Things To Do
Commander's Palace
If there is only one restaurant you get to experience during your time in New Orleans, it should definitely be Commander's Palace. A New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its 5-star level of service, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans' with it's Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm.
Hotel Monteleone
Located in the Hotel Monteleone, The Carousel Bar and Lounge is a slowly moving indoor carousel! Richly decorated to give a sense of stepping back in time to the Art Deco era with plush couches, stunning art, and an atmosphere that feels as exciting as the carousel itself, we think it's a must see in NOLA, be sure to get there early or prepare to wait for seats at the carousel to open up.
Brennan's
A fantastic breakfast spot and the birth place of bananas foster! Make sure to make reservations as far ahead that you can if you're interested in going and prepare for a meal and a show, they make the bananas foster at the table side!
Feng Cha New Orleans
One of Shaina's go to local spots for Bubble Tea!
Luke
A new restaurant to the New Orleans food scene that is knocking people’s socks off, they have amazing seafood and plenty small plates to share!
Café Du Monde French Quarter
If you've never been (and even if you have), don't skimp on a visit to Café du Monde - the open-air and popular cafe in the heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to order a plate of beignets (hot & delicious fried dough covered with a hefty coating of powdered sugar) and a chicory coffee.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour
For those guests that are looking to venture out from the city and explore a bit of Louisiana's wilder side, a swamp tour of the Jean Lafitte Bayou could be the most exciting experience with amazing views and wildlife!
Frenchmen Street
For those looking for a local music experience, a stroll down Frenchman Street to some of the famous Jazz Clubs is something you won’t soon forget. World Famous Jazz Clubs like Snug Harbor, The Spotted Cat, D.B.A., Blue Nile, and Café Negril. It’s a lively street most nights of the week with music spilling out from the doorways to those walking past and even the music out in the streets carrying you down the street with your own musical serenade.
Ruby Slipper CBD
Multiple Locations to Choose From: 1. 200 Magazine St, New Orleans (French Quarter) 2. 204 Decatur Street, New Orleans (French Quarter) 3. 2001 Burgundy St, New Orleans (Marigny Neighborhood) 4. 315 S. Broad, New Orleans (Mid-City) 5. 2802 Magazine St, New Orleans (Uptown) 6. 2700 Metairie Rd, Metairie One of the BEST brunch spots! If you're an Egg's Benedict fan you're in luck as they have many options that offer a unique twist on an old favorite. There are multiple locations to choose from and you should absolutely plan on hitting up a Ruby Slipper for brunch. While they don’t accept “reservations” they do have a digital “waitlist” on their website that starts new each day.
Tsaōcaa (NOLA)
One of Shaina's Fave spots for Sweet and Savory snacks! TSAOCHA is a premium tea shop that provides fresh premium tea and carefully crafted drinks to create a memorable drinking experience.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
A haunted, historic stop that will thrill the senses of any history buff. Famous for its purple Voodoo slushie drink and its dimly lit atmosphere, Lafitte's has been serving drinks since the 1700s. Built in 1722, this is the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans. The pirate, Jean Lafitte, and his brother used this location as a base of operations for their smuggling business starting in 1772.
Garden District
It’s more than hype, the beautiful Garden District of New Orleans lives up to its name and is the capital of southern charm. You’ll get to witness street shading oaks, beautiful gardens, classic New Orleans streetcars, million-dollar southern mansions, and even some leftover house-float decorations can be seen. There’s also great shopping on Magazine Street. Magazine is a 6mile stretch that’s filled with everything from art galleries of local artists like Alex Beard and Casey Langteau, local eateries such as La Petite Grocery and Gris-Gris, and some fun local shops like Fleurty Girl where you’re bound to find something fun to take home.
The National WWII Museum
Amazingly rated the #1 tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., the National WWII Museum is an unforgettable way to experience this historic war. A compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, an expansive collection of artifacts, first-person oral histories, as well as unique access to experiential history - including the opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat. The National WWII Museum, formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, is a military history museum located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., on Andrew Higgins Drive between Camp Street and Magazine Street.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle, the sculpture garden, located in city park, is a great visit. The garden sits on 11 acres in a backdrop of pines, magnolias and live oaks, surrounding two lagoons. The garden features a wide array of artists from different periods and genres (expect to see classical work by Rodin next to the most contemporary sculptures).
City Park
City Park is a 1300 acre park with beautiful scenery, if you have time to make it to the park it's worth a trip! Located inside the park are things like New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sculpture Gardens, the Peristyle, and Café Du Monde City Park Location. For those Benjamin Button movie lovers, you’ll also be treated to a few of the movie locations where you can recreate a few of your favorite moments!
Tabasco Factory Tours
Calling all lovers of Tabasco Hot Sauces! This is the tour for you! Avery Island, the home of Tabasco Hot Sauce offers tours of the factory and museum that will thrill the senses and your tastebuds! It's a great way to explore Louisiana outside of the city of New Orleans and a fun day trip! And while you're there, you should also check out the Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary located on Avery Island!
Marie Laveau's House Of Voodoo
Whether you believe or don't, New Orleans voodoo is everywhere. Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, had powers beyond explanation from healing the sick to bringing wealth to the poor. Her grave is located in St. Louis Cemetery #1, which you’ll need to book a cemetery tour to see, but if you're strolling down Bourbon Street you're likely to see this famous voodoo shop. Careful what you touch, there is a lot of superstition surrounding the altars inside the store!
Haunted History Tours
There are a wide range of tours that are offered in New Orleans from Cemetery Tours to Haunted Pub Crawls and even True Crime Tours for those that just can’t get enough.
Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar
Low-key neighborhood seafood joint with fresh Gulf fish plus po' boys & a raw-oyster bar.
T-Swirl Crêpe
One of Shaina's fave spots for Sweet and Savory snacks! Casual eatery dishing up sweet and savory Japanese-style crepes along with tea and boba.
Sweet Handkraft
Ice cream shop serving creative flavors including macaron and donut ice cream sandwiches, and bubble waffles.