New Orleans is a great destination for travelers, especially those looking for a weekend away with their friends. The site of countless bachelor and bachelorette parties, it’s easy to get into trouble in the Big Easy. But there’s more than just the party atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Check out the boutiques and eateries on Magazine Street, visit a plantation outside of the city or check out the art galleries. This itinerary is best for people who have already seen all the top sights of the city but are looking to branch out.
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Eating in New Orleans
Arguably the best food city in America, New Orleans is where the Creole, Cajun, Spanish, French and African influences melt together into one delicious place.
In addition to the decadent Southern dishes, you can also find healthier options. For more dining options, see our New Orleans weekend guide.
Breakfast
Café du Monde– While certainly a major tourist restaurant, Cafe du Monde is a New Orleans classic. Open 24 hours a day, you can wake up early to grab your beignets and chicory coffee or even go around the side to the pickup window and skip the chaos altogether.
District Donuts Sliders Brew– Made fresh daily, these are not your standard grocery store donuts. The Magazine Street shop creates offbeat flavors and fillings, like raspberry champagne, molasses and lemon, and maple sriracha. They also serve sliders and coffee all day.
New Orleans Cake Café & Bakery– A Bywater favorite, this humble eatery is known for its baked goods, namely its king cakes, and the breakfast and lunch items. Enjoy the hearty portions of the crab sandwich on challah, shrimp and grits, and vegetarian options.
Lunch
Bearcat– With two locations in town, Bearcat is a favorite for its all-day breakfast and vegan-friendly menu items. Enjoy the Cajun biscuit or vegan breakfast tostada, pictured.
Johnny’s Po-Boys– For a more traditional approach to New Orleans staples, visit Johnny’s, just a short walk from the tourist attractions. Be prepared for the massive portions, so your sandwich, filled with shrimp, oysters or even alligator sausage, can be both lunch and an afternoon snack.
St. Roch Market– Everyone can choose their own cuisine at this food hall. They have Mexican, Caribbean, Vietnamese, seafood, and everything in between.
Dinner
Antoine’s Restaurant– Open for over 175 years, Antoine’s is truly a New Orleans institution. It’s where the most notable visitors and locals dine, as referenced in the photos on the wall. Start with oysters and the fried puffed potatoes and a classic cocktail. Choose from chicken and fish, as well as daily specials.
La Petite Grocery– For a take on modern Louisiana cuisine, seek out La Petite Grocery. Housed in a century-old building, the cozy restaurant offers classics like blue crab beignets and gulf shrimp and grits with fresh vegetables.
Seaworthy– Head to the Warehouse District for fresh local oysters and craft cocktails. The former Creole cottage is small on space, so make reservations for your group.
Drinking in New Orleans
Bacchanal Wine– The neighborhood wine shop is also the best backyard party in town. They expanded to include patio dining, live music and, of course, wine. Stop by for day drinking or an intimate dinner.
Carousel Bar– Located in the Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar is the most unique in the city. Grab one of the coveted revolving seats at the bar or otherwise just watch it spin as you sip on your Sazerac and snack on fleur-de-lis shaped pretzels. You can also visit on The Classic Cocktail Tour in New Orleans.
Celebration Distillation– Grab your friends and catch the shuttle from the French Market to the Ninth Ward’s Old New Orleans Rum Distillery. The city’s oldest rum distillery survived Katrina and offers tours and tastings.
Organic Banana– Stop by the French Market for your morning smoothie, made with fresh fruit and nonfat yogurt, or some hair of the dog for their daily happy hour. They make daiquiris later in the day for you to take with you.
Pat O’Brien’s Bar– Perhaps no bar in New Orleans is as well known, so stop by to see what all the fuss is about. The former speakeasy is home to the Hurricane, a bright red concoction only found here.
Spitfire Coffee– Get your day started right with a strong coffee from Spitfire in the French Quarter. Cold brew will cool you off as you walk the streets of the city, but you can also opt for the espresso for added energy.
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in New Orleans
If you’re not into partying every night during your visit, you can also opt for fitness and relaxing activities.
Blo Blow Dry Bar – Magazine– Prepare for a night out with a blowout at this Magazine Street salon. Pops of pink welcome you to this franchise opened by two locals. All treatments are under $75!
The Country Club– Cool off from the Southern humidity at this locals spot. They have a pool and restaurant, pre-gaming for Saints games, and drag brunch.
Kayakitiyat– Find a different perspective when you see New Orleans by water. This company offers tours of Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding bayous. They also offer combination bike and kayak tours.
Spa at Windsor Court– Consistently rated the top spa in town, Windsor Court is worth the splurge. They offer wraps and body treatments, facials, haircuts, massages, nail treatments, and waxing.
Wild Lotus Yoga– The Uptown location offers sliding scale community classes starting at only $5 per class. Standard drop-in rates are also only $17. They offer classes for all levels.
Shopping in New Orleans
Fleurty Girl– Grab some Mardi Gras gear and other themed clothing and gifts at this boutique, with Magazine Street and French Quarter locations.
French Market– The over 200-year-old market has permanent stalls featuring food and drink, a weekly farmer’s market, a flea market, and regularly changing stalls. It’s a unique spot for souvenir shopping.
Magazine Street– This long street is full of great shops and boutiques as well as restaurants where you can find just about any type of food. Grab a burrito at Juan’s Flying Burrito and dessert at Sucre.
Trashy Diva– This store has multiple locations and sells vintage-inspired attire and lingerie.
Sightseeing in New Orleans
Bottom of the Cup Tea Room– This French Quarter shop has been doing tea leaf readings since 1927. You can get a CD of your reading as a souvenir. They also sell mystical items and traditional teas.
Cajun Pride Swamp Tours– The greater New Orleans area is made up almost entirely of water, so spend some time on the bayous where alligators are commonplace. Combine it with a plantation tour. Book your Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans here.
New Orleans French Quarter, Movie, and TV Walking Tour– Visit the filming locations of your favorite movies and television shows with the city’s only tours of this kind. They’re divided into French Quarter and Uptown tours.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art– Learn about the South’s art legacy at this museum, which features exhibits on photography, ceramics, and paintings. The permanent collection includes works by Thornton Dial, Howard Finster, Benny Andrews, and others.
Sazerac House– This free museum showcases the official cocktail of New Orleans. It starts with the pharmacies that created bitters and the cocktail and includes samples along the way.
Taste of New Orleans Cooking Class and Luncheon– Take home recipes from your favorite dishes by visiting this cooking school in the French Quarter. You can choose from either demonstrations, where you watch the expert at work, or classes, where you learn firsthand.
Sleeping in New Orleans
Bourbon Orleans Hotel– The reportedly haunted hotel is right in the heart of the French Quarter, mere steps away from everything you need. It includes a pool, restaurant, and bar right on Bourbon Street. 717 Orleans Street
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery- Enjoy this boutique hotel in the middle of the action, within a short walk from downtown museums and restaurants. It’s also home to Nina Compton’s much-praised restaurant.535 Tchoupitoulas Street
Pontchartrain Hotel- The longtime Garden District hotel has been a favorite of Mardi Gras revelers but has seen new life with modern renovations. It has stylish rooms, in-house bars and restaurants, and an affordable price. Read our review here. 2031 St. Charles Avenue
Airbnb and Rentals– Stay like a local at an Airbnb, which might be a Creole cottage or shotgun house to share with your friends. Use this link and get $20 off your first stay! VRBO also has options for rentals in New Orleans.
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