New Orleans, Louisiana is a city known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history. From the music-filled streets of the French Quarter to the lush gardens of City Park, New Orleans has something for everyone. Here are some tips for your next trip to the Big Easy.
Getting There:
New Orleans is easily accessible by plane, train, or car. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located just a few miles from downtown and serves many domestic and international airlines. Amtrak and regional train service also connect New Orleans to other major cities in the South. If you prefer to drive, New Orleans is located at the intersection of several major highways. We drove from Dallas (an 8 hour trip) and I was grateful to have a vehicle to get around.
Where to Stay:
The Big Easy has many great neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique charm. The French Quarter is the heart of the city and offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. The Garden District is known for its beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets, while the Warehouse District is a great option for those interested in art and culture. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnb options to choose from in New Orleans. For this trip we stayed across from the French Quarter in Gretna at the Holiday Inn. It was clean, inexpensive and easy to get back and forth to the areas we wanted to see.
What to Do:
There is no shortage of things to do in New Orleans. Start your trip with a visit to the French Quarter, where you can stroll along Bourbon Street and listen to live music at one of the many bars and clubs. For a more laid-back experience, head to City Park, which offers over 1,300 acres of green space and attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Botanical Garden. Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous cuisine, like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets at Café Du Monde.
I only had 48 hours in New Orleans, so the three things on my agenda – food, cemeteries and the Historical Pharmacy Museum.
They have lots of old medicine, such as these powders on display. Also, a jar for which they stored leeches. An old medicine bag with tools and tinctures used. This lovely courtyard is where they have weddings! Probably my favorite part of the display was the bedpans and butt plugs. Especially since these are meant to cure, wait yes, headaches!
The Historic New Orleans Collection was something we decided to see on a whim. We were walking around and saw it. We thought it looked interesting, so we went in and I am glad we did. It is a museum in the French Quarter that talks about the history of New Orleans. It was very interesting and probably the most interesting and compelling part was the ad they had displayed for slaves. It was insane to me that people could be bought and sold. I cried.
There was definitely some kind of witch convention going on. Although it was October, it was not quite Halloween and these lovely ladies were everywhere.
Where to Eat:
Hard to move on from that to this but it is the natural order of things. If you’ve only got 48 hours in New Orleans, food should always be on your list. Known for its unique cuisine, which blends French, African, and Caribbean influences. Some of the must-try dishes include po’boys, muffuletta sandwiches, and crawfish étouffée. For a sweet treat, be sure to visit Cafe du Monde for some of the best beignets in the city.
Getting Around:
I would not call New Orleans a walkable city, but if you need to get somewhere quickly, the streetcar system is a convenient option. The streetcars run throughout the city and offer a unique way to see the sights. You can purchase a Jazzy Pass at any streetcar stop for easy, discounted access to the system. In addition, Uber makes it easy to get from one area to another.
New Orleans is a city full of life, music, and delicious food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new to discover in this vibrant city.