Planning a visit to New Orleans? Here’s a full breakdown of where to stay, where to eat and what to do in the Crescent City!
New Orleans is one of those cities that I’ve always wanted to visit as in, it’s been at the top of my US bucket list for years. So I was thrilled when a work-related conference turned my wishes into reality. It was a trip of a lifetime I won’t soon forget.
I decided early to tacking on a couple of extra days after the conference to explore NOLA and see what all the fuss was about. I was not sure what to expect out of the city … Mardi Gras was long past and Essence Fest was still a month away.
If you’re looking for a fun vacation full of history, architecture, phenomenal food and a high-energy vibe, New Orleans is for you! I can’t think of a better place to let the good times roll, I promise you won’t regret it!
WHERE TO STAY: Location! Location! Location!
Remember, I was there for a conference, which was by the convention center and I really did not want to be in conference mode the whole time. After some research, I booked my stay at Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter. This location could not be more optimal. Bourbon street is on the backside of the hotel. I loved the music on the street floating up into my room.
This location makes it walkable to tons of restaurants and the nightlife NOLA is famous for. The Saenger Theatre is within a 10-minute walk of Astor Crowne Plaza and Jackson Square is not far away either.
Also, the Street Car literally stops in front of the Hotel on Canal Street! This helped be easily go back and forth to the Conference and other areas of the city. Did I mention that it is only $3 a day? That’s right you can use the day pass for 24 hours after first use.
The hotel was definitely on the smaller/boutique like feel so that made it feel intimate and quiet despite all the busyness of the street outside. The Astor Crown Plaza features a rooftop terrace and a rooftop pool. Sadly, the pool was closed for repairs during my visit so I was not able to use it….. (another reason to go back and check it out!!). This is definitely my kind of place.
WHERE TO EAT
I knew to expect good food in New Orleans after all this is the one American city that Anthony Bourdain had a major affection for.
'In America, there might be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful. So I would say, New Orleans. With the best restaurants in New York, you'll find something similar to it in Paris or Copenhagen or Chicago. But there is no place like New Orleans. So it's a must-see city because there's no explaining it, no describing it. You can't compare it to anything. So, far and away New Orleans.' – Anthony BourdainClick To TweetThere is no shortage of wonderful restaurants. Everywhere you look there was either a historic restaurant that had been around for a hundred years or a new and hip restaurant serving up a fusion of foods representing NOLA’s diverse culinary taste. Prior to the trip, I made a list of restaurants to check out, inspired by Bourdain. Sadly, he passed away during this trip.
Beignets – Yes, the Crescent City’s beignets are phenomenal. All that fried dough covered in powdered sugar tastes amazing and everyone in New Orleans has their own opinion about the best Beignets in the city. The two places that I grabbed my fix were Café du Monde and Café Beignet.
Court of Two Sisters: Weekends feature a jazz brunch. The restaurant has three lovely dining rooms, but you want to savor the courtyard atmosphere. Reservations are required to be seated in the courtyard.
Curio: What a gem! … AND bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday, but wait! there’s more…. it has balcony seating!!! It’s tucked away in on Royal Street, away from noisy crowds but still within the French Quarter. It truly is a place where you can experience American cuisine with a Creole soul.
Cochons: (An Anthony Bourdain recommendation) – The Fried Alligator bites were soooooo good. The chef also bright out a complimentary off-menu tasting treat. I met a fellow conference attendee who was also playing hooky from the conference lunch. As we traded backgrounds, I learned that he is a practicing therapist and I shared I used to be a counselor and my training/work was in suicide prevention. This was the day before the terrible news of Bourdain’s passing. 😭😢
Palace Café: OOH.EMM.GEE the Crab Claws, I was about to lose my cool calm collected self. Do not leave the city before you taste this appetizer. I also had the Shrimp Tchefuncte. Also, an excellent choice. My dinner colleague had the Andouille Crusted Fish. He said it was superb!!! The service was one of the best I’ve ever experienced when out dining, EVER! No detail went unnoticed, yet the place did not feel uppity. This whole meal felt like a classic New Orleans experience, all accompanied by a live Jazz Band. By far my favorite meal in NOLA!
Kingfish– Ate here the first night, and even though I was the last customer I received attentive service. Had the Seared “Hook & Line” Gulf Fish, which was a Red Fish that night. It was really good. Go here!
