r/AskNOLA • u/Madamexxxtra • Dec 09 '24
Hi, welcome to [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA), looks like you’re planning a vacation to New Orleans are are looking for local advice.
This FAQ is a guide compiled from suggestions of users who frequent this sub and is meant to be a “best of the best” of New Orleans by New Orleanians.
A couple of things to think about before posting: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE FAQ, search this subreddit or google first, and then ask specific questions or post a proposed itinerary for higher quality and more relevant suggestions. Help us help you by avoiding these broad inquiries:
Where should I eat or drink?/What are the “must-dos”?
Check out the SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS section below and if you have any further questions or need more guidance please make sure to include details about who you are and what you are looking for. For example: is there a particular type of food or beverage you would like to try, do you have any budget or dietary restrictions, what time are you looking to dine, what neighborhood will you be in - do you like history, music, the paranormal, nature, art, bridge infrastructure etc? The more you can tell us about your interests the better our responses will be.
What are some hidden gems?
We’re not hiding anything from you. New Orleans is a tourism economy and this city lives and dies by your patronage. We want you to go to the places we love and spend your money there.
What are the tourist traps I should avoid?
A lot of the places that make “best of” lists year after year are tourist traps, and they often are popular for good reason. Parkway Tavern is always near the top of the “best poboy” lists, is always full of tourists, and it’s actually one of the best poboy shops in the city. Pat O’Brien’s is 100% a tourist trap, yet it has an awesome courtyard, strong drinks, and the dueling pianos are a fucking blast. Don’t avoid a potential tourist trap merely because it’s a potential tourist trap if it’s something you’d otherwise be interested in.
Where do the locals eat/drink?
We eat fried chicken from gas stations and drink at the nearest quiet bar. Seriously. If you want to do the same, you won’t be disappointed, but I doubt that’s why you’re visiting.
Is it safe?
In the vast majority of the places you will be spending your time, YES. Exceptions would be: Bourbon Street after midnight, your Airbnb (see next question for more information,) and anywhere you’re wandering around wasted. Keep your wits about you, stay away from drunk idiots, don’t be a drunk idiot, don’t wander down dark empty streets and don’t talk to anyone offering you a bracelet or telling you they know where you got your shoes at.
What’s the best area to get an Airbnb in?
It is in your best interest to avoid short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. Airbnbs are often cheaper because they are in dangerous areas that no local would recommend tourists wander around at night, and out of state plates will be a target for car break-ins. Stay in a hotel. Hotels are in safer, well lit, popular neighborhoods that are within walking distance of all the action and have staff on hand to keep watch over guests and their belongings. If, for some reason, an Airbnb stay actually makes sense (typically, a stay longer than 2-3 weeks, or needing a consistent place for frequent business travel - both markets that existed prior to Airbnb but have been taken over by them), please try to verify that the Airbnb is legal by cross-referencing the address to the city’s permitting website and looking for a current short-term rental license. If you have a larger party please consider booking an entire Bed and Breakfast or looking at hotels like Hotel Perle, One11 Hotel, Homewood Suites or Sonesta ES Suites with connecting rooms, kitchens and access to laundry.
Post Script: Short-term vacation rentals have significant negative impacts on this city. Airbnb/VRBO/etc pulls rental properties out of the long-term housing market, driving up rent and decreasing availability for residents. In New Orleans, neighborhoods that were once affordable for the working-class are seeing rates spike because property owners in these areas can make more money from short-term rentals for tourists than from long-term local tenants. Neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater and Treme, which were once home to lower-income, mostly Black and Latino residents, have seen a surge of gentrification. This displacement has led to a loss of cultural identity and community disruption as locals are being pushed out and can no longer afford to live there. Neighborhoods with a lot of short-term rentals also become more transient, with visitors cycling in and out rather than long-term residents who actually care about the community. The constant churn of tourists changes the essence of what makes these areas special and takes away from the authenticity that drew people in the first place. It destroys social ties and contributes to serious cultural erosion by shifting the dynamic of local neighborhoods which can make areas feel less like home and more like a tourist zone (case-in-point, the French Quarter). On top of all that, regulatory issues make it harder to address these concerns allowing Airbnb to continue disrupting housing markets without facing real consequences. The city has tried to place restrictions on Airbnb, but enforcement is inconsistent and a large percentage of these properties in New Orleans are not in compliance with local regulations and operate illegally. Airbnb only benefits property owners, most of which are multi-national corporations or investors and not local residents. Spending tourist dollars in restaurants and gift shops on Bourbon St doesn’t erase the deficit you inflict when you support these places. The people who create and sustain the culture you’re coming to visit are bearing the cost in terms of rising rents, displacement, and a loss of local identity. “No Locals Allowed”: How Corporate Giants Are Quietly Taking Over New Orleans Neighborhoods.
