What to Eat, See & Experi...

With summer time in full swing (okay, technically it’s nonetheless spring – nevertheless it positive appears like summer time!), many people are gearing up for thrilling journey adventures. We simply acquired again from a really enjoyable journey to the Massive Simple, and I’ve acquired fairly a number of DMs asking about our expertise. It looks like a lot of you might be interested by our favourite issues to do in New Orleans, the place we stayed, and the very best locations to eat – so right now I’m masking all of it!

P.S. Talking of holidays, for those who’re contemplating a seashore getaway this summer time, make sure you take a look at final yr’s publish on things to do in Sarasota and my beach travel packing list!

The place to Keep in New Orleans

Earlier than diving into all of the enjoyable issues to do in New Orleans, you’ll wish to discover the right place to remain. That stated, it’s useful to have a number of actions in thoughts as you’re deciding on lodging – since your plans might affect which location is greatest on your journey.

NOLA is a big metropolis made up of many distinct neighborhoods, so the place you keep can actually form your expertise. The most effective resort for you’ll rely on the vibe you’re going for and the areas you wish to discover.

After performing some analysis, we narrowed our choices right down to Hotel Peter and Paul within the Marigny neighborhood and Hotel Saint Vincent within the Decrease Backyard District. 

Lodge Peter and Paul

In the end, we landed on Lodge Peter and Paul. The interiors are completely lovely, and the Bywater space simply down the road has some actually superb eating places and bars – all inside strolling distance. Whereas the resort doesn’t have a pool simply but, one is presently beneath building and is about to be accomplished by the tip of summer time.

Sadly, we didn’t have the greatest keep at Lodge Peter and Paul. The room we got was under no circumstances what we anticipated – which was such a bummer based mostly on the photographs on the positioning. We additionally weren’t knowledgeable about on-site building going down on the property till 48 hours earlier than check-in. I actually hope our keep was an anomaly, as so many others have raved about this spot!

Lodge Saint Vincent

We did jump over to Lodge Saint Vincent to test it out throughout our journey, and it was simply as gorgeous! The workers have been tremendous pleasant, and the placement felt far more central – inside strolling distance of so many nice spots and issues to do in New Orleans. We’ll positively be giving this resort a strive the subsequent time we go to town!

High 5 Issues to Do in New Orleans

When you’ve determined the place to remain, it’s time to begin planning all of the enjoyable actions! There are such a lot of issues to do in New Orleans that it may really feel a bit overwhelming at first.

As I discussed in my Sarasota blog post, I all the time like to begin by serious about why I’m visiting a metropolis and who I’m touring with. Are you heading to New Orleans with a major different or with children? Are you hoping to see the basic vacationer sights, or are you extra all in favour of exploring hidden gems and native favorites? Begin by outlining your principal targets for the journey, and let that information your itinerary.

Our principal targets for this journey have been to calm down, have enjoyable, and expertise a few of our favourite issues in a brand new vacation spot. For us, that meant music, structure, artwork, tradition – and, after all, having fun with some actually unimaginable meals!

1. Benefit from the Music

Whereas we have been on the town, we checked out the lineup on the newly constructed Fillmore – and one in all our favorites, Ryan Bingham, occurred to be enjoying. We scooped up tickets instantly! The venue is very well run and an incredible spot to catch a reside present.

And talking of music, you can’t go to New Orleans with out listening to some jazz. We tried to keep away from Bourbon Road, so we opted to scope out some reside music spots on Frenchman Road as a substitute. The power there’s so enjoyable and genuine – it’s a should for music lovers.

2. Take within the Structure

The structure in NOLA is completely gorgeous – so I extremely advocate making a degree to stroll by the Backyard District and take a look at the historic mansions. It’s one of the crucial lovely elements of town. There are a ton of free strolling excursions out there to obtain earlier than your journey, like this one!

3. Verify Out the Artwork

One other one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans is to go to NOMA (the New Orleans Museum of Artwork) and discover the outside sculpture backyard. The reveals are unimaginable and such a peaceable strategy to get pleasure from artwork in nature. Only a heads up – for those who’re visiting in late spring or summer time, ensure that to carry an umbrella. We acquired caught within the rain extra instances than I can depend!

4. Take part in a Historic or Cultural Occasion

New Orleans is legendary for its unimaginable lineup of historic and cultural occasions – Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Tales of the Cocktail, French Quarter Pageant, New Orleans Meals & Wine Pageant, and so many extra! It typically appears like there’s one thing taking place each weekend, providing numerous alternatives to expertise one thing enjoyable and distinctive throughout your go to. The town additionally hosts a Pleasure celebration, for which they usually have an enormous end up!

