New Orleans New Year's Eve

Destination 01

French Quarter & Riverfront

9 places

Two nights of Creole dinners, brass bands and midnight fireworks over the Mississippi.

• Photo: Jesse James · CC BY 2.0

  Woldenberg Park

  Riverfront park at the foot of the Quarter, home of the free New Orleans Eve concert and countdown in 2025.

  Tip Enter from the Canal Street end, where the bag-check lines are usually shorter.

  DoFrench QuarterFree3 hr9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Photo: Clark Mills · Public domain

  Jackson Square

  The Quarter's old parade ground, facing St. Louis Cathedral, a short walk from the riverfront viewing areas.

  Tip Cross to the Moonwalk on the levee behind it for a clear view of the fireworks.

  SeeFrench QuarterFree45 minLate afternoon Dec 31
• Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Algiers Point

  Quiet neighborhood across the river with a levee path that looks straight back at the Quarter and the skyline.

  Tip Take the ferry from Canal Street and check its late-night schedule before you rely on it to get back.

  SeeAlgiers Point$1.5 hr11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Photo: Cory Doctorow · CC BY-SA 2.0

  Antoine's

  Creole dining rooms open since 1840, where oysters Rockefeller were first served.

  Tip Ask to see the back dining rooms full of old Mardi Gras photos.

  EatFrench Quarter$$$2 hrEarly dinner Dec 31
• Photo: Carnaval.com Studios · CC BY 2.0

  Galatoire's

  Bourbon Street dining room open since 1905, known for long holiday lunches, shrimp remoulade and souffle potatoes.

  Tip Jackets are required for men at dinner.

  EatFrench Quarter$$$2 hrLunch Dec 31
• Photo: Carlos Pacheco · CC BY 2.0

  Arnaud's

  Creole restaurant from 1918 with shrimp Arnaud, a jazz bistro, and the French 75 bar off the lobby.

  Tip Have a French 75 at the bar before dinner.

  EatFrench Quarter$$$2 hrDinner Dec 30
• Photo: Carnaval.com Studios · CC BY 2.0

  Carousel Bar & Lounge

  Slowly revolving circular bar inside the Hotel Monteleone, known for the Vieux Carre cocktail.

  Tip Seats turn over quickly; stand nearby and wait for one to open.

  DrinkFrench Quarter$$60 minBefore dinner
• Photo: Jeremy Thompson · CC BY 4.0

  Frenchmen Street

  Few blocks of small clubs past the Quarter, such as the Spotted Cat, with live jazz and brass bands late.

  Tip Most clubs have a small cover or a one-drink minimum; bring cash.

  DrinkMarigny$2 hrAfter midnight
• Photo: Carnaval.com Studios · CC BY 2.0

  Hotel Monteleone

  Family-run Royal Street hotel open since 1886, a block from Canal Street and a short walk to the river.

  Tip Book early; Sugar Bowl fans fill the Quarter.

  StayFrench Quarter$$$Dec 30 – Jan 2

Destination 02

Garden District & Uptown

6 places

A slow Jan 1 of jazz brunch, streetcar rides and walks under the live oaks.

• Photo: Infrogmation · CC BY-SA 4.0

  St. Charles Streetcar

  Green streetcars running since 1835 under the oaks of St. Charles Avenue, from Canal Street to Carrollton.

  Tip Bring exact change or buy a Jazzy Pass in the GoMobile app.

  DoGarden District$60 minLate morning Jan 1

• Commander's Palace

  Blue-and-white Victorian restaurant from 1893 in the Garden District, known for its weekend jazz brunch.

  Tip Check holiday hours and book as soon as reservations open.

  EatGarden District$$$2 hrBrunch
• Photo: Daniel Hartwig · CC BY 2.0

  Garden District homes

  Greek Revival and Italianate mansions from the 1800s on Prytania, First and Chestnut streets.

  Tip Walk the blocks between Washington and First streets; the houses are private, so stay on the sidewalk.

  SeeGarden DistrictFree75 minMorning Jan 1
• Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Magazine Street

  Six miles of shotgun houses turned into shops, bakeries and bars running parallel to St. Charles.

  Tip Many shops close on Jan 1, so plan on coffee and a walk rather than shopping.

  ShopUptown$$1.5 hrAfternoon Jan 1
• Photo: ksjantz · CC BY 4.0

  Audubon Park

  Uptown park with a lagoon loop and the Tree of Life, a live oak with limbs that rest on the ground.

  Tip Get off the streetcar at Tulane University and walk in from St. Charles.

  OutdoorsUptownFree1.5 hrAfternoon Jan 1

• Caesars Superdome

  Downtown dome that hosts the Sugar Bowl, a college football game typically played on or around Jan 1.

  Tip Check the game date before booking; it has moved in recent years.

  DoCBD$$$4 hrGame day