I had no immediate plans to visit New Orleans. I’ve always been intrigued by the city, but somehow never managed to plan a trip there. So, when the opportunity came and a school project had New Orleans as a case study, I used the opportunity to explore the city… and of course, work on my school project!
New Orleans is so rich in culture and art, particularly because it has an extensive colonial history, that is still prominent until now. In fact, New Orleans was predominately colonized by the French, but also the Dutch and the Spanish. Residents there still hold strong ties to their Francophonie traditions, including language, religion, and customs. House after house, street after street and entire neighborhoods exhibit French influence with a mix of complex culture and art.
Thrilling. Colorful. Tragic. Inspiring. I felt like walking in History.
Snapchots of New Orleans
What I also love about New Orleans, is that it always feels like a party. The city is abundant in jazz bars, party venues, nice restaurants, costume and colorful accessories stores. Even people, are always dressed in outfits and masks, drinking, singing, and dancing on the street – it really is a constant outdoor party.
As a matter of fact, New Orleans, is home to one of the biggest carnivals in the US, Mardi Gras. Mardi gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a celebration held around the world, but mostly popular in Louisiana. It is a holiday concentrated around 2 weeks before the 40 days of Lent and is called Fat Tuesday from the tradition of using all the fats at home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.
During Mardi Gras, the streets of Louisiana, but particularly New Orleans are filled with parades, parties, picnics, music, and food. Everyone is in costumes and bead necklaces. To be honest, I haven’t been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but I could still sense the Mardi Gras vibe everywhere I roamed, even during non-carnival times!
I went to New Orleans for 3 days – and although you could stay for a much longer period, I got to see so much from the city in just a short time. So here are some to-dos in New Orleans.
WHEN TO GO
In general, the best time to go to New Orleans is early Spring or late Fall, March through April or October to November. This is when the weather is great and the city not too crowded.
If you would like to attend Mardi gras, then you should go in February. But I would warn you that the city will be packed with people and everything will be highly expensive.
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of areas you could stay in during your time in New Orleans. Every place will provide you with a unique vibe, here are a few options that you could choose from:
French Quarters – When I went to New Orleans, I took an Airbnb with a couple of friends around the French Quarters. This area is the center of action. It is where you will find all the history, architecture, restaurants, music venues and of course, the most entertaining street, Bourbon Street. There are plenty of Airbnb and hotel options, but Hotel Monteleone is probably one of the most recognized ones.
Uptown/Garden district – This area encompasses small residential neighborhoods with many historic landmarks, universities, and parks. It is close to the French quarter, but away enough to escape all its craziness. You could have nice walks, enjoy some shopping and try out some family-run restaurants. Hotel The Chloe is one of the best spots to stay in.
Central Business District – Just as its name indicates this is the business center of New Orleans. Central Business District generally welcomes travelers conducting business, but it has recently blossomed into a hip hub for food, drink and culture. The area has many cool hotels like Moxy, Ace and the Roosevelet with nice rooftop bars. If that’s your vibe, you know where to stay!
Marigny/Bywater – Other areas you could also stay in are Marigny and Bywater. These areas are very trendy, mostly attracting young crowds. They have colorful and historic homes, small cafes and shops. There are also live music venues from jazz or blues to reggae and rock. These areas have mostly bed & breakfast spots, but hotel Peter & Paul is a stunning place to stay at.
WHAT TO DO IN 3 DAYS
There is so much to do in New Orleans, but if you organize your plans, 3 days will definitely allow you to see a lot. So here some must-dos when in New Orleans on a tight timeline:
Walk around the French quarters
The French quarters is the center of the city, filled with so much history, architecture, restaurants, and music venues, it is really not to miss.
St. Louis Cathedral is a breathless landmark that is now the symbol of New Orleans. In front of the cathedral, you will find Café du monde. This café is famous for its beignets that are honestly DELICIOUS. The place is also famous because it is one of the oldest cafes in the US, as it first opened in 1862. You will also find that café featured in the movie “Chef”. Definitely have some beignets with hot chocolate and indulge in the amazing Louisiana doughnuts.
After that, stroll around Jackson square, the center of the French Quarters. The square is always lively with street performers. Next, make sure you visit the Presbytere, an architecturally important building, originally used for commercial purposes and now its is home to a collection of Mardi Gras artifacts. It has a lot of interactive exhibits, which allows travelers to experience Mardi Gras without actually attending.
Walk around the streets, enjoy the nice landscapes, the bohemian and crazy vibe of the city. It is quite a scene!
The French Quarter, Jackson Square and Cafe du Monde
Visit the art galleries
Around the French quarters, there are SO many art galleries and museums. They are diverse, spanning from historical art to modern art. There is also a lot of ceramics and sculptors. If you are into the art scene, you will definitely enjoy walking around and going from a gallery to the other. The city is so rich in art, you can also find art as huge murals or graffitis.
