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New Orleans Nooks: Must-Do, Stay & Indulge
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items If you're heading to New Orleans, here's my honest list of what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. I've rounded up the tours, restaurants, hotels, and guides I'd send my own friends to — so you can plan your trip and skip the guesswork. Laissez ...
Sections
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Tours
Restaurants
Hotels
Guides
Tours
The fun stuff! These are the tours and experiences I'd tell my friends to book in New Orleans — from plantations to ghost tours to jazz cruises. If you're short on time, pick one or two from this section and you really can't go wrong.
Step back in time at Laura Plantation — this guided tour dives into the rich history and culture of Louisiana. A fascinating and meaningful stop I'd recommend to any history lover.
Laura Plantation Tour
Want the inside scoop on New Orleans? A private city tour with a local expert is the way to go — you'll see the highlights and hear the stories you'd never find on your own.
Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide
The Garden District is pure New Orleans charm — gorgeous historic homes, oak-lined streets, and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This walking tour is the perfect way to take it all in.
New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Calling all sweet tooths! This donut and beignet adventure lets you taste your way through New Orleans' best sugary treats. Come hungry — you'll thank me later.
New Orleans Donut and Beignet Adventure by Underground Donut Tour
The National WWII Museum is world-class — one of the most comprehensive and moving museums you'll ever visit. I'd set aside at least half a day for this one.
The National WWII Museum Admission Ticket New Orleans
My favorite way to explore a new city! This food and history walking tour lets you taste the best of New Orleans while learning its incredible stories. Come hungry!
New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
The Whitney Plantation tour is powerful and important — it tells the story of enslaved people in Louisiana with honesty and depth. Transportation from New Orleans is included, making it easy to visit.
Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
Oak Alley is as iconic as it gets — that stunning alley of ancient oaks is pure Southern magic. The tour from New Orleans includes transportation, so it's a hassle-free day trip.
Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
Hold on tight! An airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps is such a thrill — you'll glide across the water and maybe spot some gators. A must-do New Orleans adventure!
New Orleans Airboat Ride
There's nothing like an evening on the Steamboat Natchez — live jazz, the Mississippi River, and the city lights. Add the dinner option for the full experience. So romantic!
Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
New Orleans after dark is delightfully spooky! This ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour is the perfect mix of eerie tales and fascinating history. I'd definitely add this to your evening plans.
New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour
First time in New Orleans? This comprehensive city tour hits all the highlights so you'll know where to go back and explore. A great intro to the Big Easy.
New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour
A horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter is pure old-world charm — and the haunted history stories make it even better. Such a fun, intimate way to see the city!
New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is fascinating — the above-ground tombs and incredible history make this official walking tour a must. You'll learn so much!
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour
Restaurants
Let's talk food! New Orleans is one of the best food cities in America — from Creole classics to modern Southern. These are my top restaurant picks for your trip.
The Carousel Bar is a New Orleans icon — yes, the bar actually rotates! Located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, it's the perfect spot for a cocktail in the French Quarter.
Carousel Bar & Lounge - Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter
Commander's Palace is legendary — exquisite Creole cuisine in a gorgeous Garden District setting. This is the special-occasion dinner of New Orleans. Book ahead!
Famous New Orleans Restaurant - Commander's Palace
Criollo in the Hotel Monteleone serves up elevated New Orleans flavors in a beautiful setting. A great pick for a delicious French Quarter dinner.
Criollo Nola
Cochon is a Warehouse District favorite for authentic Cajun and Southern flavors — hearty, delicious, and full of Louisiana soul. Don't miss the wood-fired oysters if they're on the menu!
Welcome - Cochon Restaurant New Orleans
No trip to New Orleans is complete without Café Du Monde! The beignets and chicory coffee at this iconic French Market spot are a must — go early to beat the line.
Welcome to Cafe Du Monde New Orleans | French Market Coffee Stand
Cochon Butcher is such a fun, casual spot — house-made charcuterie, killer sandwiches, and great drinks. Perfect for a laid-back lunch or afternoon snack.
