Katharine & Joseph
Our NOLA Favorites
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
This classic haunt at the Hotel Monteleone has a circular bar that revolves like a carousel. It's always crowded, but a fun atmosphere for a few cocktails. They have live music on weekends too!
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall is a historic music venue in the French Quarter working to protect, preserve and perpetuate the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz. You'll need to line up early if you don't have tickets. You'll probably end up standing because there are few seats, but it's worth it!
The National WWII Museum
You all know Joe is a history nerd, so we couldn't leave out the WWII Museum. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means. You could spend days at this museum, but it's also great for a few free hours. Café Du Monde has a location nearby as well!
Walking Tours
New Orleans has some wonderful tours you can complete on foot! There are free tours for groups, or private, paid tours if you'd like to reserve for just your family and friends. The Garden District and Lafayette/Saint Louis Cemeteries are our favorite. Check out some of the apps in the App Store as well, they have free tours you can follow--all you need is a pair of headphones!
The Sazerac Bar
Located in the Roosevelt Hotel and named after what many consider to be the world’s first mixed drink, The Sazerac carries as much history as its potable namesake. Just gazing at the famous Paul Ninas murals flanking the African walnut bar takes you back to the grandeur of old New Orleans – a time when Huey P. Long would stroll in, order a Ramos Gin Fizz, and spend the next couple of hours talking to his constituents. Restored to reflect the spirit of the original establishment, elegant bar stools and plush banquettes invite visitors to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and free-flowing conversations.
French 75 Bar
Inspired by France, but profoundly New Orleans, The French 75 Bar is a handcraft cocktail bar located inside Arnaud's Restaurant, one of the oldest, most iconic Creole restaurants in the city. Try a French 75 while you're there!
Café Du Monde French Market
The original location of Café Du Monde. Beignets and chicory coffee au lait, need we say more?
City Park & Botanical Garden
City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and boasts a magical botanical garden. Highly recommend a trip to the park, especially during the glorious October weather!
Bacchanal Wine
Massive outdoor space! Huge wine list and array of bites. Fun spot to just hang and relax.
Acme Oyster
Famous oyster bar. Gets quite busy, but super lively and fun! Excellent po boys too.
The Court of Two Sisters
The Jazz brunch is a must visit with a tasty buffet and great music. Lovely courtyard dining!
Laffite's Blacksmith Shop Bar
NOLA’s oldest bar, a must visit!
Pat O'Brien's
Home of the hurricane, fun place for drinks out on the patio. Nighttime is when the fiery fountains come alive. And there's a piano bar too. So much fun to be had!
French Truck Coffee
Awesome coffee spot with tasty pastries. Try the NOLA iced with chicory blend or their variety of pour overs. Many great locations.
Tours by Judy
Judy is a local tour guide and may as well be the Mayor of New Orleans. She is a former high school history teacher and knows more about the history of the city than anyone we know. Friends with all of the local business owners, she can take you inside secret Prohibition rooms within restaurants, and so much more that you wouldn't get to see if you didn't know Judy. Our favorite tour of hers is the tour of the French Quarter. An ultimate must and favorite of ours!
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Joe's favorite place to visit as a kid when visiting New Orleans. Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is consistently top ranked, voted as one of the top five in the country in the USA Today "10Best" reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you'll never forget. Don't forget to stop to pet one of the nurse sharks, or visit the strange and beautiful jellyfish room!