It only took one time in New Orleans to fall in love! New Orleans is one of the most charming cities I have ever had the pleasure to visit. The city has so much personality, it’s hard to imagine anyone not loving their stay. After spending 4 amazing days in the French Quarter, I have devised a list of places you should check-out when you visit. Here’s my travel guide to New Orleans.
Where to eat
New Orleans is known for amazing food. Its cajun delicacies and french pastries are to die for. There are so many amazing restaurants in New Orleans, I definitely couldn’t try them all in four days or even list them all. My research and experiences helped my create my list of places you should try!
Café Du Monde
You must go! I ordered Beignets and a Café Au Lait (what they are known for). This is a New Orleans staple that your visit to New Oreleans would be amiss without. Be prepared, they only accept cash.
Royal House Oysters
I started with Crab Claws, it was served in the best sauce! It comes with some toasted French bread and makes for some amazing dipping (I wouldn’t pass on this dish!). I ordered the Taste of New Orleans. It gave me the chance to try three different cajun dishes. It included: Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffée and Chicken and Andouille Gumbo. All three dishes were super tasty but I probably enjoyed the Crawfish Etouffée the most, which is an option on its own. One of the best things about this restaurant is its balcony seating, it has beautiful sunset view.
Bourbon House
I loved my dinner here! For my main dish I ordered the blackened tuna. It was seared perfectly and had the tastiest seasoning. It comes on a summer salad bed that was so tasty, but I’m not completely sure how they made it! We ordered dessert here (which we rarely do) but it was so worth it! I had the seasonal cobbler skillet that comes topped with mascarpone gelato. They had a peach cobbler that was so delish!
The Bombay Club
The Bombay Club was so cute! I ordered some fried brussels sprouts and PEI Mussels that were super tasty here. My favorite thing about this place is it’s overall atmosphere. You have to walk a little bit off the beaten path to find it. They have live jazz music playing. Plus its decor takes you back in time that just feels like New Orleans.
Where to Go & What to Do
The Spotted Cat
Of course you cannot visit New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, without scoping out a few live bands. They are bound to be awesome, even the ones you hear on the street! There are tons of great spots to hear live jazz. If you’re up for a late-night band feel head to The Spotted Cat. We listened to a great live jazz band here the first night. Be prepared with cash for your drinks (they ask that you get a minimum one drink/set).
The Carousel Bar
This bar and lounge is a famous New Orleans hotspot. It is a revolving bar that Vogue Living named one of “The Top 20 bars in the world”. I ordered a Pimm’s Cup and Fleur De Lis and loved them both. They’re known for creating the Vieux Carre, which I can’t say is my kind of drink but you should try it while you’re there!
Where to Stay
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
I spent my stay in New Orleans at Dauphine Orleans Hotel. It is a really cute boutique hotel in French Quarter. The hotel’s buildings date back to the early nineteenth century. I recommend checking-out some of the hotels history if you stay there. The hotel is within walking distance to the streetcar lines, Mississippi riverfront, and Bourbon Street. When you check-in you will feel a very personal experience with their friendly staff and receive a complimentary welcome beverage at their bar, May Baily’s Place. They also have a quaint courtyard with a saltwater pool.
Hotel Montelone
This hotel houses The Carousel Bar . While I can’t say anything about the rooms I do think it would be a fun place to stay on another visit. The hotel has a much ritzier feel than Dauphine Orleans Hotel but it’s in a great spot and has a great bar and restaurant downstairs.
These are all spots are places I will visit again when I come back, very soon!
Do you have favorite places in New Orleans? Share them so I can check-them-out on my next visit and for other readers!
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