BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: I think New Orleans is PERFECT any time of year, apart from the middle of summer. It could be fun to try to time your trip with Jazz Fest or Oyster Fest. If you are a runner, the New Orleans marathon is a blast as well.  If you want to go for Mardi Gras, I would encourage you to go during mardi gras season, but not during actual mardi gras, so that you can enjoy the city without the crazy crowds.

WHERE TO STAY: Definitely stay in the French Quarter. The architecture is beautiful, there are great restaurants everywhere, and it is walking distance to most places.

friday.

Whenever you arrive in New Orleans, set down your bags and head to Bacchanal Wine. Off the beaten path a bit, this spot has a large outdoor patio, live music, and a MASSIVE selection of wines for you to choose from. I highly recommend designing your own cheese board as well and just spending a few hours relaxing at this local favorite.

Once you feel like you are ready for dinner, head to Royal House and put your name down. If there is a little longer wait to sit on the balcony, go for it. The balcony has a beautiful view of the street below where you can watch live musicians while eating the most amazing Oyster Rockefeller you’ve ever had. Seaworthy is another great option for oysters, with a bit more of a local feel. Either after your meal or during your wait, walk across the street to Café Beignet. In my opinion, these beignets are the best I have had in the city. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, split the order with someone.

To end your evening, head to Frenchmen Street and Spotted Cat Music Club. SCMC has PHENOMENAL live jazz, but can get super packed. Luckily, the entire street is lined with dozens of bars with live music of different genres, so you can mix up the vibe every couple of songs. The bars do not have cover, so you can feel free to bar hop as often as you would like!

saturday.

Today will check off most of the tourist spots. Sleep in a bit and then take a walk around the French Quarter. Eventually, end up at Jackson Square. I recommend spending a few minutes here to people watch and soak up the sun. Nearby, grab some crawfish for lunch at Shops of the Colonnade. If you have never had crawfish before, don’t be afraid to let them know and they will show you how it’s done (trust me, it’s not intuitive). If crawfish isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other food stands for you to grab a bite from.

Next, head to Pat O’Brien’s for an afternoon drink—they are known for their Hurricane. This bar has a few different areas to it, so make sure to walk around. I really enjoy the back patio area, but the dueling pianos seems to be a crowd favorite. Bar Marilou and Sylvain FANTASTIC for a local lunch and cocktail. If you have time to make it for happy hour, Cane & Table is worth visiting as well.

Since all you’ve done is eat, head to Preservation Hall to catch a jazz show. Make sure you have purchased tickets in advance. After the show, grab a late dinner at Irene’s to carb-load for any sugary drinks you are about to have next. Once dinner ends, grab a drink at Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. The drinks are on the pricier side, but the bar is beautiful and actually spins like a carousel. To end the evening, it’s time to head to my least favorite place in New Orleans (but still a spot to see for first time visitors), Bourbon Street. Stay for as long as you like, but get a late night snack afterwards at Café du Monde. This beignet spot is open 24 hours, but lines during the day will be hours long. Midnight is the “sweet” spot for getting to try this place, since I just don’t think fried dough is worth waiting hours for.

sunday.

To end your eating tour of New Orleans, head to one of two staples for brunch: Commander’s Palace or Brennan’s. You can’t go wrong with either one, but you will need a reservation at both. If you opt for Commander’s Palace, take the St. Charles Street Car into the Garden District. Exit at Washington. If you opt for Brennan’s, take the same route after your meal.

To walk off all the eating you’ve done this weekend, grab a map in the entrance of Commander’s Palace to do a self-guided tour of the Garden District. Each stop highlights homes of the rich and famous and the unique histories that surround them. When you are finished, head back to your hotel and say goodbye to New Orleans until your next visit!