Frontdesk welcomes you to one of our newest cities: New Orleans, LA! New Orleans is a small but bustling city known for cajun and creole dishes, jazz music, history, and mysterious stories. Although it’s best known for the Mardi Gras festivities, there are plenty of things to do and see around the city year-long! We’ve gathered all of our top recommendations of what to do and where to eat to explore all this city has to offer!
Neighborhoods
French Quarter
The French Quarter is the city’s historic heart, known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings with balconies overlooking the busy city. Here you will find the famous Bourbon Street, offering jazz music, cajun food, and fun cocktails.
Tremé
Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States. Located just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter, this soulful neighborhood dates back to 1783. Tremé is renowned as the birthplace of Jazz in New Orleans and is home to many of the city’s best musicians.
Mid-City
If you’re looking for a little more low-key and laid-back vibe than the other popular areas, check out Mid-City! This part of the city is the best area to watch sporting events in the neighborhood bars.
Things to Do
Steamboat Cruise
One of the unique experiences in New Orleans is the steamboat tours. There is no better way to cruise the Mississippi River than by steamboat. The current S.S. Natchez boat offers several tours throughout the day including an evening jazz tour with dinner, a day jazz cruise, or a Sunday brunch jazz cruise. The steamboat cruises are a perfect way to take in the beauty of New Orleans from the water.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is rated one of the top aquariums in the US. The aquarium is located along the Mississippi River and features 10,000 creatures. It’s divided into 4 different areas including the Amazon rainforest, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Maya Reef gallery, and includes an IMAX theater.
Photo Courtesy of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Facebook Page
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter and is also considered the heart of the city. The park was declared a National Historic Landmark for its role in history as the site where Louisiana became United States territory in 1803. The site is now a place to view famous architectural works and attend street art events.
Eats
Breakfast/Brunch
There are several delicious breakfast and brunch options in NOLA but one of our favorites is Ruby Slipper. The eatery offers all-day brunch and eye-opening cocktails while preparing meals from scratch and using local ingredients when possible. The menu offers American, Cajun, and Creole dishes but is sure to have something for everyone.
Lunch
Napoleon House is located in the heart of the historical French Quarter in the heart of New Orleans. If you’re looking for a true Louisianan lunch, this is the place! They offer muffalettas, po’boys, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and other Creole staples.
Dinner
We recommend Herbsaint, an upscale French and American restaurant with views of historic St. Charles Avenue, for a nice dinner. Herbsaint offers local and sustainably sourced seafood and meats and has an extensive wine list.
Libations
New Orleans has one of the highest bars per capita in the US so there is no shortage of bars in the city. NOLA is also the birthplace of several cocktails including the hurricane, the grasshopper, the sazerac, and more! Bourbon street is packed with lively, eclectic bars. A few of our favorites are Tropical Isle, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and The Swamp on Bourbon Street. Not only is the city known for its bar scene, but New Orleans is also famous for its drive-thru daiquiris.
Best Way to Get Around
New Orleans has various methods of transportation that make getting around the city easy! Streetcars are a fun way to explore and they are a staple to NoLa. Uber and Lyft are also both active in the city. The flat terrain makes biking a fun way to explore. Bike rentals are available through Blue Bikes.
