Things To Do
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest
The festival runs from 10/13 - 10/15, and it is a 10 minute walk from the hotel block. It is free to the public and has an awesome food and music line up.
The National WWII Museum
New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours
Most tours are located about 30-40 minutes from the city. If you're lucky, you might see some gators!
Cafe Du Monde French Market
The original Cafe du Monde. Here, you can try two of New Orleans' most famous offerings - beignets (donuts topped with powdered sugar) and café au lait (chicory coffee with milk). This location often has a line for breakfast. It's also open late and great for a snack after bar hopping.
Jackson Square
Walk around Jackson Square and take a walk through the famous St. Louis Cathedral. Jackson Square often has many interesting characters around (fortune tellers, musicians, street performers), as well as art to buy.
Magazine Street
Stroll up and down magazine street. There are many shops and restaurants throughout.
Cafe Du Monde - City Park
The local's secret - this Cafe du Monde location is inside of City Park. Enjoy beignets and cafe au lait without the line. Enjoy the live oaks and spanish moss on a walk through the park.
St Charles Streetcar Line
Ride the street car up and down St. Charles to see some of the Garden District, including beautiful historic mansions and the Tulane University campus. Hop off at the Columns or Delachaise for a drink.
Frenchmen Street
If you're looking for night life, skip Bourbon Street and head to Frenchman. You will find many bars with live music and dancing. If you're hungry at the end of the night, stop by Dat Dog.
Audubon Zoo
Great for kids and fun for adults too! Located uptown at the edge of Audubon park.
Louisiana Children's Museum
If you're bringing your kids along, stop by the Louisiana Children's Museum. It is located in city park - make it a day by snacking at the Cafe du Monde inside of City Park and playing at the nearby playground. There is also a restaurant inside of the museum.
Airboat Adventures
Want to see the swamp, but kayaking is too close for comfort? An airboat tour is a great option.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Royal St. (French Quarter)
Walk around Royal street and the surrounding areas. There are many great galleries and shops.
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Crescent Park
Find the rusty rainbow bridge (be prepared for a bit of climb) and make your way to the unique industrial-style park with views of the city skyline. Explore the colorful sites of the bywater neighborhood while you are there. Grab a slice of pizza at Pizza Delicious, or stop by Satsuma Cafe, Elizabeth's, or Parleaux Beer Lab.
Commander's Palace
A New Orleans classic. We recommend for jazz brunch. Make a reservation far in advance. If you go for lunch on a weekday, martinis are 25 cents. There is a famous cemetery located across the street, where tours are often offered.
Cochon Restaurant
One of our favorite restaurants in the city, and where we go for our anniversary every year. Try the mac and cheese, fried gator with remoulade, chargrilled oysters, charcuterie, and rabbit and dumplings.
Brennan's
A New Orleans classic and the home of Banana's Foster. We recommend for brunch. It's definitely a dining *experience*, so be prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy for a few hours. We don't like to rush things in the big easy.
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
Go for happy hour and enjoy a great deal on raw and chargrilled oysters, and frozen French 75s.
Luke
Domenica
Miss River
Located inside of the Four Seasons. We ate here during the proposal weekend and it was outstanding. Stop by the Chandelier bar in the lobby of the hotel for a drink while you are there.
Palace Café
Cafe Degas
One of our favorites. In the neighborhood where we lived for 3 years, and right by Bayou St. John (ours and Olive's favorite place to go for walks).
Ralph's on the Park
A New Orleans staple and located right on the edge of City Park.
Saba
Blue Oak BBQ
Great BBQ in New Orleans. Located right across from our old house and walking distance from both City Park and Bayou St John.
Tân Định
We have a huge Vietnamese population in the city and there are many great Vietnamese restaurants because of this. This is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Very low key. Located across the river. Everything is great, but we love the wings, vermicelli bowls with egg rolls, and pho.
BEARCAT CAFE UPTOWN
Great for brunch - offer many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options (good cat menu) vs. many options to soak up last night's cocktails (bad cat menu). Expect a long wait.
Pêche Seafood Grill
Cure
World famous cocktail bar. They also offer small plates. Stop by Val's (Mexican) or High Hat (NOLA cuisine) afterwards, both located across the street.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
An outdoor wine bar and music venue. Enter through the wine store, pick your bottle and cheese for a cheese plate. Hand over the cheese and let them add the fixings. Sit outside and enjoy the live music.
Mister Mao
Jacques-Imo's
We went here on our second date! Delicious, very rich creole food. It's right next to the Maple Leaf Bar, which often has great live music.
The Camellia Grill
A New Orleans classic. Dine at the counter and get the chocolate pecan pie heated up on the flat top grill. Shakes (freezes), omelettes, burgers, etc.