A New Orleans City Guide for your next trip to the southern gem.
This post is sponsored by Stay Alfred, all opinions are my own.
New Orleans is something else.
It truly is. It’s a city like none other. Musically speaking, it reminds me quite a bit of Nashville – all that live music and such.
Yet, when you’re there it feels as though you’re a world away from Nashville. The buildings around the French Quarter are historic, colorful, and so darn beautiful.
The city is always brimming with activity, but not the kind of activity where you’re exhausted constantly like the energy in New York. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York and I think we’ll end up there eventually (more on that later!). There’s just something so unique about New Orleans.
New Orleans City Guide: A Weekend in the Big Easy
If you haven’t had the chance to visit New Orleans yet, I highly recommend it. And, if that’s why you’re here – you’re going to love it! Bourbon Street is a bit much, but there’s so much more to the city than that. Here are some of my favorites.
Where to eat & drink in New Orleans
- Commander’s Palace. If it’s stellar service you’re looking for, and a classic New Orleans meal, Commander’s Palace is it. As you enter, be prepared to be whisked away through the kitchen to a semi-hidden bar where you can order a cocktail while you wait on your table. If that’s not an entrance, I don’t know what is.
- The Daily Beet. If you do anything at all, be sure to get the supreme toast.
- Killer PoBoys. I had Killer PoBoys the first time I visited New Orleans and still, to this day, remember that pork belly po’boy. So naturally, I went back and got the exact same thing on my last trip. Give it a try, then you won’t judge me.
- District. Don’t skip this spot, the sliders are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. The chicken was DELICIOUS – be sure to add pimento to it!
- Brennan’s. A New Orleans staple. Go for champagne happy hour because any champagne happy hour is a dream.
- Copper Vine. Copper Vine is a new spot in town and their wine selection is ON POINT. So very much on point. The team is also incredibly knowledgeable about the wines and how they pair with the menu. Don’t be shy and ask what they’d recommend for the evening!
What to do in New Orleans
- Food halls. Is it terrible that I just finished up the eating and drinking category of the New Orleans City Guide and I’m already talking about food again? Oh well, you truly only live once. I loved visiting Auction House Market and Pythian Market. So many great spots in there!
- Get lost. I’m not telling you to get lost, I’m just telling you to plan a time during your trip to simply walk around and get lost in the wonder that is historic New Orleans. It’s one of the best ways to explore the city! Especially if it’s not sweltering outside.
- Shop. Visit Saint Claude! I love looking through all the little boutiques in New Orleans, especially as recommended by my friend Amanda – like this one. Beware though, you’re going to want everything. Stonefree (right near Willa Jean – more on that below!) is also worth a stop. They carry beautifully tailored clothing and some seriously exquisite pieces. If printed goods are on your list, then pay a visit to Lionheart.
Where to get coffee in New Orleans
- Willa Jean. Get the Milk Money Latte, iced. Your life depends on it. Just kidding, it doesn’t (obviously), but I love it and I think you will, too.
- French Truck Coffee. As recommended by my dear friend, Liz, the NOLA iced coffee is a must!
- Stumptown. I know Stumptown isn’t local to New Orleans, but they’ve got a location there and it is so worth the visit because Stumptown is always a good plan.
- Drip Affogato Bar. For obvious reasons.
- Café Bon Ami. The entrance to Café Bon Ami is directly next door to where we stayed (Stay Alfred) which made it quite the ideal spot for a cup of morning coffee – always iced of course, because I’m from New England where we drink iced coffee year round.
Tourist attractions worth visiting in New Orleans
- Garden District. The Garden District is absolutely beautiful. The homes are stunning and so worth a visit. The best way to explore the garden district is to rent a bike for the day and go at your own pace. And, enjoy!
- Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street, I know, I know. But if you’re going to New Orleans and you don’t take a walk through the ever-entertaining Bourbon Street, did you really go to New Orleans?
- The Streetcar. It’s not really an attraction, nor is it a spot because they’re continuously moving – but the streetcars in New Orleans are so sweet! Hop on a car and ride it around town, it’s another great way to explore the city.
- French Quarter. I would be remiss if I didn’t urge you to visit the French Quarter while you’re in town. Those colorful buildings are everything.
- Arts District. Julia Street is so darn lovely and truly worth a little morning walk. While you’re there, stop by Auction House and grab yourself some coffee and breakfast!
Where to stay in New Orleans
We stayed with Stay Alfred and let me just tell you, we were in the loveliest apartment for our time in New Orleans. We had a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in their charming Factors’ Row property. If you’re unfamiliar, the neighborhood where Factors’ Row is located is the original location of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange. Now, it’s open for guests to enjoy a weekend or a month – or longer! – exploring New Orleans and all of its history.
Typically when I travel I’m staying in hotels, which don’t get me wrong, is lovely. However, my biggest gripe with hotel stays is that there’s no real functioning living space (in most rooms, at least). But in our Stay Alfred apartment, we had a full-fledged kitchen and living room. We felt right at home!
Stay Alfred has a few other locations in town, too – not to mention that they’re in 27 other cities around the country. Booking was easy breezy and checking in was even easier. I’m already planning my next trip solely around the cities they’re in. I just can’t help myself!
For my next trip to New Orleans
Is it silly that I’m already planning my next trip to New Orleans? Oh well, you can’t blame me when the city is ridiculously charming. And, to complete my New Orleans City Guide, here are all the spots I plan to visit on my next trip! (Who’s coming with me?)
- Galatoire’s
- Bacchanal
- Coquette
- Congregation Coffee Bar
- Mammoth Espresso
- Couvant
- Seaworthy
Who else has been to New Orleans? What are some of your favorite spots in town?! I’m working on adding a community favorites section to my city guides and want to know where you frequent when you visit. And…go!
ps. Want 10% off your next Stay Alfred stay? Use the code YOURPLACE when booking!
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