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New Orleans Must Dos!
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items Trust me, I am born and raised here. Ya don’t want to pass up on these! I'll tell you where to eat (no tourist traps here) what to do and what to see while you are in the Big Easy!
Map
Sections
5
Eats
Cocktails
Must see
For the kids
Stay and play!
Eats
Sofia is my other FAV Italian restaurant. Immediate vibe check! Named after Sophia Loren, this is a chic spot with good music, drinks and food. It’s LOUD so pass on the intimate date night, bring on girls night!
What you MUST order:
Espresso Martin...
Sofia
Dumplings and Bao Buns galore at Sun Chong! My personal fav is the gumbo dumpling! 🥟 It’s very small and is always busy so it is best to make a reservation!
Sun Chong
Do not SKIP!! The original muffuletta (pronounced muff-a-latta) is the best thing you’ll eat. It’s great to stop in pick up a half or whole to share and eat during your stroll through the French market.
Central Grocery and Deli
If you want a romantic night with Ulta custom cocktail, the best steak, and complimentary bourbon after your bathroom trip, go here! It reminds me of a swanky Aspen moment. Impeccable service and you get to choose your own steak knife off a silver tr...
The Husky
You won’t find a more intimate spot than jewel of the south. Impeccable menu that changes seasonally and amazing service!! Skip the tourist traps, go here.
Jewel of the South
Irene’s is one of THE best! It’s tucked away in between two buildings, so look close or you will miss it!
Authentic Italian with experienced service! Must have the Meatballs Marinara and Chicken Rosemarino!
Irene's
Cocktails
Yes that’s me holding my voodoo daiquiri AKA the purple drank. It is delicious and strong, only one ok! As a local I never miss a chance to start my day drinking excursion at this very bar, the oldest in the city!
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
The double dealer is a hidden speakeasy underneath the Orpheum Theatre. It’s everything you think it is! Dirty martinis are delish here but they also have specialty drinks often! Such a nod to the burlesque era!
Double Dealer Bar New Orleans
Visit the rooftop bar / pool for some fun at the virgin hotel! Day passes can be purchased! Food and drink is yummy and they often have DJ’s spinning! It’s very lively and rowdy!
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Visiting in the summer with an air bnb with no pool? No problem! Purchases a day pass for this stunning rooftop lounge/pool overlooking the infamous Jesuit Church!
Rooftop at the Roosevelt Pool Bar Menu
Must see
Vue Orléans is at the top of the four seasons hotel. You are immersed in interactive history as soon as you step into the elevator. This museum highlights our mighty MS River, Jazz, Mardi Gras and cuisines. My daughter loves it! The observation deck ...
Vue Orleans
Whitney plantation is a must see. It is the only existing plantation where the tours are focused on slavery education and the history of the enslaved families. This is hands down a MUST DO! It is worth the day trip.
Whitney Plantation Museum | Learn the History of Slavery in ...
This is such a fun stop to let the kids run around and enjoy the art installation in between walking the city!
Piazza d'Italia
This will take more than a half day if you do the museum tour plus the outdoor sculpture garden. It’s one of my fav things to do in the summer! The exhibits change often which is amazing for us locals!
New Orleans Museum of Art
This is a lot to unpack. Easily could take two days to get through, especially if you book the after hours Victory Bells performance with the outdoor show projected in the freedom pavilion. This is a must do!!! There is no museum like this with a ful...
The National WWII Museum
She is as big as she looks! Go tour the St. Louis Cathedral then visit the artisans in Jackson square. Live music, beignets and fun crowds await!
St. Louis Cathedral
Off the French quarter path, but worth the garden district trip. This house is insane! Must schedule a tour but the history is unmatched and Jess is the best. It’s one of my favorite wedding venues to photograph at.
The Elms Mansion
For the kids
For kids and adults alike, go explore where all the fairytales come to life size explore zones! Bonus after go to carousel gardens for carnival rides and our favorite, the ladybug coaster!
Storyland
Where art is life sized and the wow factor just makes ya want yo take a selfie. This is the ultimate fully Air conditioned experience to give ya a break from the Nola heat! We go often because they do change the installations out.
JAMNOLA
Stay and play!
The garden district hotel is newly renovated and stunning! The pool is one of the largest in the city! Day passes are available if you don’t want to stay, just wanting to play.
New Boutique Hotel | The Garden District Hotel New Orleans