Hello travel friends! Now I have to admit, I did not have high hopes for New Orleans. I thought my lack of appreciation for jazz would stunt my experience. And on the scale of 1-10 of how wrong a person could be, sign me up for a 10 because New Orleans is now my favorite US city. It was EXTRAORDINARY. A place where music, history, and culinary artistry come together. Our four-day exploration in February of 2024 was an exhilarating journey that demonstrates why NOLA is much more than a mere location—it truly is an experience.
I’ll start by saying no small part of my experience was being near water and the architecture. Being born on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad it was unexpectedly reminiscent. Now the teacher in me was so obsessed I had to do some research and found that the Creole/French Colonial style houses were the reason that hearing someone say ‘gallery’ relative to a home in nearly 20 years was strange in a beautiful way.
On to the itinerary!
Day 1: Bourbon Street and Culinary Delights
After landing in the heart of Louisiana, we checked into the charming Hotel de la Monnaie, this was a short 20 minute affordable (less than @20) Uber ride. Pro tip for travelers: Location is everything in New Orleans, and this spot was perfect for our urban exploration. We walked everywhere. It is located directly opposite the Jazz Museum. The lobby was my personal favorite.
Bourbon Street isn’t just a street; it’s a gastronomic playground that invites you to indulge in the vibrant flavors of New Orleans. As I strolled down this iconic thoroughfare, you’ll find an array of culinary delights that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Our first stops, Toast and Central Market, set the perfect tone for our culinary journey and introduced us to some New Orleans staples.
At Toast, you can kick off your day with their famous breakfast options, like the decadent French toast topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, the all american classic, a mimosa.
Meanwhile, Central Market offers a fantastic selection of local ingredients and prepared foods, making it an ideal spot to grab a quick bite or pick up some unique snacks for later while you’re out and about.
Some must-try New Orleans cuisine:
- Muffuletta Sandwich: This towering sandwich is a true classic, packed with layers of ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss cheese, and a zesty olive salad.
- Po’ Boy: A quintessential New Orleans experience, the po’ boy is typically filled with crispy fried seafood or tender roast beef.
- Crawfish Étouffée: If you’re looking for something hearty, this dish features succulent crawfish tails smothered in a thick, flavorful sauce served over rice.
- Bananas Foster: Don’t forget dessert! This treat combines vanilla ice cream with a warm sauce made from butter, brown sugar, dark rum, banana liqueur, and fresh bananas.
- Bread Pudding: A beloved local ( and one of my childhood favorites), this sweet treat is often enhanced with bourbon or raisins. It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
So come hungry and ready to explore! Bourbon Street offers a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing and your heart full.
Day 2: Music, History, and Culture
This was a ‘learn wide’ day.
The Jazz Museum in New Orleans is an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding the city’s profound connection to jazz music. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that trace the evolution of jazz from its early roots to its status as a global phenomenon.
Jazz in New Orleans is a unique blend of African, French, Spanish, and Creole influences. This melting pot of cultures gave rise to New Orleans-style jazz, known for being improvisational. Traditional brass bands, which played at parades and funerals, laid the groundwork for jazz ensembles that followed. Instruments like the cornet, clarinet, and trombone became staples in these bands, allowing musicians to engage in collective improvisation—a hallmark of the genre.
Every corner of New Orleans seems to pulse with rhythm, transforming the city into a living concert hall. It is an effortlessly exhilarating city. From lively performances on Bourbon Street to spontaneous jam sessions in local parks, music is woven into the fabric of daily life. The spirit of jazz is especially palpable in neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Treme, where you can hear everything from traditional Dixieland to modern interpretations.
Visitors can explore how jazz evolved beyond New Orleans through the diaspora of its musicians. After Storyville’s closure in 1917—a district known for its vibrant nightlife—many artists took their talents to cities like Chicago and New York, further spreading the influence of New Orleans jazz across America23. This migration helped cement jazz as a cornerstone of American music culture.
Civil Rights Museum: A Powerful Reflection
The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum, located inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, offers visitors a powerful journey through the state’s civil rights history. It opened on October 8, 2023 and it provides an intentional space to educate the public about Louisiana’s groundbreaking civil rights moments.
Unlike traditional museums, this location might be easy to miss if you’re expecting a standalone building. It’s integrated within the convention center, so keep your eyes open and don’t waste time circling the area looking for a separate entrance. The museum uses images, text, audio, and video components to tell the stories of local civil rights heroes.
Day 3: Discovering Algiers Point – A Hidden Gem
A Quaint Escape Across the Mississippi
Taking the ferry ride to Algiers Point was a delightful surprise during the trip. This scenic journey is the best way to reach Algiers Point from New Orleans, offering not just a means of transportation but also stunning views of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline. The Algiers Ferry departs from Canal Street, right next to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, making it easily accessible after exploring the bustling French Quarter.
The ferry operates the 25 minute journey every 30 minutes and costs just $2 for a one-way ticket. The ride comes complete with breathtaking views.
Once you arrive at Algiers Point, you’ll find yourself in one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods, rich with history and charm. I repeat the part about the charm. It was like stepping into a storybook. Truly a place carved out in time. Algiers Point offers a starkly quieter atmosphere compared to the lively streets of downtown New Orleans, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. You can explore its tree-lined streets, admire historic architecture, and even stop by local cafes and shops.
If you’re planning your visit, keep in mind that the ferry schedule runs from early morning until late evening, so you have plenty of time to enjoy everything Algiers has to offer.
Day 4: Beignets and Farewell
A Sweet Finale
No New Orleans trip is complete without drowning in some beignets after an evening meandering this magical city .
New Orleans is a city with an undeniable personality. I am booked to return in the Spring of 2025 and am thoroughly looking forward to it. Have you explored the magic of New Orleans? What was your favorite experience? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear about it.
Find me in the usual watering holes and until next time, Travel Far, Learn Wide.
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