Discover New Orleans: Must-See Sights During the Sigma Tau Delta Convention

Welcome to New Orleans, the site of the 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Convention. You’ve chosen a fascinating city with plenty to explore beyond the convention halls.

The French Quarter is an obvious starting point, and for good reason. Beyond the tourist crowds on Bourbon Street, you’ll find quieter streets like Royal and Chartres lined with art galleries (take a look at George Rodrigue), antique shops (check out M.S. Rau), and historic buildings (think about visiting St. Louis Cathedral). The architecture of the famous wrought-iron balconies and Creole cottages tells the story of the city’s layered past. Café du Monde‘s beignets and coffee are worth the long line, but you can find equally good coffee at smaller spots throughout the Quarter.

For a truly New Orleanian musical experience, try Frenchmen Street in the evening. The music venues here offer everything from traditional jazz to contemporary funk, and the atmosphere feels more authentic than the party scene a few blocks away on Bourbon Street. The food is excellent too—whether you’re trying your first po’boy (Napoleon House on Chartres is excellent) or sampling different versions of gumbo (The Gumbo Shop on St. Peter is worth a visit).

The Garden District offers a completely different perspective on the city. Take the St. Charles streetcar past the grand 19th-century mansions and oak-lined streets. The contrast between this uptown and the Quarter shows how diverse New Orleans architecture can be. The above-ground cemeteries (Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 is a good option) are genuinely unique: the shallow water table in the city used to make traditional burial impossible, creating small cities of ornate tombs.

If you’re here for the weekend before the convention, you might encounter a second line parade. These brass band processions are deeply rooted in New Orleans culture, and visitors are welcome to follow along. The energy is infectious, and you’ll get a sense of how music and community intersect in this city.

The city has a way of surprising visitors, so make sure to leave some time to wander without a specific agenda. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not actively looking for them. Welcome to the Crescent City and Laissez les Bontemps Rouler!