Things To Do
French Quarter
While Bourbon Street can be avoided (unless it’s your first visit to New Orleans - you have to experience it once) the French Quarter is always a must-do, any time of year. As the city’s oldest neighborhood, it is packed with gorgeous architecture, loads of history, a wealth of food and music, and a cast of characters including long-time residents, chatty tour guides, and talented street performers. We love going to get a drinks at Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone or a purple drank at Lafitte’s, taking a haunted Ghost tour, art gallery and antique shopping, Erin Rose for an Irish coffee, happy hour bites at Cane and Table, music on Frenchman street (Maison, Bamboula’s, Cafe Negril, Blue Nile, Spotted Cat)
Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden
Located right next to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in City Park. The garden is free, but if you have the time, tacking on a visit to the art museum (only $15) makes for a nice afternoon. City park has plenty to offer (botanical gardens, cafe du monde, city putt, walking trails, swan boats, kayaking, etc.) and is very close to Bayou St John, both of which have a very special place in our hearts.
Chandelier Bar
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this chandelier is a thing of beauty. If you’re feeling fancy, make a stop and have one (or 2) of their world class martinis 🍸 We recommend dinner at Miss River right next door too.
Magazine Street
This is one of our favorite places to waste the day! Walking up and down 6 miles of intermittent shopping and dining. Unique boutiques, great eats, art studios and markets- there is something there for everyone. We love the old magazine antique mall, French truck coffee, peaches record store, pain killers at Rum House, funky monkey, sushi at Sake Cafe, old fashions at barrel proof and so much more.
Blue Oak BBQ
Sam is considered somewhat of a regular here (we both dine at this establishment more than we would like to admit.) Best barbecue and seasonal daiquiris.
Maple Leaf Bar
Maple Leaf Bar is a neighborhood watering hole located on the Oak Street corridor, way uptown, and host to live music 7 nights a week for most of its existence. You’ll find a unique mix of local legends, Grammy Award winners, musical heroes and up-and-coming talent on the stage nightly, and on occasion -all at the same time.
The National WWII Museum
Amazingly rated the #1 tourist destination in New Orleans features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, an expansive collection of artifacts, first-person oral histories, as well as unique access to experiential history - including the opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
New Orleans best backyard party (besides ours.) You can grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and small plates, and enjoy some live music. Finish it off with the sea salt + olive oil chocolate bark.
Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar
One of our go-to spots in the Warehouse District for delicious cocktails and the best selection of oysters in New Orleans. If you love sports, it’s connected to the Rusty Nail sport bar. 10/10.