What’s Open in New Orleans

Natchez Boat on the sea near La Galerie Hotel

Stay Cool: 7 Refreshing Experiences for a New Orleans Summer

The Most Instagrammable Spots in the French Quarter

Looking to add some flair to your Instagram feed or consider yourself a bit of an influencer? Then New Orleans is the perfect place to liven up your photographs while on vacay.

22 Things To Try In New Orleans 2022

Planning a trip to New Orleans in 2022 is full of possibilities. There are so many different things to do and places to see that you’ll never get bored. Use our list of 22 things to do in NOLA as a jumping-off point, no matter what time of year you decide to visit The Big Easy.

Celebrate National Dog Day in NOLA

National Dog Day is right around the corner on August 26th. If you’re planning on taking a vacay to New Orleans to celebrate, you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home. La Galerie Hotel is proud to be a pet-friendly hotel, and there are plenty of ways to spend time with Fido in the Crescent City.

Exploring New Orleans with Kids

If you're planning a family vacay, New Orleans delivers some fun, kid-friendly attractions too.

Top NOLA Parks for the Ultimate Spring Picnic

And as springtime approaches, those pleasant days start to increase in number. It’s the perfect time for some picnics in the park, featuring delicious food and fabulous surroundings, two things that NOLA has in abundance.

New Orleans Christmas: Shopping for the Season

Whether you’re a local New Orleanian who has some Christmas shopping to do, or you’re a visitor to the Big Easy looking for some seasonal souvenirs, the French Quarter is a great place to find some Christmas magic.

New Orleans Christmas

‘Tis the season for Christmas lights all aglow, singing carols, and if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of Mr. Christmas himself, Santa Claus.

Four Best Places to Watch the Saints During Covid-19

If you’re a die-hard Saints fan, then you’re likely struggling with the fact that you don’t get to watch your beloved football team from their home in the dome.

New Orleans: Haunted Legends and Mysteries- Marie Laveau’s Tomb

The Big Easy is full of tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and downright puzzling. When you take a stroll through the French Quarter, pop into a neighborhood restaurant, or even browse through one of the many local shops, you’ll likely find yourself exploring a haunted place (whether you realize it or not). This darker side of the city is part of what gives NOLA such a rich and colorful story and enticing charm.

Art Lover’s Halloween: JAMNOLA and a Stay at La Galerie Hotel

When you visit New Orleans, in addition to the fantastic food and amazing sights and sounds, you’ll also discover endless opportunities to discover art and music. Furthermore, during Halloween, there are no exceptions to this rule. In fact, you’ll be treated to a bevy of design that celebrates the spooky season with the newest addition to the NOLA art scene, JAMNOLA.

Taking It Outside: NOLA Style

New Orleans might be known for its fun atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and Creole culture, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors!

Dog-Friendly Guide to New Orleans

New Orleans is a welcoming city for people and pets alike. It’s filled with dog-friendly restaurants, activities, and so much more. There’s even a dog parade, Barkus, during Mardi Gras! This pet-friendly destination is one of the best places to travel—not just because you can bring your pet along with you, but because there is so much to see and do. However long you plan your stay, there’s always more to experience. Our dog-friendly guide to New Orleans provides you with all the information you need to plan an amazing stay with your dog in the Crescent City. Get insider tips on accommodations, restaurants, things to do, and important information for your next trip to New Orleans.

Say What? New Orleans Lingo - Know Before You Go

If you’re planning to make a visit to New Orleans, then you’re in for a real treat. There is no other city that is quite as unique and vibrant as the Big Easy; from the people to the architecture and the vast array of eclectic entertainment options that you’ll discover at every turn. Another element of NOLA that possesses its own special charm is the language. New Orleans natives and self-made locals speak a whole different vocabulary that can make you feel like it’s a foreign language.

How To Beat the Heat on a New Orleans Vacation

There’s no place that can match the magic and romance of New Orleans, but if you’re traveling to the Big Easy during the summer, it can get hot and steamy (which isn’t always a good thing)! Lucky for you, NOLA is packed with possibilities for all sorts of fun, including many attractions that keep you nice and cool while you explore.

Five Art Galleries You Don’t Want To Miss Near NOLA’s La Galerie Hotel

One of the biggest draws of New Orleans is its rich culture and opportunities to experience incredible art. La Galerie makes it easy to channel your inner art-lover.

