Between sight-seeing and eating all things delicious, my four-day trip to New Orleans was a whirlwind experience. I say that with good intentions, of course. There’s just so much to see and learn about the Big Easy. By day 4, I was happily exhausted. Nevertheless, I got to experience enough of New Orleans that I get to share it with you in two parts and I’m so excited! The best part about New Orleans is you really don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy it. Majority of the things to see are either free or fairly cheap. At least the ones I really wanted to visit were and it all starts in the crown jewel of Nawlins, the French Quarter!
The French Quarter is definitely a world of its own. The history, the food, the culture — it has such a unique vibe to it and I think you really have to visit to fully understand that. The weather was somewhat bleak during my trip with scattered showers and occasional fog but the Quarter didn’t hold back on the festivities. The streets were always alive with laughter, the infamous colors of Mardi Gras, and jazz! It was such a delight and I never thought I’d ever be into jazz. New Orleans changed that — the Preservation Hall, to be exact.
The Preservation Hall is a charming venue that hosts nightly jazz concerts throughout the year. For a mere $20, you get to watch authentic live jazz up close and personal. It was such an intimate experience, I felt the music in my bones and it definitely inspired me to live, eat, and breathe New Orleans. I’m so glad I started my trip there. Just a heads up, the lines get ridiculously long so grab a drink and get there early. It’s worth it!
In the center of a lot the attractions of the Quarter lies Jackson Square. Previously known as Place d’Armes, Jackson Square got its current name in honor of Andrew Jackson’s heroic acts during the Battle of New Orleans. Like the majority of New Orleans, Jackson Square is well-populated by the kindest local artists who will not only share their talents with you but also share their bit of the New Orleans history. It is probably one of my favorite spots because of its location. Jackson Square is bordered by the historic St. Louis Cathedral, the Pontalba Buildings, and the Mississippi River. Of course, I can’t forget my lovely Cafe du Monde sitting right across the street. It is definitely a great place to sit down, have a cup of cafe au lait (with a beignet, duh!), and enjoy the wonders of New Orleans.
If you’re in the French Quarter then inevitably, you’ll find yourself on the infamous Bourbon Street at some point in your trip. Bourbon Street is known for its endless row of entertainment and bars overflowing with music and laughter. With endless bars come the endless drink options so if you’re here to party then this may be the spot for you. Two for one drinks everywhere — you’ll never be thirsty. Just a heads up, it does get quite crowded on Bourbon once the sun sets so if you can, get there a little early to enjoy it.
If you’re like me and Bourbon Street isn’t really your cup of tea then make your way to the Frenchmen Street. Don’t get me wrong, alcohol is still served left and right on Frenchmen but the aura itself is just different… Live music bars line the street and on top of that, you have a variety of artists sharing their talents on the curbside. I have a weakness for all things art so Frenchmen Street was exactly what I wanted. Poets with their impromptu prose typed up for you, musicians of all genre filling the street with their music — it’s seriously amazing. You can also find the Palace Market here where locals share their art and handmade creations so make sure you have space in your luggage because they are amazing!
If it’s restaurants and shopping you’re looking for then don’t forget to drop by Royal and Canal Street. They are filled with restaurants and cafes of all kinds along with stores that are easily accessible. You’ll also find the local streetcars around Canal Street so it’s pretty neat. Speaking of streetcars, take the St. Charles line and head over to the Garden District when you get a chance. The houses there look fictional and are quite mesmerizing. Among them is the infamous mansion from American Horror Story: Coven, you can’t miss it!
Lodging & Transportation:
I had the opportunity to stay at the fairly new Cambria Hotel. It is conveniently located in the Warehouse District which is about a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter. I loved the location because it was far enough from the busy streets of the French Quarter but close enough for me to enjoy it without splurging on transportation. The rooms had a clean, modern boutique style which was so aesthetically pleasing. On top of that, the staff were so helpful and offered numerous suggestions for my visit to NOLA. I definitely recommend putting them on your list if you’re looking for hotels in the area.
Unless you’re driving to New Orleans, transportation is definitely not an issue here. The city’s public transportation compensates for the ridiculously expensive parking fees. For only $3.00 you can have unlimited access to all RTA buses and streetcars for the entire day. Yes, three dollars! On top of saving you from achy feet and wallets, you get to experience the city’s iconic streetcars that have been active for decades which, I think, is worth way more than it cost.
If public transportation isn’t for you or you just need a break from traveling with all that humidity, then you always have cabs, Uber, or Lyft. Personally, I’m an Uber user during my travels and it saved me a lot of money during this trip, especially getting to and from the airport. There really is a wide range of transportation options (even tours via carriages!) so if you can, I truly suggest that you opt out of renting a car.
Like I said earlier, New Orleans is really quite the experience. It has lived through so much history and despite it all, there is always a warm, unique welcome waiting to greet you. There is so much more to the Big Easy and all I can really do is share the amazing things I was lucky enough to see. I hope in doing so, I can convince you to visit this magnificent city and experience it for yourself. If you’re not quite there yet, keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 — I’m sure sharing more of what NOLA has to offer will do the trick!
… And if that doesn’t do it, do a quick read of my previous post on all the yummy food that this beauty has to offer. It will definitely make you hungry for a visit! (;
Till next time, loves.
xx.
-Ghil.
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#QuickTip: If you have the time and some spare change, try to catch a ferry ride by the riverwalk. It’s $2.00 each way and it’s great for cruising through the Mississippi River without breaking the bank.
