Two Days in New Orleans
New Orleans was the very first city I choose to visit when I got my flight benefits. Growing up I loved its stories, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, etc. I loved old jazz, Louis Armstrong...music that seemed so haunting, mysterious and sad compared to anything I'd ever heard before.
Although New Orleans is my favorite layover and I always take the time to explore...I still have so much left untouched. Each trip I discover a new shop, bar or corner, and learn about a new place to check out from a local Uber driver or bartender.
Here's my list of things not to miss if taking a trip to the Cresent City, and how to do it all in two days! Bourbon street is fun, but if you only hit that, you will miss out on A LOT of what makes this city magical.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It's the only way you're going to be enjoying mint juleps, sazeracs, and possibly even absinthe without feeling it too much to enjoy day two!
Bring cash. New Orleans is a city full of cash only venues. There are ATM's a plenty, but no one likes being hit with the $4 fee every time you need extra cash at a bar.
Pre-Plan any costumes. New Orleans is a fun, free, freaky and creative city. Whether visiting for a bachelorette party, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, etc. costumes can be worn anytime. But whatever you wear, I beg of you...please don't be Tourist #1 by buying one of those Drunk 1, Drunk 2, Drunk 3 shirts or pretty much anything sold at those tourist trap costume shops. This is a time to explore your artistic side in a city where anything goes.
Pre-Make Dinner Reservations. New Orleans has some of the best food in the world. However, don't waste your night waiting in an hour or more long line for dinner. Check ahead to see if your intended dinner venues take reservations before you leave. Many will need to be booked days in advance if trying to get a reservation.
Early mornings in New Orleans are almost too quiet, but you won't have much of a wait anywhere except on very busy weekends before 10am. The city quickly starts to change and come alive by 11am, when lines seemingly begin to exponentially increase in size.
Grab any tourist trinkets in the shops that run east of Cafe Du Monde on Decatur. Be sure to grab a local favorite, Toni Cachere's creole seasoning for $3 in the shop right next to the cafe.
Buy tickets to the tour of your choice-
There are ticket offices right along Decatur, and throughout the French Quarter. You could also buy ahead online. I would recommend one for your first night in the French Quarter and another for a second night in the garden district. Whether or not you believe in ghosts and vampires, the tours are extremely interesting historically. Also, New Orleans is a city of stories and lore. If you miss out on these, you're missing out on a big part of what makes it so unique.
These guys told me they wanted to take my picture, or have me take theirs haha. From ride share drivers, servers, shop clerks, to the homeless, most locals seem friendly and willing to chat.
Just explore the Quarter, there's live music almost around every corner, beautiful antique stores, unique places full of interesting gifts, voodoo shops, and bars older than many cities in the U.S.
Notable Bars:
Lafitte's
The Gumbo Shop $$-Authntic locals-approved gumbo simmered & served on rice. Has Creole staples served in a courtyard dining or very cute interior.
Acme Oyster House $$-Be sure to check out the chargrilled oysters in this New Orleans based chain offering po' boys, gumbo and other cajun classics. Don't leave without doing an oyster shooter.
Mother's $$-This popular cafeteria style joint has been drawing crowds with down-home southern fare since 1930.
NOLA Poboys $$-This low-key spot serves an amazing variety of poboys. The service is always friendly and the food is quick and affordable. Don't forget every thing comes spicy, but you can request "yankee" (MILD), or "cursing Murray" (VERY SPICY).
If you'd like to purchase "Big Shot Seating" ahead of time, you can skip the line and get the best seats in the house for $35-$50.
Check out upcoming shows or purchase tickets at http://preservationhall.tunestub.com/calendar.cfm
Take a poor man's tour of the city on the St. Charles line of the streetcar for $1.25. Ride the oldest running streetcar line in the world through old oak tree lined streets while getting a view of the garden district. You can catch the car downtown, ride past Tulane and Loyola Universities, and Audobon Park. Get up to date times at norta.com, and the train only does not provide change.
The street cars are often full during busy days, so always keep Uber and Lyft handy as a backup.
If headed from downtown, get off at Washington and walk a block south to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This beautiful old cemetery with a lot of history is often featured in t.v. shows and movies. Check out a free GPS enabled walking tour at free tours by foot by clicking here!
Le Bon Temps Roule-A friendly watering hole kind of place with pool tables and sandwiches.