COVID-19 Protocols

Magazine Street Guide

Stretching an astounding six miles long as it winds through the city, Magazine Street is a destination unto itself. You can easily spend a day (or days) traversing this amazing thoroughfare and still barely make a dent in seeing everything it has to offer. Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive Magazine Street itinerary as a handy guide to some of the street’s best bars, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and more, so you can spend less time looking up places to visit and more time enjoying the endlessly fun Magazine Street!

New Orleans Streetcar Guide

Can't quite figure out the streetcar yet? View our guide to learn about the routes closest to La Galerie, where they go, and what you can do on each line.

Best Outdoor Activities in New Orleans

Don't miss out on all the natural beauty New Orleans and the surrounding areas have to offer. Discover the best outdoor activities in New Orleans today!

Whether you’re a Big Easy local or planning to visit NOLA for a much-needed getaway, something is spellbinding about this unique city! While several area attractions and events are still closed due to COVID-19, there are many places open for business, including restaurants, museums, and more, so you can explore NOLA in a socially-distanced way!

So grab your mask and hand sanitizer and get ready!

Here are a few things you can add to your to-do list if you want to get out and about in New Orleans during Phase 2:

Enjoy Brunch and a Jazz Cruise along the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez

With its impressive 25-ton paddlewheel, this authentic steamboat offers daily two-hour jazz cruises, plus sumptuous brunch options on the weekends. You can also take a cruise on its sister vessel, the brand new City of New Orleans. Journey down the mighty Mississippi River, take in the sights of the city and relax as you listen to the rooftop calliope and sip on a cocktail.

You can reserve your tickets and make reservations for brunch online. Due to gathering restrictions, tables have been spaced apart, limiting seating, so don’t wait to reserve your spot! If you want a closer look at Steamboat Natchez’s Covid-19 protocols, you can find them here.

Explore the wonders of the deep at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Ranked as one of the top attractions by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader Poll, this popular aquarium showcases impressive displays that recreate amazing locations like the Caribbean, the Amazon Rainforest, and even a Mayan temple. You’ll meet over 3,600 animals, including cute penguins and majestic sharks, as you explore the world beneath the waves. You need to make reservations and purchase your tickets ahead of time since spaces are limited.

There are sanitizing stations set up throughout the aquarium, and guests are directed through the building in a one-way flow. The food court is currently closed, but a separate, small concession and snack area is set up for your convenience, where you can purchase goodies from a limited menu. You can find answers to your Covid-related questions by visiting the Aquarium’s FAQ’s page.

Experience world-class cuisine at some of NOLA’s top restaurants

New Orleans is known for many things, especially it’s irresistible, mouthwatering cuisine. Make sure to enjoy a meal at some of the most tempting French Quarter restaurants like Brennan’s and Cane & Table, or stop in at a neighborhood pub like the Longway Tavern.

While these and many other restaurants are open for dine-in, they are operating at a limited capacity, and many are also serving a limited menu. Make sure to visit the restaurant’s website or give them a call before you visit to check up on the latest hours and policies.

Engage in fantastic shopping experiences throughout the city

When you’re ready to flex your shopping muscles, New Orleans offers ample and diverse opportunities to do so. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping from galleries and shops along Royal Street to an assortment of stores and eateries at the famous Jax Brewery. You can score unbeatable deals on designer brands at the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk, which features curbside pick-up through many of its stores, or test your negotiation skills as you look for bargains and unique finds at the historic New Orleans French Market. For more information about how these businesses are handling Covid-19 safety measures, check out their websites.

Educate yourself at one of several fantastic museums

New Orleans is also full of history, art, and beauty, all of which are showcased throughout several top-notch museums across the city. Take the Canal Streetcar Line to the sprawling grounds of City Park, home to the magnificent New Orleans Museum of Art, which features over 40,000 incredible pieces on display. Learn about the city’s incomparable musical heritage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located in the Old U.S. Mint, and get a closer look at Louisiana’s story and history at The Cabildo, right next door to the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.

No matter where your explorations take you, New Orleans abounds with rich history and entertainment, even amidst the restrictions of a pandemic. These exciting and interesting locales are sure to fill your agenda whether you’re spending the day or the weekend in beautiful NOLA! Plus, when you book your stay at an enchanting French Quarter hotel, you’ll add a whole extra layer of charm and intrigue to your time in the city! Now, all that’s left to do is choose where you’ll go first!