Perfect First Day in New Orleans
Who it’s for: Mainly Adults
Mode of transport: Streetcar / On Foot
Bookings: None
Bougie-ness: Mid-level. You can have a fantastic mix of both in New Orleans
Touristy level: High
This day takes you from the Uptown Garden District to the French Quarter via the classic Streetcar ride for some local delights, sights, and sounds, then head back to the Garden District to finish your evening.
Get an authentic cultural experience with this “Perfect Day in New Orleans” guide.
Recommended Hotel:
The Pontchartrain Hotel - Make Reservations Here
Nestled in the center of the Lower Garden District right on iconic St. Charles avenue you are just steps away from getting whisked away to the French Quarter via streetcar. The Pontchartrain offers two fantastic bars, The Hot Tin Roof bar is our favorite.
Its classic Sherlock Holmes-esque design of a library mixed with the best rooftop views of the city, make this the spot to be.
Order a Sazarac at the bar and thank us later.
Your Perfect First Day:
Breakfast in the Garden District
Surrey’s Cafe: this local gem is loved by locals and tourists alike. Step in the parlor of an old house or sit on the porch to enjoy what will surely satisfy your cravings. We especially love their shrimp and grits or crabmeat & brie omelet.
Atchafalaya: Say it with us now = at + cha + fa + lie + yuh = Atchafalaya! If you are looking for a bougie traditional Southern Creole brunch, this is your spot. Their menu and food are absolutely fantastic and have so much cultural flavor that New Orleans is known for. Be sure to make advance reservations here.
After Brunch… head back to St. Charles and hop on the streetcar! The stops are at every other block or so and they run roughly every 15 minutes. (You will need cash for this - check out the rates and purchase passes online here)
Note: St. Charles streetcar lines do not run during Mardi Gras! There are parades riding on these routes. Ride it all the way till you get to Canal St, which is essentially the end of the line. And get ready for some walkin’.
Jackson Square: To get to Jackson Square, you’ll want to head six blocks Northwest with the Mississippi River to your right. If you’d like you can head from Canal St. south to Decatur to walk along the river and through the heart of the CBD/French Quarter until you get to Jackson Square.
Jackson Square boasts so much history and culture for the city of New Orleans. You can buy art, get your fortunes read, or watch an amazing local street show. Head inside the St. Louis Cathedral and witness the awe-inspiring history presented there.
From Jackson Square, there are lots of things you can do. Head to Cafe du Monde for some traditional local beignets. It’s a very quick in and out, handy to have cash for this.
Next, you can keep heading up the river to the French Market. The local smorgasbord of flavor the city has to offer. There are hundreds of booths set up here with so many different items to shop and buy, and for a fair price.
Lunchtime in the French Quarter
Cafe Amelie: Located on Royal Street, Cafe Amelie has a beautiful courtyard and patio area - if the weather is nice we definitely recommend sitting outside! Their menu is a must-do, and they have excellent cocktails as well.
Once you’ve satisfied yourself with the French Quarter (feel free to explore, check out cool bars - like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar - the oldest bar in the country) head on back to the Uptown Garden District for Dinner.
Dinner in the Lower Garden District
GRIS-GRIS: Now many people may think that if you were only spending one perfect day in New Orleans, that you’d have to check out Commander’s Palace. While that’s a fair choice, you will not be disappointed by GRIS-GRIS. Named the Best Neighborhood Restaurant, this local gem will absolutely knock your socks off.
We recommend sitting around the Chef’s table and watch the kitchen staff put their heart and care into preparing each dish. It really shows and it really makes a difference.
Bonus Rounds:
Seaworthy: It’s a bit of a trek, but if you make it towards Carondelet St., make sure you check out Seaworthy. It’s an oyster bar with a fabulous cocktail menu and they offer oysters from all over the country. Go during Happy Hour - it’s a must-do!
Faulkner House Books: Located in Pirate’s Alley (just left of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square), this bookstore is where William Faulker wrote several of his novels. They have an intricate collection of both classics and new books. Definitely worth a visit inside.
