Insider’s Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Wander Through the French Quarter's Historic Streets
With its narrow streets and historic architecture, the French Quarter is the vibrant heart of New Orleans. Wandering these charming streets transports you back in time, evoking the city's rich multicultural history.
Founded in 1718 by French colonists, the French Quarter still retains its old-world ambiance. The neighborhood is known for its picturesque iron-laced balconies, colorful Creole cottages, and leafy courtyards hidden behind stucco walls. Stroll down Bourbon Street to see some of the Quarter's most iconic landmarks, like St. Louis Cathedral, the country's oldest cathedral, and the stately Cabildo, built under Spanish rule in the late 18th century.
Meandering the side streets reveals a trove of architectural gems. On Pirate's Alley, find the 1727 LaLaurie Mansion, rumored to be haunted by victims of twisted socialite Delphine LaLaurie. Peek inside elegant Creole townhouses built in the late 1700s and early 1800s, including the 1816 Pitot House museum. Marvel at the intricate cast-iron balconies along Chartres Street, a trademark of New Orleans architecture.
In Jackson Square, street artists, fortunetellers, and musicians echo the Quarter's bohemian spirit. Grab a beignet dripping with powdered sugar at Café Du Monde, open since 1862. Browse antique shops crammed with vintage jewelry and porcelain. Pop into voodoo shops brimming with candles, potions, and gris-gris bags.
As night falls, follow the sound of jazz streaming from bars and clubs. Sip potent hurricanes as you listen to cabaret singers croon jazz standards and watch breakdancers show off their moves. The lively streets capture the Quarter's joyful chaos best experienced after dark.
What else is in this post?
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Wander Through the French Quarter's Historic Streets
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Indulge in Cajun and Creole Cuisine
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Hear Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Explore the Architecture of the Garden District
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Take a Streetcar Ride Down St. Charles Avenue
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Visit the Voodoo Museum for a Taste of the Occult
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Stroll Along the Mississippi Riverwalk
- Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Experience Mardi Gras Magic on Bourbon Street
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Indulge in Cajun and Creole Cuisine
No trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in the city's famous Cajun and Creole cuisine. This mouthwatering blend of French, Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences has defined New Orleans' culinary identity for centuries. Dive into po' boys overflowing with fried shrimp, jambalaya packed with spicy sausage, and gumbo brimming with seafood. It's impossible to leave the Big Easy without loosening your belt buckle a few notches.
Start your culinary quest in the French Quarter, birthplace of Creole cooking. The classic venues for sampling authentic NOLA flavors are cozy corner cafes and hole-in-the-wall joints found off the beaten path. Tucked away on Dumaine Street, Olivier’s Creole Restaurant has dished out hearty Creole fare since 1970. Their fried chicken platter served with creamy red beans and rice is the quintessential Creole meal. Down the road, Coop's Place is a rustic Cajun eatery open since 1983. Their Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya, made with authentic Cajun spices, is a local favorite.
Meander into the Bywater neighborhood to find one of NOLA's new generation of restaurants reinventing Creole classics. At Oxalis, Chef Jeff Hansell puts a fresh spin on dishes like BBQ shrimp tacos and duck gumbo dumplings. Finish your meal with their lemon pound cake, a nod to the Creole tradition of le citron. Nearby, Bacchanal Wine blends live jazz with an eclectic wine list and Mediterranean small plates. Share the charcuterie board on their vine-covered patio for a quintessentially New Orleans experience.
No culinary exploration of New Orleans is complete without beignets—those irresistible fried pastries smothered in powdered sugar. Since 1862, Café Du Monde in the French Market has been serving up this iconic local treat. After waiting in the inevitably long line and squeezing into a crowded table, take your first bite of warm, crisp beignet—you’ll immediately understand why the wait is worth it.
Of course, you can't visit New Orleans without stopping for po' boys, the overstuffed Louisiana sandwiches created by striking streetcar workers in 1929. Head to Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a neighborhood po’ boy shop since 1911. Their roast beef po’ boy, dressed with gravy and debris meat, captures the sandwich's humble roots. Just down the road, Johnny's Po-Boys has been stuffing French bread with fried seafood since 1950. Their hot sausage po' boy, dripping with melted provolone, is a local legend.
