Nicknamed The “Big Easy” Nawleans is known for it’s round the clock nightlife and melting pot of incredible food. New Orleans has tons of history and is one of our favorite “let loose” vacations.
PLACES TO STAY
We have stayed in a hotel and done the Airbnb thing. On our first trip we stayed at the Iconic Hotel Monteleone, yes the one with the famous Carousel Bar. It was a great stay, beautiful hotel, rooms were a little small.
Second trip we stayed at a cute Airbnb (pictured) Great price for two bedrooms & two baths, located blocks from the French Quarter. I suggest the Airbnb route.
The Carousel bar is definitely worth the visit, get there before they open because seats are very limited and enjoy riding a carousel while you drink a cocktail. Don't worry it goes very slow ;)
WHAT TO DO
Next, what to do. So many amazing things to do it’s never ending. My absolute favorite place in New Orleans in Bacchanal Wine. It’s literally a backyard party fueled by good wine, cheese and live jazz 7 days a week! They need one of these in every major city. You first walk into a wine & cheese shop, pick a bottle and at least 4 cheeses hand them over to the cashier and take a number. Then you head to “The Backyard” pick a table any table and they will bring your incredible cheese plate made out of the cheeses you selected (pic above) it’s amazing! The music is just icing on the cake! I can’t wait to go back. No reservations, first come first serve.
New Orleans is definitely known for their cemeteries and enticing ghost stories. Check out St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to see Nick Cage’s final resting place, along with Voodoo queen Marie Laveau. St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 is also a site to see. We took a guided tour and it was awesome. Ghost tours are also very popular, we took one at night. You learn so much history about the city and our tour guide let us stop halfway through for cocktails! Can’t beat that.
Bourbon street is also a must if your a first timer. I personally like bourbon street during the day time, you can take your time shopping and grabbing a cocktail to go. Tons of street performers, the bird lady is my favorite! At night the street comes to life, super busy and loud, people watching is always a good time. If you want to get away from the madness but still want some night life Frenchman St. is where it’s at. Jazz all night long, great little dance clubs to pop into along the street. The Spotted Cat & Blue Nile are our favorite spots.
Lastly, a jazz boat cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez is a great experience. Skip the buffet and just do the cocktail hour. (trust me) A live band plays all night as you ride along the New Orleans skyline. It was a beautiful evening.
WHERE TO EAT
First up Willa Jean for brunch, we love this place and go every time. Insanely delicious food, the cocktails are to die for they even have frozé to go. Check out their menu, if the pictures don’t make you want to go I don’t know what will.
Cafe du Monde is always a must EVERY TIME. Yes, the beignets are that good and the chicory coffee mmmhmm. Grab a seat anywhere and a waitress will take your order. Usually always a line but you’ll get in and out fast.
Commander’s Palace is an iconic place for lunch. Men must dress nice with a collared shirt and close toed shoes, women you can’t go wrong with a dress. They have 25 cent martinis during lunch, so get your buzz on, and of course the food is outstanding.
Acme Oyster House is another must! I know they have several locations but this place is seriously legit. Go to the original one on 724 Iberville St. They have been in business for over 100 years and there is ALWAYS a line out the door. Sit at the bar if you can and order a dozen chargrilled oysters. Looking for the best Po’ boys? Parkway Bakery is your answer, they are huge and just drool worthy. Washes down nicely with an ice cold Yuengling. Next, King Fish This place was recommended to us buy a few locals, holy moly were they right! The service was incredible and the food was outstanding, we got to talking to the ladies next to us and it was their second time there! It’s that good. WHERE TO DRINK So many places to choose from, but a few stand out from the others. My favorite thing is tiki drinks, boozy smoothies you just can’t go wrong. Latitude 29 is incredible, so many drinks to choose from all amazing. If your hungry the Banh mi’s are awesome too. Pat O’briens is iconic, where the hurricane cocktail was born. If your still nursing that hangover this is a great pot for a bloody mary with pickled greens beans, mmm my favorite. At night the place comes alive with a piano bar in the back! For the BEST gin fizz in town, Bar Tonique! Dive bar vibes with killer cocktails. Other great spots The Elysian Bar – Craft Cocktails
21st Amendment – Craft Cocktails The Bombay Club – Dinner & Drinks
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar – Lunch Old Absinthe House – Absinthe Cocktails
Bayou Wine Garden – Wine & Beautiful Patio Hope you enjoy all my recommendations, any other New Orleans spots we must know about, drop us a line in the comments. xo, Kristin
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