Le Bon Temps Rouler! The Complete Guide to New Orleans

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Advisor - Rhonda Amerson
Curated By

Rhonda Amerson

  • New Orleans

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Black Travel

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • History

  • Local Culture

  • Foodie

  • Entertainment

Advisor - Le Bon Temps Rouler! The Complete Guide to New Orleans
Curator’s statement

New Orleans is a city like no other, blending rich history, vibrant culture and unmatched hospitality. Known for its jazz music, Creole cuisine and spirited celebrations like Mardi Gras, it pulses with energy and creativity. The city’s French Quarter, Garden District and lively streets offer a glimpse into its storied past and eclectic present. Whether savoring beignets at Café du Monde or catching live music on Frenchmen Street, New Orleans invites you to embrace its soulful charm.

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Where to stay in New Orleans

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Things to do in New Orleans

Mardi Gras Time
  • Stroll through the French Quarter: Explore the historic heart of the city with its vibrant architecture, bustling Bourbon Street, and charming cafes life Café du Monde.

  • Visit Jackson Square: Admire the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and enjoy street performances, art vendors, and a lively atmosphere in this historic plaza.

  • Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River: Step back into time abroad a classic paddlewheel steamboat for scenic views, live jazz, and a taste of the river’s history.

  • Tour the Garden District: Walk through this picturesque neighborhood filled with stunning mansions, oak-lined streets, and unique boutiques.

  • Experience live jazz on Frenchmen Street: Catch authentic live music at iconic venues like The Spotted Cat or Blue Nile, away from the hustle of Bourbon Street.

  • Explore the National WWII Museum: Dive into engaging exhibits and interactive displays at one of the nation’s top-rated museums, perfect for history enthusiasts.

  • Indulge in cajun and creole cuisine: Savor classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys at renowned spots like Commander’s Palace or Willie Mae’s Scotch House.

Day trips:

  • Louisiana Bayous: Explore the stunning swamps and wetlands of the Cajun Country. Visit the Bayou Swamp Tours for a boat tour through the bayous, where you can spot alligators, snakes and other wildlife.

  • Mississippi Gulf Coast: Head to Gulfport, Mississippi for a day at the beach. Relax on the Sandy shores, enjoy beachfront entertainment and indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants.

  • Ghost tours: New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours offers historically accurate, spine-chilling excursions through the city's most haunted locations, led by knowledgeable historians and ghost hunters. Participants explore real haunted sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and hear true stories of New Orleans' eerie past. The tours emphasize authenticity over theatrics, providing a unique and educational experience for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

Places to eat & drink in New Orleans

Jackson Square
  • Commander’s Palace: Commander’s Palace is an iconic Garden District restaurant in New Orleans. Celebrated for its innovative Creole cuisine, elegant atmosphere and award-winning hospitality.

  • Café du Monde: Café du Monde is a historic New Orleans café, famed for its fluffy beignets and rich chicory coffee, located in the heart of the French Quarter.

  • Arnaud’s Restaurant: Arnaud’s Restaurant is a timeless New Orleans institution in the French Quarter, renowned for its classic Creole cuisine, elegant ambiance and the award-winning French 75 bar.

  • Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits: Bacchanal Fine Wine is a unique New Orleans gem where a wine shop meets a backyard music venue. Offering fine wines, small plates and live jazz in a relaxed, bohemian setting.

  • Cure: Cure Nola is a sophisticated cocktail bar on Freret Street, pioneering New Orleans’ craft cocktail scene with innovative drinks and a stylish, modern ambiance.

  • Arnaud’s French 75 Bar: Arnaud’s French 75 is a classy New Orleans cocktail lounge renowned for its expertly crafted drinks, vintage charm and James Beard Award-winning bar program.

  • The Spotted Cat Music Club: The Spotted Cat Music is a renowned live music venue in New Orleans. Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and top-notch performances of jazz, blue and other genres.

  • Blue Nile: The Blue Nile in New Orleans is a premier live music venue on Frenchmen Street. Known for its intimate atmosphere and top-notch performances of funk, blues and brass by both local and international artists.

  • The Carousel Bar & Lounge: The Carousel Bar, located in the Hotel Monteleone, is a beloved New Orleans landmark. Featuring a rotating bar that offers classic cocktails and live music in a whimsical vintage setting.

  • Pat O’Brien’s: Pat O’Brien’s New Orleans is a legendary bar known for its iconic Hurricane cocktail. It also has a lively piano bar, three distinct bars and a charming courtyard atmosphere in the heart of the French Quarter.

Advisor - Rhonda Amerson

Travel Advisor

Rhonda Amerson

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