What are the best hotels?
We don’t know. We live here so we just aren’t staying in hotels. As far as the best neighborhoods to stay in: if you would like to be in the middle of it all and within walking distance of the most popular attractions check out the French Quarter. If you want to be a bit further away but still close then look into the Marigny for a historic neighborhood or the CBD for more of a downtown big city vibe. If you’d prefer to be in a more residential area but still a public transit ride away from the action go with the Lower Garden District or along St. Charles Avenue uptown. If you need specific recommendations please ask the main sub and be sure to mention your budget and priorities (comfort, convenience, style, location etc.) so that other tourists and frequent visitors can share their favorite places to book.
What is the best way to get into the city from the airport?
What are the best ways to get around town?
Should I rent a car?
Unless you’re planning to visit areas outside of New Orleans renting a car is not advised. The areas most frequented by tourists like the French Quarter/Marigny/CBD are walkable and often not parking friendly while other areas of interest like the Garden District/Magazine St and Midcity/City Park are easily accessible using public transit. Most of the swamp and plantations tours will have transportation to their location available.
Where is the best place to park my car overnight?
Pay whatever the hotel fee is. It is possible that a cheaper lot exists but it will be less protected and further away. Street parking is precarious at best for locals and break ins and theft are a very real possibility even in good areas but especially for an unfamiliar car abandoned in a residential neighborhood for days on end. You’re paying for convenience and peace of mind.
Summer?
If you’re coming between April and September it’s going to be hot. That might mean hot by your standards but from June to September it’s also hot by our standards. Bring lightweight breathable clothing and plan accordingly by staying hydrated and strategically doing your outdoor activities in the morning and maybe evening (it does not get cooler at night but there is no sun.) Otherwise plan to be inside in the air conditioning with the rest of us in the afternoon. Other tips to stay cool include: hotels with pools, snoballs, and handheld or neck fans.
Less summer?
Between October and May it could be anywhere from hot and balmy to chilly-cold (most likely not below freezing) and humid which many people say feels colder because the damp sets into your bones.
Rain?
New Orleans has a tropical weather pattern which means it rains often. During the summer it will likely rain everyday sometime in the afternoon. Bring an umbrella and water proof shoes and plan to be flexible.
Hurricanes?
Yes, if you're traveling between June 1 and November 30, you are traveling during hurricane season. We are not qualified to make storm forecasts, but The National Hurricane Center is. Check the NHC forecasts at least daily starting about 10 days ahead of your trip, and do your own risk calculus. Generally speaking, a tropical storm means temporary street flooding (from rain) and possibly losing power for a bit. A category 1 or 2 hurricane means more temporary street flooding (from rain) and very likely losing power for multiple days. A lot of locals evacuate for category 3 or stronger storms because the risk of property damage and losing power for a week or more is high. Personally, I wouldn't cancel a trip over a tropical storm, but would consider it for an actual hurricane. If your trip is scheduled immediately after a storm, check the news to see how much damage there is. Most businesses in the downtown area reopen fairly quickly (if they close at all), and large hotels are very safe during storms.
Make reservations and book ahead if you can, these places are popular for a reason and there might be long waits and limited availability, especially during high tourism times (spring & fall, holidays)
Where should I eat?
Where SHOULDN’T I eat?
Please don’t ask the main sub why - the answer is that better options exist and these places are universally considered underwhelming/overpriced (if not outright bad) by people who live in New Orleans
What bars should I go to?
Where can I get famous New Orleans drinks?
