Beads and bling, it's a Mardi Gras thing! Welcome to the birthplace of of mouth-watering creole cuisine, with live jazz on every corner, and beignets for days. I'm sharing with you a free travel guide into the MUST see and do things in NOLA all in just one weekend. Let's groove!
Where to Stay - NOPSI Hotel: 317 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Welcome to the NOPSI Hotel, which is conveniently located within a five minute walk to Bourbon Street and The French Quarter. It is a stunning historic hotel that allows for the perfect place to escape and unwind from the party of NOLA.
The Deluxe King Suite offered an abundance of natural light and space with a full-living room, oversized bathroom to get ready for the day, and a large king bed to relax and unwind while overlooking the city.
Take a splash in the rooftop pool and grab a cocktail from Above the Grid, the rooftop bar, onsite at NOPSI; it's the perfect way to elevate your afternoon while at the hotel.
You can't visit NOLA without diving in to some of their unmatched cuisine, so let's dig in!
Breakfast/Brunch Spots:
Birdy's: 1320 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Serving up southern-inspired cuisine, in a picturesque space, is Birdy's! This is the perfect spot to bring your girlfriends and enjoy breakfast or brunch. You cannot go wrong with indoor or outdoor seating as every corner of Birdy's is Instagrammable. Don't skip out on the brunch board, but it's big so bring a friend! It comes with: donut, granola, slab bacon, hot coppa, bubble waffle, fruit, seasonal jam, mini cookies, mini pancakes, house syrup, triple crème brie, soft boiled eggs.
Vintage NOLA: 3121 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Welcome to the place where every coffee dream comes true; but really, check it out below. The coffee art & beignet flights can’t be matched! The sweetest little surprise was my blog name being crafted into the coffee (just ask for what you want crafted). Can we talk about how cool this is?! If you’re looking for a spot that really captures the vibrancy of NOLA in a unique, vintage, way then you’re going to want to visit The Vintage! It’s also located in the Garden District, which is lined with many stores as well as stunning historic mansions where you’ll find second homes to many famous people you know. Make sure to ring the champagne bell and take a stroll afterwards to explore the area.
The Court of Two Sisters: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Meet me in the courtyard for live jazz and all you can eat breakfast! The Court of Two Sisters will have you feeling like the main character in Bridgerton, sitting beneath the wisteria trees, among birds chirping, and with live jazz music playing. Every morning they have a live Jazz Brunch with an endless brunch (yes, truly all you can eat), coffee, and tea service in the heart of the French Quarter. If you're looking for one brunch that truly captures NOLA, this is it!
Lunch Spots:
Copper Vine: 1001 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Just around the corner from the NOPSI Hotel you'll find this secret garden oasis. I highly recommend asking for a seat on the outdoor patio where you are seated below an oasis of plants; it's truly so serene with the lush greenery. The pick two, with the Louisiana Crawfish Grilled Cheese, is an absolute must. Make sure to try one of their 30+ wines on tap, as they are definitely known for a delicious glass of wine.
Dinner Spots:
Justine: 225 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Perfectly located in the heart of the French Quarter, is the bustling Justine. Just beyond the bright pink neon sign you'll be welcomed in to this boisterous and glamorous French brassiere. If you are looking for an Instagrammable restaurant in NOLA, this is is! Make sure to order an espresso martini and enjoy the tasty cuisine for dinner or brunch!
Public Service: 311 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Located inside the NOPSI hotel, is this dynamic restaurant. I highly recommend the Causeway Shrimp Pasta, Brussel Sprouts, and glass of wine! The Causeway Shrimp was an amazing southern-inspired dish with the most unique and delicious flavors.
Coffee/Cocktails:
Carousel Bar: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Ready to take a spin? This rotating, yes rotating, bar located in Hotel Monteleone is truly a one of a kind experience you don't want to miss. Make sure to arrive right when they open, as it is definitely a hot spot in the city! Grab a seat at the rotating bar (don't worry it goes slow), and enjoy a cocktail while in the heart of the French Quarter. Make sure to take a stroll through the many locally owned shops that surround the Carousel Bar.
French Truck Coffee: 217 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
If you're looking for an afternoon pick me up while exploring the French Quarter, make sure to stop by French Truck Coffee. The coffee and pastries were delicious and there are several locations across the city. This location is perfectly located close to the Carousel Bar, Court of Two Sisters, Justine, and Café Beignet.
Dessert Spots:
Café Beignet: 622 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Beignet, done that! But really, I tried over five beignet spots while in NOLA (you're girl has one big sweet tooth). Just around the corner from the NOPSI Hotel, is this quaint French café. There are three locations, all unique from one another. The Canal Street location is in perfect proximity to Bourbon Street, but if you're looking for one that has more character I would visit the location on Royal Street.
Café Du Monde: 813 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
You can't say you've been to NOLA without trying a beignet, or ten like me (lol)! Café du Monde is by far the most well known beignet spot in all of New Orleans. There are many locations across the city but I recommend visiting the Decatur Street location and walking around Jackson Square where there are many local artists and jazz music. Or, make sure to check out the City Park location and take a stroll through the park.
Popbar: 207 N Peters St Ste 2B, New Orleans, LA 70130
If you're looking for a sweet treat, look no further than Popbar where they specialize in handcrafted gelato on a stick. You get to choose your homemade gelato flavor and from 50+ toppings. We chose the strawberry and peach sorbet flavors and topped each of ours with white chocolate and rainbow sprinkles. It was delicious!
Amorino: 637 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Just steps from the hotel, and across the street from Café Beignet, you'll find exceptional Italian gelato! I highly recommend trying their gelato that they shape into the shape of a flower. You'll choose three different gelato flavors and they top it with a homemade macaron. It's unbeatable!
Places for a Photo:
French Quarter Balconies: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Make sure to snap a photo in the oldest neighborhood of New Orleans, the French Quarter. The entire area is surrounded by cast iron balconies, lush walled courtyards, and brightly painted homes. One spot in particular you'll want to capture is at the corner of the Court of Two Sisters. Enjoy a live jazz brunch and snap a photo on your way out!
With Love from NOLA Sign: 333 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located inside the Shops at Canal Place, and right across the street from Popbar, is this fun neon sign. Capture a postcard worthy photo while in NOLA and grab some homemade gelato on a stick on your way out!
Visit Next Time:
Brennan's: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
While exploring the French Quarter I came across Brennan's, which is very popular and highly rewarded restaurant in the city just inside this bright pink entry. They are known for their creole cuisine, and is definitely a must when I visit next!
XO,
Hanna Rose