Turkey and The Wolf $$-This sandwich shop three blocks south of Magazine street is full of delicious, creative and affordable dishes. This was recommended to me by a local, and has a very homey and laid back atmosphere.
Emeril's $$$-This flagship of Louisiana staples in the warehouse district remains one of New Orlean's finest dining establishments.
Cafe Amelie $$-I almost consider this a hidden gem, and must have wandered by this beautiful courtyard a handful of times before realizing it was a restaurant. One of the most romantic and magical spots to grab dinner in the French Quarter.
Popeyes $-Hey, if it's good enough for Anthony Bourdain, there should be no shame in grabbing some cheap Lousiana fast food during a day of debauchery.
Check out their website at www.tipitinas.com for upcoming shows and to pre-purchase tickets.
Although New Orleans is my favorite layover and I always take the time to explore...I still have so much left untouched. Each trip I discover a new shop, bar or corner, and learn about a new place to check out from a local Uber driver or bartender.
Here's my list of things not to miss if taking a trip to the Cresent City, and how to do it all in two days! Bourbon street is fun, but if you only hit that, you will miss out on A LOT of what makes this city magical.
Pre-Arrival:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It's the only way you're going to be enjoying mint juleps, sazeracs, and possibly even absinthe without feeling it too much to enjoy day two!
Bring cash. New Orleans is a city full of cash only venues. There are ATM's a plenty, but no one likes being hit with the $4 fee every time you need extra cash at a bar.
Pre-Plan any costumes. New Orleans is a fun, free, freaky and creative city. Whether visiting for a bachelorette party, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, etc. costumes can be worn anytime. But whatever you wear, I beg of you...please don't be Tourist #1 by buying one of those Drunk 1, Drunk 2, Drunk 3 shirts or pretty much anything sold at those tourist trap costume shops. This is a time to explore your artistic side in a city where anything goes.
Pre-Make Dinner Reservations. New Orleans has some of the best food in the world. However, don't waste your night waiting in an hour or more long line for dinner. Check ahead to see if your intended dinner venues take reservations before you leave. Many will need to be booked days in advance if trying to get a reservation.
Day One:
Early mornings in New Orleans are almost too quiet, but you won't have much of a wait anywhere except on very busy weekends before 10am. The city quickly starts to change and come alive by 11am, when lines seemingly begin to exponentially increase in size.
Cafe Du Monde-
Cafe Du Monde is one of those tourist attractions that is worth the hype. For under $3 each you can get a delicious cafe con leche made with chicory (chicory has traditionally been added to coffee in New Orleans to smooth out the flavor and extend the coffee), and three of the best beignets you've ever tasted. Cafe Du Monde is worth the wait and lines move quickly. Be aware once making it inside (if there is a line) there isn't a hostess, you just grab a table as soon as one opens up, and you will be waited on. There is a line on the side farthest from Decatur St for to go orders. Don't forget to bring cash as it's cash only!Grab any tourist trinkets in the shops that run east of Cafe Du Monde on Decatur. Be sure to grab a local favorite, Toni Cachere's creole seasoning for $3 in the shop right next to the cafe.
Buy tickets to the tour of your choice-
There are ticket offices right along Decatur, and throughout the French Quarter. You could also buy ahead online. I would recommend one for your first night in the French Quarter and another for a second night in the garden district. Whether or not you believe in ghosts and vampires, the tours are extremely interesting historically. Also, New Orleans is a city of stories and lore. If you miss out on these, you're missing out on a big part of what makes it so unique.
Get Wild in the French Quarter-
These guys told me they wanted to take my picture, or have me take theirs haha. From ride share drivers, servers, shop clerks, to the homeless, most locals seem friendly and willing to chat.Just explore the Quarter, there's live music almost around every corner, beautiful antique stores, unique places full of interesting gifts, voodoo shops, and bars older than many cities in the U.S.
Notable Bars:
Lafitte's
Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar-Jean Lafitte was a privateer, diplomat, sailor, spy and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. According to legend, he owned a bar where this business stands in the early 19th century. Grab drink in one of New Orlean's oldest structures dating to the 1700's.
Carousel Bar-This bar revelves slowly and looks like a carousel, but I have never actually sat at it. By 5pm it's usually packed so try it out a bit earlier in the day. It can be a little hard to find as it is inside the Hotel Monteleone.
