New Orleans In A Day

Brunch at Ruby Slipper

You will begin your New Orleans adventure with a trip to an exciting brunch spot - the Ruby Slipper Cafe!

The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a popular restaurant that serves delicious dishes with a New Orleans twist. It was founded in 2008 by a couple who returned to the city after Hurricane Katrina and wanted to contribute to its recovery. The name Ruby Slipper was inspired by the phrase “There’s no place like home” from The Wizard of Oz as displaced New Orleans locals began to find their way back home again following the disaster of the hurricane. The restaurant has several locations in New Orleans and other states, but the original one is on Magazine Street in the Central Business District.

One of the signature dishes is the Chicken St. Charles, which consists of a fried chicken breast served over a buttermilk biscuit, topped with poached eggs and tasso cream sauce. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy your appetite and your taste buds. It's highly recommended to pair this savory dish with a glass of the signature Ruby Slipper Mimosa.

[Tip:] Because the Ruby Slipper is so popular, the lines can be hours long at their busiest. Instead, it's recommended going directly to their website and clicking “Join The Waitlist.” From there, you’ll be able to virtually “stand in line” and have notifications sent to your phone of when your table will be available. So snuggle back into bed and pat yourself on the back that you’re not standing in a line of hungry tourists under the New Orleans sun.

Wander Through Jackson Square

Jackson Square is more than just a historic park in the heart of the French Quarter. It is also a vibrant cultural hub, where musicians, artists, tarot readers and street performers showcase their talents and entertain the crowds. So take a stroll through the area, enjoy the culture, people watch and be sure to tip the musicians!

And if you're looking to learn more about New Orleans, you're in the right place! Head to the Presbytere (the building to the right of the cathedral) where you will find a Hurricane Katrina museum on the lower level - and a Mardi Gras museum on the top level. It's an incredibly important look into two events that vitally shape this city.

Jackson Square is named after Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans and the seventh U.S. president, whose bronze statue stands in the center of the square. The square is surrounded by some of the most iconic buildings and landmarks in the city, such as the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba Apartments.

[Tip:] While you’re in the Square, be sure you take a moment to stop by the very heart of New Orleans - St. Louis Cathedral. Most days the doors are open to the public, and the church welcomes visitors to step inside and marvel at the beautiful architecture of the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.

Beignets At Cafe Du Monde

After a leisurely stroll through the Square to walk off some of those brunch calories, it’s time to visit one of the most iconic locations in New Orleans - Cafe du Monde!

Cafe du Monde is a famous open-air coffee shop located in the center of the French Quarter. It has been serving delicious cafe au lait and beignets since 1862, making it a part of the city’s history and culture. Cafe au lait is a strong coffee with chicory, mixed with hot milk, while beignets are square-shaped doughnuts covered with powdered sugar. They are the perfect combination for a sweet and satisfying treat.

[Tip:] Heads up, Cafe du Monde is a cash-only establishment - so be sure to bring some with you. Also, as a popular tourist destination, the lines to sit down on their open-air patio are usually quite long. Instead, go to the back of the Cafe and join the pick-up line. Grab your beignets and cafe au lait to go and take them down to the Riverfront. Spend time watching the various ships moving up and down the Mississippi River and listen to the sounds of music drifting through the New Orleans air.

Shopping In The French Market

The French Market is a historic and vibrant open-air market that offers a unique taste of New Orleans culture, cuisine and crafts. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The French Market spans five blocks along the Mississippi River, from Jackson Square to Esplanade Avenue. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, local art, handmade souvenirs or delicious food, you will find it all at The French Market.

[Tip:] It can be hard to find a restroom when you’re wandering through the French Quarter. One of the only available public restrooms can be found in The French Market about halfway through!

All That Jazz @ Verti Marte

After doing some souvenir shopping in the French Market, it’s time to do what New Orleanians do best - eat!

For lunch, enjoy one of the best poboys the city has to offer at a location called Verti Marte.

Verti Marte is a long-time market and deli that offers a wide range of delicious and affordable food options for customers in the French Quarter and beyond. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a late-night treat, you will find something to satisfy your cravings at Verti Marte.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the All That Jazz sub, a mouth-watering sandwich that features ham, turkey, shrimp, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes and a secret sauce on grilled French bread. The All That Jazz sub is named after the 1979 musical film directed by Bob Fosse, which was partly filmed in New Orleans. The sandwich is so good that it has been featured on several TV shows and websites.