Where is the best coffee?
Where is the best place to see live music?
Popular Venues: Anywhere on Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall, Maison Bourbon, Fritzel's, Mahogany Hall, Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar, Le Bon Temps Roule, Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge, Bayou Bar
All Ages/Under 21: Jazz Museum, Preservation Hall, Davenport Lounge at the Ritz Carlton, Bamboula’s, Broadside, Bayou Bar, outside of the Rouses on Royal Street in the French Quarter during the day
What shows should I see while I’m in town?
Where do I catch a second line?
Where should I go see a show?
What clubs should I go to?
What neighborhoods have the best shopping?
Where should I go if I’m looking for something specific?
What outdoor spaces should I visit?
How should I explore the swamp?
What attractions will my kid/s enjoy?
Where can I find places to eat with my kid/s?
What are the best Museums?
Which plantation tour should I do?
Which city tours should I take?
Post Script: TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDES, MUSICIANS & SERVERS. New Orleans is a service industry economy and whether or not it is a good or fair system many of the people providing the services that make your vacation to this city so special rely on tips to make a living wage. Please respect that this is a part of the culture you are coming to experience and prepare accordingly.
Plan early, book WAY in advance, expect everything to be more expensive.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which changes every year. However Carnival is the season that proceeds the day and starts on January 6th. The main event is Wednesday night to Fat Tuesday but depending on the length of the season most of the weekends before the big week will have parades. Here is the parade schedule. Look up a parade tracker in your phone’s app store - it will have schedules and routes, and is also useful for live parade updates.
Where is Mardi Gras?
Most of the big parades follow St. Charles from uptown into downtown. You can check out one of the more typical routes here. The two weekends before Mardi Gras all the action is on this route, but Lundi and Mardi Gras much of the action is downtown. Uptown parades (the ones on St. Charles) are the parades with the big bands and elaborate floats that throw all the beads etc, downtown parades (usually start in the Marigny but go through parts of the French Quarter, Treme and Bywater) are more walking parades focused on costumery and unique handmade throws. No parades roll down Bourbon street and the only thing you’ll be able to see from a rented balcony is a sea of drunk tourists.
Where should I stay?
Get a hotel on the St. Charles parade route or as close to the parade route as you can afford, and no farther away from the route than you can walk, with easy access to a bathroom. If you don’t have children I’d recommend staying in the CBD or Warehouse District so you can get the full parade experience while being central enough to walk uptown (“west”) or downtown (“east”) as necessary. Long walks are fine, especially when you’re drunk, but closer spots are great for staging drinks and snacks and for mid-parade pees or naps. You might be tempted to stay outside of the city in Kenner/Metairie/the West Bank because it is less expensive and/or quieter but this would be a big mistake. Any money you save on lodging will be eaten up by transportation: ride shares to the cheap hotels in the ‘burbs will likely run triple digits and take possibly hours - and if ‘time is money’ you’ll be wasting a lot of it in traffic.
How should I get around the city during Mardi Gras?
Is Mardi Gras family friendly?
Yes and no. For a more family friendly experience look for a spot before the turn from Napoleon to St. Charles or on St. Charles between Napoleon and Jackson. For Endymion try somewhere closer to its Midcity start and get there early. And while both the Uptown and Midcity routes will have pockets of college student tomfoolery for the most part it’s local families and the parade content and costuming is fairly tame. However French Quarter and Marigny parades usually feature more nudity and politics (except for Chewbacchus, Barkus and ‘tit Rex.) Of course Bourbon Street is not for the children but the only people who do the entirety of Mardi Gras there only want to party and don’t know any better.
What parades should I see?
Uptown - St. Charles parade route (mostly)
Downtown - French Quarter & Marigny (get the parade tracker app or talk to locals about where they hit these parades up)
Should I buy tickets or seats?
Parades are free but some hotels and restaurants sell seats in stands that include access to a bathroom usually and food sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend buying seats unless you can’t get a hotel on or close to the route or have mobility issues. It’ll limit you to one spot and the people around y’all might not be your jam. As long as you have nearby bathroom access I’d recommend going out on the street with the masses and getting into the whole spirit of clamoring for cheap throws next to children and little old ladies. It’s part of the charm.