Old Absinthe House-Come try some absinthe served by pirates! This bar is over 200 years old and had a prominent role in the War of 1812. Note, I am not a fan of the way any absinthe tastes, but it's definitely worth the extra $10 to buy a higher quality product. The cheapest variety on the menu is barely palatable.
Carousel Bar
Grab some Creole Lunch
The Gumbo Shop $$-Authntic locals-approved gumbo simmered & served on rice. Has Creole staples served in a courtyard dining or very cute interior.
Acme Oyster House $$-Be sure to check out the chargrilled oysters in this New Orleans based chain offering po' boys, gumbo and other cajun classics. Don't leave without doing an oyster shooter.
Mother's $$-This popular cafeteria style joint has been drawing crowds with down-home southern fare since 1930.
NOLA Poboys $$-This low-key spot serves an amazing variety of poboys. The service is always friendly and the food is quick and affordable. Don't forget every thing comes spicy, but you can request "yankee" (MILD), or "cursing Murray" (VERY SPICY).
Nola PoBoys
Catch a Show at Preservation Jazz Hall
This hall is dedicated to the preservation of jazz and to perpetuate the musical traditions of New Orleans. Shows run at 5,6,8,9 and 10pm nightly. It's recommended that you wait in line 30-45 minutes prior to each show and tickets can be purchased at the door for $15-$20.If you'd like to purchase "Big Shot Seating" ahead of time, you can skip the line and get the best seats in the house for $35-$50.
Check out upcoming shows or purchase tickets at http://preservationhall.tunestub.com/calendar.cfm
Head down to Frenchman Street
There's no better way to end a night than at this popular spot for both tourists and locals! I highly recommend stopping for some live music at my favorite bar for live music, The Spotted Cat (cash only!), and wander the Art Garden and Local Gallery next door for a market of excellent local artisans (6pm-midnight Thursday through Sunday).
You can always stop back in to Cafe Du Monde for a midnight snack on the way back from Frenchmen Street. It's open 24/7 and the line is much shorter at night!
Day 2:
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar for $1.25
Take a poor man's tour of the city on the St. Charles line of the streetcar for $1.25. Ride the oldest running streetcar line in the world through old oak tree lined streets while getting a view of the garden district. You can catch the car downtown, ride past Tulane and Loyola Universities, and Audobon Park. Get up to date times at norta.com, and the train only does not provide change.
The street cars are often full during busy days, so always keep Uber and Lyft handy as a backup.
Stroll the Layfayette Cemetery No.1
If headed from downtown, get off at Washington and walk a block south to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This beautiful old cemetery with a lot of history is often featured in t.v. shows and movies. Check out a free GPS enabled walking tour at free tours by foot by clicking here!
Grab Brunch at Atchafalya
Walkable from the cemetery, this is my favorite restaurant in New Orleans! Awesome food, interesting decor, live music on weekends and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. Need I say more?!
Wander Magazine Street
A few blocks North of Atchafalya, you can hit this street to continue day drinking and or do some unique shopping. From the WWII Museum at one end to Audubon Park at the other, this street spans from the Warehouse District to Uptown.
Notable Stops:
Barrel Proof-Heaven for whiskey lovers!
Luca Falcone Custom Lounge-Makes suits, dress shirts and sells accessories to complete the outfit.
Magazine Street Art Market-Open Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
Luca Falcone Custom Lounge-Makes suits, dress shirts and sells accessories to complete the outfit.
Magazine Street Art Market-Open Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
Le Bon Temps Roule-A friendly watering hole kind of place with pool tables and sandwiches.
Grab Dinner
Cafe Amelie
Emeril's $$$-This flagship of Louisiana staples in the warehouse district remains one of New Orlean's finest dining establishments.
Cafe Amelie $$-I almost consider this a hidden gem, and must have wandered by this beautiful courtyard a handful of times before realizing it was a restaurant. One of the most romantic and magical spots to grab dinner in the French Quarter.
Popeyes $-Hey, if it's good enough for Anthony Bourdain, there should be no shame in grabbing some cheap Lousiana fast food during a day of debauchery.
Dance to Live Music at Tipitina's
Check out this rustic warehouse that has been a landmark for live music and dancing since 1977.Check out their website at www.tipitinas.com for upcoming shows and to pre-purchase tickets.
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