Summer is in full swing (technically it’s still spring, but it certainly feels like summer!), and many of us are ready for an exciting travel adventure. We just returned from a very enjoyable trip to Big Easy and I received quite a few DMs asking about our experience. Many of you seem to be interested in our favourite things in New Orleans where we stayed, and the best places to eat. Today I have it all covered!
Speaking of PS holidays, if you are considering a beach vacation this summer, check out last year’s posts Things to do in Sarasota And my Beach Travel Packing List!
Where to stay in New Orleans
Before diving into all the fun things to do in New Orleans, you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. That said, it’s helpful to have a few activities in mind when deciding on accommodation. Because planning can affect the best place to travel.
Nora is a big city made up of many different regions, so where you stay can really shape your experience. The best hotel for you will depend on the atmosphere you are aiming for and the area you want to explore.
After doing some research, we narrowed down our options Hotel Peter and Paul Near Marine Hotel St. Vincent In the Lower Garden District.
Hotel Peter and Paul
Eventually we landed at Peter and Paul in the hotel. The interior is absolutely beautiful and there are truly great restaurants and bars in the bywater area just below the street. Everything is within walking distance. The hotel does not have a pool yet, but it is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have it The best Stay at Hotel Peter and Paul. The room we were given was not what we expected. This was very disappointing based on images from the site. They also were not notified of the construction of the site to be held on the premises until 48 hours before check-in. We really hope our stay is extraordinary as many others have rave about this place!
Hotel St. Vincent
We hopped on the Hotel St. Vincent to check it out during our trip and it was just as great! The staff were very friendly and the location felt like it was within walking distance of so many great spots and what we do in New Orleans. I’m sure I’ll give this hotel a try the next time I visit town!
Top 5 Things to Do in New Orleans
Once you’ve decided where to stay, it’s time to start planning all the fun activities! There’s so much to do in New Orleans that you can feel a little overwhelming at first.
As I mentioned in my Sarasota blog post, I always like to start thinking why I’m visiting the city Who is We’re traveling together. Are you heading to New Orleans with important others? Are you looking to see classic tourist attractions, or are you more interested in exploring hidden gems and local favorites? Start by outlineing your travel main goals and guide your itinerary.
The main goal of this trip was to relax, enjoy and experience what you like at your new destination. For us, it means music, architecture, art, culture, and of course, we really enjoy an incredible meal!
1. Enjoy the music
While we were in town, we checked out the newly built lineup Fillmore – And one of our favourites, Ryan Bingham, happened to be playing. I scooped my tickets right away! The venue runs really well and is a great place to catch live shows.
And speaking of music, you you can’t Visit New Orleans without listening to jazz. We tried to avoid Bourbon Street so instead chose to scope the live music spots on Frenchman Street. The energy there is so much fun and authentic. It’s a must for music lovers.
2. Incorporate architecture
The architecture of Nora is very impressive, so I highly recommend making a point to walk through the garden district and check out the historic mansion. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. There are plenty of free walking tours to download before your trip. This one!
3. Check out the art
Another one of my favorites to do in New Orleans is to visit Normal Explore the (New Orleans Museum) and the outdoor sculpture garden. The exhibition is incredible and a peaceful way to enjoy art in nature. Just raise your head – if you are visiting in the spring or summer, make sure to bring an umbrella. I got caught up in the rain more times than I could count!
4. Participate in historical or cultural events
New Orleans is renowned for its incredible lineup of historical and cultural events, including Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Cocktail Stories, French Quarter Festival, and New Orleans Food and Wine Festival! It often feels like something is happening every weekend, offering countless opportunities to experience something fun and unique during your visit. The city is also holding a celebration of pride.
5. Enjoy the flavor
Nora is known for a lot – and the list is incredible with incredible food and drinks. The city is packed with acclaimed bars and restaurants, and try new spots with every visit Hands down One of my favourite things in New Orleans! I switch gears and give my food and drinks the right spotlight for myself so I can choose from so many amazing options.
Where to eat and drink in New Orleans
there is Not once Already time to try all the great Nora restaurants. Honestly, even narrowing down our list and booking it felt a bit daunting, but we did.
It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially if your mind is set in some must-see places. One thing to keep in mind is that Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays can be a little difficult. Many restaurants in the area have opted to close at the time.
breakfast
Kick things off with breakfast! Ayu Bakehouse It was excellent. Personally, I loved the peach and cream pastries and matcha fizz (the special thing we were there for the week).
LagniappeLocated in Central City, he is a finalist of the 2025 James Beard Awards and for good reason. They have great pastries! Make sure you get there early to get what you want before they sell out!
Lunch and dinner
For this trip we skipped most of the well-known spots. As you know, it appears at the top of every travel guide. As mentioned earlier, trying new restaurants is one of my favorite things in New Orleans. As I visited before, I already had experienced many of the more established joints and felt ready to branch out! So this time I chose a new facility and a more local location.
N7 It was our favorite dining spot. It felt quaint, peaceful and hidden away from the hustle and bustle. And the food was amazing!
LA Petite Grocery It was one exception to the “no established spot” rule. This restaurant is a staple in New Orleans that I’m happy to go back to whenever I’m in town. As usual, it didn’t disappoint!
I wanted to switch to one of my meals, mackerel Please give it a try. Their menu was Mediterranean and everything So Fresh. It was a great place for a rainy lunch and gave me the opportunity to explore Uptown.
Nibble & Drink
Between the meal and the adventure, we grabbed some nibbles and drinks. We stopped by Elysian BarIt is conveniently located within our hotel, multiple times. And I’m happy to report that unlike the hotel’s overall experience, this bar was very relaxed.
evviva It was another little bird spot we tried – it was totally outstanding. The restaurant just opened this year and has already appeared on several “best new restaurants” lists. I couldn’t agree any more! The staff were lovely, the food was great and the wine list was very interesting.
What I liked most about this place was that it felt like a true neighbourhood place. People came across neighbours and staff knew almost half of the guests who had passed through the door. And many people lasted long to hang out with another drink all the way after dinner.
Cocktail Hours
If you have a new drink on your list of things to do in New Orleans, don’t worry. There are lots of great options.
On our first night we stopped by Hotel St. Vincent drink. The property is very nice and I was excited to see the Ramblasco cocktail on the menu – Ramblasco is my favorite!
We went on an adventure for the flashy night cap The gem of the south One night. It was adorable and tasty with the same parts!
And you love the good/high moments I (in fashion and everything else in life!). One afternoon we grabbed a beer Annaand it felt like the place I wanted to have around the corner from the house – very laid back and cold. Plus, cool items! 🙂
on my wish list
There were several other food and drinking spots I would have had I’m loved Please visit if you have more time! These are highly recommended, so if you are planning a trip to Nora, it is definitely worth looking into it. Bacchanel, Akamaya, Reletand Türkiye and wolves. They’re all on our wish list when we come back!
Final Thoughts on What You Should Do in New Orleans
Whether you’re heading for Big Easy this summer or just dreaming of a future vacation, we hope these tips on what to do in New Orleans will help you. It’s truly a magical city. It is rich in culture, full of charm and unforgettable experiences. If you’re not on your travel list yet, we highly recommend adding it!
Check out these posts for travel inspiration.
Source: Atlantic-Pacific – www.the-atlantic-pacific.com
