Lauren & Matt
Things To Do
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Extending thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street is famous for its party culture and "anything goes" attitude. Most of the bars are located in the central section of Bourbon. Popular spots include Pat O'Brien's, Johnny White's, the Famous Door, Spirits on Bourbon, Channing Tatum's Saints and Sinners, Razzoo and The Cat's Meow. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo is located on the corner of St. Ann Street. The most renowned restaurant on Bourbon Street is Galatoire's; it represents traditional New Orleans dining and has a dress code. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and the Old Absinthe House are two of the many casual eateries.[ Also notable is the locals’ hangout, the Bourbon House. Swing through Bourbon at least once during your time in town!
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
City Sightseeing New Orleans is the most entertaining, informative, and fun City Tour you can find that offers transportation approximately every 30 minutes on an exhilarating open-top, double-decker bus! HOP-ON! and in a single 2 hour loop, experience a complete City Tour — 3 centuries of history, architecture, and culture narrated live in English by your very own Tour Host – see the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. HOP-OFF! at any stop along the way and explore New Orleans most popular neighborhoods, attractions, and shopping districts – or – take advantage of our Guided Walking Tours in the French Quarter and Garden District, included Free with 3 Day Tickets. See the city at your own pace, the next bus is less than 30 minutes away! (Rates from $39 a day)
Cemetery Walking Tour
New Orleans is a city surrounded by water and built below sea level. This is why our departed spend eternity entombed above ground. Here, graves are family affairs, with remains settling over time to make room for the next generation to move in to what we call the Cities of the Dead. Ornate and historic, funky and other worldly, New Orleans cemeteries are home to everyone from music hit makers to voodoo queens. Tour companies will show you who’s who and explain the history and traditions. Pay homage to fallen yellow fever victims at St. Louis No.1 on Basin Street, the city’s oldest boneyard or visit some of the newer, just as elaborate places. Click on the link for a list of companies that offer cemetery tours! (Starting at $30)
Cafe Du Monde
Yes, OK, it’s swarmed with tourists, but for less than $5, it’s an iconic New Orleans experience, and you're probably going to love biting into a beignet no matter where you're from. Locals know to hit it up as far away from the breakfast rush as possible -- and to bring cash when they go.
Carousel Bar
Have a drink at the Carousel bar! Located in the famous Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar is a classic and unique New Orleans bar. A bit on the pricey end, it's a merry-go-round bar that has been revolving since its installation in 1949. The bar is popular among locals and tourists who are looking to enjoy a specialty cocktail and live New Orleans jazz music in a one-of-a-kind setting. The Carousel Bar hosts weekly live music entertainment and overlooks historic Royal Street in the French Quarter.
Magazine Street
Runs from downtown to the park. In the uptown area, there are several restaurants, thrift shops, cafes, bars, etc. It's fun to stroll down!
The Funky Pirate Blues Club
The Best Blues Club on Bourbon Street is undoubtedly the famous and fun Funky Pirate™ featuring the internationally acclaimed “Big Al Carson” (495 pounds of pure New Orleans Blues) & The Blues Masters is open at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at Noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other great local talent is spotlighted for Blues and Jazz such as Marc Stone, and Mark Pentone
Sylvain (Wine and Chill)
We went here for our first night in NOLA. Super cozy, great wine, and a super atmosphere!
Port of Call (Cheeseburgers!)
A few blocks from the hotels, this is a dark, dive joint with our favorite hamburgers. They are served with a baked potato for added calories :)
Audubon Park
The streetcar has been operating since the beginning of NOLA. Get on it downtown and ride up St. Charles to see beautiful New Orleans style houses. Get off at Audubon Park and take in the gorgeous, classic NOLA oak trees.
The National WWII Museum
Rated the best WWII Museum in the country!
Frenchmen Street
Live Music every night of the week! Our favorite spots are The Spotted Cat, Three Muses, DBA, and the Blue Nile. Glenn David Andrews plays at Three Muses on Friday nights, and you won't want to miss him. The duck fries are awesome, too!
The Original Gray Line Cocktail Tour
Take a walk through the French Quarter’s famous bars and restaurants and discover the famous “spirits” of New Orleans. It's history… with a twist! From the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Ramos Gin Fizz and Absinthe, you’ll enjoy a different view of New Orleans through its history of fine dining and drinking. We’ll entertain you with classic stories of the unique concoctions made famous here and the characters that brought them to life. You’ll be shaken (not stirred) by the recipes of the city’s most infamous cocktails along the way.
Old Absinthe House
Some of the most authentic absinthe outside of Europe!
Antiquing on Royal St.
Love antiques and art? Look no further than Royal Street! Royal Street and Chartres Street are home to some of the most interesting and elegant shops in the U.S. Here the serious collector will find museum quality furniture, art and jewelry. The Travel Channel named Royal Street the “World’s Best Street for Antiquing,” and collectors world wide agree! It's not to miss!
Electric Ladyland Tattoo
Join us in getting tattoos on Sunday 9.8! Don't worry- we've been tatted here before and they do great work!