Taking a trip to New Orleans? These are the places you have to try. No gatekeeping — just the spots I genuinely love 💜
Map
Sections
6
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
🎶 Music & Nightlife
📸 Attractions & Things To Do
🌿 Neighborhoods to Walk & Explore
☕ Casual Stops & Quick Bites
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
These are my go-to food spots in New Orleans — the ones I’d literally text you to try. Super good, easy, and worth every bite.
A little bougie but the brunch hits different. The Bananas Foster is a whole experience.
Brennan's
Real Cajun comfort food — everything tastes like someone’s grandma made it with love.
Cochon Restaurant
Super easy French Quarter spot. Their seafood pasta always comes through.
Mambo’s
Some of the best fried chicken in the South. Go early or be ready to wait.
Willie Mae's NOLA
Light, flavorful Latin food — perfect break from all the Creole/Cajun heaviness.
Bésame
Beignets. Powdered sugar everywhere. Worth the mess every single time.
Welcome to Cafe Du Monde New Orleans | French Market Coffee Stand ...
🎶 Music & Nightlife
Looking for a fun night without the Bourbon Street chaos? These are the chill, good-vibes places for real music and a relaxed night out.
Live music everywhere — way more genuine and chill than Bourbon Street.
Visit Frenchmen Street - New Orleans, Louisiana
2
Classy cocktails in an old-school, romantic New Orleans vibe. Great for a slow night out.
French 75 Bar
If you want that real New Orleans feeling — tiny room, live jazz every night, people dancing even when they don’t know how — this is the spot. It feels magical every single time.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
This is where I go when I want something a little louder and more energetic. Big brass bands, funky sets, and a crowd that’s ready to stay out late.
Blue Nile
If you’re doing one classic New Orleans thing, let it be this. No phones, no frills — just pure, soul-shaking jazz in a tiny room. You’ll leave feeling like you stepped back in time
Preservation Hall
📸 Attractions & Things To Do
Here are the cute, fun, and must-see things to do in NOLA. Great photo spots, cool museums, and little experiences that make the trip feel special.
Bright, artsy, colorful — perfect for pics and honestly just makes you feel happy.
JAMNOLA
One of the best in the country. Even if you’re not a big history person, it’s amazing.
The National WWII Museum
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the floats and the artists. Super cool and unique.
Mardi Gras World
360° city views — calm, gorgeous, and such a vibe for photos.
Vue Orleans Observation Deck
Food hall where everyone can pick something different. Easy, relaxed, and yummy.
St. Roch Market
🌿 Neighborhoods to Walk & Explore
These are the pretty, slow-paced places to wander when you want a break from the crowds. Think: cute houses, big trees, and easy strolling.
Historic, busy, chaotic in the fun way. So many photo opps.
French Quarter: The Vieux Carre - New Orleans, Louisiana
Pretty houses, big trees, peaceful streets — the perfect slow morning walk.
Day Trip Itinerary for the Garden District, New Orleans
☕ Casual Stops & Quick Bites
Quick, yummy spots you can pop into while exploring. Nothing fancy — just good food and easy vibes.
Fresh oysters + easy seafood. Great if you’re already walking around the Quarter.
Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar & Fish House
Cozy courtyard brunch spot — cute, quiet, and delicious.
Cafe Amelie
Cozy cafe with sandwiches, pastries, and great coffee — perfect break spot.
Backatown Coffee Parlour
Modern, clean, super quick — perfect for a coffee + snack stop Uptown.
Hivolt
Hole-in-the-wall style… in the BEST way.
Guy's Po-Boys
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bringing little ones? These are the mom-approved stops that keep kids happy, entertained, and busy — without wearing you out.
Such a good zoo — lots of shade, animals up close, and plenty of walking room. Kids love the splash areas too.
Audubon Zoo
Perfect for little ones. It’s inside, cool, and full of hands-on sea life moments. Great break from the heat.
Audubon Aquarium
Honestly one of the best children’s museums. So many interactive rooms, water play, pretend play… it’s a full afternoon.
Louisiana Children's Museum
Cute fairytale-themed playground with huge character sculptures. City Park itself is huge and perfect for letting kids run around.
Storyland
Same iconic beignets, but way more chill. You can grab a snack and let the kids explore the park.
Find a Location • Cafe Du Monde New Orleans
Relaxing, family-friendly boat ride. Kids love the big paddlewheel and the music.
