The Super Bowl has touched down in New Orleans, but the Big Easy delivers far more than just football. This city is a playground of culture, history, and indulgence, where jazz spills onto the streets, Creole flavors awaken the senses, and every moment feels like a celebration.
And if you’re wondering when to visit, the answer is simple—anytime. New Orleans is always ready to welcome you, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend filled with rooftop cocktails and candlelit dinners, reveling in the spectacle of Mardi Gras with its dazzling parades and masked balls, or immersing yourself in the world-class performances of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Even in the cooler months, the city enchants with festive lights, holiday traditions, and indulgent Réveillon dinners. No matter the season, New Orleans delivers magic, music, and memories waiting to be made.
Where to Stay: New Orleans’ New & Recently Renovated Luxury Hotels
Suite Room at the new Hotel de la Poste - French Quarter
From historic landmarks to sleek modern designs, New Orleans boasts an array of exceptional accommodations. Here’s a look at some standout options:
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Hotel de la Poste - Experience the stunning transformation of W New Orleans – French Quarter, now boasting 97 redesigned guestrooms feature bold navy tones, French-style moldings, and vibrant Sazerac orange accents. Thoughtful touches like Spanish Moss sconces and bayou-inspired lighting immerse guests in New Orleans' unique charm.
- Hotel Henrietta – A chic newcomer on St. Charles Avenue, this boutique hotel blends contemporary charm with classic New Orleans style in its 40 elegant guest rooms.
- Hotel Monteleone – In the heart of the French Quarter, this legendary hotel has reimagined its Iberville Tower with marble bathrooms and rain showerheads. The iconic Carousel Bar remains a must-visit.
- Kimpton Hotel Fontenot – Housed in a restored 1844 building in the Warehouse District, this stylish hotel boasts the elegant French Brasserie King and the lively Peacock Room.
- Le Pavillon Hotel – A symbol of glamour since 1907, Le Pavillon now offers updated guest rooms and new dining experiences, including the elegant Cachette 1907 bar.
- Nobu Hotel – Located inside the transformed Harrah’s New Orleans, Nobu blends luxury hospitality with world-class dining at its acclaimed Nobu restaurant.
- Le Méridien New Orleans – Offering 400 redesigned guestrooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and a prime location near Lafayette Square, this hotel is perfect for any occasion.
Where to Eat: New Orleans’ Must-Try Restaurants
No visit to New Orleans is complete without indulging in its legendary cuisine. Whether you’re craving innovative seafood, masterful pastries, or a fresh take from an old favorite, these restaurants promise unforgettable dining experiences.
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GW Fins – Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the French Quarter, GW Fins is a seafood lover’s paradise. Chef Michael Nelson takes a meticulous Gulf-to-plate approach, pioneering sustainable whole-fish usage. The menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, but a few beloved staples remain—most notably the ethereal lobster dumplings and the signature Scalibut, a scallop-encrusted halibut showcasing the kitchen’s innovative technique. Expect an exceptional wine list and a dining experience that blends tradition with modern execution.
- Lagniappe Bakehouse – A testament to Kaitlin Guerin’s dedication to the craft of baking, this Central City gem has earned her a James Beard nomination as an Emerging Chef. With a background in dance, Guerin brings an artist’s precision to her viennoiserie, drawing crowds eager for flaky pain au chocolat, fragrant cardamom buns, and seasonal Danishes. Every bite is a masterpiece—just be sure to arrive early before the best pastries sell out.
34 is Chef Emeril Lagasse's first restaurant dedicated to the cuisine of his Portuguese heritage.
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34 Restaurant & Bar – If you’re looking for something fresh from a legendary chef, Emeril Lagasse’s latest venture is a thrilling departure from his signature Creole cuisine. Inspired by his Portuguese heritage, his late mother Hilda, and his Fall River, Massachusetts upbringing, this sleek downtown eatery serves modern Portuguese tapas and comforting family recipes. Highlights include bacalhau à brás (salt cod with potatoes and eggs), sardine toast, and rich cataplana seafood stew, while the cocktail program pays homage to Spanish aperitivo culture.
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Commander’s Palace – A New Orleans institution since 1893, Commander’s Palace is more than a restaurant—it’s a rite of passage. Nestled in the Garden District, it sets the standard for haute Creole cuisine, blending classic flavors with refined technique. Signature dishes like turtle soup spiked with sherry, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and the indulgent Creole bread pudding soufflé celebrate the best of Southern hospitality. A jazz brunch here is a quintessential New Orleans experience, where live music meets impeccable tableside service in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Where to Hear Live Jazz: The Soundtrack of the Big Easy
In New Orleans, jazz isn’t just music—it’s the city’s heartbeat. From historic clubs to lively street performances, the Big Easy offers world-class jazz at every turn.
For an intimate, no-frills experience, Preservation Hall is the city’s most revered venue, offering nightly performances by New Orleans’ finest jazz musicians. Over on Frenchmen Street, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and The Spotted Cat keep the tradition alive with high-energy sets in cozy, vibrant spaces. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub delivers classic Dixieland jazz on Bourbon Street, while Chickie Wah Wah in Mid-City showcases a mix of swing, blues, and modern jazz. For a sophisticated nightcap, Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel pairs smooth live jazz with expertly crafted cocktails.
VIP Experience at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Beyond the clubs, the streets themselves are a stage—brass bands ignite Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Frenchmen Street, while second-line parades bring the city to life with spontaneous, joyous rhythms. And if you’re visiting in the spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—Jazz Fest—offers an unparalleled celebration of music, food, and culture, drawing legendary artists and music lovers from around the world. In New Orleans, jazz is always playing—just follow the sound.
Arrive in Style with Wing Aviation
Make your journey as unforgettable as your destination. Wing Aviation offers seamless private jet charters, ensuring you arrive in New Orleans with ease and elegance. Skip the crowded airports and lengthy security lines—enjoy personalized service, flexible scheduling, and unmatched comfort. Whether you’re flying in for the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, or a weekend of indulgence, there’s no better way to experience the magic of New Orleans than by arriving in effortless luxury.