5. Savor the Taste

NOLA is thought for lots of issues – and the unimaginable meals and drinks are excessive on that record. The town is full of bars and eating places which have rave critiques, and making an attempt new spots every time we go to is hands-down one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans! With so many superb choices to select from, I’m switching gears and giving meals and drinks their very own well-deserved highlight beneath.

The place to Eat and Drink in New Orleans

There’s by no means sufficient time to strive all of the superb NOLA eating places. Truthfully, even narrowing down our record and making reservations felt a bit daunting – however we did it, and we ended up loving each spot we dined at!

I extremely advocate making reservations upfront, particularly you probably have your coronary heart set on a number of must-visit locations. One factor to remember: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays could be a bit difficult, as many eating places within the space select to shut on these days.

Breakfast

Let’s kick issues off with breakfast! Ayu Bakehouse was excellent. Personally, I liked the peaches and cream pastry and the Matcha Fizz (a particular the week we have been there).

Lagniappe, positioned in Central Metropolis, is a 2025 James Beard Award finalist—and for good cause. They’ve wonderful pastries! Simply make sure you get there early to snag what you need earlier than they promote out!

Lunch & Dinner

For this journey, we skipped a lot of the well-known spots – you realize, those that present up on the prime of each journey information. As I discussed earlier, making an attempt new eating places is one in all my favourite issues to do in New Orleans. Since I’ve visited earlier than, I felt like I’d already skilled most of the extra established joints and was able to department out! So this time, we opted for newer institutions and locations that felt a bit extra native.

N7 was by far our favourite eating spot. It’s quaint, peaceable, and felt tucked away from the hustle and bustle – and the meals was superb!

La Petite Grocery was the one exception to our “no established spots” rule. This restaurant is a New Orleans staple that I’ll fortunately return to each time I’m within the metropolis. As ordinary, it didn’t disappoint!

We needed to modify up the delicacies for one in all our meals, so we gave Saba a strive. Their menu is Mediterranean, and every thing was so recent. It was the right spot for a wet lunch and gave us an opportunity to discover Uptown.

Nibbles & Drinks

Between meals and adventures, we grabbed a number of nibbles and drinks. We stopped by The Elysian Bar, conveniently positioned inside our resort, greater than as soon as. And in contrast to our general resort expertise, I’m completely satisfied to report that this bar was so stress-free.

Evviva was one other small-bites spot we tried – and it was a complete standout. This restaurant simply opened this yr and has already popped up on a number of “greatest new restaurant” lists. We couldn’t agree extra! The workers was beautiful, the meals was incredible, and the wine record was so fascinating.

What I liked most about this place was that it felt like a real neighborhood spot. Individuals have been working into their neighbors, the workers knew virtually half the friends who walked by the door, and plenty of lingered lengthy after dinner to sip one other drink and simply hang around.

Cocktail Hour

If making an attempt enjoyable new drinks is in your record of issues to do in New Orleans, relaxation assured – there are many nice choices!

On our first night time, we stopped by Hotel Saint Vincent for drinks. The property is completely gorgeous, and I used to be thrilled to see a Lambrusco cocktail on the menu – Lambrusco is my favourite!

For a elaborate nightcap, we ventured to Jewel of the South one night. It was equal elements lovable and engaging!

And you realize I really like /excessive low second (in style and every thing else in life!), so I needed to cease at a enjoyable dive bar, too. One afternoon, we grabbed a beer at Anna’s, and it felt just like the form of place I’d like to have across the nook from dwelling – tremendous laid again and chill. Plus, cool merch! 🙂

On My Want Record

There have been a number of different eating and consuming spots I’d’ve liked to go to if we’d had extra time! These come extremely beneficial, in order that they’re positively value trying into for those who’re planning a visit to NOLA: Bacchanel, Acamaya, Lilette, and Turkey and the Wolf. They’re all on our want record for the subsequent time we’re again!

Ultimate Ideas on Issues to Do in New Orleans

Whether or not you’re heading to the Massive Simple this summer time or just dreaming up a future getaway, I hope these tips about the place to remain, what to eat, and the very best issues to do in New Orleans are useful. It’s actually a magical metropolis – wealthy in tradition, stuffed with appeal, and full of unforgettable experiences. If it’s not already in your journey record, I extremely advocate including it!

For extra journey inspiration, take a look at these posts: