NEW ORLEANS
Places to Stay
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I unfortunately do not have any hotel recommendations, as I was able to stay with my cousin who lived here at the time of my visit. My sister and I visited in March of 2017.
Things to Do
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• Swamp Tour
We chose to do Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and this was one of the highlights of my trip. Really cool experience that allowed you to see tons of alligators and some historical areas within the swamps. We were even able to hold a baby alligator!
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• Eat a beignet from Cafe Du Monde
This is a MUST. Think of the best fried zeppole you've ever had. Well, this is 20 times better. The most delicious treat I ever had! There's usually a really long line to get in, but it moves pretty fast and in the end it is absolutely worth it.
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• Go to Bourbon Street (obviously)
This is of course the most common and talked about street in New Orleans. I'd suggest going a few different times of the day. It's a completely different scene from morning, to afternoon, to night. I loved going during the middle of the day. Get a "Hand Grenade" cocktail. You can get one in a fancy cup at Tropical Isle Bourbon and you are always allowed to drink in the streets and walk around. This was awesome because you could be outdoors in the beautiful warmth while people watching and bar hopping. (Live music everywhere!)
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The nighttime is exactly what you expect it to be... crazy! Super cool to see all the action though and what New Orleans is made of. Beads are literally everywhere and the crowds are unreal. I liked the street and bars much better during the day though and the earlier hours of the night. Scroll down to get some bar recommendations.
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• Go to Frenchmen Street
This street was also packed with restaurants and bars, but I'd say it was more on the "classy" side. Less crazy but still gives off that New Orleans vibe. I loved it here. We had a nice dinner and just walked around the rest of the night. We went into some shops that were open and there was art & jewelry that was being sold on the streets. Jazz music, of course, was also playing everywhere (including on the street).
Restaurants / Bars
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• Jacques-Imo's
Really authentic "Nawlins" food. Really cute place. I tried the Creole Jambalaya for the first time and loved it. We also of course got fried grits.
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• Court of Two Sisters
This place was great, and beautiful! Right around the corner from Bourbon Street. We came here for brunch one day and sat outdoors. The outdoor area was so nice. It was buffet style with unlimited mimosas.
• The Delachaise
I loved it here! Really nice and classy wine bar & bistro. This was more in the town rather then near Bourbon Street and all the action.
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• Pat O'Brien's
This was one of my favorite bars right off of Bourbon Street. Very big open space with an awesome outdoor area. We came here a few times, all at different times. Later in the day/night they have dueling pianos which is a MUST. So much fun to watch and be a part of. They are also well known for the drink "The Hurricane". I tried it and HATED it, haha.
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• Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge
This was so unique. This was located at the Hotel Monteleone. Walking distance from Bourbon Street. You should get there early though before it opens up as people wait for this and there could be a line to get a seat at the bar. We were one of the first ones there so got lucky. (Opens at 11am). The bar is literally a carousel that spins as you drink. Took a little adjusting but pretty cool experience. We stayed here for a couple of drinks.
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• Blue Nile
Really cool place. Located on Frenchmen Street. We came here after dinner one night and I loved the vibe here. Amazing live funk, blues, soul, and brass shows. Really awesome to experience as it's not often I get to see live music like this. There was a huge floor in front of the stage and we actually stood right up front.
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Aside from all the places listed above, for the most part everything is all in one area, whether that's on Bourbon Street, or Frenchmen Street. I'd suggest going in and out of as many places as you can to get the full New Orleans experience. Tons of jazz music and live music all over.
Court of Two Sisters
Court of Two Sisters
