New Orleans is one of the few places I have been that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. There is something so magical about the architecture and the live music. We only had two days in the City so here is a comprehensive guide on what to do, where to eat and some hidden gems we found along the way.
FOOD:
Cafe du Monde: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Go to stop for world famous beignets! Just beware, unless yuou go super early or super late, there will probably be a line. Also note, it’s cash only!
Red Dog Diner: 3122 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
So good that we went 2 nights in a row. Great spot away from the crowds (drunks) in the Quarter. Very affordable, amazing food!
Sucre: 3025 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Great gelato and macaroons. 2 minute walk from Red Dog Diner – spendy but very good.
Cochon: 930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130
Not to be confused with Cochon Butcher which is right next door (totally did that), but the food was very good. Upscale southern fusion – not ideal for kids though.
Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar: 1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Amazing breakfast, tiny place so go early or you will have a line! Peanut Butter Pancakes were especially good!
WHAT TO SEE:
Some obvious choices are the French Quarter & Jackson Square. We loved going early and listening to the live music and looking at all the artwork on the square before walking over into the Quarter.
I have to say my favorite area was probably the Garden District and Magazine Street. Just a little bit more low key and I am such a sucker for old historic homes, and this is the place for it. We found a PDF for a free walking tour that gave a brief history of many of the homes. Highly recommend that!
Swamp Tour – we used Cajun Critters which was only about 20 minutes from the Quarter and we found a great discount on Groupon. Captain James was awesome, Sophie loved him.
City Park was a real surprise because I had never been there before. Amazing place to let your kids run around. So many activities to do – museums, playgrounds, golf, etc. And the Oak trees…just amazing!
Our last stop on our way back to Houston was Oak Alley Plantation, no this is a must see in my opinion! The history of the plantation, the gorgeous grounds… so glad we decided to stop. The tour of the home is included in the admission price and while you cant take picture inside the home, they will let you take them from the upstairs balcony once the tour is over!
And last but not least, I have compiled a video with all the highlights from our trip <3 Enjoy!