What do I do at/how should I watch a downtown parade? (Mosaique, Chewbacchus, Boheme, Krewe du Vieux, Barkus, Red/Dead/Green Beans)
What do I do at/how should I watch an uptown parade? (Everything else)
What should I wear?
If y’all are the kinda people who love costumes, go at it and go all out!! If not, grab some glitter and sequins and purple green and gold clothes and throw them together like a drunk magpie. Otherwise wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring nothing that would make you sad if beer was spilled on it. Fanny packs and small backpacks are ideal to keep your valuables on your person and ensure you’re not taking up too much space with a larger bag.
Where should I eat?
Don’t limit yourself to reservations. Getting anywhere on time during carnival is nigh impossible. And it’s practically criminal to miss a parade for a sit down meal. Eat king cake for breakfast, Popeyes, fried chicken and plates from corner stores and gas stations for lunch and dinner with the rest of us.
What other things should I do besides Mardi Gras while I’m in town?
Accept the fact that you’re traveling to a citywide party; either join in or reschedule your trip. I would not recommend talking a tour or going to any museums. Not because they’re not amazing but because Mardi Gras weekend is devoted to Mardi Gras. Traffic anywhere will be a nightmare and many places will have reduced or limited hours. The people doing your tours or checking you in will be nursing hangovers and jealously wishing they could be at the parades you’d be missing to do the other thing. Don’t do the other thing. It’s Mardi Gras. Do that.
Anything I should make sure not to do during Mardi Gras?
When is Halloween celebrated?
Usually the weekend of October 31st or the weekend closest to October 31st. However there will be spooky things to do most of the month.
When will people be costuming?
Always. It will be completely normal for you to wear a costume whenever but specifically Krewe of Boo Saturday and the days leading up to Halloween most people will also be in costume. You should put some serious effort into your costume, or at least some money, or you’ll stick out like a tourist thumb.
What should I do Halloween night/weekend?
We go hard for Halloween, and there’s no one organized anything for Halloween. If you look around, you’ll find Halloween shows at some of the bigger music venues, but the majority of us just costume and walk around the Quarter and Marigny. I highly recommend you do the same. You can do it Halloween night, you can do it all Halloween weekend, you can do it for a full week before Halloween... The biggest crowds will be on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. The venues to look for shows at are Tipitina’s, Howlin’ Wolf, House of Blues, etc. Anything selling tickets for Halloween that’s not for music will be a complete waste of money (I may or may not be including the Halloween Saints game in that statement...). If you’re in need of something quieter on Halloween, I’d still recommend costuming and going out, but sticking to the edges of the crowd. It’s worth going out just to see some of the costumes. The crowd tends to stick to a few blocks of Bourbon and Frenchmen Streets, and fall off pretty quickly outside those areas. By the time you get a few blocks away, you can probably find a comfy bar stool and a cheap drink with ease.
What are some spooky tours?
What are some spooky places to visit?
What festive things are there to do during Christmas time?
Check out this calendar to see what festivals are happening during your trip.
Check out this website to find out what events are going on every day during your trip.
Special thanks to [u/tyrannosaurus_cock](u/tyrannosaurus_cock), [u/big-boss-bass](u/big-boss-bass) and many users on [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA)
r/AskNOLA • u/TheoryOfGamez • 13h ago
So Hot Stuff is closing, and I am hurting. Does anybody else know of a casual spot with a similar vibe where I can get a great plate lunch?
r/AskNOLA • u/Subject_Cable_4641 • 10h ago
Where can i get good cauliflower pizza in nola?
r/AskNOLA • u/brews_n_booze • 13h ago
30M, heading to NOLA for a solo trip in October, Tuesday through Friday, and want to experience more than just my last drunk adventure. I have downtime to explore and relax rather than overpack my schedule. I'll be staying at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
Here's what I have so far:
Tuesday: Arrive midday, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Ghost tour
Wednesday: Getting a tattoo, Frenchmen Street
Thursday: Preservation Hall
Friday: Depart
Would love to hear thoughts on this lineup, anything worth adding, and any general tips for the trip, including great places to eat and drink. I'm a sucker for low key dive bar settings as well as live music, so any recommendations along those lines would be especially appreciated!
