Curator’s statement
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love a city with a ton of unique personality and New Orleans has just that. There’s food, music and culture that you can’t find anywhere outside the Crescent City. I love it so much, it’s where my husband and I tied the knot! Second Line parade and all!
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Where to stay in New Orleans
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Things to do in New Orleans
Frenchman Street: While Bourbon Street is a blast and has great bars with live music, if you’re looking for a less touristy, slightly dialed-back street of bars with live music, Frenchman Street is your answer. While still located in the French Quarter, Frenchman Street offers a slightly more authentic experience with a more relaxed feel. The Spotted Cat Music Club is my favorite place to see local bands on Frenchman.
Wander along Magazine Street to stop in some of the local shops. Magazine Street in the Garden District has some amazing boutiques and antique shops, along with great places to stop for a bite. This area of New Orleans is also less touristy and quieter than the French Quarter.
A haunted bar crawl in the French Quarter. The French Quarter is filled with history and awesome bars. To learn about some of the local hauntings and history while being taken to some of the best bars in the area is a win, win!
Fan boat swamp tour: You can’t go to New Orleans without seeing an alligator up close! There are a ton of swamp tours available with shuttles that pick you up right from the French Quarter. I recommend taking a fan boat for a truly authentic experience. The tour guides will drift you along the top of the water and will take you to the best locations to spot alligators. The Spanish moss covered cypress trees in the bayou are an absolutely beautiful sight.
Cemetery tour: New Orleans' cemeteries are some of the most hauntingly beautiful places you’ll ever see. I recommend a tour to see some famous New Orleans locals’ graves and learn more about the history of the mausoleums.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Happy Hour at The Blackbird Hotel in the Garden District. The Lobby Bar is absolutely stunning and they have a jazz band at the Pool Bar from 4 pm–7 pm the first and third Thursday of each month. The drinks are delicious. Their take on an espresso martini is the best cocktail I’ve ever had.
Muriel’s Jackson Square. The best shrimp and grits you’ll ever eat. Amazing food and service in the best location at an incredibly reasonable price. They have a resident ghost who they have a table set for every night — don’t forget to ask your server to show you around and tell you the ghost story.
Jack Rose. Located in the historic Pontchartrain Hotel, Jack Rose offers delicious creole food with a stunningly whimsical atmosphere.
Beggars Banquet. In the heart of the Garden District, you’ll find Beggars Banquet with absolutely superb food and cocktails. You’ll find modern takes on some southern favorites in a relaxed, trendy environment.
Commander’s Palace Sunday Jazz Brunch is a must if you find yourself in New Orleans on a Sunday. A classic New Orleans staple with an amazing jazz band, and even more amazing food!
Brennan’s. Another New Orleans staple, but it’s famous for a reason. Some of the most delicious, up-scale, authentic creole dishes in the city. Don’t miss their famous Bananas Foster for dessert!
Pro Tip: Cafe Beignet. Of course everyone wants to go to Cafe Du Monde when in New Orleans for a beignet, but if the line is too long, right across Jackson Square sits Cafe Beignet. I think the beignets are just as good with a shorter line.
Need to know
The best time of year to travel to New Orleans is in the spring. Fall is lovely as well but you run the risk of humidity and hurricanes. I've been many times in my life and April remains my favorite month to visit.
Bring comfortable shoes! The sidewalks are old and cracked and in the Garden District, the hundred-year-old and oak tree roots are lifting much of the sidewalk. Watch your step!
Travel Advisor
Dana Ahern
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For more inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our New Orelans page.