While you are attending the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, you’re in for a real treat. New Orleans offers an unforgettable blend of world-class attractions, top-notch dining, and thrilling events that will make your stay truly memorable. For even more, visit the New Orleans Official Tourism website: https://neworleans.com.
Top 10 List
- Explore the French Quarter and iconic Bourbon Street
- Visit Café du Monde for beignets
- Tour Garden District historic mansions
- Experience live jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Take a Riverboat cruise on the Mississippi
- Visit the National WWII Museum
- Eat classic Creole at Commander’s Palace
- Enjoy NOLA’s top oyster bars
- Walk the riverfront at Woldenberg Park
- Take a haunted history or cemetery tour
Attractions
- The French Quarter — The Cultural Soul of New Orleans
No visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring the French Quarter, the city’s most iconic neighborhood and its oldest. This vibrant district blends centuries‑old architecture with lively modern energy: artists sketch in Jackson Square, jazz drifts from historic clubs, and the scent of fresh beignets lingers near Café du Monde. Visitors can stroll narrow streets lined with wrought‑iron balconies, wander through the French Market, or enjoy the nightlife on Bourbon Street — all within a few picturesque blocks. - St. Charles Avenue — Streetcars, Mansions & Southern Elegance
St. Charles Avenue offers a scenic escape through some of the city’s grandest neighborhoods. With elegant 19th‑century mansions and oak‑lined boulevards, it’s also home to Tulane and Loyola universities. The iconic St. Charles streetcar — the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world — provides the perfect nostalgic ride through this storied corridor. - Magazine Street — Six Miles of Shopping, Cafés & Local Flavor
Magazine Street is a favorite for travelers seeking a relaxed but culturally rich experience. Its eclectic stretch features boutique clothing shops, art galleries, antique stores, and locally owned cafés. It’s one of the best places to discover New Orleans’ creative energy, whether you’re browsing handmade goods or indulging in local eats. - Café du Monde at the French Market — A New Orleans Ritual
Set within the historic French Market, Café du Monde has become synonymous with New Orleans itself. Visitors gather for powdered‑sugar‑covered beignets and chicory café au lait while watching the bustle of the market unfold. This simple pleasure has been a beloved tradition since 1862 and remains a must‑do for first‑timers and return travelers alike. - Jackson Square — Artistic Heartbeat of the French Quarter: Framed by the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square is an outdoor cultural hub where street painters, musicians, and performers gather daily. Surrounded by historic buildings and vibrant greenery, it’s the perfect spot for people‑watching or enjoying a quiet moment amid the city’s buzzing energy.
Top Restaurants
- Brennan’s — Home of Bananas Foster & Creole Tradition
Brennan’s is a celebrated New Orleans institution known for its opulent atmosphere, legendary hospitality, and signature dishes like Bananas Foster, prepared flambé tableside. Guests experience a taste of the city’s storied culinary past through dishes that have become part of New Orleans folklore. - Galatoire’s — A French Quarter Fine‑Dining Legacy
Stepping into Galatoire’s on Bourbon Street feels like entering a timeless New Orleans tradition. Known for its lively dining room and impeccable French‑Creole cuisine, Galatoire’s has been a Friday‑lunch hotspot for generations. Jackets are still required, emphasizing its elegant, old‑world charm. - High Hat Café — Southern Heritage on a Plate
This neighborhood favorite celebrates Southern cooking from the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana Bayou. High Hat Café serves comforting classics in a casual setting, offering diners a taste of local flavors in a relaxed, community‑driven environment. - Saba — Modern Israeli Cuisine Meets New Orleans Warmth
Chef Alon Shaya’s Saba offers a contemporary Israeli‑inspired menu served in a bright, inviting space on Magazine Street. Fresh, vibrant dishes and warm hospitality make it a standout for travelers seeking something beyond traditional Creole fare. - Brigtsen’s Restaurant — A Beloved Gem of Louisiana Cuisine
Located in a cozy Uptown cottage, Brigtsen’s is renowned for showcasing authentic modern Louisiana cooking. With a warm ambiance and deeply rooted culinary craft, the restaurant offers an intimate, memorable dining experience that reflects the heart of New Orleans cooking traditions.
For guests seeking Michelin‑recognized dining during their stay, New Orleans’ full list of starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants is available here:
MICHELIN Guide New Orleans.
Music Venues
⭐ Essential, Iconic New Orleans Music Venues
Preservation Hall
A world‑famous, intimate, no‑frills jazz venue in the French Quarter offering acoustic traditional New Orleans jazz over 350 nights a year. Known for its historical significance, racially integrated audiences long before it was common, and authentic, unamplified performances that put pure musicianship front and center.Tipitina’s
An Uptown landmark founded in 1977 and named after Professor Longhair’s iconic song. Tipitina’s is a cornerstone of the city’s live music heritage, hosting everything from funk and rock to brass, jazz, and touring acts — plus the well‑loved “Free Fridays” series featuring local talent.Maple Leaf Bar
One of the oldest continuously operating live music clubs in New Orleans. Located on Oak Street, it’s known for nightly performances and legendary local favorites, including the Rebirth Brass Band.
🎷 Frenchmen Street Favorites (The heart of the live‑music district)
- The Spotted Cat Music Club
A cozy, beloved Frenchmen Street staple with a mix of jazz, blues, funk, and roots music. Known for its intimate feel and emphasis on local musicians. - Blue Nile
One of Frenchmen Street’s premier small venues and the original music club that sparked the street’s now‑iconic music culture. Expect brass, funk, soul, blues, and high‑energy late‑night shows. - Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
An elegant Frenchmen Street institution pairing upscale dining with top‑tier jazz concerts in a listening‑room atmosphere.
🎺 Authentic Local Jazz & Blues Clubs
- Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club
A classic New Orleans jazz and live‑music restaurant/lounge offering intimate shows rooted in local talent. - Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar
A Bourbon Street landmark (founded 1969) presenting traditional jazz seven nights a week, ideal for visitors who want authentic music without leaving the Quarter.
🎼 Large‑Format, World‑Class Performance Spaces
- New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market (Home of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra)
A performing arts venue and jazz community hub offering professionally produced jazz and blues concerts in a sonically optimized environment. - The Howlin’ Wolf
A major Warehouse District venue hosting a diverse lineup — jazz, rock, brass, funk, comedy, burlesque, and more — with a reputation for strong acoustics and vibrant crowds.
Make the most of your time in New Orleans during the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress. The city’s endless attractions, dining options, and music venues will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.