While one day in New Orleans will never seem like enough, you can certainly hit the highlights that The Big Easy has to offer! Immediately after arriving in NOLA you’ll find yourself immersed in French culture, rich history, and Southern charm. You’ll almost feel like you’re in a different country! Here’s how to spend one day in New Orleans!
Beignets for breakfast at Cafe du Monde
If you don’t get beignets while in NOLA, did you really visit NOLA? There is never a bad time for a deep fried pastry and coffee at this iconic French cafe! Cafe du Monde is world famous for their chicory coffee, cafe au laits, and of course- their beignets. The cafe is open 24/7, and the best time would be to visit first thing in the morning. Locals and tourists alike frequent this place during the day, and the line can stretch for blocks. I visited around 7 am and was able to walk right in and sit. As I was finishing however, the place had packed up and there was already a short wait. Bring cash (no credit cards are accepted) and your appetite! Beignets = life!
Tour the cemeteries
The above ground cemeteries are a staple to New Orleans’ unique history, and it would be a shame to miss them. The most famous one is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, because it is closest to downtown and the French Quarter. It’s here where you can walk through the aisles among these raised tombs, and even see Marie Laveau’s and Nicholas Cage’s (future) graves. However, you cannot just walk into the grounds and tour. To help protect the structures and the history, all entries are required to be escorted by a guide. There are literally hundreds of options for tours, but I believe I hit the jackpot with the tour I booked through Airbnb Experiences. Brian was hilarious and knowledgeable. I learned a lot, but more importantly- I laughed until my stomach hurt. He is an amazing guide and I’d recommend him to anyone!
Lunch at Wille Mae’s Scotch House
Where do I start with Willie Mae’s? I consider myself a fried chicken enthusiast, and every time I travel to a new place (especially in the South) I go out of my way for what I hear is the best fried chicken. You will not be disappointed with Willie Mae’s! This is literally the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life.
In fact, I loved it so much that I went back a second time on my short trip. This absolutely deserves a spot in your itinerary! They open each day at 10:30 am, and getting there early is key. A line will undoubtedly form each day outside their small restaurant and the waits can exceed an hour (in the hot New Orleans sun!). On my second visit, I arrived about 11:15 and had to wait about 20 minutes. Not bad, and always worth the wait. I’m no food reviewer, but this chicken is cooked to perfection, falls right off the bone, and is seasoned impeccably. Not to mention, the breading is packed with flavor and is crisped exactly to my liking. My mouth is drooling just thinking about it!
Explore the French Quarter
There is nothing more iconic than New Orleans’ French Quarter! The iconic Creole architecture (which is a blend between French, Spanish and Caribbean influences) line the streets, balconies are decorated with unique cast iron designs, and lush greenery hangs from the galleries. It truly makes NOLA so unique!
Walk off your fried chicken lunch by strolling up and down the narrow streets, bopping into boutiques, and grabbing a drink to go at one of the many bars. Stop and snap pictures at the famous Jackson Square, grab some authentic souvenirs at Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo, or sip a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s (where the famous drink was invented). Wherever you wander in the FQ, you won’t be disappointed.
Stroll through City Park
I love a good urban park. One where you’re surrounded by city, but it feels like you’re a million miles away at the same time. City Park is one for the books! City Park is filled with tons of lakes, beautiful flower beds, and big, mature oak trees. It is quintessential to the South! You can truly walk around this park all day, but my favorite stop was at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This outdoor public art is open to the public and is completely free to enter (though I do suggest giving a small donation). The grounds are beautiful and very well kept, and the large trees provide plenty of shade during the hot months. Oh, and did I mention there’s another Cafe du Monde location in the park? I’m sold!
End the night on Bourbon Street
If you’re looking for a party, you’ll find it on Bourbon Street. Every day is completely nonstop. You could walk down Bourbon at 10 am and 10 pm and other than the sun, you would not be able to tell the difference. The street is lined with bar after bar. And the best part? No open container laws, so feel free to get your drink in a to-go cup!
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