Julie's Real World New Orleans: A Local's Guide
Hey there, fellow travelers! Welcome to Julie's Real World New Orleans guide. I'm Julie, your local friend who's here to spill the beans on the best spots, hidden gems, and insider tips about my beloved city. So, grab a beignet and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and julie real world new orleans.
Why New Orleans is More Than Mardi Gras
Before we start, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras, but there's so much more to explore beyond the beads and booze. Our city is a melting pot of cultures, a food lover's paradise, and a place where history whispers from every corner. So, let's dive into the real New Orleans, shall we?
The French Quarter: Where History Meets Party
Kickstart your New Orleans adventure in the French Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood. Here, history and partying go hand in hand, and it's not just about Bourbon Street.
- Jackson Square: Start at this iconic park, where you can admire the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Don't miss the nearby Pirate's Alley for a taste of New Orleans' literary history. - French Market: Wander through this open-air market, where you can shop for local crafts, listen to street musicians, and indulge in delicious eats like alligator sausage and pralines. - Café du Monde: No French Quarter visit is complete without a trip to this legendary coffee shop. Order a plate of beignets and a café au lait – trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Exploring New Orleans' Rich History
New Orleans is like an open-air museum, with stories around every corner. Here are a few must-visit spots to satisfy your history cravings.
- National WWII Museum: This top-rated museum tells the story of the American experience in World War II through immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and a vast collection of artifacts. - New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum: Delve into the fascinating world of voodoo, a spiritual practice brought to New Orleans by enslaved people from West Africa. The museum is located in the heart of the French Quarter and offers guided tours. - St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: Take a guided tour of this above-ground cemetery, one of the most famous in New Orleans. You'll learn about the city's burial traditions and visit the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
New Orleans' Food Scene: A Symphony of Flavors
New Orleans is a food lover's dream, with a unique blend of Creole, Cajun, and Southern flavors. Here's a taste of what you can expect.
Brunch Like a Local
Start your day right with a New Orleans-style brunch. My top picks:
- Commander's Palace: This Garden District gem is a James Beard Foundation Award winner, offering a refined take on Creole cuisine. Don't miss their famous Turtle Soup. - Atchafalaya: This cozy spot in the Irish Channel serves up delicious brunch classics with a Cajun twist. Try the Eggs Cochon, a dish featuring crispy pork debris and béarnaise sauce.
Crawfish and More
New Orleans is famous for its seafood, and crawfish is a must-try. Here are a few spots to get your fix:
- Deanie's Seafood: This family-owned restaurant in the French Quarter serves up some of the best crawfish etouffee in town. - Cochon: This Warehouse District gem focuses on Southern ingredients, with a menu that changes daily. Their crawfish are always a hit.
Late-Night Eats
New Orleans' food scene doesn't stop at dinnertime. Here are a few spots to satisfy your late-night cravings:
- Dookie Chase's Restaurant: This French Quarter institution serves up classic Creole dishes until 11 pm. Their Shrimp and Tasso has been a menu staple for over 30 years. - Café du Monde: Yes, they're open 24/7! Grab a beignet and a café au lait any time of day (or night).
New Orleans After Dark: Live Music and Late-Night Fun
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and live music is woven into the fabric of the city. Here are some spots to enjoy the sweet sounds of the night.
- Frenchmen Street: This lively street is home to several music clubs, including The Spotted Cat Music Club and The Blue Nile. Grab a drink and enjoy the show. - Preservation Hall: This historic venue in the French Quarter is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional New Orleans jazz. Shows run nightly. - House of Blues: This popular music venue hosts a mix of local and national acts. Be sure to check their schedule during your visit.
Getting Around New Orleans Like a Pro
New Orleans is a walkable city, but there are a few transportation options to help you get around like a local.
- Streetcars: Our streetcars are a beloved part of the city's history and a fun way to get around. Hop on the St. Charles Streetcar to explore the Garden District, or the Riverfront Streetcar to visit the convention center and the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. - Uber and Lyft: Ride-sharing services are widely available in New Orleans. They're a convenient way to get around, especially if you're visiting areas without streetcar service. - Biking: New Orleans has a bike-sharing program called Blue Bikes. It's a great way to explore the city's parks and neighborhoods.
