Curator’s statement
Every time I visit New Orleans, I feel like i have been transported to another country. The sights, sounds, culture and food are unique. New Orleans is a place everyone should experience, just be prepared to eat, drink and enjoy the music and the constant party.
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Where to stay in New Orleans
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Things to do in New Orleans
Cocktails and Music
Start off with with the city's signature cocktail at the Sazerc Bar. This landmark, located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, transports you back in time. Elegant bar stools, plush banquets and historic murals embrace you as you sip on your cocktail. Order the Sazerac or a Ramos gin fizz.
Next Stop is the Carousel Bar. Located in the French Quarter, this unique bar with carousel-style seating. Belly up to the bar as it slowly rotates to give you all the views while you sip your craft cocktail. This spot has some great live music, from live bands to piano bar vibe.
21st Amendment bar - This bar has some great live music in a charming New Orleans style home in the French Quarter. The bar extends the length of the of the room, and there is not a bad seat in the house.
Frenchmen Street - Head to Frenchmen Street, less tourists but just as much fun!
Top recommendations:
Royal Frenchman Hotel and Bar - The Royal Frenchman is a hidden gem ! Great music in the lobby, the adjacent bar is true craft cocktail experience. Fresh pressed juices and an eclectic selection cocktails. Not sure what to try? Select the bartenders choice options and get out of your comfort zone and find delicious.
Don't miss the open-air evening art market on Frenchman street. Local talented artists from paintings to clothing, wood carvings and beyond.
Day Trips
Check out the festival schedule. There are so many musical events around the city and many of them are free. Spend a few hours at the WW2 museum. An incredible walk through history that is both inspiring and tragic. Take an airboat swamp tour and see the unique Louisiana bayou. Ghost and cemetery tours will tingle your spine, while offering an Insite into the famous residents of the past.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Lets Eat!
New Orleans Classics
Beignets - Cafe Du Monde OR I recommend Cafe Beignet that has a wider selection of food options and a full bar just in case you want to add a little something to your morning coffee.
Lunch
Mulate's - try the New Orleans sampler gumbo, red beans and etoufee
Drago's - The best place for charbroiled oysters 's
Dinner
The Palace Cafe - you have to try the crabmeat cheesecake
Mr B's Bistro go for the BBQ shrimp and the crab cake
Jazz Bruch
If you are lucky and plan way in advance go to Commanders Palace, but my favorite is Muriel's Jackson Square. This place is amazing. So much history, a beautiful dining room, a charming breezeway, and then the upstairs. After you finish the delicious brunch of shrimp and grits, turtle soup or eggs veney, head upstairs and relax and in the seance room and visit with the resident ghost. Or spend the afternoon on the upstairs wrap around porch that overlooks all the music and street performers in Jackson square. I could stay here all day.
Travel Advisor
Christina Olivetti
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, An Active Getaway in Sedona.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans.