New Orleans, Louisiana Travel Guide

Welcome to New Orleans, a swanky city nestled in the heart of the South. Rich in culture, amazing food, and lots of history, the vibrant city brings in travelers from around the world.  Whether you’re drawn to the Mardi Gras madness or the irresistible southern hospitality, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience.

I just wrapped up a week-long stay and it was so much fun. As promised, today I’m breaking down our full itinerary so you can make the most of your visit. From delicious restaurant recommendations to packing essentials to must-see attractions, this travel guide is packed full of information to ensure your New Orleans adventure is nothing less than spectacular.

Best Time To Visit

Normally I advise against visiting a city during their high season, but New Orleans is one of those destinations that’s that much better amidst the craziness. Mardi Gras parades, balls, and celebrations begin in January and last until Fat Tuesday! If you’re wanting a piece of the action, it’s the perfect time to visit.

If you’re looking to skip the rowdiness March-May is your best bet. You beat the summer heat and most of the bachelorette/tourist crowds.

Where To Eat

Truly the best part about visiting a southern city is getting to indulge in all of the incredible food. New Orleans is known for their unique cuisine. Expect to see lots of creole seasoning, red beans and rice, seafood, po boys, and bananas fostered.

There are endless restaurants and cocktail bars to choose from— here are just a few of my recommendations!

Beach Bum Berries 

✈ menu || directions 

Looking for a fun cocktail bar and a moody atmosphere? Beach Bum Berries is one of the best bars in New Orleans. Their extensive drink menu features over 30 housemade cocktails that will transport you to the tropics! They have a super unique food menu and we tried a little bit of everything — don’t skip out on the crispy brussels or their egg rolls.

Brennans

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Brennans is one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans! Its history dates back to 1946 and is where the famous desert Bananas Foster originated! Make a reservation weeks in advance to secure an unforgettable dining experience.

Their unique brunch experience will leave you stuffed and more than satisfied. Highly suggest trying one of their famous egg benedicts and the creole shrimp appetizer. You can’t leave here without trying their creamy desert—it’s lit on fire right before your eyes! So sweet.

Loa 

✈ menu || directions 

I love a chic cocktail bar and Loa is tucked away in the International House Hotel. They’ve got a super fresh drink menu full of housemade cocktails.

Make your second round a famous French 75— it’s the New Orleans twist on a limoncello spritz and it’s so good. Great place to have happy hour if you’re looking to chat and catch up with friends.

5 Bar Restaurant 

✈ menu || directions 

5 Bar just recently opened and is a chic raw bar. They serve amazing cocktails and seafood. While they are known for their oysters, I must recommend the lobster roll…. it was truly better than any I’ve ever had before! There’s a young, moody, hip vibe here that instantly charmed me.

Columns Hotel 

✈ menu || directions 

Some of my favorite dining experiences are inside of hotels. They provide a chic setting and have such good menus here in the South. The Columns Hotel restaurant was no exception— I had an incredible burger topped with tons of fun things and a heaping side of french fries drenched in cajun seasoning. So yummy!

Red Fish Grill

✈ menu || directions 

Red Fish is a great place to dine if you’re with a large group as they have a huge menu with tons of different options. we tried just about every type of seafood you can imagine here. Don’t skip out on the shrimp and grits— they are packed full of flavor and come with a huge portion. The crispy buffalo shrimp dressed in blue cheese crumbles are also amazing.

Oh, and don’t forget to try a spritz!

Charters House

✈ menu || directions 

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. A local favorite with a menu full of traditional New Orleans food. Whether you’re craving a hush puppy, a po-boy, or a creole dish they’ve got it all. Their creamy alfredo was to die for. A huge portion with a little bit of kick that the South is known for!

Monty

✈ menu || directions 

You can’t come to New Orleans without trying a po-boy. Monty’s is known for their huge brunch menu… and yes, southern brunch includes plenty of hearty seafood options.

Cafe Du Monde

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You can’t come to New Orleans without stopping by Cafe Du Monde for a famous beignet! This deep-fried, powdered sweet treat will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you drooling for more.

Where To Stay

✈ book here 

I’m a big fan of small boutique hotels but traveling during the week of Mardi Gras made finding one with last-minute availability next to impossible. Marriott to the rescue! This property ended up being the perfect spot for my week-long stay. Located in the heart of the city, amidst Canal Street I was just a 5-minute walk to Bourbon Street and the Mardi Gras parades.

I stayed in one of their Double Queen rooms and had a clean, comfortable, quiet stay. Here’s a peek into the room.

This hotel is a popular convention center so it’s huge and was packed. Despite this, the staff were friendly and very accommodating. The hotel bar was hopping and the gym was super spacious (which scores bonus points from me!).

Obviously, this wasn’t the chicest hotel stay I’ve ever had but it ended up being just what I needed this trip.

Where To Play

New Orleans is a true southern city which means most of the “things to do” include eating, drinking, and indulging in a little history lesson. Here are a few “must-do” activities to add to your New Orleans itinerary.

Explore The French Quarter

The French Quarter is often called “The Crown Jewel” of New Orleans. This historic neighborhood has cobblestone streets, ornate balconies, and tons of Mardi Gras decor with a few lively jazz clubs and bistros mixed in.

Landmarks like Jackson Street, St Louis Cathedral, and a river view make this a must-visit. It’s the perfect spot to stroll around.

Get Rowdy on Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is where all the best dive bars and dance clubs are. If you’ve ever been to Broadway Street in Nashville or Duval Street in Key West, this is like a mix of both. People are day drinking in their NOLA colors from sun up until sundown.

Rowdy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

*Pro Tip: This isn’t the safest area of New Orleans, especially if you are a young female traveling solo. I suggest hitting the spot with a friend. Stay aware of your surroundings and always keep your drink covered!

Attend A Ball

Masquerade balls happen all spring long in New Orleans. Some of them are high-society, invite-only parties, others you can buy tickets to support local causes and charities.

If you can attend one, it’s a fun excuse to get dolled up and wear a Mardi Gras mask!

Watch The Parades

If you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you have to attend a parade or two. Mardi Gras dates back to the early 18th century as a celebration of Carnival. They are a captivating event for both locals and tourists as groups of people build ornate floats to ride through town while tossing beads, dressing up, dancing, and cheering.

It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and serves as a joyous celebration of life, history, and spirit. Parades start at the beginning of the year and last until Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics.

Shopping Along Magazine Street

Magazine Street has a few adorable boutiques and trinket stores worth checking out. If you have time to check out Shop Elle, I highly recommend it. They’ve got tons of high-end designers and true Southern Belle styles that I just love. 

Take A Ghost Tours

Ghost tours are one of the most popular things to do in New Orleans. In southern cities, this old, many people believe ghosts and legendary spirits live on. It’s silly but so fun getting to walk around the city with a guide, and hearing more about the mystic tales.

What To Wear + Packing List

Not sure what to wear in New Orleans, Louisiana?! Don’t worry I’ve got you covered—sharing five outfit ideas I wore during my spring trip in this blog post. Per usual I’m sharing links to everything so you can shop as well as directions to each photo location so that you can spice up your Instagram feed!

Ready for your trip to New Orleans? It’s one of those cities that you’ll fall in love with… it’s hard not to be charmed by that Southern hospitality. I had a blast getting to explore this week and will definitely be back soon!

Check out travel guides for more of my favorite southern cities here.

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