, except the bulls are the Big Easy Rollergirls.

And that’s just a taste of what’s going in New Orleans year-round!

7. Unique Shopping Opportunities

Gifts and souvenirs as distinctive as New Orleans itself can be found in many local shops, and several of the best are in or near the Quarter, not far from the Prince Conti Hotel, including the gift shop at Basin Street Station, the French Market, or the many vintage boutiques and clothing shops throughout the Quarter (there’s a high concentration on Chartres Street in particular).

8. Non-Stop Music

Want to dive into New Orleans’ storied nightlife? You’ve got a head start at the Prince Conti Hotel. The Bombay Club, the hotel’s swank in-house bar and restaurant, is just steps away from your room.

Start your evening at one of the club’s nightly music showcases, where you can sip a perfect martini from the largest martini selection in town while listening to live music. The musical menu changes nightly, so the Bombay is always a good launching pad for hitting the streets at other legendary New Orleans venues.

Then, the world is oyster as you bar- and club-hop your way through the live-music spots of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street in the Marigny.

9. Dining for Every Budget

Whether you’re indulging your family with an all-out feast at one of the French Quarter’s storied old-school restaurants, crossing gumbo and po-boys off your New Orleans food bucket list, or just want a quick bite that won’t break the bank, options are abundant. From decadent breakfast to exquisite dessert, the French Quarter is teeming with dining options that run the gamut from casual to the world-class, chef-driven gems.

Don’t wait! Book your room at the historic Prince Conti Hotel today, and come explore the many sights, sounds, tastes, and charms of the New Orleans French Quarter!

Check out the Prince Conti Hotel’s specials, and stay in touch and save on rates and more at the Prince Conti Hotel by signing up for our email list at https://www.valentinohotels.com/email-offers/. If you find lower rates on your Prince Conti Hotel rooms at the time of booking, call 1(800) 366-2743 and we will match the rate.

The French Quarter has cast its spell on lovers for centuries. And if you’re staying at the Prince Conti, you don’t have to venture far to find romance. The Bombay Club, one of the city’s most charmingly intimate lounges, is just down the carriageway at the back of the hotel, and is a perfect spot to start and end a romantic night. There’s also a wealth of other options in and around the Quarter guaranteed to get sparks flying.

Jumpstart Happy Hour at the Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Sip romantic wines ($5) like sparkling rosé or signature cocktails ($6) like Champagne Cheryl during the Bombay Club’s leisurely happy hour, which stretches from 4 to 7 pm Monday-Friday and 1 to 7 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Whet your appetite for the night ahead on spicy regional small bites ($5), including Boudin Croquettes and Cajun Poutine.

Cruise the Mississippi on the Creole Queen

The mighty Mississippi isn’t just one of the world’s busiest ports. It’s the perfect backdrop for romance when you cruise its waters at night. Teleport back in time to the glamorous riverboat days of yore on The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, where you can dance to live jazz on the dance floor, or stroll outside on the deck and enjoy the twinkling skyline view under a canopy of stars.

(Departs from Poydras Dock at Spanish Plaza; book in advance online)

Take a Mule-Drawn Royal Carriage Through the Quarter

Clip-clop, clip-clop. There’s no better place to whisper sweet nothings into your honey’s ear than in the back of a mule-drawn carriage winding its way through the Quarter on cobblestoned streets. Steered by savvy guides, Royal Carriages offers several tour options for small groups. But for max romance, book a private tour with your own personal driver, who can point you to some of the Quarter’s swooniest spots.

(700 Decatur St.; book in advance online)

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner for Two

For old-school French Creole elegance, book a table for two at Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.), one of the grande dames of New Orleans dining (jackets required for men.) Or dine al fresco in the lovely courtyard of Cafe Amelie (912 Royal St.), named for the first American Princess of Monaco, who lived on the grounds in the mid-1800s. More in the mood for steak? Head for Doris Metropolitan (620 Chartres St.), where the dry-aged beef and other fine meats are a gourmand’s delight.

