Curator’s statement
New Orleans is a multifaceted and culturally rich city. It is full of life and entertainment. It is the perfect 2-3 night trip to indulge yourself in all things food at drink as well as art and history. Just be sure to bring some good (and maybe not so nice) walking shoes!
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Things to do in New Orleans
The National WWII Museum - One of the best in the country, you will not be bored in this museum.
Walk around Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral - If you have seen a picture of New Orleans, you have seen a picture of St. Louis Cathedral. Walk around it and learn some history after grabbing a beignet and coffee from nearby famous, Cafe du Monde.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 - Because the mausoleums are a little spooky yet fascinating and beautiful.
Peruse some of the country's finest galleries on Magazine Street.
Walk up and down Bourbon Street for people watching and cocktailing.
Geaux to a Saints game at the Superdome.
Enjoy luxury shopping at Canal Place.
Day trips
Drive out to the Whitney Planation for a lesson in US History.
And if you really want to experience the low country, you can book an airboat ride and go look for gators.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Breakfast
La Boulangerie- Walk in to find an assortment of beautiful, fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The cinnamon rolls are perfection!
Jamboree Jams- Enjoy this little gem where items are made with local fruit and oozing with goodness.
Mollys Rise and Shine- If you happen to drink too much the night before, this is the place to go the morning after and it is soooo good!
Lunch
La Petit Grocery- A Magazine street staple. Reservations not needed, but a good idea. Get ready for a killer short rib and a glass of prosecco.
Commander's Palace- Iconic New Orleans Brunch spot. It can be a little touristy- but hey, so can a lot of things in New Orleans, it's still excellent!
Cochon Butcher- House made, Local, top chef. For someone that doesn't often eat meat, this is where I like to break my rules!
Dinner
Clancy's - Don't overlook this one. Rustic on the outside. Fancy and fine on the inside.
Herbsaint- Another Chef Donald Link success. A French/eclectic menu on St. Charles Street.
Galatoire's- If you do go to a restaurant in the French Quarter, then go here! Men are encouraged to wear a sport coat. And make sure to get the soufflé potatoes.
Bar Marilou- Love this funky and hip speakeasy in the bottom of Maison de la Luz.
The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone- It literally revolves like a carousel. And if you don't get a seat at the actual revolving bar, then grab a table nearby that is next to giant windows and enjoy some good people watching as others go by in the Quarter.
The Sazerac Bar- Elegant hotel bar at the Roosevelt Hotel. Must try the original Sazerac cocktail.
Pat O'Brians- Fountains, Pianos and home of the Hurricane cocktail. If you find yourself on Bourbon Street, you cannot skip Pat O's!
Need to know
New Orleans is Fun and Vibrant. It is full of creatives and artists. It's old, it's new. It's really unlike anywhere else in the US. It doesn't have to be bachelor parties and Bourbon street, although if that's what you are going for then you can't go wrong. But you can also try the Garden District and enjoy beautiful museums and galleries. And that is why I love it, because it can be whatever you want it to be.
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Travel Advisor
Jill Hirsberg
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Ultimate Winter Getaway to Park City & Deer Valley.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans.