Best Things to Do in New Orleans: Clandestine’s Local Guide

Vukasin Ilic

Let us take you on a journey through our favorite city in the world — New Orleans. We’ve spent years wandering these streets, soaking up every note of music, every bite of food, and every electric moment of connection. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a week, this guide will help you experience the real New Orleans — the one locals love, not just the tourist version.

From the French Quarter to the funky streets of the Bywater, from iconic eats to unexpected gems, this guide is packed with local flavor, strategic insider tips, and the kind of soul you can only get from people who know the city inside and out.

Why New Orleans Hits Different

New Orleans isn’t just a destination. It’s a full-body experience. This is a place where music spills from every corner, where strangers become friends before your first cocktail is finished, and where culture, cuisine, and community collide in the most joyful chaos. It’s gritty, it’s gorgeous, and it never, ever gets old.

Every block has a story. Every dish has a history. And every moment — if you let it — becomes a memory.

Let’s dive in.

🍽️ Eat Like a Local — Food & Restaurant Guide

In New Orleans, food isn’t just sustenance — it’s identity. And while visitors flock to the usual suspects, locals know where the real magic is hiding. Here’s your Clandestine-approved cheat sheet for the most iconic dishes and where to eat them like you’ve been doing this forever.

Gumbo

Deep, dark, soulful. The roux tells you everything you need to know.

Herbsaint – Beautifully executed, rich, refined. This is elevated gumbo in an upscale, modern bistro with a true New Orleans soul.
Cochon – Earthy, smoky, and bold. Feels like Cajun country came to the Warehouse District. The smoked pork gumbo hits hard.
Gumbo Shop – It’s touristy, yes — but consistent, fast, and right in the Quarter if you need a quick bowl between stops.

Pro tip: The best gumbo is still your grandmomma’s. But Herbsaint comes close.

Jambalaya

New Orleans’ one-pot wonder. Bold, spicy, satisfying.

Joey K’s – An Uptown neighborhood fave that’s low-key but delicious. A no-frills joint with big flavor.
Melba’s – Fast, casual, and super flavorful. Great for a quick meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Dooky Chase’s – Historic, soulful, and important. If you can get a seat, it’s always worth it.

Po’Boys

Crunchy French bread, overflowing fillings, usually eaten leaning over a plate.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern – Locals’ favorite for a reason. The roast beef “debris” is legendary. Go hungry.
Johnny’s Po-Boys – Quarter classic since 1950. Great if you’re staying nearby and need a casual bite.

Muffulettas

Stacked meats, cheese, and that tangy olive salad. A Sicilian gift to the Crescent City.

Central Grocery – The originator. No frills, just the real thing. Massive, so split it or bring a cooler.
Cochon Butcher – A more gourmet take in a sleek modern space. Still 100% authentic flavor.

Crawfish Étouffée

Crawfish tails smothered in roux and love. Creamy, spicy, comforting.

Li’l Dizzy’s – Soulful, family-run, and consistent. Come hungry and order extra cornbread.

Red Beans & Rice

A Monday tradition. Slow-cooked comfort.

Dooky Chase’s – Classic and rich with history. The real deal.
Melba’s – Quick, affordable, and satisfying.
Joey K’s – A great casual spot with dependable local flavor.

Turtle Soup

Unique, savory, and very New Orleans. Finished with sherry, of course.

Herbsaint– Sophisticated and well-balanced. Perfect start to a long, slow meal.
Clancy’s– Upscale Uptown gem. Rich, dark, and decadent.
Restaurant R’evolution – One of the city’s most luxurious spots for classic Creole cuisine done right.

Soft Shell Crab

When it’s in season, it’s a must.

Galatoire’s – Classic French Quarter glamour. Perfect for a long, boozy lunch. Ask for it fried and dressed.
Clancy’s – Elegant, tucked-away, and consistently perfect.

Boiled Crawfish (seasonal)

Spicy, messy, and best eaten with a beer in hand.

Clesi’s – Laid-back and always fresh. A favorite among locals.
Seither’s – Off the beaten path and worth every mile.
Hawk’s – Deep in the bayou (2-½ hours away). Make the pilgrimage — it’s worth it.

Charbroiled Oysters

Forget raw — these are hot, buttery, garlicky masterpieces.

Mr. Ed’s – Multiple locations. Always solid.
Felix’s – More flavor, less line than Acme. No contest.

Skip Acme and Drago’s. You’ll thank us later.

Bananas Foster

Flambéed with butter, brown sugar, and rum. Created here. Still the best here.

Brennan’s – Ask for the courtyard. Let the fire do the talking.

📝 Bonus Dining Tips

Friday lunch at Galatoire’s in the main dining room is a rite of passage. Book early and go full local.
Café Beignet is your go-to for beignets (yes, we prefer it to Café du Monde).
Atchafalaya jazz brunch hits every time. Make a reservation.
NOCHI offers hands-on cooking classes that are fun, filling, and professionally run.
Skip the French Market. Most of the “food” is mass-produced or imported. Head to Magazine Street instead.

🎷 Experience the Music: Where to Feel the Soul of New Orleans

New Orleans doesn’t just play music — it is music. The rhythms here don’t fade when the sun goes down — they rise up through open windows, down streetcar tracks, and out onto dance floors where no one’s checking the clock.

This city gave birth to jazz, raised funk like family, and still throws a second line on a random Tuesday. And at Clandestine? We don’t just know the scene — we know the artists. George Porter Jr., Wendell Brunious, Stooges Brass Band, Cha Wa, Bon Bon Vivant, Robin Barnes — they’re not just local legends. They’re dear friends of ours. We’ve booked them, danced with them, and brought their magic into our private party in New Orleans.

Frenchmen Street: The Local’s Bourbon

When New Orleanians want live music, they head to Frenchmen Street — a short stretch just outside the Quarter where the talent density is off the charts.

Top spots:

The Spotted Cat Music Club – Classic jazz, tight space, unforgettable vibe. Get there early.
Blue Nile – From brass to bounce, it brings the energy. Some of the best late-night sets in the city — and yes, we can arrange VIP access.
d.b.a – A local favorite with killer beer selection and legendary lineups (George Porter Jr. plays here often).
Snug Harbor – A more intimate sit-down venue with serious jazz chops.

Bonus: Right next to the clubs, you’ll find the Frenchmen Art Market, where local makers sell their wares under string lights. It’s the perfect breather between sets.

Preservation Hall

No food, no drinks, no amplification — just pure, raw jazz in a 250-year-old building. This is sacred ground for traditional New Orleans music.

Reserve tickets online (it sells out), or try your luck in the standby line.

Pro tip: they don’t serve alcohol, so grab a cocktail before or after the show. But once you’re inside? You won’t miss a thing.

Late-Night Legends & Hidden Gems

Maple Leaf Bar– A Carrollton classic. George Porter Jr. plays here almost weekly.
The Rabbit Hole – The new home of Rebirth Brass Band on Tuesday nights. High energy, high talent, and a fresh favorite among locals.
Vaughan’s Lounge – Still slightly off the radar, still funky as hell. A favorite for surprise sets and high-energy brass.
Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge – Owned by local icon Kermit Ruffins. Come for the vibe, stay for the red beans and trumpet solos.
Chickie Wah Wah – A true sleeper venue that recently hosted Lucinda Williams. Intimate, unpretentious, and packed with talent.
Mahogany Jazz Hall – An underrated gem in the Quarter with top-notch talent and a chill crowd.
The Bayou Bar (Pontchartrain Hotel) – Moody, vintage, and wildly atmospheric. Think candlelight, bourbon, and jazz you want to make out to.

Jazz Brunch

Atchafalaya – A stunner in the Irish Channel with a serious jazz brunch on weekends. The food is divine, the cocktails are strong, and the music is the real thing. Book early.

