What to Do in New Orleans During Super Bowl Week

If you’re one of the many people making their way to New Orleans to take part in the Super Bowl festivities, you'll need to hammer out the details of your weekend ASAP — whether or not you’ll be attending the game in person. According to Randy Ortega, native Louisianian and guest specialist at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, the city will soon become an “all-out party” and reservations will be hard to come by. Plus, he says, traffic will be heavy and visitors should “plan for extended travel times to get to and from places.”

To help you make the most of your New Orleans trip, we put together a guide to the best things to do during Super Bowl week — including NFL events that are open to the public, can’t-miss classics, and a few of Ortega’s favorites.

Best Things to Do During Super Bowl Week

Attend the Super Bowl Host Committee Parade

Mardis Gras parades are paused over Super Bowl weekend, but that doesn’t mean you’ll go home without beads and other mementos. From 10am to 12pm on Saturday, Feb. 8, the first-ever Super Bowl Host Committee Parade will make its way through the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District. Expect floats from NFL partners, stomping groups, and marching bands, and get ready to collect NFL-themed beads and plush footballs. The parade is free and open to the public.

Get tickets for the Super Bowl Experience

Ortega, who’s been attending the event since 2002, recommends checking out the Super Bowl Experience, held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The family-friendly event takes place from Wednesday, Feb. 5 through the Saturday before the game and features a whole host of activities for sports fans — player autographs, photo ops with Super Bowl rings, interactive games, and more. Tickets start at $20.

Visit The National WWII Museum

You’d be remiss not to weave a few non-Super Bowl events into your New Orleans itinerary, and a few top Ortega’s list. He calls The National WWII Museum “one of the best attractions in the city,” and says they “do a fantastic job of telling the story of the war from a very personal perspective.” Visitors should note that the US Freedom Pavilion, the section on the campus that houses six World War II-era aircraft, will be closed on Feb. 7 and 8.

Explore City Park

Ortega deems City Park a “local favorite” and a great option for a daytime, family-friendly activity. At over 1,300 acres, it’s one of the largest (not to mention, oldest) urban parks in the country. You could spend hours traversing the grounds, but if you’re short on time and can only see a few things, make sure the New Orleans Botanical Garden is one of them. With a $12 ticket ($6 for kids), you’ll enter a greenspace filled with over 2,000 varieties of plants.

Where to Eat and Drink During Super Bowl Week

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

The building that houses Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop has a history that spans centuries, and the bar itself has a legendary status that, at least partially, stems from its cocktails. “In my fully versed, expert opinion, this is also the best place to have a Hurricane,” says Ortega. “Pro-tip: Drink it with the straw; don’t stir.”

Bacchanal Wine

With wine, charcuterie, and live music — from indie and zydeco to three-piece brass bands — Bacchanal has everything you need for a good time. Ortega claims it’s one of the best spots and something “everyone should experience,” no matter when they’re visiting New Orleans.

Fives

New Orleans has no shortage of amazing options for mealtime; you could spend weeks in the city and not experience all of its culinary destinations. If you’re searching for a locally recommended spot, though, look no further than Fives. “You can try oysters from either coast and have an amazing cocktail in the Pontalba Buildings around Jackson Square,” says Ortega.

Compère Lapin and Tout La

The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is fully booked for Super Bowl week, but you can still drop by the hotel’s Tchoupitoulas St. address for some locally roasted coffee and quick bites at Tout La. Ortega recommends the turnover.

“Our hearts are with our friends and neighbors in New Orleans as they continue to recover from the inexplicable and senseless tragedy that took place on New Year’s Day. The spirit of New Orleans will always shine bright.” - Benchmark Resorts & Hotels by Pyramid Global Hospitality.

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