Weekend Guide To New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its party atmosphere, great food, live music and lively people. All of these reasons make it one of my top favorite cities in the United States that I have traveled. Every time I have been to the Crescent City, I can't help but visit my favorite spots and try a few new ones along the way. 
The city is also celebrating its 300th birthday this year!
If you are planning on spending some time in this city below are my recommendations for a good time!

Places to stay: 

I recommend staying in the Arts district. The area is quieter than staying close to Bourbon street. There are a lot of local art galleries and enough restaurants within walking distance. If you want to stay closer to all of the action, I recommend staying on Canal St. so you can walk over to bourbon and other parts of the city!

Places to eat:

Bourbon House should be on your list for a nicer lunch or dinner! The atmosphere is light and airy with a wide variety of bourbon and oysters!

Sorry Cafe Du Monde, Cafe Beignet  is my favorite place to get beignets in New Orleans. It is a cute tiny shop and has the best cafe ole too! I make sure to always stop in a grab at least a to go bag of beignets.

 

Johnny Sanchez is new to my list of places to eat! My coworkers and I stumbled across this establishment went walking around the arts district. Don't let the casual sign full you! This restaurant is an modern take on Mexican dining owned by TV personality Aaron Sanchez. They even have a late night menu for those looking for the perfect meal at 1AM.

 

For a casual evening try out Lucy's in the arts district or Dat Dog over near Frenchman street! Both unique and laid back. Dat Dog has as you can imagine many variations of hot dogs including a crawfish one and gourmet toppings!

Grab a Drink:

One of my favorite spots to grab a drink is the Carousel bar! Located in Hotel Montelone, this place is picture perfect and rotates (slowly) giving you a view of the hotel and dining room. 

Go to the original Pat O'Brien's on Bourbon. This place is one you need to just to say you went. They are known for their hurricanes, a classic New Orleans drink. This one is a little too sugary for me to order again and again, but at least try it once!

LaFitte's Blacksmith shop is the oldest bar in New Orleans and definitely a must! This small little bar is a fun place to hang out and it makes you feel like you are back in the 1700s. It is still light by candle light and has no air conditioning. 

Go Out:

If you are into karaoke, the Cat's Meow is the place to go. Located on Bourbon street of course! Get up on stage or just watch everyone and sign along you are going to have a good time.

Ticklers bar has dueling pianos and was one of my favorite stops when I went here on my bachelorette. They even put me up on the piano and sang a fun little song.

If you are wanting a more laid back evening, check out the bars and restaurants on Frenchman street. This has more of a local vibe, but still the colorfulness of what you expect from New Orleans.