To fully experience Cajun country flavor, make a pilgrimage across the Mississippi River to Cajun enclave Westwego. Locals flock to Bozo’s for the seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and fried catfish served in an unpretentious setting since 1934. Just across the swamp, Middendorf’s Restaurant is the place for thin-fried catfish—a Southern staple since 1934. Their catfish platter with hushpuppies and sweet potato fries will leave your taste buds rejoicing.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Hear Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street has become the epicenter of New Orleans' contemporary jazz scene. Just a short walk from the raucous crowds of Bourbon Street, Frenchmen offers an authentic glimpse into the city's living musical heritage. Meandering from club to club, you'll discover talented jazz musicians riffing into the wee hours.
The best time to experience Frenchmen Street is at night, when neon signs flicker to life and jazz pours onto the streets. Start your musical journey at The Spotted Cat, an intimate club known as a launching pad for new talent. Grab a drink and settle in as the night's band takes the stage. Soak in their creative improvisations and impressive solos as locals pack the small dance floor. The musicians frequently step outside for cigarette breaks - don't be shy about striking up a conversation during the set change.
A few blocks down, Snug Harbor offers a refined backdrop for top notch jazz performances. Their acclaimed house band often welcomes surprise guest musicians. With plush booths and perfect acoustics, it's an ideal venue for listening to extended jazzy jams. Order the Creole seafood platter and take in a late show featuring complex arrangements.
For those craving some blues with their jazz, check the calendar at The Maison. Their diverse lineup often features bluesy jazz quartets or soul singers backed by a jazz band. Arrive early to score a balcony seat overlooking the stage. Sip an elderflower cocktail and soak in the band's tight harmonies and foot-tapping rhythms.
No trip to Frenchmen Street is complete without catching some impromptu street music. Busking jazz groups frequently pop up along the sidewalks, amplified by rolling amps. Hula hoopers and street performers join the crowds drawn to the curbside concerts. Stand back and appreciate the fluid communication between these talented musicians as they push their creativity.
Local dive bar Checkpoint Charlie's anchors the upper end of Frenchmen Street. Grab a Lucky Dog hot dog from the vendor outside and make your way to the backyard bar. Their rotating cast of bands and loose, funky energy capture the street's eclectic spirit. Stick around past midnight for surprise jam sessions featuring Frenchmen's finest talent.
Nearby Mimi's in the Marigny also draws crowds for impromptu jazz sessions in its inviting courtyard. Order the Creole jambalaya and enjoy the magic sparked when accomplished musicians start riffing together. You never know who will take the stage on a given night.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Explore the Architecture of the Garden District
With its canopy of live oaks and stately Greek Revival mansions, the Garden District offers a window into New Orleans' extravagant past. During the city's 19th century boom, wealthy Americans commissioned lavish estates in this uptown neighborhood near the Mississippi River docks. Strolling under the branches of century-old oaks, it's easy to imagine well-dressed ladies and gentlemen on the wraparound porches of these palatial homes.
The best way to soak in the architecture is simply to meander down the Garden District's quiet streets. Magnolia Street and Chestnut Street boast some of the neighborhood's most impressive mansions. Keep your eyes peeled for the elaborate ironwork gates that mark the entrances to many estates. Some homeowners keep their curtains open, allowing you to glimpse dazzling chandeliers and sweeping staircases inside.
Several mansions are open for tours if you want an in-depth look inside. The 1877 Colonel Short's Villa, with its ornate Italianate architecture, offers a window into high society life during New Orleans' Gilded Age. Just down the block, the 1883 Payne-Strachan mansion dazzles visitors with Tiffany stained glass windows and hand-painted frescoes straight from the Belle Epoque.
Literature buffs will want to see the former home of novelist Anne Rice at 1239 First Street. Rice wove the home's Gothic details into her famous Vampire Chronicles books. Fans of Southern fiction will also appreciate seeing the 1890s house museum dedicated to novelist Kate Chopin, whose controversial The Awakening was set in New Orleans.
In addition to mansions, the Garden District boasts examples of picturesque American Queen Anne cottages. The sprawling porches, gingerbread trim, and bright paint colors add architectural diversity to the neighborhood. The 1885 Musson House museum exemplifies this style. For a more modest comparison, peek at the pastel-hued cottages along Prytania Street.
Several churches also contribute to the Garden District's architectural wealth. The 1885 former Episcopal St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church cuts an imposing figure with its dramatic spire and grand portico supported by ionic columns. Nearby Trinity Episcopal Church, built in the 1870s, showcases stained glass windows and gingerbread millwork.
