A Millenials' guide to New Orleans
How to spend a 3 day weekend in the Big Easy
My wife and I recently spent Memorial Day weekend in New Orleans. It was both of our second times visiting the city so we had a fair basis of comparison to start.
Where to Stay
We’ll give three options for this — expensive, mid-range, and well-priced. I’ll start by noting that I got my initial set of recommendations for this trip on Conde Nast’s Traveller site. I visited nearly hotel on that list and I’m here to tell you my top 3.
Expensive Option
Maison de la Luz — $300-500/night
Images from Stephen Kent Johnson / Maison de la Luz
Maison de la Luz had a beautiful lobby, peaceful hotel bar, a decadent and refreshing decor throughout the hotel. Each room is designed to be a suite and the price reflects that — well worth the money. It’s also in a perfect part of downtown New Orleans in the Warehouse District.
Mid-Range Option
Ace Hotel New Orleans — where we stayed* — $210/night
Images are from Timothy Hursley; Fran Parente; Simon Watson
The Ace Hotel had everything you’d want in a modern day hotel. Very art deco — literally felt like it was built for the set of AMC’s Mad Men. The hotel included 2 bars, a Stumptown Coffee shop, an in-house restaurant, rooftop pool, music venue, and an art gallery!
Ironically, this hotel is next door to Maison de la Luz!
Well Priced Option
Moxy Hotel New Orleans — $89/night
Images from Marriot
The Moxy is a little bit closer to the action of Canal Street, Bourbon Street, and other super touristy things to do in New Orleans. With that said, it is still a great deal for being in such a great location with a modern twist on hoteling.
Rooms are a little bit on the smaller side and amenities are limited, but at the price, the hotel bar, and location — it’s pretty hard to beat. The hotel lounge/bar includes a nice array of games to play and meet other travelers.
If you’re a little more budget conscious then I’d 100% recommend staying here.
Where to Eat & Drink
Low Priced:
- Daisy Dukes Express — as good as IHOP, but with a southern spin on every menu item. Make sure to try the alligator scramble.
- Mother’s Restaurant — comfort food and po’ boys. A New Orleans classic.
- Cajun Seafood — if you’re afraid of seafood or getting dirty while eating then you should avoid this place. Food is 5/5 on flavor. Decor…not so much. Well worth the drive/taxi.
Worth the money:
- Morrow’s — you’ll most likely wait for 2–3 hours if you go on the weekend. But if you go on a weekday…go between 3–530pm and you’ll get a table right away. This is arguably the best-tasting food in all of New Orleans.
- Neyow’s Creole Cafe — same gameplan as Morrow’s. Also, going early on a Saturday around 11 am can get you in easily. Comparing to Morrow’s, which is debatable, this is the best food in New Orleans.
- Dooky Chase — an absolute New Orleans’ classic establishment. Founded in 1941 and this place embodies New Orleans Creole-style cooking at it’s finest.
- Conchon — A fusion creole restaurant. It’s on the edge of the Warehouse district and it’s a trendy place to eat if you’re looking for that scene. The food was very good and the servings are large.
Bars:
Image via Simon Bayangos (Kermit’s Treme Bar)
- Kermit’s Treme Mother in Law Lounge — the blackest dive bar in America. If you want authentic, black, New Orleans…then look no further. This place was great and they pour heavy.
- Napoleon House — a solid bar with a decent cocktail menu in a tourist area. Known for its old-world decorum and splendor. If you don’t want to waste your money on Bourbon street, veer off a bit and hit up Napeolon House.
Editor’s Note: There were a ton of bars that didn’t make this list because they were just alright. The Ace Hotel’s bar(s) were really good, but not worth visiting if you’re not already near the hotel.
Specialties:
Cafe Du Monde — Quintessential New Orleans’ beignet spot. You’ll most likely wait around 30 minutes here.
Cafe Beignet — I prefer going here over Cafe Du Monde as the wait is shorter and the beignets are just as good. Also, you’ll see a 2nd line wedding parade from the patio here.
Must Do Activities
As much as I hate doing touristy things in American cities…I’ll admit it that yes, you must at least walk down Bourbon street at night. This will allow you to understand why it’s an overrated destination from NOLA locals.
Frenchmen Street — If you want a much better NOLA experience head over to Frenchmen street. A lot more locals and genuinely a more authentic New Orleans vibe.
Swamp Tour — Don’t get swindled by the folks selling tickets to these randomly on the street. Feel free to ask your hotel concierge about these and they’ll happily direct you to the best tour company for your needs.
Graffiti Art Walk — Hilarystyle.com sums it up perfectly with a very useful map. I was genuinely surprised to find such great art in New Orleans as I’ve never thought it to be a place that celebrates graffiti.
Image via Robson Hatsukami Morgan
Regardless of what you in New Orleans make sure to talk to the locals, be nice (southern hospitality), and don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone.