Best New Orleans

The New Orleans French Quarter represents a significant portion of the city’s history. Developed starting in 1718 as a French settlement then under Spanish rule, it retains a unique architectural style featuring wrought-iron balconies and Creole buildings. It is notable for its concentration of hist...

400 Degreez is the third studio album by New Orleans rapper Juvenile, released on September 1, 1998 through Cash Money Records and Universal Records. The album, produced primarily by Mannie Fresh, features the breakthrough hit single "Back That Azz Up" and helped establish Cash Money Records as a ma...

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail originating from New Orleans. It’s traditionally crafted with rye whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, absinthe, and a sugar cube. The drink is stirred, not shaken, and served over ice. It’s favored by those seeking an intensely flavored experience, particularly individuals...

Jackson Square Historic District represents a significant area of New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s notable for its concentration of buildings constructed between the late 1700s and early 1900s. These structures showcase architectural styles influenced by French, Spanish, and American cultures. The distr...

Jelly Roll Morton was a pioneering New Orleans musician recognized for his significant contributions to early jazz. He developed complex arrangements blending ragtime, blues, and European influences, establishing himself as a key composer and pianist. His recordings, particularly the Red Hot Peppers...

The New Orleans Garden District represents a significant area of historic residential development in Louisiana. It’s notable for its concentration of grand antebellum homes built between the late 18th and 19th centuries. These residences exemplify Greek Revival, Italianate, and American architectura...

Sidney Bechet was a pivotal figure in early jazz music. Born in New Orleans, he established himself as a distinctive clarinetist and soprano saxophone player. His passionate style, deeply rooted in Creole traditions, influenced generations of musicians. He achieved significant recognition internatio...

Guerrilla Warfare is the second studio album by New Orleans hip-hop group Hot Boys, released on July 27, 1999, through Cash Money Records. The album features the group's original lineup of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk, with production primarily handled by Mannie Fresh, who created the distinc...

The Ramos Fizz is a New Orleans classic cocktail built around fine sherry and gin. Its notable fizz comes from sparkling wine and grapefruit juice. The addition of Benedictine liqueur creates a complex flavor profile appreciated by those seeking sophisticated, layered spirits. It’s particularly enjo...

King Oliver was a pivotal figure in early jazz music. He established himself as a leading cornet player and bandleader within New Orleans' vibrant musical scene. His recordings, notably those of 1923 with the Creole Jazz Band, are historically significant due to their inclusion of Louis Armstrong’s...

The St. Charles Avenue Historic District is a significant area of New Orleans, Louisiana. It features over 3,000 architecturally notable homes primarily constructed between 1830 and 1920. The district’s preservation offers insights into late 19th and early 20th-century residential design and urban p...

Chopper City in the Ghetto is the fourth studio album by American rapper B.G., released in 1999 via Cash Money Records. It was a defining release for the New Orleans hip-hop scene, helping to popularize the distinct sound associated with the label's "Hot Boys" era. The album is best known for the si...

Dr. John – Gris-Gris is a 1968 New Orleans blues album recorded for Atco Records. It’s notable for its deeply psychedelic sound blending traditional Louisiana blues with experimental instrumentation and Arthur Neville's distinctive vocals. The album showcases a unique musical style appreciated by fa...

The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail built around rye whiskey. It incorporates Cognac alongside Peychaud’s bitters, benedictine and sugar syrup. This combination creates a layered flavor experience valued by those interested in traditional American cocktails and the history of New Orlea...

The Originals is a supernatural drama series, originating as a spin-off from *The Vampire Diaries*. It centers on the Mikaelson siblings—Klaus Mikaelson and his family—who navigate the political landscape of New Orleans’ vampire and werewolf community. The show expands upon the established lore of i...

Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous extant cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana. Located just outside the French Quarter, it is renowned for its distinctive above-ground vaults and tombs, a necessity driven by the city's high water table. The Catholic cemetery i...

James Booker’s *Junco Partner* showcases the Louisiana blues musician's distinctive piano style. Recorded in 1976 with producer Dr. John, this album represents a significant early work for Booker and demonstrates his deep connection to New Orleans traditions. It is notable for its raw emotion and ex...

Professor Longhair’s 1970s Atlantic Records album represents a significant contribution to New Orleans piano blues. Ellis Peterson's distinctive style blends ragtime influences with raw emotion and improvisation, showcasing a unique approach within the Louisiana blues tradition. This music is notabl...

Ed Blackwell was a pioneering American jazz drummer known for his intensely free improvisational approach. His work with Ornette Coleman’s ensembles, particularly within the Old and New Dreams project, significantly influenced the development of free jazz. Blackwell's rhythmic explorations and uniqu...

Zatarain's Creole Mustard is a coarse-ground, stone-ground mustard produced by Zatarain's, a New Orleans-based company founded in 1889 that specializes in Creole and Cajun food products. The mustard has a tangy, slightly spicy flavor profile characteristic of Louisiana cuisine, with visible mustard...

"Tha Carter II" is the fifth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on December 6, 2005, through Cash Money Records. It serves as the sequel to his 2004 album "Tha Carter" and is noted for being his first major release without the significant involvement of former Cash Money producer Ma...

Dr. John’s "In the Right Place" is a 1979 New Orleans blues album released on Atco Records. It showcases his distinctive blend of funk and traditional Louisiana blues sounds. The record established Dr. John as a significant figure in American roots music. It's appreciated by fans of early funk, swam...

Tha Carter III is the sixth studio album by New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne, released in June 2008 on Cash Money Records. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over one million copies in its first week, making it one of the fastest-selling hip hop albums of the decade. The album includ...

Metairie Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located in New Orleans, Louisiana, opened in 1872 on the site of the former Metairie Race Course. It is renowned for its extensive collection of elaborate above-ground tombs, ornate family mausoleums, and sculptural monuments. Like other local cemeterie...

"The Dooky Chase Cookbook" is a culinary guide by chef Leah Chase that documents the Creole recipes served at her historically significant New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase's. First published in 1990, the collection details the preparation methods of regional dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and...

Terence Blanchard is a highly respected jazz musician recognized for his innovative approach to post-bop and New Orleans jazz traditions. His work extends beyond traditional albums into film scoring, notably including critically acclaimed scores for Spike Lee’s films. Blanchard's compositions are ap...

Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones’s 1953 album showcases his distinctive Louisiana blues style. The title track, “The Things That I Used to Do,” achieved significant popularity after being produced by Ray Charles and becoming a top-selling R&B record. This collection offers a window into the New Orleans mus...

A beignet is a classic French dessert originating from New Orleans. It’s a light, airy dough fried until golden brown and then dusted heavily with powdered sugar. These pastries are particularly popular among those seeking traditional flavors and textures, often enjoyed as a sweet treat alongside co...

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a historic cemetery located in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana, established in 1833. It is one of the city's oldest municipal cemeteries and serves as a prominent example of Louisiana's distinctive above-ground vault burial tradition. The site features rows...