NOLA, New Orleans – the Big Easy is known for its good time vibe and finger lickin’ good Creole Cajun cuisine. Most people come to New Orleans during Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras but this city is worth a visit outside these times too. NOLA residents know how to take it easy and live the good temptation filled life.
Last time I was in New Orleans was in 2006, after Hurricane Katrina. The city residents were very positive that they will bounce back – and they did. The city has changed a lot for the better. But the original heart of the New Orleans is still beating livelier than ever.
Day 1 – Take it easy in the Big Easy
After a delayed and bumpy flight from LAX, I landed in New Orleans at 2am. Starving, I headed directly to a place I knew would have warm café au lait and warmer beignets (fried dough shaped like small pillows topped with heaps of powdered sugar). Café Du Monde, located across from Jackson Square is an institution in New Orleans that is open 24 hours. A plateful of beignets, a short ride to the hotel and 6 hours of sleep later, I felt somewhat refreshed and ready to explore.
Pro tip: Wear white when you eat Beignets at Café Du Monde. No matter how careful you are, you’ll end up covered in white sugary powder.
French Quarter
Jackson Square should be your main attraction here. But don’t forget the side streets and alleyways. The French Quarter is filled with curious shops, historical landmarks, and famous watering holes (at Bourbon street). I easily spent 3 hours just walking, window shopping and occasionally snacking here.
Riverfront
The area used to be exclusively old warehouses, but now there are shops, art galleries and cafes lining the Mississippi river here that can keep you engaged waiting for sunset.
Day 2- Plantation day trip
Woke up early and rented a car from CBD for a day trip. There are a few plantations within driving distance from New Orleans. I picked a few to visit for the day.
- Oak Alley – Located in Vacherie, LA (70 min drive from CBD). A walkway to the old home is framed by 28 giant 300-year-old oak trees. I didn’t do the interior guided tour but spent 1.5 hours walking around the exterior, including the beautiful gardens.
- Houmas House – After Oak Alley, I drove to Darrow to visit the old Houmas House and easily spent about 2 hours walking around the exterior, carriage house, and expansive grounds here. Again, I didn’t do the main house interior guided tour. The garden and carriage house are worth the visit.
Garden District
One of the loveliest neighborhoods in New Orleans filled with big elaborate historic houses. Stroll the tree lined streets in this quiet area. There are also trendy boutiques and hip restaurants sprucing up the Garden District, making it easy to spend your morning here.
Jazz and the Frenchmen Street
New Orleans has witnessed the making of some of the world’s musical legends. For your own musical enjoyment, ditch Bourbon Street to the uninformed tourists and visit Frenchmen Street instead. The Spotted Cat is a good spot to spend a few hours for Jazz, but if you hear any music from any venue that beckons you, go in and enjoy. At night, the Frenchmen Street is very lively with sounds of performances echoing the streets and jazz halls alike. Walking here makes you want to dance as you step.
Pro Tip: A lot of bars on Frenchmen Street has no cover charge (some have drinks minimum) but the band expect TIPS.
Voodoo and Ghost Tours
Disclaimer: I didn’t do these because I’m scared of ghost stories. Some of my friends loved it though.
New Orleans has a dark undertone. The city has ghost stories that dates to before there was a city there. No surprise that the city is considered one of the most haunted in the USA. For the curious, you can go on the many ghost tours here. They will take you underground to visit some landmarks that are connected to some strange other worldly phenomenon.
Another option is to explore NOLA’s history of Voodoo. This practice is still widespread. What originated as an underground religious practice is now out in the open with Voodoo shops in the French Quarter selling paraphernalia and giving talks/ tours on Voodoo related things.
Stay
I stayed in the Central Business District area (CBD), which I would recommend. It is walking distance to the French Quarter and other main attraction areas. My room had river and city view, which was fantastic!
Restaurants
Some people visit New Orleans just for the food. I can easily relate as I am salivating writing this post. The Crescent City has a lot to offer for some unique taste buds trip.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Located outside of the city in a humble house turned restaurant on a small residential street. It is worth the drive to get the tasty finger lickin’ good fried chicken.
- Domenica – A rustic Italian restaurant with a modern take on classic comfort food. I ordered the roasted cauliflower, lasagna (with green pasta), and squid ink tagliolini- big portions and delicious.
- Acme Oyster House – Seems like it’s a tourist must stop. The oysters and soft shell crab are delicious. Worth the extra waiting in line time.
- Court of Two Sisters – Lovely outside seating area in the middle of French Quarter. Buffet style of New Orleans classics cuisine.
- Smart to Know
- Streetcar is easiest way to get around – it’s like riding a moving museum. The streetcars have history that goes back 60 years. Most of the cars are original vintage. Some date back to 1920s and originally from Melbourne, Australia. Cheap, slow and convenient, the streetcar lines will leisurely take you to all the major sites and districts in New Orleans.
- It is possible to take a bus or other public transport (less than $5) to CBD from MSY Airport. Just requires patience and planning.
- Some areas inNew Orleans are not safe at night. If you want to wander around at night, which is when the city is liveliest, ask a local about safer areas.