Cochon Butcher, New Orleans New Orleans
Antoine's has been a French Quarter institution since 1840 — classic Creole cuisine in an elegant, historic setting. If you want old-school New Orleans dining, this is it.
Antoine's Restaurant | New Orleans' French Quarter Restaurant Since 1840
Dooky Chase is a Treme treasure — a cornerstone of New Orleans' culinary and cultural history since 1941. The Creole cooking here is legendary.
Dooky Chase—Nationwide Shipping | Dooky Chase's Restaurant Since 1941 | New Orleans
Herbsaint on St. Charles Avenue blends French and Southern cuisine beautifully — sophisticated, delicious, and always on point. A fantastic dinner pick.
Herbsaint, New Orleans New Orleans
Elizabeth's is a beloved local spot for Southern comfort food with a creative twist. The kind of place the locals love — and you will too!
Elizabeths Restaurant
GW Fins is my pick for seafood in the French Quarter — fresh, inventive dishes in a warm, welcoming space. Seafood lovers, don't miss this one!
GW Fins
The Court of Two Sisters is famous for its jazz brunch — live music, a beautiful courtyard, and classic Creole dishes. Such a fun New Orleans experience!
LIVE JAZZ BRUNCH BUFFET | Court of Two Sisters
Willa Jean brings a fresh, modern take on Southern food in the Central Business District — plus an amazing bakery! Great for brunch or a casual dinner.
Willa Jean bakery + restaurant
R'evolution is fine dining at its best — a sophisticated take on Creole and Cajun cuisine from celebrated chefs. Perfect for a truly special night out.
Restaurant R'evolution - New Orleans
Hotels
Where to stay in New Orleans! I've rounded up my favorite hotel picks — from historic French Quarter icons to chic boutiques. Pick the one that fits your vibe.
The Hotel Monteleone is a French Quarter landmark — timeless luxury dating back to 1886, and home to the famous Carousel Bar. For a quintessential New Orleans stay, this is it.
Hotel Monteleone
The Eliza Jane is such a chic boutique hotel — historic 19th-century buildings with stylish, modern interiors. Intimate courtyards, a great lounge, and close to the French Quarter.
The Eliza Jane Hotel | Luxury Hotel in Downtown New ...
The Four Seasons New Orleans sets the bar for luxury — stunning Mississippi River views, a rooftop pool, and world-class service. A splurge-worthy pick.
Luxury Hotel French Quarter New Orleans | Four Seasons Hotel
The Roosevelt is pure old-school glamour — a Waldorf Astoria icon since 1893 with opulent rooms and the famous Sazerac Bar. Such a grand New Orleans stay.
Roosevelt New Orleans | Waldorf Astoria
The Omni Riverfront is a great all-around pick — modern luxury with historic charm, steps from the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. Comfortable, convenient, and full of Southern hospitality.
Omni Riverfront New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
The Royal Sonesta puts you right on Bourbon Street — sophisticated rooms, a lush courtyard, and live jazz at The Jazz Playhouse. Perfect for soaking up the French Quarter energy.
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
Guides
Planning resources! This section has my favorite guides for visiting New Orleans — seasonal tips, itineraries, and insider advice to help you make the most of your trip.
December in New Orleans is a magical time when the city's unique charm is on full display. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through the enchanting streets of the Crescent City as it transforms for the holiday season. From festive lights ...
Exploring the Enchanting Charms of New Orleans in December
Planning a bachelorette party in New Orleans? I've got the perfect 4-day itinerary to make your celebration unforgettable! From sipping cocktails at iconic bars in the French Quarter to indulging in mouthwatering cuisine at the city’s best restaurant...
4-Day New Orleans Bachelorette Itinerary
January is such an underrated time to visit New Orleans — milder weather, fewer crowds, and the Carnival season kicking off! This guide covers the best of the Crescent City's cool charm.
Visiting New Orleans in January: The Crescent City's Cool Charm