Things to Do in New Orleans in January

Events

January in New Orleans is packed with exciting events. Start the year with New Year’s Day celebrations, including fireworks and festivities at Jackson Square. On January 6th, Twelfth Night marks the beginning of the Carnival season, featuring events like the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar ride. As it gets later in the month, you can experience early Mardi Gras celebrations with a variety of parades and krewe events, building anticipation for the festivities to come.

Things to Do

• Explore the French Quarter: The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans, known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings and historic sites. Wander through its charming streets, visit landmarks like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral and enjoy live jazz music.

• Visit the National WWII Museum: Ranked as one of the top museums in the world, the National WWII Museum offers an immersive experience with extensive exhibits, multimedia displays and artifacts from World War II. This is truly my favorite museum I have been to and it is a must-visit attraction!

• Take a Swamp Tour: Experience the unique ecosystem of Louisiana's swamps with a guided tour. You'll see alligators, birds and other wildlife, and learn about the region's ecology and history.

• Enjoy Live Music on Frenchmen Street: Frenchmen Street is the go-to spot for live music in New Orleans, offering a more local and authentic experience than Bourbon Street. Enjoy performances ranging from jazz and blues to funk and reggae.

• Tour the Garden District: The Garden District is known for its beautiful mansions, lush gardens and historic cemeteries. Take a walking tour to learn about the area's history and architecture.

• Cruise the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez. This authentic paddlewheel boat offers daytime and evening cruises with live jazz and Southern cuisine.

• Commander's Palace: Commander's Palace has been a New Orleans staple since 1893, offering a taste of authentic Creole cuisine. As an iconic culinary institution, it has received numerous awards, including James Beard Awards for its innovative and high-quality dishes. Located in the Garden District, the restaurant boasts a charming Victorian setting with impeccable service. Must-Try Dishes: the turtle soup, pecan crusted gulf fish and their sensational bread pudding soufflé.

• Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Dooky Chase’s is a historic and cultural icon in New Orleans. The restaurant offers a genuine Creole dining experience with dishes like gumbo, shrimp clemenceau and red beans and rice. Founded by Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Dooky Chase’s remains family-operated, preserving its rich culinary heritage.

• Cochon: Cochon is renowned for its modern take on traditional Southern and Cajun dishes, emphasizing a farm-to-table approach with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Located in the Warehouse District, Cochon offers a cozy, rustic setting perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Must-Try Dishes: the wood-fired oysters, Louisiana cochon (slow-cooked pork) and the rabbit and dumplings.

• Brennan’s: Established in 1946, Brennan’s is a beloved New Orleans institution known for its elegant Creole cuisine. Particularly famous for its breakfast and brunch. The restaurant combines old-world charm with modern elegance, offering a refined dining experience. Must-Try Dishes: eggs hussarde and their signature bananas foster.

• Galatoire’s: Galatoire’s has been serving classic French Creole cuisine since 1905 and remains a cornerstone of New Orleans dining. The restaurant maintains a strict dress code and no-reservation policy for its main dining room, preserving its traditions. Known for its bustling, vibrant dining room, Galatoire’s offers an authentic New Orleans dining experience. Must-Try Dishes: the shrimp remoulade, crabmeat Yvonne and the classic bread pudding.

• Café du Monde: A visit to New Orleans is never complete without stopping by Café du Monde, a historic coffee stand that has been serving its famous beignets and café au lait since 1862. Located in the French Quarter, Café du Monde is an iconic spot where you can enjoy delicious beignets covered in powdered sugar while watching the lively street scenes. It is open 24 hours and is the perfect place for a sweet treat any time of day or night.

• Carousel Bar & Lounge: Located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar & Lounge is famous for its revolving bar, which offers a whimsical and unique drinking experience. The bar serves classic cocktails such as the Vieux Carré, a signature New Orleans drink made with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters. The elegant atmosphere and live music make it a must-visit spot in the French Quarter.

• The Sazerac Bar: Housed in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, The Sazerac Bar is named after the official cocktail of New Orleans, the Sazerac. This bar exudes old-world charm with its Art Deco decor and timeless elegance. Enjoy a perfectly crafted Sazerac or a Ramos Gin Fizz while soaking in the rich history of this iconic venue.

• French 75 Bar: Located in Arnaud’s Restaurant, the French 75 Bar offers a sophisticated setting with a touch of vintage glamor. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, including their French 75 made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne, this bar is perfect for a refined night out. The bartenders here are known for their skill and creativity, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.