Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler: Your Guide to a Memorable Friends' Trip to New Orleans
Curated By
Lizz Callaway
Curator’s statement
New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, is one of the most vibrant and unique cities in the United States. As a travel expert and a frequent visitor to the city, I have discovered the best accommodations, activities, food and insider tips for a friends' trip to New Orleans. In this itinerary, I will share my top picks for a local experience that celebrates the city's rich culture and history.
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Where to stay
The Barnett Hotel
A Warehouse District gem close to the French Quarter, with handsome rooms, two hotspot restaurants and a rooftop pool deck with knockout views.
Columns
Set in an 1883 mansion, this beloved hotel features elegant rooms and suites in New Orleans' Garden District.
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$25 hotel credit.
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Henry Howard Hotel
Embrace the allure of New Orleans at Henry Howard Hotel, a boutique gem exuding historic charm and contemporary luxury in the vibrant Garden District.
Hotel Monteleone
Experience a timeless gem in the heart of New Orleans, where Southern charm, literary history and elegant hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
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$100 hotel credit.
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Welcome amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Day 1: French Quarter Exploration
Start your trip off by exploring the French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans. Visit Jackson Square, the central square of the city and see the famous St. Louis Cathedral. Enjoy a traditional New Orleans lunch at one of the many restaurants around the French Quarter, like Galatoire's or Brennan's. Take a stroll through the French Market, where you can find local crafts, food and souvenirs.
End your night with a visit to Frenchmen Street, where you can find some of the best live music in the city.
Day 2: Swamp Tour and Cooking Class
Take a break from the city and explore the nearby swamps and bayous. Take a guided tour of the swamps, where you can see alligators, snakes and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional New Orleans dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. End your night with a visit to the French Quarter's famous Bourbon Street, where you can find bars, clubs and live music.
Day 3: Garden District and Museums
Explore the beautiful Garden District, one of the city's most historic neighborhoods. Take a walk down St. Charles Avenue, where you can see some of the city's most beautiful mansions. Visit the National WWII Museum, one of the top-rated museums in the country. Take a streetcar ride down Canal Street, where you can see some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks. End your night with a visit to the famous Commander's Palace restaurant, where you can enjoy fine dining in a beautiful setting.
Day 4: Mardi Gras World and Jazz Brunch
Visit Mardi Gras World, where you can see the floats and costumes used in the city's famous Mardi Gras parade. Take a jazz brunch at one of the city's famous restaurants, like Commander's Palace or Arnaud's. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of American and French art, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden. Take a walk through City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and see the beautiful oak trees and lagoons. End your night with a visit to the famous Preservation Hall, where you can listen to some of the best jazz music in the city.
Day 5: Streetcar Tour and Food Tour
Take a streetcar tour of the city, where you can see some of the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Take a food tour and try some of the city's most famous dishes, like po' boys, gumbo and beignets. Visit the historic French Market and try some of the city's best seafood and snacks. End your night with a visit to the historic Tipitina's music venue, where you can listen to some of the city's best live music.
Travel Advisor
Lizz Callaway
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans.