New Orleans –
17 Tips For Your First Visit
New Orleans Tips For Your First Visit
Hands down, New Orleans is my favorite city in the USA. The jazz music, the cuisine, the culture… there is nowhere else like it!
I’ve traveled to New Orleans a number of times over the years and have compiled my top tips!
1. Maison Bourbon for amazing, free live jazz
The first three tips on this list are all incredible places where you can watch jazz music around the city for FREE.
Start off at the iconic Maison Bourbon. If you can, see the Leroy Marshall Band .
2. Mahogany Jazz Hall
Continuing with free jazz halls, be sure to check out the Mahogany! It is also home to unique absinthe drinks and burlesque. The intimate setting and plush vintage curtain really feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
3. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
Live jazz every day since 1969! This place is legendary. They often have live jazz during the day as well. And again, there is no cover charge. Just be sure to tip the musicians!
4. To get on a Bourbon Street balcony and throw beads, check out Boot Scootin Rodeo.
It’s the bar with the mechanical bull, yeehaw! It’s a super fun country bar with a balcony perfectly overlooking the main drag. So be ready to throw some beads to the crowds below!
This is a great place to take pictures overlooking Bourbon Street.
5. Daily jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters
This place is also a fun dinner spot, both the beautiful patio & the gorgeous interior. For brunch, make reservations in advance.
6. Check the city calendar of events before your trip- there are a ton of festivals in the city!
It isn’t only Mardi Gras that draws the crowds. There are countless big events, parades and festivals going on in the city throughout the year.
Check the schedule here. That way you’ll know of any events you may want to attend (like the parades!) and can book accommodation far enough in advance.
7. Book a tour to visit the famous St. Louis Cemetery #1
This legendary graveyard is definitely worth the visit but can’t be visited without a guide. So schedule in advance and prepare to marvel at the spooky above-ground graves.
8. Take the dark green St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District to view the historic homes.
It is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world!
9. Hotel recommendation in French Quarter: Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne
This hotel has a great prices, a beautiful pool in the courtyard and is a few blocks off Bourbon Street so you can easily walk to most things.
I also recommend checking out AC Hotel on Bourbon Street. Both of these hotels are within walking distance to most of the key sights.
10. Hand Grenades are a popular drink from Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street- be careful, they’re strong!
In New Orleans, it is legal to walk outside while holding an open container of alcohol.
This is why drinkers on Bourbon Street can bar hop while carrying a plastic cup of their favorite beverage, stopping at takeout windows for refills. And you’ll see people walking around with these bright green Hand Grenade drinks everywhere!
The recipe is kept secret but they are stronger than they look… I’ve heard that they might be made with 151 rum…
11. Streetcars fare is $1.25 and must be paid with exact change when you board.
Don’t miss riding the historic streetcars in New Orleans! Just be prepared with the right fare.
12. Favorite lunch spot: Napolean House for inexpensive meal in a circa 1915 house
Napoleon House is the perfect lunch spot. It has both indoor dining and lovely back patio. The building is an old house from around 1915 and the menu is very affordable. It’s a great place to sample all the NOLA classics like gumbo.
13. Try all the NOLA cuisine, like Crawfish Etouffee, Po’boys, Gumbo and beignets!
The unique and delicious cuisine really sets New Orleans apart from other cities. I highly encourage you to seek out these dishes and give them a try.
New Orleans foods to try:
- gumbo
- po-boys
- jambalaya
- red beans and rice
- étouffée
- muffulettas
- oysters
- turtle soup
- beignets
- chicory coffee
- bananas foster
- pralines
- king cakes
14. Eat beignets at Cafe Beignet & listen to jazz. They have live bands daily! Usually starting at 11am.
15. To get your fortune told go to Bottom of The Cup Tea Room or visitor the tellers in Jackson square
16. Brunch or dinner on Steamboat NATCHEZ for authentic Mississippi River cruise
While the food itself is pretty average, the experience is quite fun! They have a live jazz band onboard and it provides lovely views of New Orleans from the water.
17. To see alligators in the bayou, check out Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.
This tour is a great way to see alligators in their natural habitat and learn about the beautiful bayou.
They also offer round trip transportation from Bourbon Street if you’re in New Orleans without a car.
Shop my travel favorites:
Packing Cubes
Wireless Sleep Headphones
Foldable Carry On With Trolley Sleeve
Tripod
New Orleans Tips For Your First Visit
