Best places to eat, stay, and play

Find the best things to do in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX — Photo courtesy of Gargolas / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Roughly 125,000 sports fans are expected to travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, for Super Bowl LIX, featuring halftime performer Kendrick Lamar. This will be the 11th time the Big Easy has hosted the big game, tying Miami, Florida, as the city that’s hosted the Super Bowl the most times.

If you’re traveling to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, here’s our guide to where to eat, stay, and play — along with tips for what to expect at Caesars Superdome.

Best things to do in New Orleans during Super Bowl week

New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and Super Bowl 2025 will be no exception. You’ll find football-themed events around the city.

Super Bowl Opening Night, fueled by Gatorade

Celebrate the American Football Conference and National Football Conference championship teams when they touch down (and make touchdowns) in the Big Easy. This event will be held in advance of the New Orleans Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome on February 3. Fans can hear from players and coaches in this public event before the game, participate in photo opportunities, and gain access to exclusive NFL merchandise. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Taste of the NFL at The National WWII Museum

Get a taste of history and Super Bowl fun at The National WWII Museum — Photo courtesy of The National WWII Museum

A Readers’ Choice Award favorite offering 80,000 square feet of inspiring exhibits, The National WWII Museum is always one of the best things to do in New Orleans. During Super Bowl week, the history museum will host the Taste of the NFL. Celebrity chefs and culinary masters will prepare signature dishes alongside a lineup of NFL greats. This event is open to ages 21 and up. Tickets can be purchased here. Net proceeds will benefit GENYOUth, which aims to end student hunger across the nation.

Super Bowl Experience

Super Bowl Experience is an immersive, family-friendly football festival featuring NFL players from the present and past. You’ll find exclusive gear, autograph sessions, interactive games, and iconic memorabilia at this multi-day event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Get your tickets here.

Super Bowl Host Committee Parade

Head to the French Quarter for the first-ever Super Bowl Host Committee Parade on February 8. Mardi Gras culture will meet football-themed floats and marching bands, with NFL-themed beads and plush footballs thrown into the crowd. Stick around afterward to take in the sights and sounds of historic jazz clubs, like Preservation Hall.

Best New Orleans restaurants

New Orleans is world-renowned for its culinary scene and famous for dishes like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and muffuletta sandwiches. Make reservations or expect longer wait times at walk-in establishments during Super Bowl weekend.

Check out the legendary Commander’s Palace, which opened in the Garden District in 1893. Commander’s Palace launched the careers of several celebrity chefs, like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme, and it continues to receive rave reviews under the helm of chef Meg Bickford.

Read more: When is the Super Bowl this year? Date, kickoff time, location, TV for 2025 game

In the warehouse district, Maypop fuses classic Southern Asian with locally sourced ingredients and a New Orleans twist. Signature dishes include coconut rice grits and turmeric-fried gulf drum.

For a casual meal, Parkway Tavern and Bakery has been serving classic New Orleans dishes, like gumbo, po’boys, and jambalaya, for over a century. As an added bonus, Parkway often has live music.

Where to stay in New Orleans during Super Bowl

The easiest way to avoid traffic on game day is to book a hotel within walking distance of Caesars Superdome. Hyatt Regency New Orleans is less than a five-minute walk. The hotel offers numerous on-site dining options to make it even easier. Many of the rooms and suites have views of the French Quarter and Ceasars Superdome to get you in the spirit.

The Eliza Jane is a short drive or 20-minute walk from Caesars Superdome. The hotel offers luxury accommodations, a full-service cocktail bar, and the celebrated French restaurant, Couvant.

Tips for Caesars Superdome

Caesars Superdome is a cashless operation, so don’t leave home without your plastic — Photo courtesy of Art Wager / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

If you were lucky enough to score Super Bowl tickets, here’s what you need to know about Caesars Superdome.

Cash isn’t accepted.

Bring your plastic because Caesars Superdome is a cashless operation. This includes parking, retail venues, and concessions.

The NFL’s clear-bag policy will be enforced during the New Orleans Super Bowl.

• Bags must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches. This includes clear fanny packs, backpacks, diaper bags, and cinch bags.

• Clear, one-gallon plastic bags are permitted.

• Medically necessary items are allowed, pending inspection and clearance.

How to get to Caesars Superdome

You have several options to get around New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend — Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

If you aren’t staying within walking distance, you have a few options to get to Caesars Superdome.

Streetcar

The Poydras Street Station is the nearest streetcar station to Caesars Superdome. It’s normally a nine-minute walk between station and superdome, but build in extra time because the streets and streetcars will be bustling.

Ride-sharing services

Ride-sharing services, like Uber, Lyft, and locally owned KreweCar, are widely available in New Orleans. Be aware, however, that prices typically increase during peak hours and big events. Expect longer wait times as well.

Private chauffeur

Private chauffeur services, like Blacklane, allow passengers to book rides in advance for a flat fee. Consider booking a ride by the hour to cover the entire game. This will give the driver access to a nearby waiting lot, so you don’t have to call and wait for a new driver when the game is over.

Personal vehicle

There are seven public parking garages and two surface lots at Caesars Superdome. Count on heavy traffic coming in and out of the event, so leave plenty early for the game and plan to stay late after. Remember: Cash isn’t accepted, so bring a credit or debit card.