The List - New Orleans

The top 10 must-dos in New Orleans

1 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Locals find an excuse to skip work and die-hard music lovers make an annual pilgrimage to this event, which celebrates the culture and sounds of New Orleans and Louisiana. Hundreds of acts play on 12 stages; this year features Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin and The Allman Brothers Band. For some music indigenous to Louisiana, visitors can experience traditional drumming and singing by pow wow troupes at the Native American Village. April 23 to May 2; www.nojazzfest.com

2 Audubon Nature Institute
Don’t miss the Louisiana swamp exhibit, which shows the historic interplay between the state’s wetland wildlife—including rare white alligators—and its human inhabitants. 6500 Magazine St; 800-774-7394; www.auduboninstitute.org

3 Parkway Bakery & Tavern
The po’boys at this family-friendly restaurant in Mid-city are overstuffed with crispy fried oysters, shrimp, gravy-soaked roast beef or savory griddle-crisped ham. 538 Hagan Ave; 504-482-3047; www.parkwaybakeryandtavernnola.com

4 Bar Tonique
This one-room spot on the backside of the French Quarter is part modern speakeasy and part neighborhood bar. Try the anise-scented Sazerac (New Orleans’ official cocktail) or the specialty Pimm’s Cup (gin, mint leaves and fruit). 820 N Rampart St; 504-324-6045; www.bartonique.com

5 Frenchmen Street
This stretch of bars and clubs is a veritable musical smorgasbord. Choose from roots music at DBA, live jazz on Snug Harbor’s stage and blues at the Apple Barrel. www.frenchmenst.com

6 Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Fans of voodoo and Anne Rice’s vampire fiction should make a pilgrimage to this one-block Garden District cemetery. Though it’s smaller and contains fewer famous people than other local bone-yards, the distinctive live oaks make it the most photogenic. 1400 block of Washington Ave

7 Angelo Brocato Ice Cream
At this century-old sweet shop, indulge in several scoops of rich gelati, seasonal fruit sorbets or Sicilian pastries like filled-to-order cannoli, washed down with the best espresso in town. 214 N Carrollton Ave; 504-486-1465; www.angelobrocatoicecream.com

8 National World War II Museum
This revered cultural center is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The newest building features a 1940s-style canteen with live music, a 4D theater and a restaurant run by local chef John Besh. 945 Magazine St; 504-528-1944; www.nationalww2museum.org

9 A Gallery for Fine Photography
Owner Joshua Mann Pailet exhibits limited-edition prints, anonymous daguerreotypes and E.J. Bellocq’s classic New Orleans Storyville portraits from the early 1900s. 241 Chartres St; 504-568-1313; www.agallery.com

10 Mignon Faget
You won’t find Mardi Gras beads at this high-end jewelry shop. Designed by NOLA native Faget, the stunning pieces are inspired by local icons, like fleur-de-lis cufflinks and gumbo-inspired necklaces. Multiple locations; 800-375-7557; www.mignonfaget.com