Exploring the Jazzy and Vibrant City of NOLA
New Orleans is probably one of my favorite cities. I truly think it’s one of the greatest cities in the U.S. The culture is so unique and authentic, the food is delicious, the music is transporting, and the art is unbelievable. I’ve only been a couple of times, but it’s definitely a place I would visit over and over and never feel like I’ve fully experienced it all. If you haven’t been, I recommend adding it to your 2024 travel list!
Flight
Depending on where you’re coming from, the flight isn’t long. From Miami it’s about 2 hours non-stop, and from New York it’s about 3 hours non-stop. So you can work, read, watch a movie, but know that you won’t be in the air for too long.
Where To Stay
We’ve stayed at hotels and Airbnb’s, but my favorite option is an Airbnb. There are so many neat houses you can rent that align with the vibe of the city. We recently stayed at NOLA Pink Palace which was the perfect amount of space for our group of four couples and definitely could’ve fit a fifth. The house was very spacious and beautifully designed. We felt like it truly encompassed the city and it’s vibrant energy. It was cozy, inviting, clean, and a great home base for bonding and reflecting on our day together.
If this isn’t the right fit for you, there are so many options on VRBO and Airbnb that have cute aesthetics you’ll love!
Things To Do
Jazz Fest: We visited NOLA this year for Jazz Fest. If you haven’t been, it’s very fun and a great way to experience NOLA and all it has to offer. It’s not just a music festival, as people (us) go for the food as much as they go for the music. You’ll find varieties of performers and genres at the festival, so you can really choose your own adventure in that department. But you have to go hungry because you are going to want to eat in between sets. There are food vendors from all over the state, serving hot beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, seafood, crawfish, Haitian food, creole food, soul food, desserts, you name it! We devoured so many different and delicious dishes, you really can’t go wrong.
After the festival closes, the surrounding neighborhood has a block party that stretches for about half a mile, where neighbors are grilling food, pouring drinks, and local bands are playing live music for festival goers and neighbors to dance and hang out. This was probably my favorite experience of the day. It was incredible to experience everyone coming together to enjoy the beginning of summer and celebrate a weekend of culture.
Live Concerts/Music: The great thing about the festival is you don’t have to commit to the full three days, we purchased a one day pass to attend on Friday. But, if festival’s aren’t your jam and you prefer a concert or a more intimate setting there are loads of concerts happening in the city during this time as well. A bunch of artists come and host live events (even those not performing at the festival) during the week and weekend, so you can enjoy live music whenever. Parties, events, and concerts all play well into the early morning, so however you get your energy, bring it. It’s truly an experience like no other.
French Quarter: Walking around the French Quarter is something you have to do when in NOLA. It feels like you’re walking through 19th century France, and every corner you turn there is a new restaurant to try, live music to listen to, and unique art to see. Make sure to walk through the French Quarter Market while you’re there for some local thrift shopping, bites, art, etc.
The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret: Heard this place is awesome but didn’t have a chance to go.
Where To Eat:
There are so many extraordinary options in New Orleans for food. The food scene is really unmatched and the perfect destination for a foodie, like myself. I’ve listed all of our favorite spots with some additional places we wanted to try!
Gumbo Shop - Amazing gumbo. Get the chicken gumbo over the seafood one and honestly anything else.
Compère Lapin - Creole spot owned by a Caribbean woman. The food is amazing! Get the Sorrel with rum, Biscuits, Crispy Snapper, Jerk Pork Belly, Scialatielli with crawfish, and bread pudding.
The Chloe - We went for happy hour drinks and snacks. Get the fries, Goat Cheese and Olive Oil, Twin Stack Burger. If you try anything else that is amazing, let me know.
Pêche Seafood Grill - Everything is good, order everything. Seriously.
Bacchanal - Great place for wine a snacks. Food is decent, really go for the vibes, live music and wine selection.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge - Really cool bar in the Hotel Monteleone. Drinks are well made and the atmosphere is great.
NOLA Po’boys - great po’boys. Love the shrimp one.
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines - I considered gatekeeping this one, it’s that good. Skip Cafe Du Monde. I know it’s a staple and everyone goes, but trust me, it’s not the best beignet in NOLA. This one is. Get the seafood stuffed beignet and the praline stuffed beignet. I really wanted to try other things but I was too hooked on those two.
Petite Clouet Café - A great place to grab a coffee and pastry/dessert. The Chai and Matcha latte’s are amazing
Places we wanted to try:
Market Cafe - Cajun
Elizabeth’s - Southern
Cafè Fleur De Lis - Breakfast
Li’l Drizzy Cafè - Creole
Ba Mein Restaurant - Vietnamese (fun fact: there used to be a huge Vietnamese community in NOLA)
Bennachin - Africam
Fritai - Haitian
Ajun Cajun - Asian Fusion
Melba’s on Elysian Fields Ave - Creole