The Big Easy! The first things I think of when it comes to New Orleans are beignets, jazz, iron worked balconies, and humidity. Pretty much in that order. Eric and I went on our first “adult” vacation (meaning we weren’t going to visit family) over a 4 day weekend. We wanted to pick a city that wasn’t too far away and bonus; Eric had never been there before.
We arrived at 9:45 am CST and the first thing we did was go to the hotel and….take a nap. Not glamorous at all, but we had left for the airport at 2am! After our nap we headed into the city to begin exploring.
Day 1
Cafe Du Monde
I feel like this one is so obvious! A 24 hour cafe that serves only beignets and coffee, its a super popular tourist destination. Really, whats better than a fresh hot beignet and chicory coffee? It’s seat yourself, so it can be a little chaotic finding a table, but totally worth it. Also- cash only.
Jackson Square
This is a great place to hit up after Cafe Du Monde, as its right across the street. There’s a gorgeous church (don’t forget to check out the inside!) and a bunch of street performers and artisans all around the square.
Wander around the French Quarter
We wandered aimlessly around the French Quarter looking at all the cool houses, balconies, and courtyards. The architecture there is so unique and beautiful!
Louis Armstrong Park
This part was a little gem on the edge of the French Quarter. It had beautiful bridges, water, and sculptures. We were there at sunset and it was pretty much empty and so peaceful.
Bourbon Street
You have to do Bourbon Street at least once. It has a bunch of different bars and pizza by the slice places. It is THE BEST for people watching. Without realizing it Eric and I had a few too many drinks and ended up spending a good part of our first night there.
Day 2
We slept in a little bit and then headed to the city for breakfast. We ate a place called Cafe Fluer de Lis that was beautiful, had great food, but terrible service. I’m also lucky enough to have some family in the area who had some free time and came to hang out with us in the city. We met up with my cousin and his family and they showed us some of the coolest places that we never would have gone on our own!
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
This was once the pirate/privateer Lafitte’s blacksmith shop, but has now been converted into a bar. They have the best Hurricanes.
Hotel Monteleone
This hotel is exquisite. From its detailed outer architecture to the amazing lobby, it just radiates class and elegance. You don’t have to be a guest to check out the carousel bar inside. The ceiling looks like the top of a carousel and the circular bar sitting below it slowly rotates. Its really cool! Their drinks are delicious too.
Sucre
I think this place is a local chain, but I’m not completely sure. I do know that they had some beautiful and delicious desserts that are definitely worth checking out.
The second night we were both so exhausted (in addition to drinking WAY more than either of us were used to, we had also average walking about 20 miles within these 2 days) that after dinner and dessert we called it an early night and headed back to the hotel.
Day 3
French Market
Right down the street is the French Market. This is a covered market with lots of different kinds of vendors and food. Its definitely worth wandering through.
World War 2 Museum
This place has a 4.8 star rating with nearly 9 thousand google reviews. Its one of the coolest museums I’ve been to. Very in depth with tons of artifacts. Its also very interactive. When you get tickets you get a card that you register at a kiosk. The registration involves picking a person who actually served during the war and learning a little about their story. Then, you can tap the card at different kiosks throughout the museum to learn more about them as you go.
The only thing that wasn’t that awesome was the food. We went without having eaten anything and fell for the trap of the museum restaurant. I mean it wasn’t bad, but a kind of okay veggie burger, a regular burger, and some mac and cheese should not cost $80!
St. Charles Ave Street Car
The old time street cars are one of my favorite things. We loved riding them down St Charles Ave and looking at all of the amazing houses! Make sure you have the exact cash fair of $1.25!
Audubon Park
If you take the street car to the Tulane/Loyola stop you get off right at one of the entrances to this park. Parks in the middle of big cities are always fascinating to me. I love getting my nature fix, but also seeing all the families, runners, friends, and dogs. There’s just a feeling of community. Maybe I’m just weird, but it warms my heart as well as lets me catch my breath from the city crowds.
PJs Coffee
Also a local chain. But! They have really unique flavors like Kings Cake and its way better than Starbucks.
Things we wished we did, but didn’t plan ahead enough to actually do
- Brunch at Brennan’s (you need reservations)
- Voodoo Museum
- Haunted Tour
- Swamp Tour
- See the last remaining Banksy street art piece
**shout out out to Eric for being my amazing “insta husband”. He never makes fun of me for wanting a million pictures and even puts in the effort to pose me.