New Orleans Travel Guide

New Orleans may get most of its attention around Mardi Gras, but Louisiana’s bayou city is so much more than a chaotic parade route with boobs, beads and beer. The Big Easy is a mecca of world-class art, culture and cuisine, rooted in a fascinating, yet often tragic history that makes it a unique one-stop destination for any group of dudes taking a friendcation.

If you’re looking to plan a long weekend and are in need of a little travel inspiration, here are four reasons to consider a trip to NOLA and enjoy everything the southern oasis has to offer beyond Bourbon Street.

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The Food Actually Lives Up to the Hype

We’ve heard it over and over again: “you’ll eat your way through the city.” And though many foodies go into destinations like these with a bit of skepticism (after all, you can eat your way through any city), New Orleans certainly lives up to its reputation of being a gastronomy paradise.

Kick off your stay with a seafood dinner at GW Fins where Executive Chef Michael Nelson innovatively dry-ages his fish like a steak, resulting in a somewhat smoky, umami-forward, fork-tender tuna that is unlike anything you have ever tasted.

Stops at Chef Donald Link’s establishments are also itinerary musts with highlights including meat-forward Cochon and adjacent Cochon Butcher, vegetable-heavy Herbsaint with a menu dictated by what’s in season, and, perhaps his most stunning project yet, Chemin a La Mer at the Four Seasons hotel. The culinary mastermind, dubbed as the mayor of New Orleans’ restaurant scene, makes a stay at the famed chain even more imperative with a special dining experience that boasts riverside views and dishes like pan-roasted salmon teeming with beluga lentils, foie gras with grapes, cider, and verjus, and a classic ribeye cooked to medium rare perfection.

For a taste of New Orleans’ Creole history, a reservation at Commander’s Palace is an absolute must. You and your gang will be treated like royalty as you nosh on signature courses like sherry-based turtle soup and a decadent bread pudding souffle, served tableside with warm whiskey cream. But it’s the staff that leaves the biggest impression after they evolve from stranger to friend and will have you questioning whether or not they should join your group for the remainder of the trip.

But what may knock your socks off the most is a curated meal from Chef Melissa Martin’s Mosquito Supper Club. Book your table as far in advance as possible and allow the team to transport you through a mouthwatering journey of fried shrimp boulettes, marinated crab claws and strawberry pie with buttermilk ice cream that embodies Martin’s Southern upbringing.

There Is a Hotel for Every Budget and Personality

Dudes with deep pockets will revel in the charm and luxury of Windsor Court, a wood-paneled haven for those seeking oversized suites, a private courtyard entrance, full-service spa, and an amenities floor with cocktails, bites, and teas. The hotel is a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby French Quarter and is one of New Orleans’ most iconic and celebrated buildings.

Nearby Ritz-Carlton on postcard-worthy Canal Street offers similar comforts, but in a more modernized property that attracts a younger crowd who aims to see and be seen. Guests are flashy, fashionable, and full of energy, but the setting is also an ideal backdrop for the weary traveler who needs to hop on his laptop and get work done. There are ample communal spaces throughout the 15 stories, including an outdoor garden, conference center, and jazz lounge that bellows with live music throughout the day.

Sleek and sophisticated ONE11 Hotel is a stone’s throw away from NOLA’s liveliest bars and restaurants with trendy rooms featuring industrial embellishments like exposed brick columns and paneled windows. But it’s Batture Bistro and Bar on the ground level that is the property’s star and a brunch-time essential for hearty sandwiches and classic breakfast fare to sop up the previous night’s sins.

There Is So Much More to Do Than Drinking

New Orleans is famous for its rich, yet complicated history. And while we wouldn’t suggest turning any of your limited days into a snoozefest, there are a handful of local experiences to appreciate or at least develop an understanding of the region, its past, and plans for the future.

The haunted French Quarter’s notorious ghost tours can range from boozy and theatrical to chock-full of fascinating factoids. If you prefer the latter, seek the knowledge of Rob Florence at NOLA Historic Tours for a detailed look at some of the area’s most infamous murders and the paranormal activities that have happened as a result.

Of course, alligators can be just as scary, but are quite entertaining to see up close and personal through Cajun Encounters Tour Company. The two-hour boat voyage takes guests through swamps and marshy channels so that they can get up close and personal with indigenous wildlife and learn more about their complex habitat.

NOLA’s jazz scene is arguably the best in the country and will change your perception of what the genre of music can do to your mind, body, and soul with a sextet cranking out awe-inspiring tunes that demand applause and a constant tap of the feet. Preservation Hall is a no-frills, intimate venue where ticket holders sit on lined wooden benches and take in the talents of artists who will transport to you the sights and sounds of the city’s past.

The National WWII Museum is also a must-visit and, perhaps, one of the best-curated in the country. Aside from jaw-dropping exhibits and artifacts from our world’s tumultuous past, the story of war is told through a lens of humanity with handwritten notes and personal relics from soldiers who experienced death and destruction firsthand. It is a somber experience that can take literal days to walk through, so reserve this one for a rainy afternoon or towards the end of your trip.

Lastly, New Orleans is the perfect place to catch a sports game or touring concert. World-class facilities like the Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center attract the biggest names in show business, but they’re also walking distance to most major hotels. This is pretty clutch after knocking back a few brews and not having the patience to compete for an Uber.

The Locals

“Southern Charm” is a term that’s tossed around superfluously in the states that anchor our wildly diverse country, but it’s fully realized in New Orleans where locals go out of their way to help tourists make the right decisions.

Ask any server, museum employee, or random person on the street for their advice and recommendations and they’ll not only oblige, but do it with a smile on their face.

After all, the motto in New Orleans is “laissez les bon temps rouler,” which translates to “let the good times roll.” And if you’re not enjoying everything the city has to offer, you’re simply not doing it right.

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