The New Orleans, LA Travel Guide
February 9th, 2025
There’s no better way to find the fun than by visiting a new place. Our latest destination? New Orleans, LA. Mardi Gras or not, this fun-filled city is full of culture, good food, and character. Read on for our roundup of chic stays, delicious eats, unique shops, and, of course, curated outfits.
The New Orleans Look
Feminine shapes, bright colors, and eclectic patterns. Think puff sleeves, trusty denim, and all-out accessories, for exploring all of Bourbon Street.
Ride on the Street Car
Take the street car to the Garden District to see beautiful New Orleans homes.
Visit Cafe Du Monde & Jackson Square
Must-have: beignets and cafe au lait!
Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
It’s one of the city’s oldest fine arts institutions.
Experience Live Jazz Music
Go to Preservation Hall or Snug Harbor on Frenchman Street.
Getting There
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a few-hour flight from most major cities. Book a direct flight there, then take a quick car ride to your stay.
From historic elegance to French-inspired boutique hotels, choose your home away from home.
Hotel Peter & Paul
This amazing spot is an old church, school house, and convent converted into a chic boutique hotel. Don’t miss Elysian Bar!
The Windsor Court
Each suite here feels like a home, with bay windows or a private balcony. There’s always something to do here, from afternoon tea and live jazz to a salt water pool, cabana-style bar, and luxury spa.
The Eliza Jane Hotel
Impeccable style meets old-world history at this elevated, European-inspired hotel. Spend some time in the literature-themed lounge after a day of sightseeing, then be sure to stop by the open-air courtyard for an evening cocktail.
Nopsi Hotel
Built in the “Roaring Twenties,” Nopsi has kept its jazzy feel, with a glam vibe and golden-hued ambiance. With spacious suites and easy access to Bourbon Street, it’s anything but stuck in the past.
The Roosevelt
This Waldorf Astoria hotel has been open since 1893 and was once home to Louisiana’s governor, Huey P. Long. Explore the French Quarter or enjoy the views from the rooftop pool.
The Henry Howard Hotel
This quintessential uptown boutique hotel has a true Southern feel. Built in 1867, it’s family-owned and surrounded by stately neoclassical mansions in the historic Lower Garden District.
Hotel St. Vincent
For those looking for a gem of a hotel, book this 75-room jewel box on Magazine Street. With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, it’s now home to whimsical decor and colorful bathrooms, as well as a pool and lounge known for its espresso martinis.
The Chloe
This 14-room restored mansion combines classic charm with boutique luxury. Dive straight into the pool or enjoy the complimentary breakfast—you’ll feel right at home.
Eat your way through Crescent City with comforting classics at every turn.
Coffee & Breakfast
Bearcat Cafe
Featuring a humorously named “good cat” menu (aka healthy) and ‘bad cat’ menu (typical NOLA options), come for whatever food mood you’re in).
Jack Rose
Your go-to for a special occasion meal or boozy brunch. It’s in the Ponchartrain Hotel and has a super fun vibe and decor. If you’re with a group, be sure to order the Disco Punch.
Elizabeth's Restaurant
This low-key spot full of local art serves down-home country classics and has a full bar. Weekend brunch is popular (first come, first served!).
Lunch
La Petite Grocery
A local favorite for an amazing burger. Stop by Ms. Mae’s afterwards, the 24-hour popular bar.
St. James Cheese Company
This fast casual spot has a few locations, and makes amazing sandwiches and salads.
Turkey and the Wolf
Don’t let the hole-in-the-wall setting deter you—there’s a reason there’s always a line for lunch. Order the fried bologna sandwich and take in all the spot’s quirks (like plates from garage sales!).
Saba
This beloved spot is full of Mediterranean flavor for an easy lunch full of your favorite dishes—the best pita, dips, fresh salads, and delicious seasonal gazoz drinks. It's also the prettiest place with its modern, airy feel!
Dinner
Brennan’s
A NOLA icon, Brennan’s invented the bananas foster dish, which they’ll set on fire for you tableside. Plus, the pink and green decor and courtyard with turtles are not to be missed!
Coquette
Coquette is a slightly more upscale and expensive option, making it a great date night spot. The best thing is the ever-changing menu, letting you try something new every time.
Antoine’s
The oldest New Orleans restaurant (circa 1840), still operated by fifth generation relatives of the original founder. It’s home of the original oysters Rockefeller, a closely-guarded secret of the team.
Clancy’s
A New Orleans classic, we love Clancy's for its Creole cuisine, handwritten menus, and homey vibe on the corner of an Uptown street.
