Oh, NOLA. One of my favorite, most beautiful (while also being completely filthy) cities in America. I’ve had the pleasure of being sent to New Orleans for work twice in the past couple of years and I cannot recommend it enough. The culture. The energy. The food. Just, all of it. This New Orleans travel guide will have a few things to do, but the focus will be on all the fabulous restaurants to try!
New Orleans Travel Guide: Things To Do
Shop Magazine Street
Magazine Street in NOLA is this adorable little shopping / dining area. There are great boutiques and unique finds – and not nearly as touristy as you’d find in the French Quarter. It follows the curve of the river in Touro. A couple of the restaurants below are close by if you’re trying to maximize time.
Walk The French Quarter
I’m not talking Bourbon Street – personally, I avoid that like the plague. But, take a walk down the edge – like Burgundy Street to see the most gorgeous quaint houses with the classic balcony hanging plants and gardens. So lovely and the perfect taste of NOLA.
Visit Cemeteries
New Orleans cemeteries are unique as they’re all built above ground because of the water level. Many are very old and gorgeous and worth taking a walk around. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest in the city – started in 1789.
Find A Psychic
A New Orleans travel guide would not be complete without a recommendation to get your palms or tarot cards read by one of the city’s many empaths. Although the reading I had myself was ho hum, it was still fun. If you’re serious about this sort of thing, do some research and make an appointment beforehand. If you’re not, there are fortune tellers everywhere around town – especially outside of Washington Square park.
One thing I haven’t done in NOLA, but would love, is to take a ghost tour or haunted pub tour. There are tons of options, so it will be a priority for my next visit!
Finally, any time I travel to a new city, I find the best way to take it all in is to either go for a run or rent a bike. On this visit, I found a cute little park northwest of the French Quarter called Armstrong Park.
New Orleans Travel Guide: Places To Eat
Domenica
On a New Orleans work trip a couple of years ago, we stayed at The Roosevelt (a Waldorf Astoria hotel) and the restaurant attached was so good, we went THREE times. It’s an upscale Italian spot with lots of great sharable appetizers.
N7
Possibly my favorite on the New Orleans travel guide is N7. A couple of years ago it was rated as one of Bon Appetit’s top 10 best new restaurants in the country! They used to offer a huge selection of imported tinned fish, but sadly that has gone away. Now I don’t love their seafood share-ables quite as much, but the entrees are still delish and the atmosphere cannot be beat.
The restaurant is behind a massive fence in a residential area and behind the gate is an old house converted into an open-air patio dining area that leads into a driveway with a classic car parked and even a chicken coop. Definitely eclectic and fun! Plus, head to nearby Bacchanal Wine for a gorgeous wine bar with live music post dinner.
Sylvain
This was recommended to me by a former coworker and friend and did not disappoint. It’s down a quiet alley in the French Quarter which leads to a hidden garden patio and lovely restaurant. I got a Bolognese that was served over house made pasta and was to die for.
Drago’s
Oh man, I almost skipped this one because it looked too touristy, but I’m so glad I didn’t. The charbroiled oysters are their specialty, and what’s not to love about oysters covered in butter, garlic, and parmesan?! Definitely a must try!
Seaworthy
If you’re looking for a more pure oyster / seafood experience Seaworthy is as gorgeous as it is delicious! I actually still remember how good the scallops were two-and-a-half years later.
Willa Jean
This is a great Southern spot that’s good for lunch or dinner. You can either dine in or grab something to go at their walk-up counter. Fresh, good food – I had a golden beet salad and crab soup!
Brennan’s
A classic spot for the New Orleans travel guide, head to Brennan’s for one of the 100 best brunches in America (according to Open Table and me). It’s right in the French Quarter so don’t be surprised to see partiers still out if you’re going early!
Cochon
Cochon is a butcher shop and restaurant combo along Tchoupitoulas St. (chop-eh-too-les). Great Southern vibe at this spot – of course with that Cajun twist.
Shaya
This was a mom recommendation and I’m so glad my coworker and I made the trek out on our lunch break to try it out. It’s an Israeli restaurant with the most stunning hummus and great flavors all around.
The Great Beignet Debate
Café Du Monde is a must try for any New Orleans newbie and great for an afternoon snack or late at night! This trip, I was told to try Café Beignet, and while it was a lovely atmosphere with live music and not so much of a crowd, I’d still say Du Monde any day!
So, there you have it – my New Orleans travel guide. If you were writing this, what would you add? I’ll be taking notes for my next trip! 😉
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