Alicia & Rick
Things to Do
Cafe Du Monde French Market
There are multiple locations but the most famous is at the French Market. Expect to wait 45 minutes even for takeout in the mornings, but this location is open 24 hours and there's never any wait if you go late night! In addition to the world famous beignets, try the chicory coffee au lait - available hot, iced or frozen.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Part music venue, part wine store, part garden party, Bacchanal combines the best of these in a cool backyard in a residential part of the Bywater. Hop in an Uber, buy a bottle of wine and a plate of cheese, meats and bread, and kick back for a relaxing afternoon. There's also an awesome cocktail bar upstairs!
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest in New Orleans, having been built in 1789. It's most famous for supposedly housing the tomb of Marie Laveau, and it's only accessible via guided tour. Our favorite is the one given by Free Tours by Foot.
Carousel Bar
The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone is an amazing experience. Open since 1949, this bar has created famous cocktails like the Vieux Carre and offers delightful cocktails at the rotating bar. We recommend getting there about 20 minutes before it opens to ensure you get one of the 25 seats at the bar.
Commander's Palace
One of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans, Commander's Palace has been open since 1893 and started the career of the city's most renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. You can't miss the beautiful turquoise mansion in the famous Garden District, which you can get to by taking the St. Charles Streetcar from Canal Street. Go for weekday lunch for a great prix fixe deal and 25 cent martinis!
Steamboat NATCHEZ
We haven't done this yet but have watched it sail away many times. It's the last remaining authentic steamboat on the Mississippi, as it uses an original 1925 steam engine. They do daily jazz brunch and dinner cruises, and you can hear the steam calliope play three times each day from many parts of the French Quarter.
French 75 Bar at Arnaud's
Intimate little cocktail spot inside Arnaud's, one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans (est. 1918). Unlike Arnaud's, you're able to grab a drink here without following the strict dress code - but you'll still be served by waiters in tuxedos. Don't miss the gougeres (cheese puffs) off the bar snacks menu!
Airboat Swamp Tour
We went here to celebrate Rick's 35th birthday and it's a lot of fun! This package includes bus transportation to the town of Jean Lafitte and a 3 hour airboat ride - you are likely to see lots of alligators in addition to turtles, herons and maybe even some raccoons!
Drunk History Tour
There's tons of options for good ghost tours in the French Quarter, but this is one of our favorites. Along the way you'll stop at a few different bars to grab a to-go drink to make the tour extra enjoyable!
Pat O'Brien's
Home of the hurricane and the dueling pianos. The French Quarter location also has a beautiful courtyard and multiple bars so there's lots of options for hanging out!
The Spotted Cat
Just outside the French Quarter is Frenchmen Street, home of the best jazz clubs. The Spotted Cat is a great time, with a low ($5 or so) cover to see some great jazz bands.
Jackson Square
The heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is the home of the St. Louis Cathedral, street performers and incredible artwork being made on site.
Royal Street shopping
Lots of great art galleries, antique shops and gift stores along Royal Street
Curio
Great brunch spot with inventive cocktails. They have a balcony on the second floor too!
The Presbytère
This state museum, located in Jackson Square, is incredibly interesting, with the upstairs exhibit focused on the history and culture of Mardi Gras and the downstairs showcasing a moving tribute to Hurricane Katrina.
Harrah's Casino
For the gamblers among us!