Must-Do Activities in New Orleans

1. Tour the French Quarter
   Explore the historic Vieux Carré with cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture spanning three centuries. Discover Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, fascinating history along Royal Street’s antique shops and art galleries, plus lively Bourbon Street nightlife. Experience authentic New Orleans charm through wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and the French Market. Perfect for convention attendees seeking authentic local atmosphere, cuisine, and live jazz music between meetings within walking distance of downtown.
2. Garden District & St. Charles Streetcar
   Ride America’s oldest continuously operating streetcar through stately oak-lined streets past magnificent antebellum mansions, historic cemeteries, and lush gardens. Marvel at Greek Revival and Victorian architecture in this upscale neighborhood featuring the famous turquoise victorian homes. Visit Lafayette Cemetery’s above-ground tombs and explore Magazine Street’s boutiques and cafes. This leisurely excursion offers peaceful respite from conference activities while showcasing New Orleans’ architectural heritage and Southern elegance just minutes from downtown convention areas via iconic public transit.
3. National WWII Museum
   America’s official World War II museum features comprehensive exhibits across multiple pavilions chronicling the American experience during wartime. Interactive displays, oral histories, authentic artifacts, and immersive experiences including 4D theater presentations bring history alive. Located near the convention center in the Warehouse District, this world-class attraction earned recognition as the number one museum in America. Perfect for convention attendees seeking meaningful cultural enrichment between sessions, offering several hours of engaging exhibits, personal stories, and historical significance just blocks from major meeting venues.

Top 3 Hotels in New Orleans for Conference Attendees

1. Omni Royal Orleans
   This AAA Four-Diamond luxury property anchors the fashionable corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets in the French Quarter’s heart. The elegant hotel features 345 rooms with French and Creole styling, 43 wrought-iron balconies overlooking lively streets, rooftop heated saltwater pool with observation deck, and award-winning Rib Room restaurant. Crystal chandeliers and marble lobby reflect sophisticated heritage while providing modern amenities. Located walking distance to everything, including two blocks from Bourbon Street, and impeccable service recognized for 31 consecutive Four-Diamond years, it’s perfect for business and leisure.
2. Windsor Court Hotel
   This Forbes Four-Star luxury property along the Mississippi River near the Warehouse District offers European elegance with impeccable service. Spacious suites feature sitting areas, marble bathrooms, and refined décor showcasing museum-quality art throughout the property. The elegant Polo Club Lounge, afternoon tea service, and award-winning dining create sophisticated experiences. Located steps from the convention center with slightly quieter atmosphere than French Quarter hotels, it attracts discerning business travelers seeking refined luxury, exceptional accommodations, and professional service. The property consistently ranks among New Orleans’ finest hotels for convention delegates requiring upscale comfort.
3. Hilton New Orleans Riverside
   This full-service convention hotel connects directly to the Riverwalk marketplace and sits adjacent to Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, offering unmatched convenience for trade show attendees. Over 1,600 rooms provide comfortable accommodations with river or city views, multiple on-site restaurants, including Drago’s Seafood, known for charbroiled oysters, and comprehensive meeting facilities. The skybridge connection eliminates weather concerns, while its Warehouse District location provides easy access to French Quarter attractions. Convention guests appreciate the all-in-one convenience, professional service, competitive rates, and ability to maximize conference time without lengthy commutes to venues.

Top 3 Restaurants in New Orleans for Convention Attendees

1. Commander’s Palace
   This legendary Garden District institution has earned seven James Beard Awards and remains New Orleans’ premier fine-dining destination since 1893. The Brennan family transformed this turquoise Victorian mansion into haute Creole excellence featuring turtle soup finished tableside, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and signature bread pudding soufflé. The renowned 25-cent martini lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, plus spectacular jazz brunch, create unforgettable experiences. Convention attendees appreciate the sophisticated yet fun atmosphere, impeccable service, business-casual dress code with jackets preferred, and streetcar accessibility from downtown hotels.
2. GW Fins
   Located in the French Quarter, this stylish seafood-focused restaurant prints daily menus featuring the freshest sustainable catches from around the world. Chef Michael Nelson’s innovative preparations showcase Gulf seafood alongside international selections like New Zealand John Dory and chicken cracklin-crusted local drum with lump crabmeat. The sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere, exceptional wine list, and creative flavor combinations earn consistent praise. Convention guests appreciate the central location steps from hotels, smart-casual dress code requiring collared shirts, and reservation-recommended policy ensuring quality dining experiences between business commitments and evening entertainment.
3. Antoine’s Restaurant
   Celebrating 185 years in the French Quarter since 1840, this historic establishment maintains its original charm through elegant dining rooms filled with French Creole traditions. The extensive menu features classic dishes, including oysters Rockefeller (invented here), pompano en papillote, and traditional preparations passed through generations. Multiple ornate dining rooms showcase New Orleans history with private spaces available for business gatherings. The restaurant’s legendary status, dressy atmosphere, and location near Jackson Square make it ideal for important client dinners or special convention celebrations requiring authentic French Quarter ambiance and refined service.

Closest Airport to New Orleans

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Located just 11 miles from downtown, this modern travel hub is the third-lowest-lying international airport globally, at just 4.5 feet above sea level. It is celebrated for its award-winning new terminal, which features live jazz music and a design inspired by the curved Mississippi River.