There’s a lot of physical beauty in New Orleans, Louisiana, but there’s something that sticks with you far longer than a photo or a souvenir: the energy.
Chances are you’ve heard of the French Quarter, home to iconic Bourbon Street and its never-ending party. That certainly is one kind of energy, but the Big Easy is as easygoing as it is boisterous — the serene parks, eye-catching architecture, and walkable streets in laid-back neighborhoods are proof.
And don’t hold back when it comes to trying a bite (or several) of the local Creole and Cajun cuisines. From fluffy muffalettas and rich gumbos to spicy jambalaya and beignets, there’s a snack for every hour of the day.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip
Friday: Visit the French Quarter’s Iconic Sites
Kick off your morning with coffee and a beignet at the iconic Café Du Monde‘s original location in the French Market — the chicory-infused brew is sweeter and richer than your typical cup and a perfect vacation treat. For the best bite possible, don’t forget to dip the beignet in your coffee. Sit back and relax to the sounds of constant live jazz on the patio.
From there, walk a few blocks away from the Mississippi River into the famous French Quarter (you’ll feel, and hear, its energy from blocks away). Don’t forget to look up — this neighborhood is known for its Spanish-style architecture and .
While the French Quarter is always filled with fellow travelers — not to mention revelers —it’s well worth the visit. Many of New Orleans’ most visited spaces can be found in the French Quarter and its neighboring locales.
Its center is the famous Bourbon Street, a pedestrian-only promenade filled with bars and to-go beverages. After dark, Bourbon Street and the neighboring streets can get a bit more wild, so it’s great for adults but less so for children.
Nonetheless, the area is filled with beautiful history. Spend the afternoon popping into Voodoo shops, museums and galleries, bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss the haunted LaLaurie Mansion, which offers ghost tours.
New Orleans is also known for its aboveground cemeteries, and one of the most famous is located in this neighborhood. To explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, book a guided tour, as it’s closed to the public. You are sure to pick up stories to retell over dinner.
And when it’s time to do just that, check out Cane & Table for a taste of Havana with some Louisiana twists and an alluring menu of rum drinks. Alternatively, grab a hefty burger and listen to jukebox tunes at Port of Call, or enjoy the seasonal menu of Louisiana fare in the courtyard at Café Amelie.
Go with the flow after dinner and head out on an aimless evening stroll—there’s plenty of people-watching to be had, and live music plays from nearly every street corner .
Saturday: Indulge in Sun, Art and Wine in Bywater
The Bywater neighborhood along the Mississippi River, is a beloved neighborhood of cultural and culinary gems. After braving the crowds of the previous day, ease into the morning with a visit to the Country Club, a restaurant and bar with Creole-Southern and Italian-French cuisine and an outdoor pool for soaking up the sun.
Once you’re properly relaxed, take a walk down Royal Street and grab a cup of coffee at Petite Clouet Café as you make your way to the stunning mural covering StudioBE.
If it’s after 2pm, head in to the 36,000-foot warehouse-turned-art-space curated by New Orleans artist and arts philanthropist Brandan Odums, known to fans as BMike. The jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling artwork at StudioBE celebrates New Orleans’ heritage and Black culture, and features rotating exhibitions from local artists.
After an afternoon of art, head to Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, a wine and cheese shop with a relaxing (21+) garden backyard. When it’s time to pry yourself from the idyllic atmosphere and lovely wines to think about dinner, check out Nagomi for a 12-seat omakase experience or Acamaya for seafood-focused Mexican dining and lovely desserts.
And it wouldn’t be a true night out in Bywater without a bit of music. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has all of the fun of the French Quarter’s music halls with a more relaxed vibe. The Maison is another live music venue that has it all, from traditional jazz to drag shows, on its three stages.
Sunday: Take in the Parks (and Cemeteries)
A hearty brunch is never far away in New Orleans, but Katie’s Restaurant in Mid-City will launch the day in the right direction. After a plate of breakfast pizza or a po-boy, head out on foot to explore the city’s stunning parks.
City Park spans 1,300 acres, and stepping inside its gates is like entering a different world, thanks to botanical gardens and the largest grove of mature live oaks in the world (some are nearly 800 years old).
This park could keep you busy for a full weekend — it has an art museum, dog park, golf course, carousel, tons of gardens, and more. But after two days of eating, drinking, and exploring your heart out, you may opt for a long leisurely walk with lots of breaks in the shade.
If you’re looking for even more stroll-worthy scenery and you aren’t opposed to a slightly spooky vibe, Mid-City is home to a handful of beautiful cemeteries, including the Masonic Cemetery, St. Patrick’s Cemetery No. 3, and Cypress Grove Cemetery.
Come dinnertime, head to Ralph’s on the Park for locally-sourced Louisiana cuisine or Vessel for an American meal in a cavernous converted cathedral built in 1914. End a sweet weekend in a delicious way at Pandora’s Snowballs, a NOLA institution famous for its icy treats open year-round.
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