Referred to as “The Big Easy” due to its relaxed atmosphere and soulful music scene, New Orleans is the perfect destination for a weekend away. With its walkability, deep history, and vibrant cuisine, there is always something to get into in NOLA. Here are my recommendations t o add to your itinerary:
DAY 1:
Hop off the plane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and head towards the French Quarter.
Start off with a walk down Decatur Street and stop off to see Jackson Square, one of New Orlean’s most recognizable sites. Grab a few photos, stroll the gardens, and view St. Louis Cathedral. Next, get in line for Cafe Du Monde. Since 1862, this cafe has been serving beignets and chicory coffee to patrons from all over the world.
After you’ve dusted off the powdered sugar, take a walk up and down the streets of the French Quarter, each offering its own variety of shops, food, and drink.
When you’re ready for some lunch, navigate yourself to Killer PoBoys for some unique sandwich offerings. I recommend the pork belly or seared gulf shrimp.
TIP: If you go to the Conti Street location, head all the way to the back of the bar to find the service window.
After lunch, you’ve got some options: you can take the Canal Street Streetcar to the end of the line to the New Orleans Museum of Art to view works in one of the oldest fine art institutions in the US or walk over to the French Market to check out local vendors and pick up souvenirs.
For dinner, be sure to try a restaurant that offers seafood from the gulf, such as oysters, crawfish, or shrimp.
When the sun goes down, join a ghost tour or visit some of the spookiest spots in the city. New Orleans is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the US due to its tragic history, above ground cemeteries, and voodoo culture.
DAY 2:
Start your morning with a fresh brew from Spitfire Coffee located down a quiet alley in the French Quarter. Once you’ve relaxed on the patio, walk a few blocks to St. Charles Avenue and hitch a ride on the iconic olive-green streetcar.
TIP: Download the “Le Pass” app from the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and buy a one-day Jazzy Pass – just $3. Show the conductor when you board. No need to hassle with cash or coins during peak times.
Take in the oak tree lined streets as you travel along picturesque St. Charles Avenue. Pull the cord and get off at the Third Street stop. Stop off at the The Garden District Book Shop to browse the latest releases, then grab breakfast or lunch at The Chicory House located in the same building.
Continue to Magazine Street for local boutiques, antique shops, and quaint cafes. On your way, you will pass charming historic homes with expertly manicured gardens and landscapes. You can find bookable neighborhood tours if you’d like to learn more about the area and its rich architecture.
NOTE: At the time this article was written, Lafayette Cemetery #1 was closed for repairs.
Make a stop off at Lafayette Cemetery #1 and visit one of the oldest grave sites in the city and the first planned cemetery. Known for its intricate mausoleums and tombs, Lafayette Cemetery is sometimes referred to as a “City of the Dead." The cemetery is free and open to the public.
At the end of the day, grab dinner at a restaurant that offers creole and Cajun favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya, or red beans and rice – all options made famous by the distinct cultures that shaped the area.
Lastly, find a cozy spot and listen to traditional New Orleans jazz at Preservation Hall or The Spotted Cat Music Club.
DAY 3:
Wake up and grab a quick breakfast or coffee before you depart. Enjoy a dish that highlights the unique flavors of New Orleans like a Cajun-style hash, crawfish omelet, or soft-shell crab Benedict.
While it's never easy to leave, it's time to head back to the airport and board your Sun Country Airlines flight home. Au revoir, NOLA!
Cross New Orleans off your wish list and immerse yourself in a city that will leave your camera roll full and your stomach fuller.