Bywater American Bistro
A nicer spot without feeling super fancy, this is another go-to for date night or a birthday. Head chef Nina Compton was a runner-up on Top Chef New Orleans!
Peche
Peche is continuously named one of the top restaurants in NOLA. Go for simply prepared seafood dishes and good cocktails, and stay for the James Beard-winning restaurant and chefs.
Lilette
Known as the “sexiest restaurant in town,” this dimly-lit spot has an intimate feel, whether you’re dining al fresco or perched at the bar.
Galatoire's
Often called “the grand dame of New Orleans old-line restaurants,” this is one of the oldest eateries in town. Expect fine dining, French-Creole fare, and an upscale space—jackets required.
Arnaud's Restaurant
Located steps off Bourbon Street, this classic and elevated restaurant and lounge has been offering Creole cuisine, cocktails, and jazz since 1918.
Commander’s Palace
The jazz brunch is so fun here, but lunch is tempting when you can get 25-cent martinis (even if they cap you at three).
Laissez les bons temps rouler, as they say. Let the good times roll!
The Carousel Bar and Lounge
Located in the Hotel Monteleone, this classic haunt’s circular bar revolves just like your favorite childhood ride, adding a twist to more than your martini.
Bar Marilou
Tucked into the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel, this French bar is decorated from floor to ceiling in tiger stripes and color. Guests can push one of the scarlet bookshelves to reveal a plush, private parlor.
Bacchanal Wine Bar
There’s always plenty of food, wine, culture, and live music on the back patio here. On a nicer day, bike there, sit outside, and order the extensive charcuterie boards.
The Elysian Bar
Think of the Elysian as musical chairs, bar edition. Enjoy bites and drinks in multiple rooms, like the iconic “jewel box” bar, the parlors, or little glass atrium.
Frenchmen Street
Tucked between the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods, you’ll find a vibrant “going out” scene where almost every bar has live music.
Kajun’s Pub
The go-to spot for karaoke! With a state-of-the-art lights and sounds, this is the bar where everyone is a star.
F&M Patio Bar
Who doesn’t love a neighborhood patio bar? Located in the Pontchartrain, this one is known for its rooftop views and casual, lived-in atmosphere.
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar
Humble digs with late-night festivities, plus a pool table, pub grub, and a patio. Get the grits!
Unexpected fashion and must-have home decor await in the Big Easy.
Century Girl Vintage
Owner Leah discovered her love of vintage while shopping estate sales and raiding her grandmother’s closet. This shop is for the girl who loves an excuse to discover something old yet new.
Scriptura
For the girl who loves chic paper goods! Shop everything from NOLA-themed notepads and prints to chic pens and journals, then visit the section in the back where you can create your own personalized stationery, invitations, and more.
Joseph
Big space, high-end brands, and meant for the fashionista. You can find anything here from vintage denim to black tie dress and a new pair of Manolos.
Pied Nu
This boutique has everything. You can tell it’s curated by experts because of its current finds, from SLVRLAKE jeans to Mansur Gavriel flats and Lie Studio jewelry. Plus don’t miss the giftables —beauty buys, Trudon or Diptyque candles, and Assouline books.
Canal Place
Love a mall? This 3-floor shopping complex has both higher-end department stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Pilot and Powell
A curated luxury boutique on the corner of Magazine Street, Pilot and Powell has an edit of clothing and accessories from designer brands like TOTEME, Apiece Apart, and Illesteva.
Sunday Shop
This home goods store sells local clothing brands and unique textiles. It’s a great place to pick up a treasure for your home or a hostess gift.
UAL
For those that love the hunt and some good thrifting, this cool consignment shop sells designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at up to 90% off retail.
Weinstein’s
This family-owned women’s store was the first to bring European brands—like Zegna, Azzedine Alaia, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Zanella—to NOLA.
Freda
From scented oils to household adornments, this is the spot to stock up on all your gifts for friends back home.
From vibrant nightlife to quiet cobblestone streets, experience the best of NOLA.
Visit the New Orleans Historic Collection
This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans, so be sure to check out the latest exhibition.
Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art
One of the top art museums in the South, NOMA is home to more than 40,000 objects. It’s in City Park, so best paired with a long walk.
Tour the National WWII Museum
This is one of the top tourist destinations and an unforgettable way to learn about WWII.
Eat Crawfish
When in season, these are a must. Ask a local if you don’t know the proper way to eat a crawfish.
We hope this inspires you to book a trip, pack your bags, and plan your itinerary!