Curator’s statement
NOLA is in my top five favorite cities in the world. I love the people and their genuine and kind nature. Let’s not forget their southern dialect that makes you feel right at home when they call you “babe”. From the Uber drivers, servers and people walking the historic streets in the French Quarter, they consistently smile and welcome you to their city. The only other place that I’ve experienced this type of heartfelt welcome was during our trip to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. New Orleans is a city that is full of life, music and history. The biggest tourist draw is the French Quarter, a district rich in character and culture.
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Things to do in New Orleans
Festivals and events:
Mardi Gras
When: February or March (varies yearly)
Highlights: Parades, elaborate floats, costumes, beads and masquerade balls. The celebrations last for weeks, culminating on Fat Tuesday.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
When: Late April to early May
Highlights: Live performances by renowned jazz, blues, R&B, rock and gospel artists. The festival also features local food, crafts, and cultural exhibits.
Essence Festival
When: July
Highlights: A celebration of African-American culture and music, with performances by top artists, empowerment seminars and cultural events.
Local attractions:
Shopping for souvenirs: The French Quarter is filled with unique shops where you can find everything from voodoo dolls to pralines to take a piece of New Orleans home with you.
Bourbon Street: Take a stroll down Bourbon Street. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this iconic street offers a mix of bars, clubs and live music venues. Pop into Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in America, for a unique experience.
Royal Street: Spend your morning exploring Royal Street, renowned for its antique shops, art galleries and street performers. The architecture alone is worth the stroll, with stunning examples of French and Spanish colonial buildings.
Historic walking tour: Join a guided walking tour to dive deeper into the history of the French Quarter. Learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage, historic buildings and infamous residents. Many tours also cover the spooky side of New Orleans with tales of ghosts and voodoo.
Preservation Hall: Catch an afternoon jazz performance at Preservation Hall. This historic venue is dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz and features some of the best musicians in the city.
Steamboat Natchez: For a unique perspective of the city, take a sunset cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. Enjoy live jazz music and scenic views of the Mississippi River.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Breakfast or brunch:
Café Fleur De Lis: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Café Fleur De Lis. Located in the heart of the Historical French Quarter, this charming café offers a taste of Southern cooking to start your day right.
Café du Monde: Kick off your visit with a stop at Café du Monde. Enjoy a plate of their iconic beignets and a café au lait. The open-air coffee shop, established in 1862, is an institution in New Orleans.
Brennan’s: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Brennan’s. Famous for their Bananas Foster, the restaurant offers a delightful menu of New Orleans classics.
Café Beignet: Before you leave, grab breakfast at Café Beignet. Enjoy one last taste of those delicious beignets and a strong cup of coffee.
Lunch and dinner:
My personal favorite restaurant is Copper Vine, a gastropub in the bustling downtown business district. Their Southern-inspired menu is simply delightful, their beignets are delicious and are always served hot and their wine is delectable. The 3 D’s were not intentional but sound good now that I am reading this again. The ambiance is classy and has a relaxed feel. The saffron and wild shrimp risotto is a must-have meal; sherry sabayon, creamed arborio rice, umami broth, parmesan, pine nuts and bottarga. The best part for me is the dish is gluten-free!
Central Grocery: No visit to the French Quarter is complete without trying a muffuletta from Central Grocery. This Italian sandwich, filled with cold cuts, cheese and olive salad, is perfect for a quick, delicious lunch.
Galatoire’s: Head to Galatoire’s for a quintessential New Orleans dining experience. This historic restaurant has been serving traditional Creole cuisine since 1905. Try the Shrimp Remoulade or the classic Gumbo.
Antoine’s: End your evening with dinner at Antoine’s, one of New Orleans’ oldest and most renowned restaurants. With a menu full of classic Creole dishes, this is a perfect spot to savor the flavors of the city.
Carousel Bar & Lounge: A spontaneous drop-in at the Carousel Bar & Lounge adds a touch of whimsy to your day. The rotating bar, located in the Hotel Monteleone, is a must-visit spot with its fun atmosphere and great drinks.
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Travel Advisor
Natina Hill
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jenna Evans’s guide, 3 Days in New Orleans, A First-Timer's Guide.