Second Lines & Street Sounds

In New Orleans, music spills into the streets — literally. You might turn a corner and find a second line parade led by a brass band with dancing locals waving handkerchiefs and umbrellas. Need a second line in 20 minutes? We’ve done it. Try us.

🎨 Culture, Museums, & Art

The National WWII Museum – Repeatedly named one of the top museums in the world. Huge, moving, and brilliantly curated, this is a must for history buffs — even those who don’t usually “do” museums. Give yourself 3–4 hours minimum, and don’t miss the 4D Tom Hanks-narrated film.
Sazerac House – A modern, beautifully designed celebration of New Orleans cocktail culture. It’s interactive, it’s free, and yes — you’ll get samples.
The Historic New Orleans Collection – An often-overlooked gem in the Quarter that’s part museum, part historical archive. The exhibits are smart, well-curated, and rich with New Orleans storytelling. Bonus: the gift shop is one of the best in the city for local art, books, and gifts.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art – Focused entirely on Southern artists, this museum offers a raw, emotional, and diverse look at Southern life through contemporary and historical art. Don’t miss the gift shop — it’s a Kelley-approved favorite.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) – Anchoring beautiful City Park, NOMA houses an impressive collection of European and American art. It’s not overwhelming — just the right size for a morning or afternoon visit.
Besthoff Sculpture Garden – Adjacent to NOMA, this outdoor sculpture garden is a tranquil space with over 90 sculptures set among lagoons and live oaks. One of the most beautiful free experiences in the city.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum – One of the funkiest (and most photogenic) little museums in the French Quarter. Explore 19th-century medicine bottles, old-school prescriptions, voodoo potions, and antique surgical tools — all inside a gorgeous historic apothecary.
VUE Orleans – A sleek, newer venue with panoramic views and modern vibes. It’s great for events, sunset cocktails, or just catching a view of the city from above.

🛏 Where to Stay

Our Favorite Hotels

The Hotel Fontenot – Sleek, soulful, and just off the beaten French Quarter path. Great food, cool bar, and incredibly friendly staff. It’s boutique without trying too hard — and the beds are chef’s kiss.
The Chloe – Uptown charm meets modern boutique. A dreamy mansion-turned-hotel with a pool, porch cocktails, and some of the best interior design in town. Bonus: The restaurant is stellar.
The Windsor Court – Classic luxury with old-school elegance. Afternoon tea, a rooftop pool, and impeccable service make this a favorite for those who want a refined retreat. Great for executives and high-end occasions.
Maison Métier – A stylish, centrally located gem in the Warehouse District. Moody, modern, and walkable to everything. The kind of place that feels Instagrammable and personal.
The Four Seasons New Orleans – New, luxurious, and loaded with views of the Mississippi River. Home to one of the city’s top restaurants (Miss River) and just steps from the French Quarter. High-end all the way.
Hotel Monteleone – Historic and iconic, with a legendary rooftop view and the Carousel Bar — yes, it spins. You’ll feel like you’re part of New Orleans history here. Ideal for literary lovers, too — Hemingway, Faulkner, and Capote all stayed here.pote all stayed here.

🎉 Ready to Experience the Real New Orleans?

You’ve got the food, the music, the museums, the neighborhoods, the hot spots and the hidden gems. But here’s the truth:

New Orleans isn’t something you just visit. It’s something you feel.

And if you want to feel the real New Orleans — the one where the good stuff lives behind closed doors, in candlelit courtyards, on rooftops, and deep in the rhythm of the street — that’s where we come in.

✨ Let Clandestine Create Your Unforgettable NOLA Experience

Whether you’re planning:

A corporate events in New Orleans
A VIP client dinner
A private second line or surprise moment
A one-of-a-kind celebration

…we’ve got you.

We curate elevated, bold, immersive experiences that reflect the soul of the city — never cookie-cutter, always unforgettable. From private jazz sets to rooftop dinners, from quick-turnaround magic to full-scale production, we know how to make it happen.

And we do it with heart, creativity, and deep local love. For visitors planning corporate team experiences in New Orleans, we can create unforgettable group outings that showcase the city’s unique culture.