Overview
Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, USA. Located on the east bank of the mighty Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is Louisiana's second largest city, home of Louisiana State University, major port facilities, and a variety of attractions.
11 sights · 10 things to do · 16 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Baton Rouge
Louisiana State Capitol
Louisiana's new state capitol building dominates the city's skyline. It's an impressive Art Deco style skyscraper, built as part of the grand vision of Louisiana's colorful political boss of the 1920s and 1930s, Huey P. …
Old State Capitol
This 19th-century castle serving as the State Capitol before Gov. Huey P. Long built the new skyscraper. It is now a museum.
Louisiana Art and Science Museum
LSU Rural Life Museum
Admission includes access to an indoor museum, an outdoor collection of historical structures and some reconstructions of historical structures, and a botanical garden. Historical structures include slave quarters previo…
Pentagon Barracks Museum
These barracks have been used by used by the Republic of West Florida, Spanish, French, British, Confederate States Army, and United States Army over the years.
Louisiana State University
LSU is a Tier 1 ranked university, and the flagship university for Louisiana. Aside from its academic excellence, the LSU campus in Baton Rouge is over a century old, and a historic delight for visitors. The campus is lu…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Jan.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Baton Rouge — 6 mi away. Directions
- LFT Lafayette Regional Airport, Lafayette — 53 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
While there is no Amtrak train service to Baton Rouge, connecting bus service can be booked with the Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Los Angeles as well as with City of New Orleans, which runs to and from Chicago.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $104–$104 a night (typical $116), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $9 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$220.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Louisiana State Capitol, Pentagon Barracks Museum, Capitol Park Museum
- Lunch Tsunami
- Afternoon Red Stick Farmers Market, Veteran's Memorial Park
- Dinner Pastime
- Evening O'Hara's Irish Pub
Day 2
- Morning LSU Rural Life Museum, Independence Park
- Lunch Bystro Byronz Willow Grove
- Afternoon Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, Blue Bayou Water Park / Dixie Landin'
- Dinner India's Restaurant
- Evening The Chimes East
Day 3
- Morning Baton Rouge Zoo
- Lunch Brasserie Byronz
- Afternoon LSU Lakes
- Dinner Anthony's Italian Deli
- Evening Churchill's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The name of Baton Rouge was given on 17 March 1699, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, led an expedition along the Mississippi River. The early French explorers found a pole stained with blood of fish and animals that served as the dividing line between the Bayougoula and Houmas Indians. It is from this "red stick" that Iberville called the city le Baton Rouge, French for "red stick". The city was founded in 1721.
The small town here was selected as the new capital of state of Louisiana in 1817, and it's been growing since. The capital was returned to New Orleans for a while during and after the troubles of the American Civil War, but it's been back here since 1882.
Climate
Baton Rouge has a semi-tropical climate, perfect for outdoor activities.
The weather is consistently warm from May to September. Be warned that, like the rest of the Southern United States during the summer, it can become down-right miserable, with sustained temperatures in the 90s (°F) with 100% humidity. Proper medical precautions should be taken if you plan on partaking in outdoor activities, such as ample amounts of sunscreen and hydration. Also, there are many days throughout July that are classified as "ozone days" due to severe ground-level ozone, which can damage the health of sensitive individuals.
Winter is usually mild and short-lived. Spring is glorious with cool nights and warm, sunny days. A light jacket is all that is needed. Fall is mild and only a light sweater is needed in the evenings.
May is considered the best month to visit, good for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Precipitation is reasonably well-distributed and ample throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 55 in (140 cm)
- Average summer temperature: 81.3°F (27°C)
- Average winter temperature: 52.5°F (11°C)
- Average annual temperature: 67.5°F (20°C)
Baton Rouge, like many cities in the Gulf States, has what is known as 5 seasons. The 5th season is hurricane season, the time of year between June 1 and November 30 when hurricanes are most likely to form.
Tourist information
- Visit Baton Rouge website
Get in
By plane
Go Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
Has nonstop flights on American Eagle from Dallas/Fort Worth (Envoy & Skywest Airlines) and Charlotte (PSA Airlines); Delta Connection from Atlanta (Endeavour Air); and United Express from Houston (CommutAir).
Go Louisiana Regional Airport
A general aviation airport in the nearby suburb of Gonzales.
By train
While there is no Amtrak train service to Baton Rouge, connecting bus service can be booked with the Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Los Angeles as well as with City of New Orleans, which runs to and from Chicago.
By car
From New Orleans, Baton Rouge is an 80-mi (129-km) northwest drive on I-10, which drives into the heart of downtown. The distance between the two Louisiana cities is an easy 90-min drive if you avoid weekday rush hours; if you catch the traffic of commuter rush hours at either end it can take a lot longer.