Catch Cool Live Jazz at the Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Curtained private booths enhance romance at the Bombay Club, where you can sip the bistro’s signature Martinis or other classic cocktails while listening to the cool jazz stylings of some of the city’s top artists. Cap off your night before turning in, or just take a break in your hotel room before heading out for more fun.

Get Your Fortunes Read in Jackson Square

What will the rest of the night hold? Should you dive into the wild and noisy end of Bourbon Street or stroll down to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon St.) for a quieter nightcap? Ask one of the colorfully-garbed soothsayers in Jackson Square, where all variety of diviners will look into your future.

(Decatur St. in front of St. Louis Cathedral)

Known for its iconic high-end restaurants like Galatoire’s, and swank bars like French 75, the French Quarter is a magnet for high rollers, but you can also drink deep of its delights on a limited budget, like many of the locals do, while enjoying a wealth of free attractions.

Rise and Shine at Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

If you hit Cafe du Monde in the morning, you’ll probably have to cool your heels in line. But it’s definitely worth the wait for a breakfast treat New Orleanians have been savoring since 1862.  Order a plate of three fresh-from-the-fryer beignets, dusted with powdered sugar, and dip them into a steaming hot cup of cafe au lait. Heaven! Though light as air, beignets are surprisingly filling, and taste even better when you’re listening to live jazz while breezes waft off the nearby Mississippi. Cost: about $6, plus an extra buck or two for a tip.

Walk Along the Mississippi, and Take a Trip on the Algiers Ferry

Strolling the banks of the Mississippi is both delightful and free. And you don’t have to spring for a pricey ticket on a paddlewheel boat to cruise the river. It costs just $2 to board the Algiers ferry to the West Bank, which leaves from the foot of Canal Street, near the Aquarium of the Americas. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city’s skyline, and the towering spires of St. Louis Cathedral. Five minutes later, you’ll dock at Algiers Point, a historic neighborhood with expansive views of the Crescent City along the Mississippi River levee. Reboard the ferry for another $2 when you’re ready to leave, and get back off where you started. Cost: $4 round trip.

Grab a Muffaletta at Central Grocery (923 Decatur St.)

Central Grocery invented the muffaletta. It rivals the po-boy as the city’s most iconic sandwich. Layered with sliced Italian deli meats, rich provolone cheese and hot & spicy olive salad, muffalettas are served on locally-baked seeded buns and are big enough to feed two people. Pro tip: Opt for the half-sandwich ($9.50) and bring it to the Moonwalk for a riverside picnic that will more than fill you up for the day. Cost: $9.50.

Window Shop On Royal Street

M.S. Rau Antiques (630 Royal St.) houses a trove of priceless antiques worth a fortune, but it doesn’t cost a dime to drool over exquisite Victorian music boxes, dazzling diamond-encrusted brooches and elaborate player pianos. And Rau is just one of the many shops brimming with oddities and treasures on Royal Street. Cap off an afternoon of aspirational window-shopping by trying on one of the phantasmagorical wigs at Fifi Mahony’s (934 Royal St.) Cost: Free

Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Happy Hour

New Orleans is a drinking town, and boasts some of the best happy hours in the country. Lagniappe: many offer budget-priced small bites that can easily serve as an early dinner.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

If you’re staying at the Prince Conti, one of the best and most leisurely happy hours in the Quarter is right downstairs at the Bombay Club, where it runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. Wash down $5 small bites like Pork Belly Tacos and Boudin Croquettes with a couple beers ($4), glasses of wine ($5) or specialty cocktails ($6). Cost: Depends on how heartily you imbibe, but about $20 + tip for two drinks and two tapas buys a nice buzz and something in your belly to offset it.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St.)

Live like a King on a budget every day from 2 to 7 p.m., when you can drink half-price beers and wines and $6 specialty cocktails while noshing on $5 bar bites like Chicken and Andouille Gumbo and Pulled Pork Tacos. Cost: Like the Bombay Club, depends on what you eat and drink.

The Prince Conti is ideally located for you to embark on a perfect French Quarter day.

Have Breakfast at Cafe Conti

When you’re ready to rise and shine, pop downstairs to Cafe Conti for delightful sweet and savory crepes, and a range of breakfast specialties from light (house-made Muesli) to hearty (shrimp & grits in a sherry reduction).