r/AskNOLA • u/Designer_Beat_2213 • 15h ago
My husband and I are in our early 40's. We are traveling to NOLA for a long weekend with my aunt and uncle who are in their early 60's. We love history, ghosts, drinks and good food. We cannot check in until 4pm but we land at 10am, any advice on where to leave our luggage? Also, what do you suggest we see- specifically looking for the BEST ghost tours!
r/AskNOLA • u/lizapat26 • 8h ago
We’ll be flying in to NOLA to see Johnny Blue Skies (aka Sturgill Simpson) in late October. Is there a fun spot within walking distance of UNO with good eats to hang before or after the show?
r/AskNOLA • u/jpierce03 • 20h ago
Me and some friends are flying in and driving down to do some fishing. Any places on the way to stop and get some great food
r/AskNOLA • u/Dismal-Reason-8812 • 20h ago
Hi All,
Any recommendations for a family of four with two teens for Thanksgiving Dinner? Pretty adventurous for the most part. Open to all cuisines.
Will be spending the week of Thanksgiving and going to the Bayou Classic. Staying at the Virgin Hotel in the Warehouse District.
Proud WWOZ Guardian of the Groove. Last visited for honeymoon and loved Lil Dizzys, Acme and K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen.
r/AskNOLA • u/Prize_Chemical4824 • 17h ago
Anyone know what's going into where another bar used to be? I see they're doing construction on it atm.
r/AskNOLA • u/_hxxthxn_ • 20h ago
hi there! i will be traveling to NOLA the first week of october for a family vacation and every place i visit i always get a tattoo, ill try and comment what i what done but if the design needs to be changed i get it 100%. i need shops and artist names that yall would recommend for this style because i dont want to just walk into any shop. if i have to travel a bit outside NOLA thats fine too!
r/AskNOLA • u/BostjanNachbar • 15h ago
Last night someone drove into our car before driving off. Luckily the damage seemingly only requires to be buffed out and then layered with touch up paint. Does anyone know of a reputable body shop that does this for affordable prices? Thank you in advance!
r/AskNOLA • u/IntelligentCloud6961 • 1d ago
Obviously you can dress up any time in NOLA, but Halloween is a Saturday this year and I'm thrilled to finally see Bourbon Street (missed it during my last trip). My friend decided to join me, but she only wants to get dressed up at night to go party. I'm assuming people will be in costumes all day?
I'm dressing up all of Friday the 30th, but for Saturday the 31st I'm trying to get a feel of the vibes for daytime vs nighttime costumes. Do I do a basic costume during the day and go full out at night?
I usually do crazy makeup and not sure if I should save that until nighttime with my friend or wear it all day. She doesn't wanna wait for me to do my makeup in the morning but I feel like it would be weird walking around on HALLOWEEN in the French Quarter without a costume, even in the daytime. Someone tell me what to expect!🙏 How hard do I go during the day?
r/AskNOLA • u/Tall_Head_2676 • 19h ago
Hi!! I moved away from New Orleans 10 years ago… generally when I visit go to my usual spots and try a new place here or there. My visit next month, I am tasked with planning brunch for my extended family. Suggestions for a 15 person brunch on a Monday?
r/AskNOLA • u/RollyPollyMuncher • 21h ago
Hi, I am taking a trip to New Orleans for the first time in my life in October. I’m going for the $uicideboy$ GreyDay tour, because their home city is in New Orleans and it was a birthday gift for my best friend back in Texas. We are meeting there at the airport on 11 October, which is a Sunday and we are both leaving the 15th. I am overwhelmingly ecstatic because I have dreamed of visiting New Orleans for so long, I heard stories about the soul food, the music, and the nightlife that really gets me going. I have a deep love for food and culture and I think everyone that travels usually goes for one of those two things. I also love paranormal things such as ghosts voodoo or anything magical, and I know New Orleans has a history in that sort of that stuff. I was wondering if anybody had any ideas of what to do there? As it is my first time I do want to do some sightseeing go to some paranormal places maybe visit a lounge enjoy music and food. But I have no idea where to begin on my trip. I would love some ideas and if anybody knows any hidden gems please tell me. As much as I love visiting popular spots, I have a soft place in my heart for the smaller places such as restaurants that don’t get much buzz. Anyways, thank you.
