Beyond Bourbon Street’s neon glow and the French Quarter’s well-worn paths, New Orleans harbors lesser-known treasures like the mystical Voodoo Museum and the serene Besthoff Sculpture Garden. These hidden corners of the Crescent City reveal stories untold in tourist brochures.
From sipping natural wines in Bacchanal’s enchanted courtyard to exploring the curious collections at the Pharmacy Museum, these local haunts embody the authentic spirit of the Big Easy. Each spot carries the soulful essence that makes NOLA uniquely captivating.
Dive deep into these Crescent City secrets below!
Featured Hidden Gems in New Orleans
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
- Pharmacy Museum
- The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
- Backstreet Cultural Museum
- Bacchanal Wine
- Hermann-Grima House
- The Country Club
- Manolito
- Zhang Bistro
New Orleans Local Restaurants
Bacchanal Wine
What to Expect
Global wine selection with live jazz
Description
Bacchanal Wine is a unique Bywater venue where food, music, and culture blend with a global wine selection. It offers a relaxed outdoor setting with live jazz performances and a build-your-own-cheese-plate option. The venue features a cozy courtyard and an upstairs balcony for a panoramic view of the live music below. Bacchanal is particularly notable for its role in New Orleans' cultural revival post-Katrina.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Bacchanal Wine
Manolito
What to Expect
Cuban-inspired cuisine and cocktails
Description
Manolito is a small, Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar in the French Quarter, offering a blend of traditional Cuban dishes and innovative cocktails. The menu features items like black bean soup, Cuban sandwiches, and arroz con pollo, while the bar specializes in classic Cuban drinks. Its intimate setting and flavorful offerings make it a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Cuban cuisine in New Orleans. Features a patio for relaxed dining.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Manolito
The Country Club
What to Expect
Bohemian poolside retreat with a full bar and outdoor kitchen
Description
Nestled in the Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club is a hidden gem that combines a sophisticated dining experience with a tropical oasis. The restaurant features a menu inspired by Italian-French and Creole-Southern cuisines, crafted by Chef Chris Barbato, known for his innovative approach to local flavors. Guests can enjoy an extensive wine selection and creative cocktails in a beautifully decorated space filled with art. The outdoor pool area, complete with a bar and kitchen, offers a unique retreat for relaxation and socializing, making it an ideal spot for locals seeking a vibrant atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: The Country Club
Zhang Bistro
What to Expect
Thai-Chinese fusion cuisine
Description
Zhang Bistro offers a blend of Thai and Chinese cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter. Known for its fresh flavors and contemporary twists on traditional dishes, it features a variety of small bites, special dishes like Peking Duck and Spicy Szechuan Hot Wok, and a full bar service. The bistro is praised for its attentive staff and flavorful dishes, making it a standout among local dining options.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Zhang Bistro
Attractions in New Orleans
Backstreet Cultural Museum
What to Expect
Mardi Gras Indian regalia collection
Description
The Backstreet Cultural Museum showcases New Orleans' African-American parading traditions, featuring Mardi Gras Indian suits, jazz funeral artifacts, and second-line parade memorabilia. It serves as a cultural hub, preserving and celebrating the city's vibrant heritage. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the history and practices of these traditions, making it a standout cultural attraction.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Backstreet Cultural Museum
Hermann-Grima House
What to Expect
Original stable and open-hearth kitchen
Description
The Hermann-Grima House is a meticulously restored Federal-style mansion built in 1831, reflecting 19th-century New Orleans. It features a courtyard garden, the only remaining original stable, and a functional open-hearth kitchen in the French Quarter. The house showcases the lifestyle of a prosperous Creole family with period furnishings and architectural adaptations for the warm climate. It offers a glimpse into the city's historical past, making it a significant cultural and historical attraction.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Hermann-Grima House
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
What to Expect
Vodou art and cultural exhibits
Description
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a small but unique museum dedicated to Vodou art and culture. Located in the French Quarter, it features artifacts like altars, masks, and Voodoo flags. Visitors can explore exhibits on Louisiana Voodoo history and folklore, including relics associated with Marie Laveau. The museum offers walking tours to nearby sites like the Saint Louis Cemetery and Congo Square. It also hosts a voodoo priest on site for readings.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Pharmacy Museum
What to Expect
Historic pharmacy artifacts collection
Description
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is housed in a historic Creole townhouse and showcases the evolution of pharmacy and medicine in the 19th century. It features an extensive collection of pharmaceutical artifacts, including glass bottles, medical instruments, and voodoo potions. The museum highlights the role of Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., America's first licensed pharmacist, and offers a glimpse into early healthcare practices. Visitors can explore exhibits on their own or join a guided tour. The museum also includes a courtyard with herbs similar to those used by Dufilho for medicinal purposes. It offers a unique historical perspective on pharmacology and healthcare.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Pharmacy Museum
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
What to Expect
Sculpture garden amidst mature live oaks
Description
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a unique outdoor space featuring nearly 100 sculptures amidst a picturesque landscape of pines, magnolias, and live oaks. It includes a sculpture pavilion, an amphitheater, and architecturally significant bridges. The garden's design creates intimate viewing spaces, with sculptures reflected in the lagoon's waters. It offers a serene blend of art and nature, making it a standout attraction in New Orleans.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
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