Whether you’re a student who’s new to Baton Rouge or have been a Baton Rougean for all or most of your life, there’s a plethora of to-dos for everyone that’ll make the Capital City feel more like home.
With so many neighborhoods to explore, each filled with unique experiences, we’re here to show you the ins and outs of the city and unveil all the hot spots that make Baton Rouge one of a kind. From delectable desserts to activities that test your strength to a spectrum of entertainment shows and concerts, the Red Stick has it all, and you too can live like a local.
Welcome to Baton Rouge, y’all!
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DOWNTOWN
Downtown Baton Rouge is your hub for all things art, culture, history and more! Even locals need to live like a tourist sometimes and pay a visit to this area to get the classic Capital City experience. On top of great Mississippi River views and a wide collection of attractions within walking distance, downtown is your spot to get the ultimate museum experience.
THINGS TO DO:
The 13th Gate
The 13th Gate Escape
Baton Rouge African American Musem
Capitol Park Museum
Geaux Ride
Hartley Vey Studio Theatre
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Louisiana State Capitol
LSU Museum of Art
Old Governor’s Mansion
River Center Performing Arts Theatre
USS KIDD Veterans Museum
DOWNTOWN DINING
Of course, a trip to any neighborhood in Baton Rouge is not complete without a meal, and downtown is no exception. For authentic Italian cuisine, grab a seat at The Little Village—you’ll be calling the waiter over for more of their signature bread! Sushi lovers will be delighted by Tsunami Sushi, where you can wine and dine while taking in sweeping views of the Mississippi River on their rooftop terrace. For oyster enthusiasts or those looking to test the waters with new flavors, visit Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar for raw, baked, seasoned and grilled oysters from the West, Gulf and East coasts! Located a few blocks away, check out Cecelia's Creole Bistro for more authentic Louisiana food with a twist like sweet and spicy alligator! Night owls will savor the taste of Pastime Restaurant for pizzas, po’boys and platters served until 10 p.m.
BEST STUDY SPOTS:
Belli Café & Grocery
Social Coffee
The Vintage
MID CITY
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Mid City, and its surrounding areas like Goodwood, has flourished into an eclectic community full of shops and good eats, luring people of all ages.
THINGS TO DO:
Baton Rouge Gallery
Boomerang Comedy Theatre
Civil Axe Throwing
Electric Depot
The Exchange
Mid-City Artisans
Painting with a Twist
Pedego
Pop Shop Records
Red Stick Social
Time Warp Boutique
Vintage Violet Boutique
MID CITY DINING
If you’re a foodie, you’ve picked the right part of town to visit. Your first stop to this neighborhood should include a trip to Elsie’s Plate and Pie for delicious Southern-style cuisine and a slice of award-winning pie. If you’re looking to host a girls’ night out or a modern date night spot, just down the street is Soji Modern Asian, where the blend of Asian flavors on your plate is just as Instagrammable as the restaurant’s chic atmosphere. And no Mid City food tour is complete until you’ve “unionized” your flavorful contemporary-style tacos at Gov’t Taco.
BEST STUDY SPOTS:
Brew Ha-Ha!
City Roots Coffee Bar
French Truck Coffee
The Garden Café at Independence Community Park
Garden District Coffee
La Divina Italian Café
Magpie Café
NEAR LSU
The area near LSU encompasses the outlying area of campus, including the walkable Perkins Overpass area. Here, you’ll find restaurants offering a selection of different types of cuisines and some of the city’s trendiest boutiques. Walk or bike the LSU Lakes or opt for a picnic at Milford Wampold Park.
THINGS TO DO:
The Backyard Volleyball
Bellyfire Studios
Chelsea’s Live
City-Brooks Community Park
Louisiana State University
Magnolia Mound
Milford Wampold Memorial Park
The Purple Cow – Perkins
NEAR LSU DINING
Located just off LSU’s campus, you’ll find local classics like The Chimes and Louie’s Café. Just down the street lies the Overpass District—a foodie’s paradise filled with local flavors, each one worth a taste. But for a fine dining experience like no other complete with live music nights, try BLDG 5 for your next date night or celebration! And when the season’s just right, head just down the street to the Acadian Perkins Place for steaming crawfish from the beloved Crawfish On The Geaux truck. For something closer to home and pho worth raving about, treat yourself to Drunken Fish’s Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine that’s sure to satisfy your tummy and budget.
