Talia & James
Things To Do
Carousel Lounge & Bar
Yes, “carousel” like a kid marry-go-round. This place has bar that spins. The 25-seat circular bar literally spins in circles around the bartender(s). This gem is housed in the haunted Hotel Monteleone and right next to the lobby. Try Talia's favorite cocktail, the Fleur De Lis :)
Hot Tin
Rooftop bar located in The Pontchartrain Hotel, it's one of our favorite spots to grab a drink! Explore the beautiful Garden District by Streetcar, hop off at the hotel, grab a cocktail with an amazing view of the city, then back to exploring! Cheers to that :)
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
This place is awesome, with live music every day of the week,. It looks like a wine/cheese shop when you walk in....choose your wine and cheese and they bring it to the back courtyard for you, they also have beer and cocktails (tables are first come first serve). Once you get a table you can order great food from a full menu at the window in the back courtyard.
Preservation Hall
The Preservation Hall is a music venue in the French Quarter founded in 1961 to protect, preserve, and perpetuate traditional New Orleans Jazz. The hall is also home to the world-famous Preservation Hall Band! Make a reservation to see one of their nightly shows on their website.
Haunted Tours!
It's New Orleans, it's Halloween, and what better time for a ghost tour?? We Highly recommend this tour company, we did their French Quarter Ghosts and Legends tour and loved it. We would like to plan a cemetery tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 if anyone is interested, just let us know!
Museum of Death
The Museum of Death houses the world’s largest collection of serial killer artwork, antique funeral ephemera, mortician and coroners instruments, Manson Family memorabilia, pet death taxidermy, crime scene photographs and so much more!
Cafe Du Monde French Market
It doesn't get more New Orleans than relaxing with a chicory coffee and fresh beignets while listening to jazz outside of Jackson Square. *Cash only, open 24 hours!
Bourbon Street
We can't make a list of things to do in NOLA and not mention Bourbon St. While this strip is the drunken equivalent of NYC's Time Square (touristy!), there are a number of very cool, classic bars & Jazz clubs on Bourbon St. which are definitely worth a visit. Get your cocktail to go!
Frenchmen Street
If you want to explore New Orleans like a local, come to Frenchmen Street. Think of Frenchmen Street as the more sophisticated older brother to Bourbon—the place to go to enjoy restaurants, bars, and night clubs without all the strip clubs and neon lights. There is a late-night (and day) art market between the bars with beautiful sting lights and crafts everywhere. Marigny Brasserie, Dat Dog, The Spotted Cat, The Maison and Brieux Carre Brewing are some of our favorite spots on Frenchmen.
St Charles Streetcar
Hop on the streetcar at Canal Street and St. Charles (St. Charles Line), near the French Quarter, and take a ride up what we think is the prettiest route in NOLA. A 24 hour hop on hop off pass is only $3. You'll pass through the Garden District, Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities. We definitely encourage you to hop off in the Garden District and walk around. Get in the Halloween spirit by walking two blocks off the Washington Avenue stop at Prytania Street to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 or find Buckner Mansion, home to American Horror Story's Miss Robicheaux's Academy, on the corner of Jackson Ave and Coliseum St.
Napoleon House
Built to be the home of Napoleon Bonaparte in exile, but he dies before he could take up residence. This place invented the Pimms Cup. Have one while relaxing in their courtyard or over a mufaletta (their specialty).
Commander's Palace
Commander's Palace is a New Orleans institution - famous for its teal exterior, award-winning food, and $0.25 weekday martini lunches (you heard that right!). For those flying in mid-week, swing by this Garden District staple for some inventive creole cuisine and a few cheap drinks - or enjoy the famous jazz brunch over the weekend! Just note they do have a dress code (no shorts).
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
Go here for happy hour! Sit on the porch, eat 50 cent oysters and frozen mojitos, and watch the street cars roll down St. Charles.
Pêche Seafood Grill
If you're craving seafood - this is the place. Local brews, raw bar, option to get a whole grilled fish, this place is amazing. Would recommend a reservation.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is right in the famous French Quarter. Check out all the street artists, pop into Saint Louis Cathedral, visit one of the museums, have your palms or your cards read, or grab a carriage or pedicab to take you around the quarter.