New Orleans, founded in 1718 by French colonists, is a city unlike any other, shaped by centuries of cultural blending. Its strategic location along the Mississippi River made it a vital port city, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and North America. Under French, Spanish and eventually American rule, New Orleans developed its unique identity, blending French Creole and Spanish influences with African, Caribbean and Native American traditions. Known for its vibrant music scene, particularly as the birthplace of jazz, the city also boasts world-famous cuisine, like beignets, and iconic celebrations like Mardi Gras. Its historic neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter and Garden District, showcase stunning architecture and a resilience that continues to define New Orleans, even in the face of challenges like Hurricane Katrina.

Getting Around

Like most American cities, you can rely on Uber or Lyft for transportation, but renting a car might be worth considering. Traffic is generally minimal, and ample street parking and convenient lots in main areas make driving hassle-free. The rental car shuttle runs from the airport every five minutes and takes about 12 minutes. There is a single drop-off point for all car rentals and one centralized drop-off location at the airport for all terminals, making the process straightforward.

What To Do

1. Pontchartrain Causeway: Drive or visit the Pontchartrain Causeway, one of the world's longest continuous bridges. Spanning nearly 24 miles across Lake Pontchartrain, it connects New Orleans to the North Shore, offering picturesque views. The Causeway is an iconic symbol of Louisiana's innovation and resilience. You can drive back and forth or head from New Orleans to Mandeville Lakefront Park and/or Fontainebleau State Park. 

2. Fontainebleau State Park: Located along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this 2,800-acre park once hosted a sugarcane plantation and brickyard. It offers bike and kayak rentals, as well as lodges for overnight stays. 

3. Bucktown Harbor Educational Boardwalk and Marsh Overlook: This scenic 1,000-foot boardwalk stretches over Lake Pontchartrain and Bucktown Marsh. With resting spots, a bird blind and educational signage, it provides a safe, immersive way to explore the region's coastal environment. It also offers views of the Pontchartrain Causeway. The park will soon be adding a kayak area and playground as well. 

4. Garden District and St. Charles Trolley: The Garden District is known for its historic mansions and Southern charm. You can explore it on the iconic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, the world's oldest continuously operating line, passing landmarks like Loyola and Tulane Universities. Free walking tours are available, and reservations are recommended. 

5. French Quarter: New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood, founded in 1718, is rich in history, culture and architecture. Visit landmarks like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, while experiencing vibrant nightlife and local traditions. Royal Street is known for its historic Creole townhouses, art galleries and antique shops.

6. Riverfront and Riverboat Cruises: The New Orleans Riverfront offers historical sites, scenic views and a lively atmosphere. It's home to attractions like the French Market, National WWII Museum and various riverboat cruises, offering tours with stunning views of the city.

7. Swamp Tours: Explore the bayous surrounding New Orleans with a swamp tour. You'll encounter alligators, egrets and cypress trees, while learning about the region's natural history. Book tours through sites like Airboat Adventures or New Orleans Airboat Tours.

8. Canal Street and Luxury Shopping: Canal Street offers high-end shopping with designer stores like Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue. The streetcar makes it easy to explore. You can also visit upscale malls like The Shops at Canal Place. 

Where To Stay

If you want to go luxury, stay in the Warehouse District (Four Seasons New Orleans) or the French Quarter (Ritz Carlton). For a quieter and more boutique hotel stay, book in the Garden District. 

The Sully Mansion is a unique boutique hotel located in the Garden District. There are only nine rooms available, so it’s recommended to book well in advance. Built in 1890 by Thomas Sully for the Rainey family, this historic mansion showcases classic Southern architecture with its grand wrap-around porch, stained-glass windows and 14-foot ceilings. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to stay in a historical site that offers luxurious and quiet accommodations steeped in New Orleans history and reflective of the unique architecture of New Orleans. 

The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans occupies the historic Maison Blanche building, an early 1900s Beaux-Arts structure that was originally a department store. Transformed into a Ritz-Carlton in the 1980s, the hotel blends historic grandeur with modern luxury, located just steps from the French Quarter. While the standard rooms, priced under $400 a night, offer a vintage European feel, upgraded club rooms provide a more contemporary experience with access to a full-floor lounge featuring two fireplaces and all-day snacks and drinks.

The Courtyard New Orleans, located on the same property, has been recently renovated. JW Marriott, just a few blocks away, is another excellent option in the Marriott family.

Where To Eat

Kosher Cajun is a cornerstone of New Orleans' Jewish community. As the city's only kosher restaurant and grocery store, it brings together locals and visitors alike, showcasing the unifying power of food. During my visit, I encountered a range of patrons — the local Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin, a Chasidic couple on business, a family with children and an older couple — all sharing this unique space.

The menu features classic deli fare, served fresh. You order and pay for your meal at the counter, but a waiter brings your food to the table. In just 24 hours, I indulged in three meals here, including a late lunch, an even later dinner that I took to go and an early lunch for my flight home (with leftovers for the flight). The standout was the pastrami sandwich on classic rye, packed with coleslaw, pickles and a surprising addition of beer horseradish that added a sweet, sharp kick. Other highlights included a solid New York-style potato knish, grilled chicken, crispy fries and a side salad with homemade Russian dressing.

A true local innovation is their kosher "shrimp," made from white fish (similar to imitation crab meat), available as an appetizer with cocktail sauce or in a po’boy sandwich. They also offer regional favorites like red beans and rice and jambalaya, giving kosher visitors a taste of the local cuisine. 

In addition to the restaurant, Kosher Cajun's grocery store section offers Southern staples such as hot sauces, seasonings and rice mixes, perfect for travelers who want to bring home a bit of New Orleans. It was inspiring to meet the owner, Joe Brown and his sister Jennifer, who run the attached Judaica store. Since opening in 1987, they've been an essential resource for both the local community and Jewish visitors. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, the Browns temporarily relocated to Tennessee but returned quickly, becoming the lifeline for many. As the local Chabad emissary, Rabbi Yossi Nemes, aptly puts it, Kosher Cajun became “a community center of corned beef sandwiches.”

Kosher Cajun isn't just a place to eat — it's a vital part of the local Jewish story and a must-stop on any journey through New Orleans. 

Contact Kosher Cajun at (504) 888-2010, via email at orderkoshercajun@gmail.com or koshercajun.com. 

Cafè Du Monde

Four locations (French Market, City Park, Veterans Blvd. and the airport spot) of this iconic bakery/cafè are all certified kosher dairy (cholov stam, non-yoshon), under the supervision of Congregation Beth Israel’s Rabbi Phil Kaplan. 

Contact Rabbi Kaplan at (504) 454-5080 ext. 1 or via email rabbikaplan@bethisraelnola.com.

Dvash Kosher Catering

Dvash Kosher Catering, owned by Linda Waknin, is a New Orleans-based business specializing in Moroccan-inspired kosher cuisine. Growing up in Nahariya, Israel, where food was central to family life, Linda learned the importance of fresh ingredients and careful preparation. After moving to New Orleans in 1980, she opened Casablanca Restaurant in 1996, running it for 21 successful years before retiring. Four years later, she returned with a creative new direction for Dvash Kosher Catering. The business, certified under Chabad of Metairie and LKC hashgacha, offers glatt kosher meat and chalav stam dairy, with daily menus and takeaway options for Shabbat and special occasions. Contact Dvash Kosher Catering at (504) 390-5560 or via email info@dvashcatering.com.

Disclaimer: The status of the kosher certifications of featured restaurants were accurate at the time of original publication. Please verify current certification status independently before visiting. Additionally, some establishments may have since closed.

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