All-Star Weekend: New Orleans City Guide

Your guide for what to see and do in the Big Easy.

What’s Hot in the Big Easy - The NBA’s brightest stars have descended upon New Orleans for All-Star Weekend (Feb. 14-16). Whether you’re in town to check out the NBA All-Star Game or just want to tear up the city, and we’ve got your road map for what to see, eat and do in New Orleans. By Britt Middleton(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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What’s Hot in the Big Easy - The NBA’s brightest stars have descended upon New Orleans for All-Star Weekend (Feb. 14-16). Whether you’re in town to check out the NBA All-Star Game or just want to tear up the city, and we’ve got your road map for what to see, eat and do in New Orleans. By Britt Middleton(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Cafe Du Monde - Nestled off Decatur street in the famed French Quarter, Cafe Du Monde is acclaimed for offering the best beignets, a classic French powdered doughnut, in the city. Grab a few and take a seat on the open patio, perfect for people watching and taking in street-side jazz performances.(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Cafe Du Monde - Nestled off Decatur street in the famed French Quarter, Cafe Du Monde is acclaimed for offering the best beignets, a classic French powdered doughnut, in the city. Grab a few and take a seat on the open patio, perfect for people watching and taking in street-side jazz performances.(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

St. Louis Cathedral - Established in 1720 and overlooking the famed Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States and is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. (Photo: Sean Gardner/Getty Images) 

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St. Louis Cathedral - Established in 1720 and overlooking the famed Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States and is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. (Photo: Sean Gardner/Getty Images) 

Bourbon Street - We can’t have a New Orleans round-up without mentioning Bourbon Street, the heart of the city party district. Lined with bars and eateries offering classic creole cuisine, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by the music of some of the city’s best street performers.  (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

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Bourbon Street - We can’t have a New Orleans round-up without mentioning Bourbon Street, the heart of the city party district. Lined with bars and eateries offering classic creole cuisine, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by the music of some of the city’s best street performers. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

French Market - While you’re in the French Quarter, be sure to pop into the French Market, a combination of cute local shops, flea market and farmer's market, to get a sampling of the local flavor. (Photo: David Grunfeld, NOLA.com |The Times-Picayune)

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French Market - While you’re in the French Quarter, be sure to pop into the French Market, a combination of cute local shops, flea market and farmer's market, to get a sampling of the local flavor. (Photo: David Grunfeld, NOLA.com |The Times-Picayune)

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Carousel Bar and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone  - No visit would be complete without a cocktail at Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge, the only revolving bar in the city. Decked out like the classic carnival ride, a trip here will be one you won’t soon forget. (Photo: Hotel Monteleone)

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Carousel Bar and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone  - No visit would be complete without a cocktail at Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge, the only revolving bar in the city. Decked out like the classic carnival ride, a trip here will be one you won’t soon forget. (Photo: Hotel Monteleone)

Magazine Street - Looking to shop until you drop? Be sure to check out Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants in Uptown New Orleans. Plan to spend a whole day browsing local wares and taking in the sights and sounds of the city. (Photo: Matthew Hinton/Times-Picayune /Landov)

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Magazine Street - Looking to shop until you drop? Be sure to check out Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants in Uptown New Orleans. Plan to spend a whole day browsing local wares and taking in the sights and sounds of the city. (Photo: Matthew Hinton/Times-Picayune /Landov)

New Orleans City Park - With its 1,300-acres of lush, green space and numerous walking and biking paths, this outdoor oasis is the place to fit in some exercise, and, perhaps, burn off all those Hurricanes and beignets.  (Photo: Doug Parker/Times-Picayune /Landov)

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New Orleans City Park - With its 1,300-acres of lush, green space and numerous walking and biking paths, this outdoor oasis is the place to fit in some exercise, and, perhaps, burn off all those Hurricanes and beignets.  (Photo: Doug Parker/Times-Picayune /Landov)

The Commander’s Palace  - For a special dinner, do check out the Commander’s Palace, ranked as one of the top 10 restaurants for 2013 by Nola.com. The restaurant is famous for its turtle soup, a creole classic, and decadent bread pudding soufflé.(Photo: Chris Granger, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune) 

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The Commander’s Palace  - For a special dinner, do check out the Commander’s Palace, ranked as one of the top 10 restaurants for 2013 by Nola.com. The restaurant is famous for its turtle soup, a creole classic, and decadent bread pudding soufflé.(Photo: Chris Granger, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune) 

Audubon Zoo - Consistently ranked among the top zoos in America, the Audubon Zoo is a tranquil escape from the tourist-packed French Quarter. When you’re not getting friendly with the wildlife, be sure to treat yourself some authentic Cajun cuisine at the Audubon Clubhouse Café.  (Photo: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans)

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Audubon Zoo - Consistently ranked among the top zoos in America, the Audubon Zoo is a tranquil escape from the tourist-packed French Quarter. When you’re not getting friendly with the wildlife, be sure to treat yourself some authentic Cajun cuisine at the Audubon Clubhouse Café. (Photo: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans)

Lafayette Cemetery - It may seem a little morbid to tour a cemetery while on vacation, but New Orlean’s above ground tombs are a deeply intertwined with the city’s heritage, offering views of incredible architecture a glimpse into the city’s rich history. But beware of ghostly hitchhikers who try to follow you home… (Photo: Lucas Jackson /Landov)

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Lafayette Cemetery - It may seem a little morbid to tour a cemetery while on vacation, but New Orlean’s above ground tombs are a deeply intertwined with the city’s heritage, offering views of incredible architecture a glimpse into the city’s rich history. But beware of ghostly hitchhikers who try to follow you home… (Photo: Lucas Jackson /Landov)