Arnaud’s – The original recipe for Creole Remoulade Sauce is credited to this restaurant. Because I eat with my eyes, I had the Shrimp Arnaud as an appetizer, entree was Pontchartrain, a Gulf fish topped with crabmeat and for dessert, I had Bread Pudding Fitzmorris. I admit to overindulging in this meal. The bill was tres beaucoup $$$$$. No way of writing that one off!! 🤤
Rum House – Located in the Garden District, fellow conference attendees and I ended up here via a recommendation by our Uber driver who convinced us to ditch our original restaurant & he took us here as his “local” recommendation. The nacho plate monstrous and the Jerk Chicken was phenomenal.
New Orleans Creole Cookery – I loved the wait staff here the most. We had great conversations. I just sat there and they would stop by telling their stories…. probably felt sorry for me eating alone. Nonetheless, food is to be enjoyed over stories, right? I had Charbroiled Oysters & the Bourbon Street Combo Seafood boil. I was so full by the time I was done, I felt like I needed a gurney to leave.
WHERE TO VISIT/WHAT TO DO
The French Quarter –While, the French Quarter does indeed house the infamous Bourbon Street, it’s also the epicenter of New Orleans’ history and cultural sphere. To get a full understanding of the French Quarter, I recommend taking the Historic French Quarter Walking Tour. It covers everything dating back to the 18th century and the passing of control from the French to the Spanish and eventually to America.
Take a Cemetery Tour – This was one of my favorite activities of the trip. I took this tour with French Quarter Phantoms and my tour was led by Malika. She was a fantastic guide who led us through St. Louis Cemetery Number 1, dropping deliciously, scandalous historical tidbits about the city and cemetery along the way.
Check out the Music Scene– Of all the creative art forms out there, music is my favorite. I think it’s impossible to claim to be a music lover and you’ve no appreciation for different types of genres. From Classical to Jazz of all kinds of music is everywhere in the Crescent City. I loved the street music that filtered into my room from the street below. I loved the raw talent of young players who turned buckets into instruments. I loved the passion of everyone singing or playing. Food and music are not mutually exclusive, tons of restaurants offered live jazz brunch and/or dinner. I stopped by dueling pianos at Tickler’s and at Pat O’Brien’s both on Bourbon St. Heard the live band at 21st Amendment on Bourbon St. This is a tiny bar but music was good the night I went.
For really great and grown folk live music head over to Frenchmen Street. Check out: Balcony Music Club, The Maison, Cafe Negril (reggae), Spotted Cat, and my favorite – Vaso’s. I stayed through two bands – Ed Wills & Blues 4 Sale and Jason Neville Funky Soul Band. I loved it here because I found community! From the band on stage to Tiffany, the waitress, who just kept bringing me shots and the random people I sat with, who turned out to be firefighters from Houston & St. Louis. This made for a memorable last night in N’Orleans.
But to be honest, everywhere you go there will be music. No matter where we went there was always someone or somewhere playing music. And man, are the musicians good!
Shop on Magazine Street– From Jackson to Louisiana there are some great little shops to explore! If you enjoy antique shopping, quirky souvenirs, and cute local clothing stores, this is where you should go. My wallet didn’t love it nearly as much…
Explore the Garden District– I rode the streetcar a couple of times for my own exploration. However, I do recommend booking a guided tour with the numerous tour agencies. Walking around the garden district made me feel like I was transported to another world. The architecture feels like it’s straight out of a movie, which likely explains why so many movies are filmed in NOLA.
What Surprised Me
Southern Hospitality – I know that good customer service as a standard and everyday occurrence but the truth we don’t experience that often enough. So when it happens it is something that stands out and surprises us. EVERYONE was extremely friendly and I felt attended to. I had wonderful conversations with strangers and I got to learn what people love to do when they are not “working”.
Vibrant Art Scene: An influx of talent, imaginative rebuilding projects and a rejuvenation of spirit are hallmarks of the new New Orleans art scene. From the architecture to performances and design, every one of your scenes will be engaged. You’ll find hole in the wall studios and galleries. I actually stumbled upon The Art of Dr. Seuss gallery! The space is so small it could hardly hold 5 people at a time. Other art treasures are the Saenger Theatre, The Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theatre, NOMA, Marigny Opera House and much, much more including a WW2 Museum.
Bachelorette/Stag Party Galore: Groups of bridal parties seemed to pour out of every alley, club, and restaurant. Be prepared to get next level rowdy, and make possibly make questionable decisions that you’ll hopefully never remember.
NOLA has a rich, diverse, complex cultural history. I don’t know that I could accurately compare New Orleans to any other city… I’m still in disbelief about how long it took me to get here. It’s a place you need to visit to truly understand it. My 5-day trip was barely enough, and I need to go back ASAP. Will you join me?
Wow I love this! I’ve been dealing with the travel bug lately and this really made me want to go to New Orleans! Thanks for the info!