Beyond the French quarters, you can find more art in the Warehouse Arts District which ~20mins walking distance. This area is known for its extensive list of art galleries.
You will definitely find something that suits your taste to explore more or even buy.
Art galleries
Have lunch/dinner at a local restaurant
Around the French quarters there are so many restaurants that serve local food. You will find a lot of sea food as well as creole/cajun food.
Originating in Louisiana, creole and cajun food come from a blend of many cultures including Italian, Spanish, African, German, Caribbean, Native American and Portuguese. Creole is perceived as a little more aristocratic compared to cajun. The dishes consist of many spices and creamy soups and sauces. Some of the main differences between creole and cajun foods are the ingredients used, cajun food does not include tomatoes for example while creole has a lot of tomato-based sauces.
The only place you could get real creole/cajun food is Louisiana. So while you’re there, make sure you try some dishes such as the Jambalaya (spicy Creole/Cajun stew made with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, vegetables, and rice) and the Gumbo (a thickened meat or shellfish stock along with vegetables including celery, bell peppers, and onions).
Additionally, because sea food is so fresh in New Orleans, you should try the chargrilled or Rockefeller oysters, boiled crawfish, and the crispy alligator. Hot dogs are also a big thing there, and some of the best I have ever had.
Make sure you wake up hungry every day, there is so much food to try!
Creole food and Oysters
Get on a ghost tour
New Orleans is known for its thrilling appeal. Due to its dark history from the slave trade, several wars and natural disasters, it has accumulated many legends and ghost stories. The city is also used as the place for a lot of popular vampire movies.
If you are into thrillers, one of the main things to do is a ghost tour where experienced tour guides will take you around haunted locations in the quarters and explain the history of scary stories in New Orleans. You will pass by Lalaurie Mansion (as seen on ‘American Horror Story Coven’), May Bailey’s Brothel (as seen on Travel Channels ‘Ghost Adventures’), and other places.
Some of these ghost tours might also include cemeteries or some voodoo sites. Voodoo is prominent in New Orleans. It was brought by the African in the 1700s but got mixed with the Catholicism of the city and became the voodoo-Catholicism hybrid. Today, voodoo is ingrained in people’s culture and something to see in New Orleans if you are interested in that history.
Ghost tour
Hop on a sunset cruise
New Orleans is on the Mississippi river, and one of the main activities that it is known for is the Riverboat Jazz Cruise. There are options for dinner times and brunch times. Usually, these rides have live bands and a fun atmosphere. There is also food and drinks served. It is a nice way to spend a couple of hours in the city.
Go to a jazz bar and/or piano bar on Bourbon Street!
New Orleans is known for its bars with live music. Everywhere you go, there are plenty of jazz bars as well as piano bars with live bands playing tunes from different eras. These are usually so fun, I tried both a jazz and a piano bar and I would recommend you do the same. Everyone is drinking and eating, singing, and dancing, you can even request songs. Make sure you go early because spots get filled up quickly.
Otherwise, if you don’t get lucky with those bars, Boubon Street is packed with pubs, lounges and night clubs. You can easily bar hop, walk around, enjoy the vibe on THE party street.
Bourbon street: Jazz & Piano bars
WHERE TO EAT
Gumbo Shop – This should be your first stop once you arrive to New Orleans. The food is very local to Louisiana. Try the Jambalaya, the Gumbo, the crawfish étouffée. The different flavors are going to explode in your mouth, a perfect way to start your trip!
Commander’s Palace – For a more fine-dining experience, Commander’s Palace is the spot. It a Michelin star restaurant, servicing delicious creole meals, outstanding service, and a romantic/quiet setting. Make sure you book in advance!
Arnaud’s restaurant – This place cannot be missed for fun times. On Sundays, they offer a jazz brunch with a 3 course fixed price menu, mostly creole. The restaurant also has a Mardi Gras museum on its second floor. It is an experience!
Antoine’s restaurant – Another very famous creole restaurant. Antoine is the oldest restaurant in the city characterized by their iconic dish the Rockefeller oysters blended with a secret creamy sauce. They usually count their oyster Rockefeller dishes, so your plate will come with a number. This is one of New Orleans best restaurant, don’t miss it!
Felix & oysters – This place is a go-to if you want to indulge even more in oysters. They have both raw and grilled oysters which were both delicious! They also have the alligator which I really liked, not to mention the seafood Gumbo. The drinks and service were also great.
Dat Dog – For a more street food experience, Dat Dog is perfect for hot dogs. They have a variety of hot dog sandwiches with sauces you’ve never tasted before; the flavors are amazing. They also offer burgers, chicken sandwiches etc. and the restaurant has a funky cheerful decor.
I hope my guide got you excited for New Orleans. Get ready for an experience, this city is an on-going festival!