No architecture tour is complete without viewing one of the District's iconic above-ground cemeteries. Here stately stone tombs house generations of prominent New Orleans families. Explore narrow aisles shaded by mature magnolias within Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 or wander the Egyptian Revival sphinxes guarding the entrance to Greenwood Cemetery. Both offer intriguing glimpses into the city’s complex history and culture.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Take a Streetcar Ride Down St. Charles Avenue
Gliding down St. Charles Avenue aboard a rumbling green streetcar is a quintessential New Orleans experience. Hopping aboard one of these historic trolleys offers a relaxing way to soak in the grand architecture and lush gardens of the city’s most prestigious corridor.
The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, is the oldest continuously running street railway system in the world. It has ferried residents and visitors up and down St. Charles Avenue since 1835. Restored Perley Thomas streetcars from the 1920s still run the 3-mile route from Canal Street to Carrolton Avenue today.
Part of the charm of the St. Charles streetcar is its leisurely pace. The trolleys amble along the avenue’s tree-lined neutral ground at roughly 10 miles per hour. This allows riders to gaze out the window and appreciate St. Charles’ stately mansions, sprawling universities, and green spaces.
Many riders start their journey at the intersection of St. Charles and Canal Street in the Central Business District. Heading uptown, the streetcar passes by a string of 19th century mansions built in Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles. The iconic columns and wedding cake layers of the houses stand out against the avenue’s soaring live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Around Jackson Avenue, the trolley approaches the Garden District section of St. Charles. Here riders can spot the former mansions of New Orleans aristocrats and the elegant homes that housed the city’s social elite during the Gilded Age. Wrought iron gates and architectural ornamentation adorn many of these luxurious abodes.
Farther along, Tulane University and Loyola University flank St. Charles Avenue. Students and visitors mill around the iconic Gibson Hall and Audubon Hall buildings. Passing college campuses, the streetcar approaches the verdant 1,300-acre City Park. Known as the “Green Jewel” of New Orleans, the park boasts botanical gardens, paddle boats, and the world’s largest stand of mature live oaks.
Gliding by centuries-old oaks, riders eventually reach the Carrollton district. Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants dotting Carrollton Avenue or transfer to another streetcar line. Part of the appeal of the St. Charles streetcar is its convenience – riders can easily connect to other streetcar routes covering the city.
While riding the trolley offers a relaxing sightseeing option, many travelers choose to also stroll sections of St. Charles Avenue. Hop off to peek inside boutiques and art galleries, admire the mansions up close, or grab a sno-ball from a colorful food cart. Just make sure to hop back on the next trolley – you wouldn’t want to miss this iconic New Orleans experience.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Visit the Voodoo Museum for a Taste of the Occult
New Orleans is steeped in an eclectic spiritualism that blends African rituals, Catholicism, and Native American herb lore. This syncretic religion evolved into modern day Voodoo. While oft-sensationalized, Voodoo remains an integral part of New Orleans’ cultural heritage. Visiting the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum provides intriguing insight into the faith’s mysteries.
Tucked away on dimly lit Dumaine Street, the Voodoo Museum reveals the truth behind Voodoo’s mystical trappings. Lifelike dioramas depict early Voodoo rituals brought over by West African slaves. Highlights include an altar set with talismans like candles and python skins and a wraparound exhibit showing a ceremony in progress. Yellowed newspaper clippings debunk myths about Voodoo curses and violence.
While exploring, you may catch the museum’s owner Sally Glassman, a Voodoo priestess, explaining the religion’s core beliefs. She’ll chat about the sacredness of snakes and share samples of medicinal herbs. Visitors are often surprised this revered figure looks more grandmotherly than sinister. Her warm demeanor shatters preconceived notions of animal sacrifices and hexes.
Glassman is happy to talk about the unique Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, who practiced in 1800s New Orleans. Among the offerings adorning her altar are rum and flowers left by visitors seeking Marie’s intervention from beyond. High on the wall hangs one of Marie’s original portraits, her piercing eyes following visitors around the room. Legends say she held powerful “Voodoo dances” by Congo Square that drew hundreds of attendees.
Those eager to take home talismans can browse the museum's gift shop. Look for gris-gris bags worn for protection, Goofer dust said to jinx enemies, or colored candles corresponding to different Voodoo spirits. Avoid cheap plastic trinkets and go for vintage-looking potions bottled by local practitioners.
While admission is reasonable, be sure to leave a few dollars in the offering bowl—the museum hosts Voodoo practitioners who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Your donation funds food, clothing, and housing relief efforts coordinated by Glassman.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Stroll Along the Mississippi Riverwalk
No visit to the Big Easy is complete without a relaxing stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk. This scenic promenade hugs the banks of the mighty Mississippi, offering travelers cool breezes, scenic views, and a dose of New Orleans' rich history.