New Orleans' Neighborhoods: Beyond the French Quarter
New Orleans is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few worth exploring beyond the French Quarter.
- Garden District: This beautiful neighborhood is home to stunning architecture, lush gardens, and charming shops. Don't miss the historic St. Charles Streetcar line. - Bywater: This artsy neighborhood is known for its colorful street art, local boutiques, and delicious eats. Check out the Bywater Art Market on the first Saturday of each month. - Faulkner House Books: This cozy bookstore in the French Quarter is a must-visit for book lovers. They specialize in rare and out-of-print books, with a focus on Southern literature.
New Orleans with Kids: Fun for the Whole Family
New Orleans is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Here are a few ideas:
- Audubon Nature Institute: This complex includes the Audubon Zoo, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. A day pass gets you into all three. - Steamboat Natchez: Take a cruise on the Mississippi River aboard this authentic steamboat. They offer daily jazz cruises and harbor jazz cruises. - New Orleans Museum of Art: This Uptown museum has a fantastic collection of art, plus a beautiful sculpture garden. Kids under 5 get in free.
New Orleans' Festivals: Beyond Mardi Gras
New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate, and there's always something going on. Here are a few festivals to put on your calendar:
- Jazz Fest: This annual event in late April/early May celebrates the music and culture of New Orleans with live music, food, and art. - French Quarter Festival: This free, four-day festival in April celebrates the music and food of Louisiana with performances by local artists and dishes from top local restaurants. - Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: This annual music and arts festival in late October features a mix of local and national acts, plus art installations and local food vendors.
New Orleans' Dark Side: Ghost Tours and Haunted History
New Orleans has a reputation as one of America's most haunted cities. If you're interested in the darker side of the city, here are a few tours to check out:
- French Quarter Phantoms: This popular tour company offers a variety of ghost and vampire tours, plus a haunted pub crawl. - Bloody Mary's Tours: This company specializes in true crime and haunted history tours, with a focus on the darker side of New Orleans' past. - New Orleans Haunted History: This tour company offers a variety of haunted tours, including a ghost and vampire tour and a haunted pub crawl.
New Orleans' LGBTQ+ Scene: A Welcoming Community
New Orleans is a proud supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has a vibrant and welcoming gay scene. Here are a few places to check out:
- The French Quarter: This neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, including the historic Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest gay bars in the United States. - The Phoenix: This Mid-City bar is a popular spot for drag shows and LGBTQ+ events. - New Orleans Pride: This annual event in June celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and other events.
New Orleans' Sports Scene: Who Dat Nation
New Orleans is home to several professional sports teams, and locals are passionate about their teams. Here's what you need to know:
- New Orleans Saints: Our NFL team plays at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just visiting, catching a Saints game is a must-do. - New Orleans Pelicans: Our NBA team plays at the Smoothie King Center. Basketball fans will enjoy cheering on the Pelicans with locals. - New Orleans Baby Cakes: Our minor league baseball team plays at the Shrine on Airline. It's a great place to catch a game and enjoy some classic ballpark food.
New Orleans' Coffee Culture: A Beans-To-Cup Guide
New Orleans has a rich coffee history, and our coffee scene is booming. Here are a few spots to get your caffeine fix:
- PJ's Coffee: This local chain has been serving up New Orleans-style coffee since 1970. Their cold brew is a must-try. - French Truck Coffee: This popular local roaster has several cafes around the city. They focus on sustainably sourced beans and pour-over methods. - Hi-Volt Coffee: This Mid-City coffee shop is known for its pour-over coffee and creative takes on classic coffee drinks.
New Orleans' Vegan Scene: Plant-Based and Delicious
New Orleans may be famous for its meat and seafood, but there are plenty of delicious vegan options to be found. Here are a few spots to check out:
- Seed: This vegan restaurant in the Marigny focuses on plant-based comfort food. Their vegan po' boy is a must-try. - Sneaky Pickle: This vegan deli in Mid-City serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. Their reuben is a customer favorite. - The King's Cake: This vegan bakery in the Bywater neighborhood offers a variety of sweet and savory treats, including vegan king cakes.