Then there is the infamous Jazz that fills the streets and a trip down Frenchman Street is a must for anyone visiting the city. Frenchman will give you a real authentic introduction to jazz, The street is lined with creole cottages that play live music (which really livens up more after 6pm), this area avoided Hurricane Katrina so many of the homes are 100 years old or more so plenty of history to explore.
From wandering down Royal Street taking in the beautiful antique shops and many galleries that dot the road maybe you fancy a break to sit on a balcony above admiring the view, dining on $12 oysters (for 6) and listening to the many musicians who play upon the corners down below.
Don’t forget to pop into the famous and quite beautiful Monteleone Hotel and check out the Carousel Bar it’s a little pricey but Cocktails and scenery is worth it. https://hotelmonteleone.com/
A couple of the more popular live music venues we saw were ‘The spotted cat’https://www.spottedcatmusicclub.com/ were they filmed the seeing in of New Year for America this year. And ‘Maison’ http://www.maisonfrenchmen.com/
New Orleans is also known to be one of the most haunted cities in America full of old stories from pirates to vampires. Being the inspiration behind the Anne Rice books and movie ‘Interview with the Vampire’ and many ghost stories.
The Saint Louis No.1 cemetery (a short walk from the French quarter) hosts the legendary voodoo Queen Marie Laveau (which unbelievably is the 2nd most visited grave in America after Elvis!).
Tourists continue to visit and some draw X marks in accordance with a decades-old tradition that if people wanted Laveau to grant them a wish, they had to draw an X on the tomb, turn around three times, knock on the tomb, yell out their wish, and if it was granted, come back, circle their X, and leave Laveau an offering.
But it’s disputed to whether her body still lies there and if you do decide to visit try and do it with a day tour as without a tour they will charge you $20 for entry and only with a 45 min guided tour of the cemetery before they close at 3pm.
We ended up booking a fantastic little evening tour (Ghost tour) on a horse & carriage at 7pm where our host/driver took us around the back streets of the French quarters and surrounding area and told us many legends and stories of the city. It was $40 each but we loved it and after 2 full days of early starts and lots of walking it was quite nice to relax on board a horse & trap admiring flickering oil lamps as we go. https://www.neworleanscarriages.com/
There are many other walking ghost tours which tend to be around $25 and can book online or at many tourist shops around the city.
One we saw was http://voodooboneladytours.com/mobile.html we stumbled on there voodoo shop and took a peek. I actually ended up having a reading which was surprisingly good (a bit of fun to try and they had very good reviews.) So if that’s your thing the shop is at 628 Royal Street (they take walk ins).
The added bonus of New Orleans is you can drink alfresco, you do not need to be confined to one place, you can buy your drinks from vendors along the roads and wander the streets taking it all in.
And there is plenty to take in!
Take a turn onto Bourbon Street and look up to the balconies with your arms reached out and you are gifted with beads! Ok not precious ones but still super fun to collect on your night out as you dot in
and out of the many busy bars along the street which can be a little more touristy but certainly good fun especially during Mardi Gras.
The next day when in need of recharging with a good coffee and hearty local Breakfast there is no doubt it’s all about ‘the Ruby Slipper’ Cafe. I couldn’t wait for our mornings because of this place! I lived on Florentine Omelette (spinach/mushroom/goats cheese) & my partner indulged in there signature eggs Benedict dishes. This restaurant has a few venues around the city which actually are all within walking distance of each other but if you go expect a wait especially around 10am! It is VERY popular. We downloaded the yelp app and then could pre book our reservation that morning with only a 10 min wait when we arrived def worth doing! Also don’t forget it closes daily between 2/3pm.
and out of the many busy bars along the street which can be a little more touristy but certainly good fun especially during Mardi Gras.
The next day when in need of recharging with a good coffee and hearty local Breakfast there is no doubt it’s all about ‘the Ruby Slipper’ Cafe. I couldn’t wait for our mornings because of this place! I lived on Florentine Omelette (spinach/mushroom/goats cheese) & my partner indulged in there signature eggs Benedict dishes. This restaurant has a few venues around the city which actually are all within walking distance of each other but if you go expect a wait especially around 10am! It is VERY popular. We downloaded the yelp app and then could pre book our reservation that morning with only a 10 min wait when we arrived def worth doing! Also don’t forget it closes daily between 2/3pm.
From wandering down Royal Street taking in the beautiful antique shops and many galleries that dot the road maybe you fancy a break to sit on a balcony above admiring the view, dining on $12 oysters (for 6) and listening to the many musicians who play upon the corners down below.
We tried https://royalhouserestaurant.com Oyster Bar which had a line outside but simply asked if we could sit on the balcony above for a drink we were straight in and seated and well looked after in no time and the Oysters were delicious! They also specialize in other local fare if Crab claw, Shrimp or Alligator is more your thing.
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| Sights & sounds along the famous Bourbon Street |
Don’t miss Pat O Briens just off Bourbon Street they have a a few rooms with piano music and sing a long fun but also a lovely courtyard with lights and fountains out the back. This is where the Rum based Hurricane cocktail was first created. All the way back in the 1940’s when domestic liqueur was scarce and many US distilleries were used to manufacture necessities for war time. New Orleans
being so close to the Mississippi River meant that Rum was plentiful sailing in from the Caribbean Islands, so hence an experiment for a tasty new drink and Ta Da the Hurricane was born in a glass that looks like the oil lamps that adorn the streets of the city. http://www.patobriens.
being so close to the Mississippi River meant that Rum was plentiful sailing in from the Caribbean Islands, so hence an experiment for a tasty new drink and Ta Da the Hurricane was born in a glass that looks like the oil lamps that adorn the streets of the city. http://www.patobriens.
If you feel patient make sure you try out the Famous Beignets at Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street you won’t miss it as everywhere and everyone is talking about these beignets and you will spot the very long line from afar. Take cash and believe it or not it was quicker to wait for table than the take away but whatever you decide apparently it’s open 24hr so pick your times. http://www.cafedumonde.com/
One of the bucket list things to do in NOLA among eating, partying and spotting ghosts is to take a ride on a steamboat along the Mississippi River it was super foggy when we went so gave it a miss but details for the Natchez Boat are here https://www.steamboatnatchez.com/.
There are plenty of other things to do including tram rides, Swamp tours/seeing the Alligators & Plantation Tours if more time.
But there’s a taster to inspire your next trip! Happy travels!