Extending 1.4 miles from the French Quarter to the Bywater district, the brick Riverwalk provides the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or jog away from the crowds of downtown. Lush landscaping and weeping willows shade the path, where you'll often see local joggers and families pass by. Keep your eyes peeled for riverboats and barges silently drifting along the muddy waters of the Mississippi.
Along the way, stop to read the informative plaques detailing the port's history. Learn how the river spurred the city's growth as ships unloaded Kentucky tobacco, Midwest grain, and other goods to eager merchants. Gaze across the port toward the domineering Crescent City Connection bridge, an iconic symbol of the city spanning the Mississippi since 1958.
Look down to spot remnants of the bustling wharfs and warehouses that once lined the riverbanks. Weathered piers, exposed foundations, and rusted mooring rings offer clues to the harbor's past role nourishing New Orleans’ economy. Interpretive signs also chronicle the port's darker history as an arrival point for enslaved people forcibly transported from Africa and the Caribbean.
For the best views, stroll down to the wide stone steps leading right down to the river. Watch tugboats shepherd massive cargo ships toward their loading docks. Gaze out at Algiers Point on the far shore. On a clear day, you can see across to the verdant levees of Cajun country. Fisherfolk may be casting their lines along the riprap, hoping to reel in catfish or bass for dinner.
When you need a break from the sun, rest on a riverside park bench beneath the shade of aDATE palm. Watch river barges and ferries navigate their way downriver past the Crescent City Connection bridge. If you're lucky, you may hear the nostalgic whistle of a steamboat rounding the bend.
The Riverwalk also offers front-row seats to watch busy Mississippi riverboats dock and set sail. Marvel at the iconic red paddlewheel propelling the Steamboat Natchez, which offers daily jazz cruises. You can almost hear the synchronized paddle slaps cutting through the murky water. Spellbinding calliope music often carries across the harbor as the Natchez heads out on its two-hour sightseeing ride.
Insider's Guide to the Big Easy: Unlock the Local Secrets of New Orleans - Experience Mardi Gras Magic on Bourbon Street
Each year as winter thaws into spring, New Orleans erupts with the colorful chaos and joyful madness of Mardi Gras season. While parades and parties happen across the city, there’s no street that captures the electric energy quite like Bourbon Street. For visitors lucky enough to spend Fat Tuesday on Bourbon, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience tasting the intoxicating magic that gives the Big Easy its nickname "The City that Care Forgot."
From the first parades in January through the main event on Fat Tuesday, Bourbon Street becomes a nonstop street party and sensory overload. Strangers become friends under a haze of bead necklaces, hurricane cocktails, and the enchanting drift of passing jazz bands. On Mardi Gras day, the crowds swell to the hundreds of thousands, but amazingly keep the festive and friendly atmosphere.
Most of the experience happens right on the sidewalks. Parade floats toss out strings of beads that quickly adorn balconies, trees, and revelers alike. Street performers captivate the crowds with musical acts or flashy dances. Locals and tourists mingle seamlessly amid pop up bars and impromptu second line dances.
The beloved Mardi Gras Indians also make their grand entrance on Fat Tuesday, stopping traffic with their elaborate feathered and beaded suits. Chiefs pound tambourines as tribe members shake and chant. Seeing the artistry firsthand is an incredible experience after admiring it from the parade sidelines.
Alcohol admittedly fuels much of the magical chaos. Hand grenade cocktails and giant hurricane drinks from Tropical Isle or the Original Daiquiri Factory lubricate inhibitions. But it's not the out-of-control scene often depicted in movies—there's a sense of communal euphoria and high spirited fun more than mayhem.
Up on the balcony of the historic Bourbon Orleans Hotel you can soak in the whole colorful scene unfolding below. Strangers exchange friendly conversation, unified by their awe at the spectacle on the street.
Even families get into the lively energy. Parents balance kids on their shoulders hoping to catch some flying beads. You'll see multi-generational groups camped out under the balcony awnings taking it all in.
Some may dismiss Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras as a touristy scene to be avoided. But giving into the crowds and magic just once gives you an unforgettable experience and memory to last a lifetime. The shared excitement and joy can't be replicated anywhere else.
Many visitors say they planned to duck into a bar or restaurant to escape the madness every so often, but never managed to pull themselves away from the nonstop action. The fatigue seems distant until Ash Wednesday arrives, leaving behind tired but exhilarated memories.