Cool Stuff To Do While In NOLA
This is a list of just random stuff I like in NOLA. If you're there for the first time, or looking for stuff to do during the day, some of the stuff here might be cool to do. I've also listed some of my fav restaurants, and other cool stuff to see/do in NOLA. Ping me for more info, recommendations, or to join you on your excursion!!!!
Definitions & Acronyms
NOLA = New Orleans, Louisiana - It's how locals lovingly refer to New Orleans;
Lake, River, Uptown, Downton = The equivalent of N, S, E, W in NOLA. No one ever says "South" for example, they would say go "riverside" or "toward the River"
FQ = French Quarter - the oldest part of the city. Bordered by Canal St on the West (Uptown), Esplanade to the East (Downtown); the River to the South (i.e. River), and Rampart St toward the North (ie. Lake) What most people think about when they think of New Orleans
CBD = Central Business District - aka Downtown NOLA. It borders the FQ on the Uptown (West) side of Canal Street (whereupon the street names change);
Where Y'At = "How are you" or "Hello"
The Marigny - the neighborhood that borders the FQ to the East, with Esplanade being the border (whereupon the street names change again). Cool artsy neighborhood that houses Frenchmen St. Also considered the "gay" neighborhood of NOLA.
Treme - Historic neighborhood that borders the FQ on the Lakeside (i.e. North). There is a ton of history in this neighborhood (typically considered the "black" neighborhood). Many of the classic NOLA musicians came out of Treme (Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, too many to name.....).
Garden District - Beautiful neighborhood in the center of NOLA. Old school mansions and fantastic restaurants. Lots of celebrities live here (Anne Rice; Arch Manning; Nicolas Cage; John Goodman; Sandra Bullock to name a few). Tulane and Loyola Universities campuses are both here, as well as Audubon Park.
Armstrong Park/Congo Square
Eventually named after Louis Armstrong, one of NOLA's most treasured sons. On the northern border between the FQ and Treme, Armstrong Park is an extremely important site in American (not just African-American) history. In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where the enslaved and free people of color gathered (in fact, the only place they were allowed) throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz. In fact, Jazz is considered to have been essentially invented in Congo Square. Local voodoo practitioners still consider Congo Square a spiritual base and gather at the Square for rituals. Several music festivals and events are also held here on a weekly basis.
Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour
Highly recommended, especially if this is your first time in NOLA. There are lots of different tour companies, but I highly recommend this one in particular. Led by someone who is born and raised in the Garden District, so they know all the inside stuff - plus you get to see a famous NOLA above-ground cemetery. Note: Lafayette and St Louis Cemetery are both closed since COVID, so you can't go in anymore like you used to. No word unfortunately from the city on when they are going to reopen (sad trombone). The tours now stop outside the gates, where you can see in and still get some of the stories/flavor - still worth it.
St Charles Streetcar
A must do when in NOLA for the first time. Very cheap and the views of Audobon Park, Tulane U, and the mansions on St Charles Street in the Garden District are super cool. There are multiple streetcar lines, but the St Charles one is probably the most scenic (and the most useful).
Dookie Chase's
A NOLA institution in Treme. Elegant soul food extraordinaire. Reservations highly recommended. There's also a location at the airport if you don't make it to the restaurant itself Pro Tip - DON'T PUT HOT SUACE IN THE GUMBO. Barak Obama found out the hard way...ask me for the story....
Kermit's Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge
My favorite spot in NOLA. Kermit Ruffins owns this spot and is usually here when he isn't playing somewhere else. He is a local legend/celebrity and does a TON for the community and the neighborhood. Everyone loves him and he's such a great guy. Live music or Kermit DJ's every night, and Kermit himself plays here on Tuesday and Saturday Nights. Big patio out back, and full of locals - all of whom are super friendly and welcoming. Smoking weed out on the patio is almost expected...
Louisiana Music Factory
Old school "wrecka stow" in the Marigny, just at the top of Frenchmen St. They support many of the local musicians, who sell their CDs here on consignment because they don't have the backing of large record companies. Definitely worth a visit and please pick up a CD or two (they also have vinyl). I also love their T-Shirts.
Dirty Coast Store
One of my favorite stores in NOLA. They sell lots of things, but they are mostly known for their T-Shirts. Everything they sell is very NOLA-centric, from the perspective of a local. Just about anything can be had here - T-shirts, Books, Mugs, Thermos', Flags, Blankets, Stickers, Socks, the list goes on an on (you get it!). Multiple locations in NOLA and an online store as well.
Aiden Gill for Men
Classic, old-school barbershop on Magazine St in Uptown/Garden District. They sell LOTS of men's grooming products (Truefitt & HIll, Art of Shaving, many, many others....). They also have a full service barber. Highly recommend getting a shave here (appointment required), it's the old school kind with the hot towels.....mmmmm heaven..... This is also a cool part of town to visit for shopping. Magazine St goes on for miles with lots of local shopping, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Cafe Du Monde
The world famous spot in Jackson Square for beignets and coffee. Touristy - yes, but delicious and an absolute must stop in NOLA. You cannot say you've visited NOLA and not been to Cafe Du Monde at least once - you will be laughed out of the conversation for idiocy. I have quite a story about the first time I went here...best told over a drink (or three)....
Central Grocery
The birthplace of the Muffuletta -- a ginormous deli sandwich unique to NOLA. People love them (I personally don't like olives, which this sandwich has a layer of, so I tend to stay away). The original location is unfortunately permanently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida (You can still walk by it), but they sell the sandwiches in multiple locations throughout the quarter (and yes they are still the same and considered the real deal). Check the website for their latest selling locations.
Lil Dizzy's Cafe
A NOLA institution in the Treme. The Baquet family has been serving soul food extraordinaire here for over 70 years. Another serving of fried chicken so good it will make you slap your mama!!!!! I always stop here at least one for lunch. Pro Tip - get here early. Lil Dizzy's is crazy popular and fills up fast with both locals and tourists in the know.
Royal Street
Royal St is one block toward the river off Bourbon, and is Bourbon's much tamer neighbor. It is full of antique stores and art galleries, and the city closes the street to traffic entirely on Friday-Sunday so folks can walk around. Street entertainers and buskers abound. I usually start by grabbing a drink at the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, then shop/drink the day away.
Bacchanal Wine
Super cool spot for the wine lovers. Located in the Bywater, this is a combination wine store, wine/cocktail bar, food, music spot with a huge outdoor backyard patio. This is a cool spot to spend an afternoon tasting wine, having interesting plates of food, and catching some great music in an outdoor setting. Highly recommended for the oenophiles in the house!!!!! Off the beaten path and full of locals