New Orleans City Guide

Famous for gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and beignets. The city also offers Vietnamese, Mexican, and Italian food. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Many late-night spots serve up food in entertainment districts.

New Orleans has vibrant nightlife with live music and bars on Frenchmen Street and Bourbon Street.

The coffee scene mixes traditional chicory with third-wave specialty shops. Local favorites and quality roasters are prominent.

Tipping is expected for most services, usually 15-20%. This includes restaurants, taxis, and hotel staff.

SIM cards are available at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and electronics shops like Best Buy. eSIM is supported by major carriers. No ID is normally needed for prepaid SIMs.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Tourist areas are generally maintained, but some spots have litter issues.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Hospital emergency rooms operate all day. Late-night food is common in entertainment areas.

Supermarkets like Rouses Market, Winn-Dixie, and Whole Foods offer local and international products. The French Market sells fresh produce and specialty items. Stores generally open 7 AM to 10 PM and many are open Sundays.

Card payments are widely accepted like in other U.S. cities, but cash is still useful for small places and tips.

ATMs are common in banks, stores, and tourist spots. Out-of-network fees of $2.50-$5.00 per use are typical, plus your bank’s fees.

New Orleans has public, private, and charter schools. Notables include Isidore Newman School and Lusher Charter. Instruction is mainly in English. Admissions can require advance applications.

The nomad community is growing with meetups and coworking hubs. Online groups are key for networking.

City Park and Audubon Park provide large green areas with shaded paths good for running and walking.

Popular running spots include Audubon Park and City Park. Generally safe during the day with active running groups.

Multiple gyms with various options, including big chains and local clubs.

Tennis courts are found in parks and some private clubs, with varying booking and rental options.

Padel courts are rare but may exist in some private clubs.

Many yoga studios offer various classes and styles, with drop-in and memberships. Instructors mainly speak English.

Various martial arts schools offer disciplines like BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, and karate, mostly with English-speaking instructors.

No ski resorts near New Orleans. Closest are over 12 hours away.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou St. John with rental options and guided tours.

No surfing spots nearby. Gulf Coast surf is far and inconsistent.

No diving or snorkeling in local waters due to poor visibility.

Hospitals like Ochsner Medical Center and Touro Infirmary have English-speaking staff. Both public and private care are available, with private offering shorter wait times. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Parks like City Park and Audubon have playgrounds. Attractions include Audubon Zoo and Louisiana Children's Museum. Many cafes welcome families outside busy areas.

New Orleans is very LGBTQ+ friendly with many bars, events, and legal protections.

Many pet-friendly places and services with dog parks and veterinary care widely available.