Recommendations
Restaurants
Quarter Deli and Groceries*
This place has the best (and the cheapest) Po' Boys and liquor. It's also really the only convenience store in the French Quarter. We got Po' Boys from here at least 3-4 times during our last visit!
Clover Grill*
Amazing service and food. They have the best burger on a bun in town (according to our dear friend, Duane). Their breakfast burger was so good, we had to go twice last time we were in town!
Empanola
We found this place randomly one day and fell in love. Delicious empanadas and matcha!
Café Du Monde*
Beignets, live jazz music, and coffee served Au Lait. Katie's friend Bronwyn says, "it is a sin to visit New Orleans and not eat beignets!"
Vampire Cafe
You can order a blood bag here (with or without alcohol). Their food is delicious. They also have a boutique next door where you can get fitted for your own fangs!
The Camellia Grill*
Great food and history!
Luke*
Yummy Cajun food!
Commander's Palace*
Famous Creole restaurant! They do enforce a business attire dress code, so dress accordingly!
Bars
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
This bar was originally a trading post for the Lafitte brothers--infamous pirates from the early New Orleans days. It is one of the oldest standing buildings in New Orleans. It is home of the Voodoo Daiquiri (aka Purple Drank). Please keep in mind: one drink is plenty for two people to share. Please drink responsibly.
Activities/Tours
Food and History Walking Tour
Learn history behind the food that you will eat on this tour. Katie loved this tour so much, she's actually done it twice!
Airboat Tour
See alligators in their natural habitat! The tour guides feed alligators marshmallows and they come right up to the boat. Something to note for guests with long hair: pull your hair up! Katie did not and it got incredibly tangled. We had to cut a chunk out! It is recommended to wear sunscreen too!
Adults-Only True Crime & Ghost Tour
This is the true crime tour we took last time we were here. Really informational about the local history and some true crime. *This tour is 18+ only due to the graphic content*
Museum of Death New Orleans
A morbid museum focused mainly on serial killers. If you are interested in true crime, this is the museum for you.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour
You cannot go through the cemetery without a tour guide, so you must buy tickets before you go! See Marie Laveau's, Nicolas Cage's (future), and Pope Leo's grandma's graves!
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
A small museum (3 rooms: one for the gift shop) that goes into detail on voodoo and its history within New Orleans. Each room is PACKED with information, we spent way longer in there than we thought we would.
Places to See (& avoid in one case)
St. Louis Cathedral
A gorgeous Catholic cathedral. Home to touchdown Jesus. Also directly next to Jackson Square which often has performers and art.
Pirates Alley
By the St. Louis Cathedral. This alley is home to a bar that is one of the closest bars to a church in the world. Also where all the pirates would camp in early New Orleans.
Frenchmen Street*
The local's version of Bourbon Street. There is live music and bars.
Saint Charles Avenue*
Catch the streetcar and see some New Orleans architecture!
Audubon Park*
This park has wildlife trails and golf (if you're into that kind of thing).
Preservation Hall*
This place has nightly Jazz music!
Exchange Place
A historic site where slaves were walked from the boat to the auction to be sold. A very somber place but New Orleans is big on remembering their history. Currently home to some stores and cafes.
LaLaurie Mansion
Home to the infamous Delphine Lalourie, a serial killer who lived in New Orleans. The story is absolutely horrifying if you want to look into it. One thing to note: it is recommended to not go near this house. If you need to go down the street, go across the street. People have gotten violently ill by just standing in front of the house. Some even claim it causes them to have financial issues after passing by.
Filming Location for 1994 Interview with a Vampire
The 1994 film, Interview with a Vampire, was partially filmed at this location.
Klaus' House from The Originals
The spin-off of The Vampire Diaries was mainly filmed in Georgia. However, the location used for Klaus' House can be found in the French Quarter!
Places to Shop
French Market*
Some local booths to shop in! They have great souvenirs and great food and drinks!
Dark Matter Oddities & Artisan Collective
A cool oddities shop!
Royal Street*
A great place for high-end shopping! Art and antiques can be found here.