I’ve been to New Orleans twice (2017 and 2026), and will absolutely make more trips in the future. It’s become one of my favorite cities in the United States. From the culture, food, music, and history, there’s always a reason to come back to NOLA.
Below, I’m sharing where to eat, play, and stay for your trip to New Orleans. This isn’t a rigid itinerary — think of it as a menu. You can pick the recommendations that match your vibe and fit it within your 4-day itinerary.
This post was updated in 2026 with new restaurant and hotel recommendations after a recent trip.
Where to stay
The Garden District Hotel
A new boutique hotel that opened in June 2025 and is named after the neighborhood it’s located in. This hotel has everything you need, from a pool with a swim-up bar to a gym and even a bar on-site.
Plus, there are several room options for couples, families, and friends. We stayed in their Deluxe Loft King room, which was the perfect size for my mom, sister, and me. Also, the Garden District Hotel is located in a prime area, being minutes from the French Quarter, riverfront, and more.
Airbnb
During my first stay, I booked an Airbnb in the Seventh Ward, a predominantly Afro-Creole community.
This neighborhood was once home to many jazz greats, successful businesses, and wealthy community members. However, the Seventh Ward has been through natural and man-made disasters it’s still recovering from. But one thing that’s still consistent in this community and New Orleans is that southern hospitality. The epitome of it was next door to us, a sweet older Black woman who immediately made us feel welcomed.
Where to play
Bourbon Street
The atmosphere on Bourbon Street is lively and unlike anything I’ve seen. There’s music playing in every bar and shop, day and night; you can freely walk in and out of bars since there are no cover charges. And since there’s an open container law, you see people drinking and walking around. There are performers, restaurants, tarot card readers, and so much more.
Studio Be
An art warehouse in the Bywater neighborhood created by visual artist Bmike. I’ve been here on both of my trips and loved seeing the Black artwork throughout the gallery.
When visiting, I suggest bringing a fan and water as there is no AC/central air conditioning in the gallery. They also provide water on-site from a bubbler/cooler.
Canal Street
A bustling street, Canal Street is adjacent to Bourbon Street; you can stroll and shop.
Jackson Square
This historic park is close to Bourbon Street, Café du Monde, and Café Beignet.
Louis Armstrong Park
Named after Jazz legend Louis Armstrong, you’ll see ponds, sculptures, and the Congo Square (where slaves used to meet) when roaming around.
The Whitney Plantation
We booked a tour to the Whitney Plantation through Legendary Tours, a small locally owned tour company. I’d highly recommend taking this tour to learn the history of slavery at the Habitation Haydel and in New Orleans. Legendary Tours provides hotel/Airbnb pick-up and drop-off, and Edward is the best tour guide!
Where to eat
Morrow’s
I’ve been eyeing this Black-owned restaurant for some time because of their ramen gumbo. They’re close to Studio Be, so we came here to eat after, and the experience was 10/10.
We made a reservation (highly recommend) but arrived an hour earlier, and they sat us quickly. Our waiter was so knowledgeable about the menu, including the specials they were offering. In my reservation, I mentioned we were celebrating a birthday, and they brought out a card for my mom.
I ordered their gumbo, which was so good, and my family thoroughly enjoyed their meals. We also ordered appetizers, and their chargrilled oysters are an absolute MUST. I’m honestly still dreaming about them.
The only negative I’ll say is the music is fairly loud, so it feels like you’re talking loudly. But other than that, I loved it here, and I’m plotting my return.
Dooky Chase
This Black-owned restaurant has so much history since it opened its doors in 1941; you can read some of that history in the photo below.
We came here for my mom’s birthday, and the service was amazing! In celebration, they brought out a tabletop sign with a birthday cake on our table, and peach cobbler. For dinner, I ordered the chicken creole dish, which was so delicious. I honestly cannot recommend Dooky Chase enough, and highly suggest making a reservation as we did.
Café Beignet
Our Lyft driver recommended this place because he enjoyed the atmosphere more here than Café du Monde. The beignets here appear bigger than Café du Monde’s, plus you can get different flavors. They also offer other breakfast and brunch options.
Café du Monde
Went here on my second trip, and it’s like night and day from Café Beignets. The atmosphere here is bustling and crowded, but they’re open 24 hours. I found the beignets here to be crispier on the outside, but very airy. They don’t have a wide selection of things to order, just beignets, coffee, water, and frozen hot chocolate. Also, Café du Monde is cash only, so keep that in mind.
Cajun Seafood
Po’ boys, crawfish, catfish, crab legs, cajun fries, gumbo, and shrimp—Cajun Seafood has it all! There are four locations in New Orleans, and my Airbnb was a 5-minute walk from one of their locations. I went to this place twice, the first time ordering fish & fries and crawfish the second time.
The Joint is a 10-minute walk from Studio Be and is known as one of the best barbecue restaurants. That’s probably because they smoke their barbecue out back. Besides the delicious food, the Joint also plays great music—think 1990’s and 2000’s hip-hop playing in the background. We enjoyed our food while also singing along to the music.
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot close to the Garden District Hotel, take a walk to Surrey’s. It’s only a 6-minute walk from the hotel and is known for its shrimp and grits and banana foster French toast. They don’t take reservations, so you’ll have to put your name on the list when you arrive.
The space is fairly small, but you’re there for one thing: to eat. The service was amazing, and their OPM juice (orange, pineapple, mango) was so good and fresh. I ordered their shrimp and grits, which I loved.
A cute brunch spot that serves classics like egg benedicts, pancakes/waffles, steak and eggs, and more. The service was quick and attentive, and I recommend making a reservation as we did. I ordered their lemon ricotta pancakes, which were good.
