Your Quick and Easy Guide to a Short New Orleans Trip
New Orleans is one of the world’s most diverse and unique cities, offering a vibrancy and culture not found anywhere else. Impressively, the city hosts more than 135 festivals annually—that’s roughly one festival every three days! So, it’s safe to say there’s always something to do. Groups who are short on time but still want to enjoy the Big Easy can use this quick guide to get a small taste.
SEE THE SIGHTS
New Orleans Urban Adventures
Groups looking for a new style of experiencing a city are in luck. Urban Adventures takes groups off the beaten path and connects them with local spots they generally wouldn't notice on their own; whether it's cocktails, landmarks, food or music.
New Orleans Architecture Tours
New Orleans Architecture Tours are for every kind of group, from those who are particularly passionate about architecture to those who just want to admire the city's beautiful and storied buildings. Take a nice and walk and learn something along the way!
DINING
Café Reconcile
Café Reconcile features great soul food at reasonable prices. They're a nonprofit restaurant and training program for at-risk young adults (ages 16-22) seeking employment in New Orleans' hospitality industry. Groups looking for a savory meal with a side of hope are in luck.
Café Du Monde
Since 1862, Café Du Monde has been the Original French Market coffee stand. Groups can enjoy café au lait and beignets—Louisiana's state doughnut—24 hours daily, on historic Decatur Street.
DRINKS
Backspace Bar & Kitchen
Groups won't be able to help feeling inspired after visiting the literary-themed Backspace Bar. Cozy up to the fireplace among exposed brick walls and photos of literary greats while sipping on a Sazerac or a French 75.
Crescent City Brewhouse
If beer is more to your group's liking, visit Crescent City Brewhouse and try one of six types of beer brewed in-house along with variations of New Orleans' favorites using Louisiana ingredients. Groups can even take a tour of the brewery.
OTHERWORLDLY EXPERIENCES
Ghost City Tours
Get spooky and take one of many historically accurate guided tours of the French Quarter offered by Ghost City Tours. From ghosts and cemeteries to legends and infamous murderers, these tours have got you covered.
Bottom of the Cup Tea Room
Groups can get their fortune told through a tea leave reading or get their palms read in this historic circa-1929 tea store and psychic shop. Bottom of the Cup Tea Room is notorious for being spot on with their readings and offer a quirky selection of tarot cards and other fortune-tellers.
NIGHTLIFE
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Step inside the quintessential live jazz music venue in New Orleans. Groups can belly up to the bar at The Spotted Cat and order a beer while dancing to the sounds of gypsy jazz, swing, funk and blues bands that play the club nightly—so groups will never miss out.
Harrah's New Orleans Casino
Feeling lucky? The 15,000-square-foot, Mardi-Gras-themed gaming center at Harrah's is the place for groups looking for nonstop action. From the latest video creations to the classics, groups can enjoy 2,100 slot machines and a variety of table games at over 100 tables.
SHOPPING
French Market District
The French Market District spans from the Upper Pontalba Building to Jackson Square through the Colonnade and offers groups boutique shopping, open-air cafes, eclectic farmers and flea markets featuring local art, found treasures and imported goods.
M. S. Rau Antiques
Groups can experience the finest shopping at one of the largest antique galleries in North America—spanning a massive 25,000 square feet. M.S. Rau Antique's French Quarter Gallery is filled with rare, museum-quality antiques, important fine art and breathtaking jewelry.
MUSEUMS & CULTURE
The National WWII Museum
Groups can learn the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today. On a six-acre campus, the National WWII Museum features immersive exhibits, a 4D cinematic experience, a dinner theater and two restaurants.
New Orleans Jazz Museum
This museum celebrates the history of jazz, in all its forms. Groups can explore through dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities and engaging musical performances.
LODGING
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Looking for luxury? Bourbon Orleans Hotel has that and more. Easily stroll to Jackson Square, Royal Street shopping, Antoine's, and other famous attractions in the French Quarter. Groups may even catch a glimpse of the several ghosts that are said to haunt the hotel.
New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District
Located just steps from the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, this Downtown Marriott hotel brings the simple comforts of home right to your fingertips. Definitely remember to order the chef's daily gumbo from room service!
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
