New Orleans Weekend Itinerary

Living in Texas, Louisiana is right next door, so you'd think, like many of my readers, that I’d have already visited New Orleans. And you’d be partially correct. My first real taste of New Orleans was actually through work—my first full-time job had me planning a conference there, but we never left the hotel. That doesn't really count as visiting or crossing Louisiana off my "states I've truly experienced" list. For those who’ve been following me for a while, you know my goal is to visit all 50 states before I turn 30. To check a state off my list, I have a simple rule: I must stay at least one night, explore its tourist highlights, and of course, sample the local cuisine!

Fast forward to now. How did I end up in Lousiana you might ask? A year and a half ago I wrote a blog about my mom, grandma, and I starting a tradition: a "three generations trip" that began on my birthday. Our first adventure took us to Nashville, where we were super surprised to discover that Taylor Swift was performing nearby! We watched as Swifties took over the entire city, and not only this, but the city even participated with welcoming Swifties with open arms and participating in the festivities of decorating their stores. The night of the concert, we actually parked on the side of a highway and listened from outside the stadium. We had no idea the concert was going to be THAT ELECTRIC but because of such, we instantly knew we had to go. Fast forward to now, we scored tickets to her Eras Tour in New Orleans, and it was unforgettable! I had the time of my life, enjoying and watching my entire childhood, teenage years and young adulthood in one tour with mom and grandma by my side.

Places to Eat:

When it comes to finding the best food spots, locals always know best! We made it a point to chat with local workers wherever we went to get recommendations based on what they love. Here are some standout places to eat:

• 3rd Block Depot Kitchen: Hands down, the best beignets in the city! What sets them apart is their housemade caramel sauce served with each order. One plate comes with four beignets and is just $10—a must-try treat!

• Oceana Grill: A hidden gem serving authentic New Orleans cuisine. I had their Cajun-style seafood pasta with spicy sausage, and it was incredible. My mom tried the shrimp scampi, while my grandma opted for the crab cakes. Everything was delicious!

• Café Du Monde: Unfortunately, we didn't get to try it this time (timing was never on our side), but as everyone says, this is a quintessential New Orleans experience. Don’t miss it!

• The Original Pierre Maspero’s: Known for their homemade jambalaya and other classic New Orleans dishes.

• Southern Candymakers: Best homemade pralines! This is another spot that came highly recommended from locals for the best and must try pralines in the french quarter!

Coffee Places:

If you know me, you are aware of my coffee addiction (or maybe coffee is addicted to me?). Here are some top spots I found:

• French Truck Coffee: I was especially excited to visit for their Taylor Swift-inspired drinks during concert weekend. The Lavender Haze latte was a hit!

• Nostalgia NOLA: Another great spot for unique brews.

• Trumpet and Drum: Known for their housemade syrups—a great touch for any coffee lover.

• PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans: Highly recommended, especially since it originated right here in the city!

  
  

Things to Do:

New Orleans has so much to offer, and one weekend is more than enough time to get a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. Here are the highlights:

• French Quarter: The heart of New Orleans with its iconic architecture and lively atmosphere.

• Jackson Square: A historic park surrounded by beautiful landmarks, street performers, and artists.

• St. Louis Cathedral: A must-see for its stunning architecture and history.

• Bourbon Street: Experience the nightlife, live music, and classic New Orleans energy.

• Magazine Street: Just a short 10-minute drive away, Magazine Street offers a more laid-back vibe with local boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, and unique stores. Perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.

• Caesars New Orleans Casino: We spent an evening here trying our luck at the slots. It’s truly a world-class casino right in the heart of the city, perfect for those looking for some entertainment.

Tips and Tricks:

• Chat with locals for recommendations—they know the best hidden spots!

• Plan to eat light if you’re trying multiple food places in a day.

• Rent a car! Renting a car will help with being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

• Take walking shoes as majority of the things to do are within walking distance of each other.

• Stay flexible with your schedule to fully soak in the city's spontaneous, lively atmosphere.

Enjoy your New Orleans adventure! And as always, be sure to reach out to me if you need any help with planning your trip or would like additional information!

xoxo,

Tess