“Down the river from the French Quarter, you’ll find the Tremé and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods. Tremé includes Louis Armstrong Park and is a historic Black neighborhood fighting gentrification. The Marigny is all about music and street culture. Ayu Bakehouse in Marigny is a great place for a treat and a pause from the busy street life nearby. I gave some of their marshmallows away as holiday presents this year—they’re so good!”

“Tipitina’s is a music club on Napoleon Avenue. It’s been there since I went to school. It’s now owned by Galactic, a very popular New Orleans funk band. They feature local acts and more and it’s always great music—it’s a funky, super-fun place to listen to live performances.”

"There are a couple of great po’ boy places in the same neighborhood as Tipitina’s, including Guy’s on Magazine Street. You can’t visit New Orleans without having a classic po’ boy."

"Another po’ boy institution uptown is Domilise’s. Domilsie’s was my go-to when I went to Tulane. I love going back there when I have a chance; Domilise’s is such a vibe!"

"Shopping and eating on Magazine Street is a fun way to pass time. Saffron is an Indian restaurant with a Creole twist. I like how classic New Orleans food—which is Creole, a combination of French, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences—mixes with new cuisines, and Saffron is a fun place to experience that blend. After Saffron, try other Creole-influenced cuisines at places like Dong Phuong Bakery (Vietnamese), Jamila’s (Mediterranean), Mayas (Latin American), and Dakar NOLA (Senegalese).”

"Heading into the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a historic music hall known for traditional New Orleans–style jazz. In the evenings, visitors sit on hardwood benches and listen to incredible jam sessions. It’s not fancy, but it’s right around the corner from Bourbon Street. Ben and his family, who run it, are institutions in the city.”

“Cafe du Monde is a must-visit New Orleans landmark. It’s where you go to get those delicious fried beignets. When you’re done enjoying their beignets and café au lait, wander through the French Quarter toward the riverfront. You’ll pass Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the LaBranche House. These sites form the iconic center of the tourist quarter."

“Chapter IV is the newest restaurant from the Dooky Chase family of restaurants. The restaurant has excellent food and is always busy. It’s near Canal Street, which separates the French Quarter from what we call the Central Business District.”

“The Sazerac House celebrates the Sazerac—a cocktail that originated in New Orleans. Many people say New Orleans started the whole cocktail culture, though others disagree. The upstairs museum is a fun place to learn about that particular cocktail and have a drink or two.”

"The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) is an incredible music education program and community hub, inspired by the vision and legacy of the late great Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Check out their event calendar to buy tickets to their monthly concerts that are open to the public."