New Orleans is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in the world, and it also holds a special place in my heart. I’m from nearby Baton Rouge and spent a lot of time in NOLA growing up, and I even got married there (there’s nothing like a French Quarter wedding). While some people think of New Orleans as a party city, there is much more to it than that. The history, culinary scene, landscape and music that permeates throughout the city combine to create a place that is extremely rich in culture – and always worth a visit.
If you’ve visited New Orleans before, you’ve probably noticed the laid-back atmosphere and why its nickname, The Big Easy, is so apt. I can spend several days wandering around NOLA, but I usually make it a long weekend when traveling to visit family in Baton Rouge. I did this just last month, and made the most of my 2.5-day stay. I’ve visited NOLA countless times and have my favorite places, but I always make a point to try new restaurants, bars, stores, music venues, and coffee shops in addition to returning to my favorite spots. I’ve also stayed at a place that’s been on my radar since it opened a few years ago, and I can officially say it’s the coolest hotel in New Orleans.
If a long weekend in New Orleans is in your future (and if not, this is your PSA to plan), read on for my direct recommendations for places to stay, top dining establishments, and what to pack.
NOLA’s best hotel
There have been several new hotels opening in New Orleans recently, but when I booked my flight, I knew there was only one place I wanted to stay: maison metier. With only 67 rooms and suites, this luxury property has an intimate, boutique feel. Located in the Warehouse District, it’s a perfect spot if you want to escape the chaos of the French Quarter but still be within walking distance of it. The hotel, which is part of Hyatt’s luxury portfolio and holds a michelin Key is a favorite of celebrities seeking privacy.
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The beautiful building that houses the Maison Métier was built in 1906 and served as an annex to the City Hall. The hotel offers five-star amenities such as nightly turndown service, morning coffee delivery to guests’ rooms, evening wine and charcuterie in the members-only Living Room just off the lobby (where there is also an honors bar), and access to the fitness center and rooftop pool at its neighboring sister property. barnet. When it comes to décor, the glamorous yet modern feel of the property perfectly reflects the spirit of New Orleans in the most chic and sophisticated ways. Spacious, airy rooms feature high ceilings and abundant natural light, overlooking the tree-lined streets of the Warehouse District.
When it comes to culinary options, you’ve got a Paris-themed speakeasy salon salon There’s also a breakfast room on-site (which also offers an extensive food menu), as well as a guests-only breakfast room and an upstairs living room. Guests have easy access to five diverse beverage and dining options at sister property The Barnet.
Dining at The Big Easy
I’m well aware that the culinary scene in New Orleans can be, to say the least, a little overwhelming. There are so many incredible options to choose from – both new and classic. In many cases, you really can’t go wrong, but I also have some favorites. I could write an entire essay about New Orleans restaurants, but in the interest of making it easier for you, I’ll focus on the places I visited during this particular trip.
I don’t know what took me so long, but before this trip to New Orleans, I finally made a reservation La Petite Grocery. Located in a yellow cottage on a corner of Magazine Street (it was a grocery store in the 1800s, believe it or not), it really is a special place. La Petite Grocery, which initially opened in 2004 and was rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, is now owned and led by a James Beard Award-winning chef and his wife. The menu offers modern, creative spins on traditional New Orleans dishes to be enjoyed in an authentic Parisian dining room. I urge you not to miss the Blue Crab Beignets.
as I mentioned, salon salon The Maison Métier has an on-site speakeasy where live music is offered weekly. The cocktail menu featured signature New Orleans-inspired classics, and the food menu was full of shareable options that could easily serve as dinner or a late-night meal. Think truffle fries, oysters, deviled eggs, a burger and a fabulous twist on an ice cream sundae. Speaking of oysters, after drinks and snacks at the Salon Salon, we headed over to seaworthyWhich is part of neighboring The Barnet. It is best described as a charming oyster bar (with many other seafood options and accompaniments). Tip: The seating area is near the window in the dimly lit dining room upstairs.
Another favorite during our mid-March visit was Atchafalaya RestaurantA New Orleans institution across the Irish Channel (near the Garden District). I highly recommend it for brunch, which is offered both on weekends and weekdays. When it comes to New Orleans’ classic grandes dames restaurants, of which I have visited many, this is my favorite Arnaud’sAnd every time we go to NOLA my husband and I make reservations. We held our rehearsal dinner there, so you could say I’m a little biased, but everyone loves Arnaud’s, which is why it’s been open for over 100 years. The menu offers elegant takes on all the classics, but what sets it apart is its adjacent French 75 bar and nightly live music by traditional New Orleans jazz trios. The elegant dining room overlooks Bourbon Street, and I, on the one hand, would love to see Bourbon Street from inside Arnaud But Bourbon Street.
Last but not least, if you are planning to visit Café Du Monde For your traditional beignets and café au lait, skip the original location in the French Quarter (unless you enjoy standing in long lines in the heat) and head to City Park instead. It may be a little out of the way, but it’s worth it—trust me. It’s spacious, devoid of long lines, and you can take your coffee for a stroll through the 1300-acre park.
New Orleans Packing Tips
The rumors are true: New Orleans is very hot (and humid) most of the year, so you should Pack accordingly. It’s also true that comfortable shoes are a must, as popular spots like the French Quarter, Magazine Street, and City Park are quite walkable. And as for heels, they need to be stable enough to walk on the very old and often precarious streets and sidewalks of New Orleans.
If I travel during the hottest times of the year, I always make sure to pack shorts and plenty of skirts and dresses made of linen and silk. (For reference, when I visited during August a few years ago, the temperature reached 107 degrees…) If I’m there during the colder months, something like a leather bomber jacket is usually the right weight. If I pack jeans, I choose jeans that are lightweight.
New Orleans is a colorful, vibrant city, and you won’t find a lot of black clothes, so keep that in mind if you want to fit in. Prints and colors are common here, so don’t be afraid to adopt your own interpretation of it.
Shop for cute items for Nola
DOEN
Alouette Silk-Satin Skirt
just a little
leather bomber jacket
totem
embroidered baseball cap
Improvement
Sherlyn wedge thong
Levi’s
501 ’90s Lightweight Jeans
team
Bowie Halterneck Midi Dress
citizens of humanity
Brian Drawstring Shorts
free people
so silk bandana
