Tips for Visiting New Orleans

New Orleans: If you haven’t visited this vibrant city, then I urge you to book your tickets now.   It’s a colorful city that prides itself around its people, its music, and its food.  On my couple visits, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing just a small piece of this culturally beautiful city.  I certainly have much more to explore and taste, but here are a few recommendations for your next trip:

1. Cafe du Monde – This is a NOLA staple, and it’s delicious, so make sure to stop here and eat some beignets.  For those that aren’t familiar with these delicious goodies, they are deep fried pastries covered in powdered sugar, which means they taste heavenly.  To not gain 15 pounds during my visits, I limit myself to one serving per two people, but usually come back here more than once a visit.  Each serving comes with three beignets.  Also make sure to wash it down with a cafe au lait, coffee and chickory plus milk.  You can get it served hot or cold.  There are a few locations, but make sure to go to the one on Decatur Street.  You’ll often hear music playing, so sit, indulge, and enjoy yourself. 

2. World War II Museum – This is a wonderful museum and completely worthy of an afternoon.  Stroll along the various exhibits to include “Road to Berlin,” “Road to Tokyo,” and the “D-Day Invasion of Normandy.”  It’s an easy walk from the French Quarter in the Warehouse District.  Mix up your days with a little history, and you’ll leave feeling enriched. 

3. Cemetery Tour – While this may sound unusual, this was a wonderful tour.  The cemeteries here are filled with interesting stories, and in order to see the gravesites, you have to enter with a licensed tour guide.  We went to St. Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest and most popular cemetery in New Orleans. The renowned voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, is believed to be interred in a family crypt here.  The tour, however, begins well before the cemetery, and the guide is entertaining and full of interesting tidbits about the city.  There are many tours to choose from, and they should be around $15 a person.

4. St. Charles Trolley Ride through the Garden District. Mix up your visit with an easy and relaxing trolley ride through the Garden District. From the French Quarter, you can access the stop by crossing Canal Street at Bourbon. The street names change on either side of Canal, and Bourbon St. becomes Carondolet.  The stop is located beside the Foot Locker store.  

5. French Quarter.  More than likely if you’re visiting the city for the first time, you’ll stay at or near the French Quarter.  Make sure to check Bourbon Street.  It’s worth a few strolls down the street at night, but also check Frenchman Street, the local’s Bourbon Street.  For hotels, I usually try to stick with Marriott/SPG hotels that offer a military discount. I have stayed at the Westin and Le Meridien, both located in the French Quarter.  Great locations for both, and each offers everything you want for a short trip.

6. Food – This city has become a foodie haven and boasts incredible restaurants.  You have so many options to choose from, but here are some of my favorites: 

• • • Restaurant Rebirth – This place is a great farm-to-table Cajun Creole restaurant in the Warehouse District.  If you’re staying in the French Quarter, it’s an easy walk to the restaurant.  The setting is intimate and the food is delectable.  Make a reservation via Open Table. 
  • • Restaurant R’evolution – Specializing in modern Creole and Cajun cuisine, this restaurant is a great find (but book ahead of time via Open Table) for a nice evening out.  In the middle of the French Quarter, this restaurant has incredible ambiance and service.  The food is extremely good.  Make sure to come hungry. 
  • • Effervescence – Bubbles and Bites.  This is a great departure from Creole/Cajun.  If you want a light dinner, or just want a nice pre-dinner drink with apps, then this place is your spot.  It’s in the French Quarter but farther away from the main bustle.  Service was great, and you’ll enjoy their small bites and great options for bubbly.  
  • • Luke – a Creole-inspired brasserie located in the business district of New Orleans.  Great drinks and food.  You can’t go wrong.
  • • Ruby Slipper Cafe – This is a great, casual brunch restaurant with spots all over New Orleans.  There are a couple restaurants in the French Quarter, so stop in and get one of their strong bloody mary drinks and indulge in the biscuits and gravy.

Don’t wait for Mardi Gras to make an excuse to come and visit this city.  It’s fantastic and it’s completely unique to any other city.  You can find a party here throughout the year, so book your ticket now.  Regardless of what you do, make sure to walk, get a drink, and stroll to the sounds of jazz vibrating throughout the city.