You’ve probably visited the Big Easy, but the question is - Have you gone for more than Mardi Gras or a bachelor/bachelorette party? Before this year, I hadn’t been to NOLA since I was six years old and wasn’t sure that I wanted to spend ALL my time drinking. New Orleans is so rich in history, though, that I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do aside from blacking out on Bourbon.
Below you’ll find a list of things to see, eat, and do by area in NOLA. We did not get to visit all of these awesome places, but they have all been recommended more than once by different friends of ours!
STAY
Royal Frenchman | French Quarter | Website
Maison de la Luz | Central Business/Warehouse District | Website
Ace Hotel | Central Business/Warehouse District | Website
NOPSI Hotel | Central Business/Warehouse District | Website
Hotel Saint Vincent | Garden District | Website
The Pontchartrain | Garden District | Website
EAT
Drago’s | Multiple Locations | Best Oysters | Website
Cafe Du Monde | French Quarter | Most Famous Beignets | Website
Jewel of the South | French Quarter | Upscale Drinks & Apps | Website
Brennan’s | French Quarter | Classic Cajun | Website
The Ruby Slipper | French Quarter | Breakfast & Brunch | Website
Gianna’s | Central Business/Warehouse District | Italian Brunch | Website
Cochon | Central Business/Warehouse District | Upscale Southern | Website
Commander’s Place | Garden District | Refined Creole | Website
Picnic | Garden District | Casual American | Website
Court of Two Sisters | Garden District | Jazz Brunch | Website
Jack Rose | Garden District | Eclectic NOLA Fusion | Website
DRINK
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop | French Quarter | Historically Haunted Bar | Website
Pat O’Briens | French Quarter | Must-See | Website
Carousel Bar | French Quarter | Rotating Bar | Website
Sazerac House | Central Business District/French Quarter | Website
Lucy’s | Central Business/Warehouse District | Surf Bar | Website
The District | Central Business/Warehouse District | Local Dive Bar | Website
New Orleans Social House | Central Business/Warehouse District | Craft Cocktails | Website
Hot Tin | Garden District | Rooftop Bar | Website
SEE
Madame Lalaurie’s Mansion | French Quarter | Historic & Haunted - Home | Website
Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo | French Quarter | Historic - Shop | Website
St Louis Cathedral | French Quarter | Gorgeous Church | Website
Jackson Square | French Quarter | Historic | Website
Arcadian Books & Art Prints | French Quarter | Stunning Book Collector’s Shop | Website
Buckner Mansion | Garden District | AHS Coven Film Site | Website
DO
St Charles Streetcar | French Quarter to Garden District | Website
Creole Queen Riverboat Cruise | French Quarter | Website
Tarot | French Quarter | So much fun, just find a random person and see what it’s all about!
Harrah’s Casino | Central Business/Warehouse District | Website
Walk Magazine Street | Garden District | 6mi of Shopping | Website
Audubon Park | Garden District | Park, Zoo, Golf | Website