If you're driving in from anywhere east of Louisiana, come into Baton Rouge via I-12, which will take you north of Lake Ponchartrain and bypasses New Orleans. From the west, I-10 connects Lafayette, Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix, and Los Angeles with Baton Rouge. From the east, I-10 connects Baton Rouge with New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, and Jacksonville. If you're coming from Chicago, St. Louis, or Memphis follow I-55 South and merge onto I-12 West and continue driving for roughly 45 mi (72 km).
By bus
In town the bus companies have their own separate stations & stops in downtown (Flixbus, Greyhound and Megabus) and in the east side of town (Turimex):
Go Greyhound Lines & Quicklink
Greyhound travels primarily on I-10 (Houston, Beaumont Vidor, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans); US 90 (Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Iberia, Morgan City, Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland and New Orleans). Some variations of the Houston to New Orleans route make additional stops in Port Arthur, Orange, Baytown and/or Lake Charles while other routes continue towards Montgomery via Mobile without stopping in New Orleans. Passengers transfer in Lafayette to reach Shreveport.
Go Turimex Internacional
Service to Baton Rouge from Houston, Raleigh NC and points in between. Buses continue south into Mexico from Houston and San Antonio. In Louisiana they only stop in Hammond & Lafayette. In town they have additional stops at W Spring Valley & S Colt Rd and at 17453 Old Hammond Hwy.
See
Government
See Louisiana State Capitol
Louisiana's new state capitol building dominates the city's skyline. It's an impressive Art Deco style skyscraper, built as part of the grand vision of Louisiana's colorful political boss of the 1920s and 1930s, Huey P. Long, who met his end by assassination in its halls.
Museums
See LSU Rural Life Museum
Admission includes access to an indoor museum, an outdoor collection of historical structures and some reconstructions of historical structures, and a botanical garden. Historical structures include slave quarters previously owned by one of the founders of the LSU. Those interested in the history of slavery and the period thereafter should be aware that they may find some of the interpretative signage whitewashes the treatment of African Americans.
Military and historical sites
See Pentagon Barracks Museum
These barracks have been used by used by the Republic of West Florida, Spanish, French, British, Confederate States Army, and United States Army over the years.
See Veteran's Memorial Park
Veterans memorial and old arsenal museum. Also note Capitol Lake is right behind.
Other
See Louisiana State University (LSU)
LSU is a Tier 1 ranked university, and the flagship university for Louisiana. Aside from its academic excellence, the LSU campus in Baton Rouge is over a century old, and a historic delight for visitors. The campus is lush and green, with oaks that are as old as the campus itself. Historical Highland Road runs down a section of LSU, making the campus an easy visit for any tourist. Must sees include Tiger Stadium, the Indian Mounds, the Quad, the outdoor Greek Amphitheater, and the acres of beautiful, pedestrian friendly grounds. Food is available on campus at the Student Union for visitors, or you can eat at The Chimes, which is on Chimes Street running parallel to the LSU campus.
Do
Parks and zoos
Do Independence Park
This park has Botanic Gardens, a tennis facility, the Independence Park Theater, and another water park (called Liberty Lagoon).
Do LSU Lakes
The LSU Lakes are an attraction for residents in Baton Rouge. Composed of several lakes near LSU, they are open to the public for fishing. In addition, there are extensive running tracks that run next to the lakes for miles for walking, jogging, and running. You can easily mix and mingle with LSU college students, all of whom consider the LSU Lakes part of their home campus.
Theaters
Do Shaw Center for the Arts
Onsite dining includes Tsunamis, Capitol City Grill, PJ's Coffee, and Stroubes. The center also features The LSU Museum of Art's rotating exhibitions, rotating events from the Manship Theatre, and the LSU School of Art Flassell Gallery. This is the city's newest major performing arts complex. It features the Manship Theatre and a rooftop sushi restaurant.
Do Swine Palace Productions
Originally a livestock-judging pavilion, Swine Palace are Baton Rouge's premier professional theater company.
Other
Do Red Stick Farmers Market
The Red Stick Farmers Market, operated by BREADA (Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance), is a producer only market with over 50 vendors that has been in operation for nearly ten years. Located on Downtown Baton Rouge, the market is open in conjunction with The Main Street Market. Going to the Market is a great way to experience culture and goods from local vendors and farmers.
Do Tour the USS Kidd
The USS Kidd, a WWII era US Navy destroyer, offers tours to locals and tourists alike. A real delight if you are a WWII or military enthusiast or if you have children.
Do Tailgate during an LSU home game
LSU has an incredible tailgating scene. It's not uncommon for 100,000+ people to be tailgating in and around LSU--Tiger Stadium has a seating capacity of over 102,000! You'll be amazed at the number and friendliness of the crowd. Plan on arriving hours before the game to be able to park within a reasonable distance (< 2 miles). And *always* feel free to ask for a burger or gumbo from fellow tail-gaters as it's tradition to be friendly and open with fellow fans.
