My NEW ORLEANS mini Travel Guide 🎉
I visit New Orleans every year for work and always make it a point to explore the best local spots! 🍽️ From iconic eateries to must-do experiences, I've gathered my top picks to help you make the most of your trip. 💛✨
Here are my favorite recommendations for NOLA:
🍩 Café du Monde: You can’t leave without trying these iconic, fluffy beignets covered in powdered sugar. Pair them with a café au lait for the ultimate experience. FYI: It's cash only! ☕️
🍽️ Meril: One of my go-to spots for a delicious meal. The menu is globally inspired with a creative twist, and everything from starters to entrees is divine. Make sure to book reservations in advance—it fills up fast! 🌟
🎺 Commander’s Palace: Famous for its jazz brunch and Creole classics like turtle soup, (never had it but heard it’s amazing) I love turtles 🐢 and just couldn’t do this 🥲 but it is a historic gem and offers an authentic taste of New Orleans’ culinary history. A must for brunch lovers! 🥂
🐔 Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Looking for comfort food? This spot has the best fried chicken in town, with a crispy crust and juicy inside. Perfect for a casual meal!
🎶 Frenchmen Street: For a lively evening, head to this buzzing street filled with live music, art markets, and local bars. The vibe here truly captures the spirit of New Orleans! 💃🏼 It is also cleaner than Bourbon 🥲
🖼️ Explore the French Quarter: Walk along Royal Street for art galleries, antique shops, and street performances. Don’t miss the iconic Jackson Square for a classic photo-op! 📸
🎡 The Garden District: For a slower-paced day, explore the historic mansions and charming streets. You can even take a streetcar ride along St. Charles Avenue for a scenic view of the city’s beauty. 🌳🚋
🥂 Carousel Bar & Lounge: Experience a drink at this iconic, rotating bar located in the French Quarter’s Hotel Monteleone. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for cocktail lovers! 🍹✨
🍷 Bacchanal Wine: Head to the Bywater neighborhood for this wine shop-turned-courtyard bar. Grab a bottle of wine, enjoy live music, and indulge in a laid-back evening. 🎶🍷
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, there’s always something new to discover in NOLA! Have a favorite spot or tip? Drop it below! 👇🏼
New Orleans, known for its rich culture and culinary delights, offers an array of experiences beyond the typical tourist path. Explore the historic charm of the Garden District, where beautiful mansions line the streets, and enjoy a relaxing streetcar ride along St. Charles Avenue to take in the scenery. For those who appreciate arts and culture, Royal Street is dotted with art galleries and antique shops, providing a glimpse into the city’s vibrant artistic community. Don’t forget to visit the St. Roch Market, a trendy food hall that showcases a variety of local cuisine, allowing you to sample everything from po'boys to innovative vegan dishes. If live music is your jam, Frenchmen Street is the heart of the local music scene, featuring venues such as The Jazz Playhouse and Maple Leaf Bar, perfect for experiencing authentic NOLA vibes. Bacchanal Wine in the Bywater is another must-visit spot; it’s a unique courtyard bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live music in a laid-back atmosphere. Whatever your preference, New Orleans has a wealth of options that will surely enhance your visit, making it a destination filled with memorable experiences!
I went last year for my 25th birthday and if you’re a music and culture person JamNOLA is the place to go!