New Orleans is heading into 2027 with more momentum than ever — and its official tourism office, New Orleans & Company, has just published its list of the top 10 reasons to make it your year to visit.
The Crescent City enters 2027 with extraordinary international recognition: it is a UNESCO Creative City of Music, home of the new MICHELIN Guide to the American South, and counted nine hotels awarded the prestigious Michelin Key distinction in 2026. In 2026 it was named the No. 1 food destination in the United States (Yelp & Lyft), the No. 4 U.S. city (Travel + Leisure) and a top-five U.S. destination in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Food lovers have new pilgrimages to make. In May 2026, New Orleans hosted the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, with Dakar NOLA, Emeril’s and Acamaya all placing on the list — and Dakar NOLA also named Best Restaurant in the South USA. The city shone again at the James Beard Awards, and in the first MICHELIN Guide to the American South, Emeril’s earned two stars, with Saint Germain and Zasu each earning one.
2027 is a year of milestones: Mardi Gras arrives early, with Fat Tuesday on February 9, and the Rex Organization celebrates 155 years since its first parade in 1872. The Saenger Theatre turns 100, and world-renowned Tipitina’s marks 50 years as one of the city’s most storied music venues. Tales of the Cocktail returns July 25–30, and the Allstate Sugar Bowl becomes a College Football Playoff semifinal on January 15 in the Caesars Superdome.
Photo: New Orleans & Company