BEST STUDY SPOTS:
Coffee Call
Highland Coffees
Light House Coffee
Magpie Café
Coffee Joy
NORTH BATON ROUGE
Home to the Southern University Jaguars, North Baton Rouge and Scotlandville are best known for their friendly community, a local art scene and great food that can’t be beat.
THINGS TO DO:
Baton Rouge Zoo
Cohn Nature Preserve
Greenwood Community Park
The Red Stick Sculpture
Scotland Saturdays
Southern University
Southern University Museum of Art
UpStage Theatre Company
NORTH BATON ROUGE DINING
For some of the best fried chicken in Baton Rouge, go straight to Chicken Shack or Triplet’s Blue Store. Breakfast lovers must dine at Southern Cofé, but honestly, coffee is good any time of day. For the pizza lovers, Light House Bar & Pizzeria has some of the best you’ll find.
BEST STUDY SPOTS:
Scotlandville Branch Library
Southern Cofé – Scotlandville
SOUTH BATON ROUGE
The South Baton Rouge area, including Bluebonnet, Essen, and Siegen, is filled with activities, always has something new to do around every corner, and is a shopper’s delight! Spend a few hours strolling through the Mall of Louisiana, which happens to be the biggest mall in the state with two levels of stores to shop from, a massive food court and a carousel! And just down the road you can shop ‘til you drop at Perkins Rowe, a multi-entertainment venue complete with shopping, restaurants and a movie theater.
THINGS TO DO:
AMC Mall of Louisiana
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Burden Museum & Gardens
Cinemark Perkins Rowe
DEFY Baton Rouge
Highland Road Park Observatory
Kendalwood Conservation Area
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
LSU Hilltop Arboretum
LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens
Marucci Clubhouse
Perkins Rowe
Main Event
Topgolf Baton Rouge
SOUTH BATON ROUGE
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, immerse yourself in the flavorful food culture that makes Louisiana so unique. For a colorful atmosphere full of blue hues and good vibes, head over to SoLou, and discover experimental Southern flavors like crawfish beignets and alligator hot dogs. Other restaurant staples in the area include Rouj Creole for worldly fare with a Baton Rouge twist and Louisiana Lagniappe for timeless classics like the Louisianne, a sautéed filet of fresh fish topped with jumbo lump crabmeat sautéed in lemon butter—mouthwatering! Just nearby, you can find a Parisian atmosphere with a Southern spin at Bistro Byronz. For more casual dining, try the Bistro’s sister pizzeria, Pizza Byronz with delectable lunch specials and classic Louisiana dishes turned pizzas.
BEST STUDY SPOTS:
EAST SIDE
Baton Rouge’s East Side is large region, encompassing many residential areas, as well as many favorite restaurants among locals. Due to its highly residential area, you’ll find entertainment ranging from skating rinks, parks and locally owned coffee shops, as well as a number of medical facilities.
THINGS TO DO:
Airline Highway Park/Fairgrounds
Celebration Station
Celebrity Theatres
Chortazo Fine Art & Graphic Design Gallery
Forest Community Park
Mango’s Beach Volleyball
Pinspiration Baton Rouge
Sequestered Escape Room Adventures
The Silly Rabbit Comedy Club
Skate Galaxy
Uptown Climbing
EAST SIDE DINING
After working up an appetite be sure to stop by one of the delicious eateries in the Shenandoah area. Head to Hunan Chinese Food for their all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, or stop by George’s Bar & Grill for the juiciest homestyle burgers. Brunch fanatics can’t skip the opportunity to dine at Mason’s Grill, renowned for its hearty breakfast burger.
