Sunshine Travelers Podcast by Scott and Melissa Barronton

October 24, 2023 Episode 30 - Tips for Planning a Trip to New Orleans, LA

Our bucket list is full of exciting international destinations that we want to visit, but this past week we had to opportunity to cross off a location that has been on our list for a really long time. In this episode we share about our recent trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. We’re going to talk about where to stay, what to eat, and so many things to do while you are in New Orleans. So pack a bag and join us as we cross off this destination from our bucket list. We’re certain that you are going to want to add it to your own list.

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Where to stay

If you plan to spend the majority of your time in the French Quarter then we would recommend along Canal Street on the French Quarter side, hotels include Ritz Carlton New Orleans, Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, New Orleans Marriott, etc.

If you prefer views of the Mississippi - choose The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, The Westin New Orleans, Four Seasons New Orleans, Intercontinental, Omni Hotel (mentioned on our haunted tour), Le Meridien and a Loews Hotel on that side of Canal Street closer to the water

You could also stay at a B&B out in the Garden District - much more quiet - where people live.

We would say that if you want to be right in the action, there is a Four Points by Sheraton right on Bourbon Street if you want to be right in the action but i wouldn’t expect to get much sleep but you do have a good view of the action.

Where we ate:

Red Fish Grill

Arnaud’s Restaurant

Broussards - brunch

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel

Muriels’s Jackson Square

Cafe du Monde

Ritz Carlton - breakfast

Other Places to Eat that were recommended to us:

Commander’s Palace - make reservations as far in advance as possible - there is a dress code

Brennnen's - make reservations as far in advance as possible

Mannings owned by Archie Manning

Felix’s Oyster Bar

GW Finns

Central Grocery and Deli for the Muffaleta

Pier 424 Seafood Market

Oceanan Grill

Deanie’s Seafood

Peche Seafood Grill

Blue Oak BBQ

Mahony’s Po-boys and seafood

What to do

Tours are a must in New Orleans and there are so many to choose from. We choose to do these 2:

Cemetery Tour of St Louis Cemetery No 1

Haunted Tour of the French Quarter at night (do the vip one by _Wiches Brew Tours___ as it was only $10 more but we had about 12 people vs the groups we saw with dozens)

You could also do a

French Quarter walking tour

Garden District Walking Tour including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 - These used to be open to the public but due to vandalism you have to book a tour now

Bike tours

Carriage Tour

Food tour

Voodoo tour

Steamboat Natchez tour

Swamp tours

Museums:

Sazerac House Museum - FREE but you need to reserve a spot online

National WWII Museum

See:

Garden District - take a trolley or an uber/lyft if staying downtown

Spend some time wandering the neighborhood