Catch the Passing Parade at Jackson Square

Jackson Square is the bustling epicenter of the Quarter. Local artists and colorfully-clad fortune-tellers ply their trades in front of St. Louis Cathedral, while street entertainers perform all manner of amazing feats on the steps leading up to the banks of the Mississippi River

Walk Along the Mississippi River

Catch a cool breeze walking along the Mississippi, where vessels from around the globe cruise the waters of one of the world’s busiest ports and calliopes on local paddlewheelers provide a colorful soundtrack.

Grab a Muffuletta for Lunch at Central Grocery

Founded in 1906 by Silician immigrant Salvatore Lupo, Central Grocery originated the world-famous muffuletta. Made with homemade bread layered with Italian meats and cheeses topped with the store’s famous olive salad, it rivals po-boys as the city’s most iconic sandwich.

Take a Stroll Down Royal St.

Lined with art galleries, charming gift shops and antique stores filled with treasures like 19th century absinthe glasses, there’s plenty to elicit oohs and aahs on Royal St., where you’ll also catch street musicians and pass some splendid private homes.

Bar-Hop During Happy Hour

Enjoy grande-dame ambience while sipping $4 house cocktails and wine at Hermes Bar at Antoine’s (713 St. Louis St., 4-7 p.m. weekdays), then hop over to Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 2-7 p.m. daily) for more great half-price deals. Top that off with $5 specialty cocktails at The Bombay Club (4-7 p.m. weekdays; 3-7 p.m. weekends).

Treat Yourself to a Gourmet Dinner

There’s no shortage of top-tier dinner spots in the Quarter. Some of our favorites include Bayona (430 Bienville St.), known for its creative spin on Creole and Cajun classics; and Irene’s (529 Bienville St.), which turns traditional Sicilian dishes into haute cuisine.

Sit Back and Enjoy Live Jazz

Head back to The Bombay Club for jazz by New Orleans artists that goes down as smoothly as the house martinis.

From major music and culture events to the festivals that honor just about every local food there is, New Orleans celebrates life like no other city. From the fabulously unique traditions like Reveillon and Super Sunday to the Saints football season, the city doesn’t stop eating, drinking, and celebrating. To give you a glimpse of just how much is going on in New Orleans all year round, here’s a quick look at the annual highlights grouped by the season.

Fall (September 1 – November 30)

Cooler temps and the seemingly endless slew of food, drink, and music festivals are on tap in the fall in New Orleans, starting over the Labor Day weekend with the massive and fabulous Southern Decadence, a popular festival that celebrates LGBTQA with block parties, shows, and a parade. The fun continues with Who Dat Rally & Music Festival, to get New Orleans’ game-face ready for the upcoming NFL season and to celebrate our beloved Saints ahead of the season opener game.

Want to cross an iconic New Orleans restaurant off your bucket list? There’s no time like the Restaurant Week New Orleans, during which dozens of participating restaurants, from the James Beard luminaries to the new hotspots to the Creole grand dames offer set course menus at a deep discount. September fun continues with the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, with performers from all over the world competing for the title of “Queen of Burlesque.”

Closing the month of September are the ever-expanding National Fried Chicken Festival at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park; and NOLA on Tap Beer Fest at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds, the largest fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA and the largest beer fest in the area, with more than 400 beer offerings from the local and national breweries and homebrewers.

In October, New Orleans throws its version of Oktoberfest over the three weekends at Deutsches Haus in Mid-City, to celebrate the city’s rich German history, followed by one of the best attended art events in the city, Art for Art’s Sake. Carnaval Latino closes the vibrant annual celebration of the National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with the annual free festival that includes a parade that starts in the Marigny and weaves its way through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District.

October is pretty heavy on food festivals as well: The Beignet Festival, Mac n’ Cheese Fest, and Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival all happen then (sometimes on the same day), plus the Tremé Fall Festival and the New Orleans Film Festival, which is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running one festival of its kind in the state.