Verti Marte is located at 1201 Royal Street. You can enjoy the charm and culture of the city while savoring the flavors of Verti Marte's food. Verti Marte is not only a place to eat, but also a place to experience the authentic spirit of New Orleans.

[Tip:] Verti Marte is cash only - however, there is an ATM available on site. Call ahead for your All That Jazz as they take about 30 minutes to make. As there is no formal seating here, take your poboy back to Jackson Square to listen to the music and people watch as you enjoy!

Take A Ghost Tour

A ghost tour in New Orleans is a great way to experience the city’s haunted history and learn about its legends, lore and mysteries. New Orleans is often called the most haunted city in America, and for good reason. The city has witnessed centuries of wars, epidemics, fires, floods and crimes, leaving behind a trail of restless spirits and eerie tales.

There are many ghost tours in New Orleans that cater to different interests and preferences. You can choose from walking tours, bus tours, pub crawls or even horse-drawn carriage tours.

A ghost tour in New Orleans is a fun and exciting way to discover the city’s culture and heritage. You will not only get to see some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions in New Orleans, but also hear some of the most fascinating and spooky stories that make this city unique. Whether you are a fan of horror, history or humor, you will find a ghost tour in New Orleans that suits your taste.

[Tip:] There’s so many different ghost tours to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to go on. Try the New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire Experience to learn all about the supernatural and spooky side of New Orleans lore. And if you have the opportunity to take a ghost tour with Orion Couling - take it! He's one of the very best tour guides in the city. You can find him at @nawlins_crawlins on Instagram.

Check out Muriel's Haunted Seance Lounge

Muriel’s is a restaurant that offers contemporary Creole cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter. Located on Jackson Square, Muriel’s has a rich history and a unique atmosphere that reflects the spirit of New Orleans. The restaurant features elegant dining rooms, a cozy courtyard, a lively bar and a haunted séance room.

Yes, you read that right. Muriel’s is said to be haunted by the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who owned the building in the 18th century and lost it in a poker game. He was so distraught that he committed suicide on the second floor, where the séance room is now located. To appease his restless spirit, Muriel’s reserves a table for him every night, complete with an offering of wine and bread. If you are feeling adventurous, you can visit the ghost table and see if you can spot any paranormal activity. You might also encounter other spirits that roam the restaurant, such as a woman in a brown dress and a man in a plaid shirt.

Muriel’s is not only a place for ghost hunters, but also for food lovers. The restaurant specializes in dishes that showcase the local ingredients and flavors of Louisiana, such as gumbo, turtle soup, shrimp and grits, crawfish étouffée and pecan-crusted drum. You can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines and beers that complement your meal. Muriel’s offers dinner seven nights a week, as well as Saturday brunch and Sunday jazz brunch.

[Tip:] Want to see the séance room for yourself? All you have to do is ask! Ask the host or the waiter if the séance lounge is open that evening (sometimes it is rented out for private events). If they say that it is, ask them if they could point you towards the stairs to see it. Once you reach the stairs, you’ll see the ghost table set for Monseir Jourdan. Up the stairs and to the right, you will see a mysterious, red-drenched séance lounge that is still active to this day!

[Bonus Tip:] Go back to the stairs and take a left instead. Go down the gold-leaf hallway (do you see any children’s handprints at the top? They may have been left behind by one of the other restaurant specters) and out the doorway to the balcony. Here you can sit and sip on a cocktail while looking out over the beautiful square.

Enjoy Music On Frenchmen Street

To round off our day in New Orleans, head to Frenchmen Street!

Frenchmen Street is a lively and colorful destination for anyone who loves music, art and culture. Located just downriver from the historic French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is home to some of the best live music venues in New Orleans, where you can hear jazz, blues, reggae and more. Whether you want to dance, drink or dine, you will find something to suit your mood on Frenchmen Street. You can also explore the Frenchmen Art Bazaar, a nighttime showcase of local artists, or browse the records, books and costumes at the nearby shops. Frenchmen Street is a place where you can experience the authentic spirit of New Orleans and have a memorable time.

[Tip:] Anywhere you go on Frenchmen, you’re going to hear world-class music - but if you want some specific recommendations, go to the Blue Nile (look for Kermit Ruffins to be playing!), the Spotted Cat and Bamboulas.