Alexandra & Chris
Things To Do
Audubon Park
Take a leisurely walk underneath the live oaks and Spanish moss or join the many people biking, jogging, and blading on the paved loop pathway. If you want a great view of the Mississippi River, keep walking past the Audubon Zoo until you get to a big green open park known as the Fly.
Frenchmen Street
Your trip would not be complete without listening to some live music on Frenchman Street. Our two favorites are Cafe Negril and The Spotted Cat. If you find yourself hungry, try Dat Dog, where you can order an alligator sausage if you're feeling adventurous.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Alex's go to place for visitors. Amazing wine with chill backyard vibes, don't forget the cheese plate. Middle of the day tends to be easier to grab a table and enjoy the live music
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
One of Alex's favorite places in New Orleans. Recently opened a second area. Located in City Park which also has the New Orleans Museum of Art and lots of kid-friendly activities.
Cafe Du Monde French Market
Beignets and cafe au lait, the classics. They're open 24/7 so grab some to go and eat them on the bank of the Mississippi.
The Bulldog, Uptown
Had to give a shout out to our first date spot! Great selection of beers and even better location for exploring Magazine Street and the Garden District. Bonus: outdoor seating and lots of cute dogs. Other breweries to check out: -NOLA Brewing (Irish Channel) -Urban South (Lower Garden District) -Miel (Irish Channel) -The Courtyard Brewery (Lower Garden District) -Port Orleans (Touro) -Avenue Pub (Lower Garden District)--while not technically a brewery, they have lots of beers and great balcony seating right on St. Charles
Hansen's Sno-Bliz
New Orleans snoball institution. If it's a nice day be prepared to wait in line but it's worth it! Try the satsuma flavor. If snoballs aren't your thing, check out Creole Creamery for some ice cream
Crescent Park Trail
Walk or bike along this 1.4 mile path along the Mississippi and then grab brunch at Elizabeth's or a slice at Pizza Delicious up the block.
Parasol's
Unbeatable combination of po' boys and the best Irish coffee in the city. One of Chris's favorite neighborhood bars. Runners up for Irish coffee: -Erin Rose (French Quarter) -Molly's at the Market (French Quarter)
French Truck Coffee
Favorite coffee, hands down. Try the NOLA iced, perfect afternoon caffeine pick me up! Multiple locations around the city, this one is the original spot.
Coop's Place
It may not look like much from the outside, but this has some of the best Cajun food in the city. Try the rabbit jambalaya and then grab a drink to go and walk around the French Quarter!
Tipitina's
See if you can catch Galactic, Rebirth Brass Band, or DJ Soul Sister at Tip's. If you are in town on Thursday night, head to Les Bons Temps Roule and watch the Soul Rebels perform.
Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar
Alex's hot take: Best po-boys in New Orleans, tell me your thoughts if you try it! Chris also recommends Parkway Tavern, Mother's
Bayou St. John
Rent a kayak or paddle board and cruise around the waterways
Hot Tin
Everyone loves a rooftop bar and this one has one of the best views of the city skyline. Located in the Hotel Pontchartrain and bonus fun fact, next to Alex's first apartment. Other rooftop bars: -Piscobar (Catahoula Hotel) -Monkey Board (Troubadour Hotel) -Alto (Ace Hotel)
Commander's Palace
New Orleans culinary institution and home of the 25 cent lunch martinis. Chris's favorite restaurant for celebrating. Highly recommended walking by if wandering around the Garden District and taking in the architecture.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
For a change of pace and if you're looking to beat the heat for a few hours, stop in and check out the current exhibitions.
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
Quirky and cute breakfast and lunch spot, two locations both on Magazine Street. Delicious but very large pancakes.
Basin Seafood and Spirits
Chris's first and only job as a waiter. Fantastic Cajun seafood on a popular stretch of Magazine Street. You can also check out Peche (Warehouse District) for another amazing seafood spot or Boucherie (Carrollton) for contemporary Southern
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
Easy and flat walking trail in the Barataria Preserve; you'll be able to experience the bayou without going on a tour. I almost always see at least one alligator when I've been in the past! About 30 minutes away by car but well worth the visit.
Blue Oak BBQ
In our opinion the best BBQ in New Orleans, try to get there early enough to get the brisket. Honorable mention: The Joint (Bywater)
Barrel Proof
Order an old fashioned here to end your night. Our curated selection of the endless number of bars in New Orleans: -Rusty Nail: Cool outdoor patio (Warehouse District) -Pat O'Brien's: The only place we are recommending that is on Bourbon St. Check out the dueling piano bar and find someone to split a Hurricane with (French Quarter) -Lafitte's Blacksmith: Rumored to be the oldest bar in the US, built in the 1720's. Home of 'Purple Drank' aka Voodoo Daiquiri (French Quarter) -Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar: Arguably Alex's favorite bar, feels like a California beach bar but a little cheesier. Celebrated many birthdays here; brave the scorpion shot and get a free T-shirt (Warehouse District) -Tracey's: Irish pub slash sports bar. Located on Magazine Street and near Parasol's. Crawfish for sale right outside when in season (Irish Channel) -Tchoup Yard: Another great outdoor patio bar with a food truck (Irish Channel)
Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail
Museum dedicated to showcasing all things food and drink of the South. If you've ever wondered about how Popeyes came to be, this is your place.
Tartine
Hidden gem. One of Chris's favorite places to grab lunch is at this French cafe.