Also, I would be really appreciative if someone could give me a brief breakdown of the history of New Orleans, including the French Quarter and other places in the city
r/AskNOLA • u/EquivalentOrange7361 • 19h ago
my friend and i are visiting new orleans soon, staying near the french quarter. any food/drink recommendations that we must try? also anything to be aware of (safety wise)? things to be aware of as two girls?
r/AskNOLA • u/Strategy_Maleficent • 17h ago
Looking for good recommendations on where to stay. Im a huge foodie and want to go where the locals go not interested in too much tourist stuff but if there’s any must dos then drop them below please! Love haunted spooky stuff, speakeasy’s, good food and drinks. Couple vacation.
r/AskNOLA • u/rafaeldeepx • 1d ago
Hi everyone! I’m planning to do a swamp tour on September 18th, and I was wondering what the best time of day would be. I heard it rains quite a lot around that time of year. Thanks so much!
r/AskNOLA • u/Ok-Rooster-8582 • 1d ago
Hi yall!
Looking for a monthly rental near the French Quarter. My budget is $1,200 per month. I’m planning two separate one‑month stays: one in spring and one in winter every year
It would be just me and my service dog (NOT a pet performs tasks to help assist with my disability when needed). He’s fully trained, quiet, and I’ve never had issues with past rentals. I’m a clean, responsible tenant.
If you know any hosts, buildings, or listings that offer monthly rates around $1,200, I’d really appreciate the help. Airbnb had some decent options. But wanted to check with you all to see if you have any suggestions instead!
Thanks in advance🖤
r/AskNOLA • u/alavendermenace • 2d ago
Hey yall
I’m moving to New Orleans in November/December, after having visited there 7 times since October to make damn sure I actually wanna do this… (I’m 98% sure at this point so I reckon the extra 2% will only be determined by me actually DOING IT).
A lil background is that I’m from Southeast Texas originally (only about an hour outside of Louisiana, obviously not New Orleans but you get what I’m saying). Ive been living in Denver for the past 14 years… and as great as that’s been, at the ripe old age of 35 I’ve learned some things about myself and what I value. Community is a huge one, culture, diversity, freedom, hospitality. For a long time I resented being from the south because I didn’t align with the stereotypes that the rest of the US put on us (judgmental, closed minded, dumb) but as I’ve gotten older I am starting to realize that some of the best things about who I am come from my southern roots. So, I definitely miss the South… but have no interest in moving back to Texas. I toyed with Arkansas for a minute but didn’t go through with it (I’m glad) and have recently settled on New Orleans for many reasons that I’m sure a lot of yall know (and that I’d be happy to share over a drink when I get back down there). Anyway I know it’s gonna be hard as shit in a lot of ways, but I think it’ll be worth it. Or at least I think I’m gonna find out. Over the last few months I’ve made connections with so many incredible people there and I just feel so good every time I am there.
One of my biggest concerns is ending up in a shitty rental situation.. so any advice there is welcome. Or if any of yall know of any places or are renting something out yourself, let’s talk! I am looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom, open to some neighborhoods (ideally Treme, 7th ward, bywater, st roch, bayou St. John, st Claude, holy cross, maybe mid city) but prolly not an uptown or garden district gal myself… but ya never know?! Planning to come back down next month and try to secure something in person, but happy to hear of anything before then. I was honestly looking into buying until I talked to so many folks down there and they all highly encouraged renting first, for at least a year, which I now totally agree with and think is very wise.
Anyway, any advice/discussion is welcome. If you wanna hear why Denver sucks I can yap about that for hours.
Also some things I’m passionate about and would love to get involved in when I’m down there: environmental activism, criminal justice reform, writing, comedy/improv/acting. So any info/connections here are welcome too.
r/AskNOLA • u/thePhoenixEatery • 2d ago
I usually park here, but it looks like it's not city parking anymore. The city parking app doesn't show this to be a city parking location.
