Things To Do
Café Du Monde
You cannot come to New Orleans and not stop here. Order a plate or two of beignets and a café au lait. It is messy, it is sugary, and it is absolutely worth it. Pro tip, the powdered sugar will find its way onto your outfit no matter what, so just embrace it.
Cafe Beignet, Royal Street
Want to skip the long line at Café du Monde but still get your beignet fix? Head to Café Beignet on Royal Street, a charming little spot tucked among art galleries and street performers. It is quieter, just as delicious, and the perfect place to sit back with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Parasol's
As a true food lover, you have to know where to find a good po’boy. This spot is a local favorite for a reason. Parasol’s is part dive bar, part neighborhood hangout, and completely delicious. You really cannot go wrong with the Firecracker Shrimp po’boy. It is messy, flavorful, and worth every bite.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Home of the famous house made roast beef po’boy with gravy. This sandwich will honestly blow your mind. It is messy, rich, and everything a true New Orleans po’boy should be. I have built my entire day around going to this place more than once. We have made trips from The Woodlands, Texas to New Orleans, and I would not eat a thing on the way because I knew we were coming here. Come hungry and leave happy.
The Camellia Grill
This is simply the best breakfast you will have in New Orleans. I have special memories here and it is easily one of my favorite diners anywhere. The food, the charm, and the old school counter service all come together perfectly. Do not leave without getting yourself some grits. Thank me later.
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
Went here with my sister and had such good food and great vibes the whole time. It is a cozy neighborhood spot that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in. The food is fresh, the coffee is great, and it is the perfect place to start your day before heading out to explore the city.
Molly's Rise and Shine
A great breakfast spot that always hits the mark. The food is fun, the atmosphere is laid back, and the biscuits are a must. You are in New Orleans, where butter is basically a vegetable, so go ahead and treat yourself.
Acme Oyster House
If you are looking for a bite to eat in the French Quarter, this is the spot. Depending on the day, you may have to wait in line, but it is absolutely worth it. The Chargrilled Oysters are a must and taste even better with a cold drink in hand.
Coop's Place
If you want a true New Orleans food experience without breaking the bank, this is the place. The Coop’s Taste Plate is the way to go. You get a little bit of everything including Cajun Fried Chicken, Shrimp Creole, Red Beans and Rice, and Rabbit and Sausage Jambalaya. The food has flavor and a serious kick, so tread carefully if you do not love spice. Is it a fancy place? Heavens no. It is just good food, plain and simple.
Toups Meatery
You really cannot go wrong here. The food is incredible and the atmosphere makes it a great place for dinner. I took my sister here when she was living in New Orleans, and it quickly became one of our favorites. It is the kind of spot that never disappoints.
Napoleon House
A true New Orleans classic and one of those places that just feels like history. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is friendly, and you have to get the muffuletta sandwich. It is the perfect spot to take a break, grab a drink, and soak in the charm of the French Quarter.
La Petite Grocery
A great spot for an elevated dinner with incredible food and warm service. The atmosphere is cozy and refined, making it perfect for a special night out in New Orleans. It has that timeless charm that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Pandora's Snowballs
Halle’s family has been coming here for years, and it has become a special spot for us too. Once I had a taste of this, I could not stay away. The ice is perfectly soft, the flavors are endless, and every bite feels like pure happiness. It is a New Orleans favorite and one of the best places to grab a snowball in the city.
Jewel of the South
One of the world’s best 50 bars and easily one of my favorites in New Orleans. The cocktails here are some of the best I have ever had. If the choice is between a hand grenade on Bourbon Street or a well crafted cocktail, there is no competition. This place is the winner every time.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
Located inside the Hotel Monteleone, this bar is a true New Orleans icon. The bar itself slowly rotates as you sip your drink, making it a fun and memorable stop. I love coming here with my fiancée and ordering an old fashioned while we take it all in. It is the perfect spot to unwind, people watch, and enjoy a cocktail in one of the city’s most historic hotels.
Pat O'Brien's
If you are going to get a hurricane, this is where you do it. I have special memories of coming here with my dad, and it is one of those classic New Orleans experiences you have to try at least once. Just a friendly warning, travelers — this drink will sneak up on you. Take your time, enjoy yourself, and remember that New Orleans is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
This place holds a special memory for me. Did my dad sneak me in here when I was younger? Yes, he did. Did I listen to some of the best jazz of my life that night? Absolutely. The Spotted Cat captures the true spirit of New Orleans. The music, the energy, and the people all come together perfectly. If you are looking for real jazz, you go here.
Preservation Hall
This place is a New Orleans institution and one of the best spots in the city to hear live jazz. The music is incredible, the atmosphere is classic, and it feels like stepping into history. You do need a ticket, so be sure to check the website before you go. It is an absolute must if you are in town.
Mahogany Jazz Hall
Just a short walk from The Ritz Carlton, this is a great spot to listen to live jazz and unwind. I have taken my fiancée here after a long day to relax, listen to the music, and just enjoy ourselves. It is cozy, easygoing, and filled with that New Orleans charm that makes every night feel special.
Magazine Street
If shopping is your cardio, this is your spot. Stretching for six miles, Magazine Street is lined with local boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés — the kind of places where “just browsing” always turns into “I’ll take it.” Spend an afternoon wandering, shopping, and snacking your way through one of New Orleans’ most charming neighborhoods.
Peaches Records
If you love music, this is a must. Peaches Records is a New Orleans staple filled with vinyl, CDs, and all kinds of musical treasures. You can spend hours flipping through records while local tunes play in the background. It has that classic record shop charm and plenty of character. A perfect stop for any music lover.
Faulkner House Books
Such a great little bookstore tucked away in the French Quarter with so much history. It is quiet, charming, and full of character, the kind of place that makes you want to linger and get lost in the shelves. Come in, buy a book, and then sit in the park in front of the cathedral to enjoy it. A perfect New Orleans moment.
New Orleans City Park
If you want a place to run, walk, or just enjoy being outdoors, this is the spot. The directions will take you to the parking lot we usually use, which makes it easy to park and start exploring. Be sure to check out the art museum nearby or stop by Wheel Fun Rentals to rent a swan boat. We have done it and it is absolutely worth it. You can also grab a beignet and a coffee from Café du Monde City Park, then take a short drive or walk in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art. It is the perfect mix of nature, art, and a little something sweet.
New Orleans Museum of Art
NOMA is one of the city’s most beautiful spots for art lovers and anyone who enjoys a peaceful walk surrounded by creativity. The museum features an incredible mix of classic and modern pieces, and the sculpture garden outside is just as stunning. It is a great place to slow down, take your time, and enjoy something inspiring before grabbing a beignet at Café du Monde nearby.
The National WWII Museum
This museum is one of the top attractions in New Orleans and for good reason. It is incredibly well done, moving, and full of stories that bring history to life. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the exhibits, seeing the planes, and learning about the people who shaped the world during that time. A visit here is both powerful and unforgettable.