New Orleans does Halloween like no other city, so if you’re lucky to be visiting around that time, consider any of the balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street! The kid-friendly parade called Krewe of Boo rolls through the French Quarter, courtesy of Kern Studios, and there are many more Halloween activities around the city happening in the couple weeks leading up to Halloween that your children will love. Then, of course, there’s Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a mammoth outdoor music festival that takes over City Park with the national headliners, art installations, and throngs of partiers in their Halloween finery.

November brings more food festivals — the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Fête des Fromages, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival (in conjunction with the Congo Square Rhythms Festival), and the celebrity-chef studded annual fundraiser by Emeril Lagasse, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer.

Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course is a long-standing New Orleans tradition of turning out at the track on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. Next there’s Bayou Classic, a fan fest, a parade, battle of the bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome between Southern University and Grambling State University. The beloved Celebration in the Oaks kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Winter (December 1 – February 28)

There’s a whole slew of events that accompany Christmastime in the Crescent City, from bonfires on the Algiers levies to concerts at St. Louis Cathedral to the family-friendly NOLA Christmasfest to Reveillon menus at some of the city’s classic Creole restaurants. But surely one of the most pleasurable things you can do during the winter holidays in New Orleans is simply stroll through the French Quarter, marveling at the light displays that are hung from wrought iron fences and elegant European-style balconies. The streetcars are decked with wreaths, and the city is alight with the holiday sparkle, including at the annual LUNA Fête that brings large-scale light and sound installations to the Lafayette Square in the CBD.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans include the Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at the historic Jax Brewery in the French Quarter, with a fleur-de-lis drop at midnight to the countdown on Jackson Square, quite a few balcony parties on and around Bourbon Street, and the fireworks over the Mississippi River.

The first day of the carnival season, known as Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, kicks off every year with three parades — Phunny Phorty Phellows ride the streetcar from Uptown to Canal Street and back, plus the walking Krewe of Joan of Arc in the French Quarter, and the Société Des Champs Elysée that follows the N. Rampart/St. Claude streetcar route. The King Cake Festival also marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, which culminates every year on Fat Tuesday anytime between February 3 and March 9 (look up the upcoming dates here). There’s not enough room to describe one of the great spectacles in the world, but check here and here to at least get started on how to do Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

February closes with an enormous public Tet celebration in New Orleans East to celebrate the Lunar New Year (did you know that New Orleans is home to one of the largest Vietnamese diaspora communities in the country?), and the Valentine’s Day – which isn’t unique to New Orleans but is nevertheless good to celebrate in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Spring (March 1 – May 31)

The lovely weather and the endless festivals continue this time of year with BUKU Music + Art Project; Wednesday at the Square; the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (don’t miss the “Stella!” shouting contest); the Mid-City’s own Bayou Boogaloo, held on the picturesque banks of Bayou St. John; the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience; the Freret Street Festival that’s getting bigger every year; and, of course, the two heavy hitters and the reason so many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring – the French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.

St. Patrick’s Day and Easter are subject to more celebration, with multiple parades and parties. Finally, the Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday is a treasured tradition dating back to the 19th century and held on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day, which gets its own unique celebration across the Catholic churches and even private homes in the city with the beautifully appointed altars (the Italian-Sicilian contribution to New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry).

Summer (June 1 – August 31)

The best restaurants and bars in town celebrate Tales of the Cocktail in July, and COOLinary New Orleans with prix fixe menus in August. You can also browse the galleries on the White Linen Night (or its cheeky cousin, the Dirty Linen Night).

The city comes to life for the Satchmo SummerFest and a slew of events over the Fourth of July and the Labor Day weekends, like Go 4th on the River, and the Essence Festival at the Superdome. The French Market Creole Tomato Festival and Bastille Day Fête are two of the smaller fests to enjoy, and Running of the Bulls brings Encierro to New Orleans, except the bulls are the Big Easy Rollergirls.

The Red Dress Run (who doesn’t want to run a madcap two-mile course through the city in August while wearing a red dress?) and the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival will at least keep your mind off the heat.

Phew, these are just some of the annual highlights. Happy exploring, in any season!