Buy
Shop Perkins Rowe
A new mixed-use development at the corner of Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Blvd. Has many retail shops, restaurants, and Cinemark Movie Theater
Eat
Eat Anthony's Italian Deli
This is a great place to go for good deli food and classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meat balls and great muffuletta. Eat at the deli and enjoy the atmosphere and the personalities.
Eat The Chimes
An LSU staple for generations, at the North Gates of campus on Highland. Predominantly frequented by students and faculty, The Chimes serves a mix of standards with Louisiana Cajun/Creole fare, and has one of the best beer selections in town.
Eat Rock n Sake
Sushi restaurant and bar; fun hip place with an awesome bar and fantastic food.
Eat India's Restaurant
Southern part of the city, convenient just west of the Essen Ln. I-10 exit, +1 225 769-0600. Good, reasonably priced Indian food; buffet or menu.
Eat Louie's
A traditional diner right at LSU's North Gate.
Eat Parrain's
Parrain's has established itself as one of the best places to experience traditional Louisiana cuisine, most notably its fried seafood.
Eat Pastime
A half-century old pizza parlor and bar serving easily the best pizza in the city. Also the home of "Boudin Pizza", a unique South Louisiana concoction representing the collision of Acadian and Italian cultures.
Eat Piccadilly Restaurants
Headquartered in Baton Rouge, the Piccadilly chain has been serving traditional, home-style meals since 1944 at affordable prices. Southern favorites include: Fried Chicken, Crawfish Etouffee, Carrot Souffle and Pecan Pie. Meals include entree, two sides and bread. $5-10.
Eat Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Home-grown chain of fast-food restaurants that serve only chicken finger meals, and have proven so adept at doing it that they have successfully expanded to other markets in the South and increasingly beyond. Side items available include crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, cole slaw, and the mysterious-yet-addictive special dipping sauce.
Eat Sport Zone Pub & Grill
Sporting News Grill's casual upscale atmosphere encourages everyone to relax and have a great time while catching sports action on high definition flat screen TVs placed strategically throughout the restaurant.
Eat TJ Ribs
Famous for pork and beef ribs, but also accommodates diners with other eating habits. LSU legend Billy Cannon's Heisman Trophy is on display here, as he exchanged it for lifetime eating privileges.
Eat Tsunami
A sushi restaurant perched high above the city on the roof of the Shaw Center. The establishment has one of the best views in the entire city.
Eat Zeeland Street Market
It is one of the best places in town to get soul food. Locally famous for their delicious heaping plate lunches, Zeeland Street Market is a favorite for college students with a hankering for a home cooked meal. The plate lunch menu rotates daily and all of the ingredients are fresh from local markets. Take special note that Zeeland's is only open for breakfast and lunch.
Eat Bystro Byronz
A neighborhood restaurant known for burgers and other bistro-inspired dishes.
Drink
The Baton Rouge Metro Council has outlawed many drink specials in establishments classified as bars, so if you're looking to save a buck, you should stick with drinking in restaurants. However, if you're looking for that bar atmosphere, there are several places to choose from. Baton Rouge's blue laws were repealed in 2007, but restrictions on drink specials are still in effect.
Drink Chimes Restaurant and Oyster Bar (The OC)
The largest selection of beer, both bottled and on tap, in the Capitol City area and maybe the entire state. They serve practically anything you can think of. Be sure to ask about "Drinking around the world". There are several reports of bottled beer being served past its prime, but anything on draft seems fine.
Drink The Chimes East
A newer sister store of the Chimes Restaurant.
Drink Churchill's
"Premium Cigars & Elixirs", also frequently has live music and tastings.
Drink O'Hara's Irish Pub
A low-key downtown bar with an eclectic mix of college kids, professionals and everyone in between.
Drink Tigerland
A group of bars just south of LSU for those really into the college bar scene; with student favorites such as Freds, The House, JL's Place, etc. This is also a place fraught with druken bar fights.
Drink Bulldog
Great place to socialize with friends and drink a lot of different beers. They have passable food and cocktails as well. Make sure to have valid ID as they will card.
Sleep
Stay Royal Inn & Suites
Go next
- Covington to the east
- New Orleans
- Plantation houses along River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans
- River Parishes in Acadiana, on the other side of the Mississippi River
- St. Francisville to the north
Nearby
Port Allen
City / town · 6 listings · 4 mi away
Plaquemine
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
New Roads
City / town · 5 listings · 24 mi away
Donaldsonville
City / town · 3 listings · 26 mi away
St. Francisville
City / town · 3 listings · 27 mi away
Atchafalaya Basin
Park · 5 listings · 30 mi away
Krotz Springs
City / town · 7 listings · 36 mi away
Henderson
City / town · 5 listings · 39 mi away
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