Timeline
16:35
Leave Audubon Zoo. The walk to Samuel Square takes about 48 minutes, giving you time to breathe and transition from the zoo’s energy to the neighborhood’s calm.
17:11
Stop at The Rook for a coffee or a light bite. It is open until 23:00 and sits just six minutes from the square. This is a good spot to grab a final drink before heading to the viewing spot, or to linger if you prefer a café atmosphere over a bar.
17:23
Find your spot at Samuel Square. The sun sets toward the WSW, aligning perfectly with the square’s orientation. You will see the sky shift from gold to blue as the day ends.
17:53
Head to Cure for an upscale cocktail and gourmet small plates. It is nine minutes away and opens at 17:00, so it is ready for you after sunset. The quality is obsessive, making it a perfect post-sunset reward.
18:53
Finish the night at The Columns. This classy spot has a nice patio overlooking St. Charles Avenue. If you are there on a Friday, free food is served from 5 PM to 7 PM, but even on other nights, the live music and atmosphere are strong. It is a short walk from the previous spot.
Local tip
Samuel Square is a residential park. Keep your voice down and respect the neighbors. The walk from Audubon Zoo is long, so start early if you want to avoid the heat before sunset.
Check before you go
- Cure is open Mo-Th and Su 17:00-24:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-02:00.
- The Rook is open Mo-Fr 07:00-23:00 and Sa-Su 09:00-23:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to New Orleans (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).