Curator’s statement
My daughter spent four years attending Tulane University, so when the time came for her to graduate we threw a week-long graduation in New Orleans. That entire week, we ate at many excellent restaurants, attended several fun events and indulged in cocktail parties – so I know a thing or two about visiting NOLA and enjoying this city.
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Things to do in New Orleans
New Orleans is a historic and popular destination that attracts the food-obsessed. Here, rich Creole cuisine fuses with classic French technique, giving way to a culinary scene teeming with flavor and talent.
Start your morning with breakfast at the quintessential New Orleans eatery: Cafe du Monde. With its powdered sugar covered floors and chicory coffee, Cafe du Monde is a go-to for fresh beignets and a caffeine fix.
Take your beignets to-go and sit by the Mississippi River across the street to watch steamboats glide by.
Afterwards, explore the French Quarter and its classic creole cottages with their wrought iron balconies looking down upon Bourbon Street. While here, stop by the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, considered one of the most unique small museums in the United States. The Voodoo Museum honors the history of Voodoo and the most famous “voodooeinne” of all time, the mystical Marie Laveau. You can also book a walking tour of the Garden District and NOLA’ many cemeteries.
After learning about New Orlean’s more magical side, check out some of the fine art galleries and antique shops that line Royal Street.
For lunch, indulge in some live music, wine, and cheese at Bacchanal. After lunch, walk over to the historic Jackson Square to grab a photo of the towering St. Louis Cathedral.
For an upscale dinner, grab a table at Galatoire’s (jackets required) where you’ll enjoy a meal of classic French-Creole fare such as shrimp remoulade and oysters rockefeller.
After dinner, you’ll want to grab a drink at the iconic Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, a a bar which slowly revolves as you sip on cocktails like a sazerac.
After dinner, head to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz at one of the many live music venues that dot this boulevard.
A note from Jen
If you have time, consider booking a swamp tour or – for something on the spookier side – a ghost and vampire tour.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Galatoire’s: A fine-dining restaurant serving classic French-Creole dishes.
Tableau Dickie Brennan: Located on Jackson Square, Tableau serves classic dishes with a weekend brass band playing for brunch.
Le Petite Grocery: A charming restaurant serving homemade Louisiana fare in a cottage that once housed a grocery store in the 1800s.
Baccanal: A wine and cheese store with small plates and live music.
Need to know
Considerations
New Orleans is a big city with lots to see! Make your trip easier by booking a Go City Pass, which will help you save on sightseeing.
Some of my best New Orleans trips have been during Jazz Fest. I avoided going to NOLA during Mardi Gras because it can get nuts!
Local transportation
New Orleans is an easy city to get around, especially if you’re staying in the French Quarter. The best way to get around is on foot or by public transportation, but if your tired feet need a break then hop on one of the many street cars.
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Travel Advisor
Jen Coll Berger
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