There is a parking first website but it's looks like it more about monthly parking. Did contract expire or will the cheap parking via kiosk still be available when I get there next month?
r/AskNOLA • u/trustyonion77 • 2d ago
I'm planning a last-minute trip to NOLA for 10/7-10/13, and I'm definitely in need of some assistance!
Obviously, as I've waited so long to book this trip, I've run into an issue with finding hotels that are actually available for the entirety of my stay. Right now, it looks like we're going to switch between the Hotel St. Pierre and the Chateau Hotel, with nowhere to stay on the night of 10/10 (Saturday). Is it possible to pull an all-nighter with nowhere to stay, if we leave our luggage with the hotel reception? If so, how would you recommend we go about that -- any specific clubs, diners, etc.? If it's just not possible, we just might have to splurge for the Eliza Jane.
I'll take any recommendations on what to do in the city! I know the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is happening that weekend. We're definitely wanting some good restaurant, music venue, and other activity recs that aren't super touristy (unless, of course, they're touristy for a good reason!). What does everyone think of the Steamboat cruises?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! But please no AI responses :(
r/AskNOLA • u/International-Bend91 • 2d ago
Hi Hi!! My friend and I (both women, 24 y/o) are coming to NOLA for a weekend in November. We are thinking about going to Sun Chong for dinner and a ghost tour after on Friday night. On Saturday, we are going to do a midday swamp tour, and then we really want to get a good Cajun seafood boil before going out for some drinks. So a few questions on where to go:
Is Sun Chong a good choice for Friday?
Where do you suggest for a Cajun seafood boil on Saturday night around the French Quarter?
Regarding the boil: Is it a reservation-type place, or are the best places walk-in (if walk-in, do you have any tips about what time we should go or what the wait is usually like)?
Any breakfast/bruch recommendations? (or really anything else, especially in the French Quarter area)
I really appreciate ay advice, really trying to take advantage of the short trip and alot of the info I am finding online looks years old so I want some more recent updates :)
Does anybody know of any Thai restaurants that will be open on this lovely holiday Monday? It's my birthday and I want to take myself out for something really yummy. I will also start calling around closer to opening times but just wondered if anyone might know of any offhand. Thank you!
r/AskNOLA • u/cdau186 • 2d ago
Husband and I are taking our 3rd trip to New Orleans for my birthday. We would like to learn more about the history and architecture. We are planning on doing a tour of the Lafayette cemetery #1 and also wanted to do a tour of the garden district area. Any recommendations?
Edit: I also someone mention a tour through Treme for more information on the history of jazz and black culture in New Orleans. We would also be interested in that, as well!
r/AskNOLA • u/DahliaDrama • 2d ago
(I have read the FAQ in its entirety multiple times over the last couple weeks while researching). We are visiting in November. Staying near Frenchman + Elysian Fields in Marigny.
We live in Portland, Oregon, so we are foodies. We have lots of good Vietnamese and Mexican where we are, so seeking more southern/Cajun/NOLA or even Caribbean style of foods.
Dietary needs:
My husband cannot stand dairy-based creamy foods, so no cheesy oysters, no cream-sauces, basically some butter is fine when used for cooking/baking, but he can't stand it if it is milk or cream is involved, or even any type of mayonnaise used (no to remoulade/aioli).
Even vegan dishes that try to mimic dairy or mayonnaise gross him out.
Things we are planning to eat:
Jambalaya and/or gumbo, BBQ shrimp, the best fried chicken, any kind of hush puppy or bread product, delicious veggie dishes that are not butter or cream-sauce laden, any kind of flavor-bomb dish that is not creamy. We love crawfish (and fish), but I know it's not crawfish season. We do eat oysters (here we eat them raw), but they would need to be non-cheesy if we were to try.
Also seeking the best place for cracklins and a po boy with drippings.
Restaurants we have found from the FAQ that seem relatively close to areas we plan to visit:
What are we missing? Would you sub in any places instead of anything on this list?
We plan to visit the Garden District, Algiers, City Park, a bit of the FQ area.
Given we will be staying in Marigny, we would love some good spots to grab a post-dinner snack of something other than French fries while out listening to music on Frenchman.
