NEW ORLEANS CITY GUIDE

New Orleans is known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-jazz and delicious Creole food. Embodying NOLA’s festive multicultural spirit is Mardi Gras, filled with beads and crazy costumed parades. It is the perfect place for a bride who wants to get a little wild at night with her tribe. We suggest staying in either the French Quarter or the Garden District in either a hotel or a stylish Airbnb suited for a larger group.

WHERE TO STAY

The Pontchartrain Hotel: This historic circa-1927,14-story architectural gem, provides modern luxurious amenities, minutes away convenience, and old school home away from home attention to all your needs.

Ace Hotel: You will only find an ultra-hip and fashionable crowd at the familiar ACE brand hotel which features unique and authentic New Orleanian elements in its design. Catch a show at the on-site music venue, Three Keys, before heading out to dinner!

Henry Howard Hotel: Located in the dynamic Garden District sits the uniquely artsy boutique hotel. Have a big group? Ask for the Apex Suite which comfortably sleeps six, with three separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a gracious lounge area perfect for a large group.

Royal Sonesta: Located on world-famous Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta New Orleans effortlessly combines timeless elegance and southern refinement, setting itself apart from other French Quarter hotels. Authentic hospitality, a “Food is Art” philosophy, wrought-iron balconies, and a lush courtyard creating a lovely experience.

Luxury Penthouse with Rooftop Living: This Penthouse has previously been the home of Saints players and local celebrities. Located within walking distance to the French Quarter and only 6 blocks from the Superdome with fine dining restaurants and classic New Orleans bars are located nearby. The entire condo sleeps 6 guests with 3 bedrooms, 3 beds and 3.5 baths.

Stayloom’s Opulent Esplanade Estate: Stayloom’s recently renovated Greek Revival mansion features original architectural details — blending traditional NOLA architecture with luxurious modern amenities. With space for up to 25 guests, this estate is perfect for large groups.

3 Story Luxury Residence- French Quarter: Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, the three-story residence is within walking distance of Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, the Superdome and the parade route. Complete with high-end finishes, terraces with views, and offers the perfect balance of historic charm and modern elegance.This Airbnb can sleep up to 8 guests.

WHERE TO EAT

Atchafalya: Rustic and elegant, folksy yet refined Atchafalaya Restaurant is set in a little creole cottage in the Irish Channel, a mostly residential neighborhood of New Orleans. Famous for their brunches thanks to their ever-popular Bloody Mary Bar.

Café Amelie: Café Amelie is a rare combination of superb Louisiana fare served in a lush, enchanting New Orleans courtyard setting. This quintessential New Orleans courtyard is a charming spot for a group of ladies looking to brunch in the historic French Quarter.

Turkey & the Wolf: A playful option for inventive sandwiches & cocktails served in a quirky, colorful space.The bright red exterior opens to a quirky dining room with colorful chairs, mismatched plates and photos of classic NOLA scenes on the walls.

Acme Oyster House: Casual seafood restaurant that has been serving seafood, Cajun and Creole classics since 1910.

Johnny Sanchez: A smart, chic and authentic restaurant that embodies the warmth of traditional Mexican cooking, and the fun and genuine hospitality that defines New Orleans. Johnny Sánchez bridges traditional Mexican food with a cutting-edge, modern approach to dining that utilizes the very best, locally sourced ingredients.

Commander’s Palace: Going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower is like going to New Orleans and not going to this iconic, award-winning restaurant! A 25-year-old mainstay that, yes, has a Sunday jazz brunch with white-glove service to match. Get dressed up for a classic New Orleans fine-dining experience.

Couchon: This Cajun gem is a headliner of NOLA’s culinary scene. A foodie hangout serving fantastic Cajun-style seafood in a rustic-meets-contemporary New Orleans warehouse. Be sure to make a reservation at this trendy spot—it fills up fast!

Irene’s: Upscale Italian classics draw crowds to this homey yet elegant dining room with a piano bar. Cannelloni to die for; irresistible duck, and extraordinary complimentary bruschetta everyone is served when they are seated! It’s all wonderful.

WHERE TO DRINK

Carousel Bar & Lounge: The iconic revolving bar at Hotel Monteleone. Toast the bride-to-be on her New Orleans bachelorette party with a round (or two!) of Sazeracs and take a spin on the 25-seat, bright, circus-clad Merry-Go-Round.

Arnauds French 75 Bar: A classic Creole bar with an upscale twist. Renown for having the best cocktails in New Orleans, made with the highest quality ingredients, it’s safe to say that French 75 is an iconic New Orleans Cocktail Bar that is not to be missed.

Three Muses: Located on the musically famous Frenchman street, local jazz combos perform in a snug bar & eatery serving up global small plates & house cocktails.

Monkey Board: Monkey Board serves up selfie-worthy cocktails and Southern-inspired comfort food, all from the 17th floor of The Troubadour Hotel. Soak up the expansive views while listening to a live local band. You can’t get more New Orleans than that.

Bacchanal Wine: The weirdest yet most wonderful wine bar in the world. With over 400 wines, an upstairs bar and dining area, an extensive courtyard lit by strings of fairy lights you are guaranteed a very unique evening.

Cure: Largely credited with pioneering the craft cocktail movement in New Orleans and revitalizing the now bustling neighborhood. A decade later, Cure is a New Orleans mainstay that continues to champion classic cocktails.

WHAT TO DO

Be a Tourist: Uncover the history of New Orleans by touring the classic French Quarter, fondle over the mansions in the Garden Districts and stroll along Frenchmen Street which in the famous street for jazz and blues clubs. “Free Tours By Foot” offers free walking tours if your group is interested.

Move Ya Brass: After numerous beignets and one too many hurricane cocktails, get your booty moving with the Grammy-nominated singer, Robin Barnes’s fitness classes that incorporate bounce, hip hop, and yoga — “Move Ya Brass” now and reward yourself with cocktails later.

New Orleans School of Cooking: If your bride has an adventurous palate, discover the tips, tricks and techniques behind Louisiana’s signature cooking styles. Get the full Louisiana dining experience in a converted 19th century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn – and eat! Private lessons are available.

Indulge with a Powdery Beignet and Café au lait: Go to Café Du Monde and indulge in a beignets paired with café au lait (pronounced “o-LAY”). The delicious duo of café au lait and powdery beignets is open 24 hours every day of the year and is a New Orleans must see.

WHERE TO SHOP

French Market

Over 220 vendors, this charming open-air French market includes five blocks of local produce, speciality art, handmade crafts, and much more.

Cod Street Fair

A shopper’s paradise only a block away from Bourbon Street. Royal street is a repository of family-owned antique shops and art galleries.

The Gardens of El Paso

The luxury retail complex offers 3 floors of brand-name shops for clothing and accessories.