New Orleans is one of our favorite weekend getaways. From walking through the beautiful garden district, bar hopping on Bourbon Street, or eating your way through the French Quarter, there is so much to see and do in the Crescent City. As soon as you arrive, you are met with bright colors, beautiful architecture, and live music on every corner. A city with so much history, charm and amazing food, you are sure to always leave with fun memories and full bellies.

Things to do

There are endless sights, tours, and excursions to experience in New Orleans. Below you can find some of our top recommendations from our previous trips!

Cooking Class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking

This hands-on cooking class in the French Quarter was one of our favorite experiences in New Orleans. We learned how to make gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster. Classes are $150/person, and you can add a champagne bar or bloody Mary bar to any class. We really couldn’t recommend this class enough and want to take another one next time we visit!

Dark History Walking Tour of Old French Quarter

This 90-minute walking tour through the French Quarter with Jonathan Weiss was a last-minute tour that we booked through Groupon to learn about the dark history of New Orleans. There are many similar tours in this area, but we had a great time and learned many interesting facts and stories from Jonathan’s wide knowledge of the city. There’s even a quick break for cocktails from the oldest bar -Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar!

Oak Alley Plantation

Explore the history of New Orleans at Oak Alley Plantation, just an hour away from the French Quarter. Take a tour of the main house, slave cabins, and gardens. It’s a crucial aspect of New Orleans' history to discover during your visit and we highly recommend touring all of the grounds at the plantation.

Shopping

There are so many charming and quirky little shops throughout New Orleans. The French quarter and Magazine Street are great places to walk along and stop in these shops. I love finding one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family and cooking supplies for myself during our visits!

Jackson Square

In the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square stands as an iconic New Orleans site. This historic park is surrounded by shops, art, and restaurants, making it a great place to walk around and sightsee during your trip!

Places to Eat

We look forward to all the amazing food when we travel to New Orleans from crabmeat cheesecake, beignets, po boys, and gumbo! Check out some of our favorite spots below.

Café Du Monde - $

You can’t visit New Orleans without stopping here for the iconic beignets and café au lait. The line can get long, so we recommend going at off times or coming back later if the line is extremely long. We liked going at night when it was less crowded and easier to find a table to enjoy warm, fresh beignets! Café Du Monde is also cash only so make sure you come prepared.

Palace Café - $$

The Palace Café is located on canal street and is one of our favorite restaurants in NOLA. They offer some of the best creole dishes and the staff is amazing. We love the savory crabmeat cheesecake, and you can’t miss out on the table-side bananas foster.

Brennan’s - $$$

We visited Brennan’s for brunch in their gorgeous courtyard. The food, cocktails, and service were amazing, and we can’t wait to go back. We recommend the eggs Sardou and the eggs St. Charles but you really can’t go wrong with anything at Brennan’s! The pink exterior, unique interior, and courtyard are also perfect for pictures!

Places to Stay

There are many unique boutique hotels and rentals throughout the neighborhoods in New Orleans. Choose the best neighborhood for you based on where you plan to spend most of your time.

French Quarter

If you want to be in the middle of it all, the French Quarter is perfect for you. The French Quarter is the oldest and most well-known neighborhood in New Orleans, home to Bourbon Street, endless restaurants, and so much mor.e

The Westin New Orleans

• This is a great location in the French Quarter with riverfront views

• Website

Photo Credit: The Westin New Orleans via www.marriott.com

Garden District

The Garden District is great if you want to be in a quieter and more quaint area. Located upriver from the French Quarter, you will find historic mansions, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and the Audubon Park and Zoo.

Henry Howard Hotel

• This 18-room boutique hotel is in a restored 1860s townhouse

• Website

Photo Credit: Henry Howard Hotel www.henryhowardhotel.com

Warehouse District

Also known as the Arts District, the Warehouse District is full of art galleries, cocktail lounges, and delicious food. This neighborhood is located near the Lower Garden District and where you can find the National WWII Museum.

Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel

• This historic warehouse turned hotel is located near Magazine St. and the National WWII Museum

• Website

Photo Credit: Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel via www.marriott.com