New Orleans had always been on my bucket list, primarily for the food (duh), but after a long weekend in the city I realized it is so much more than delicious meals. The city and streets have so much culture and history, it’s unreal. The people are overly friendly. The live music is incredible. And why yes, the food is delicious.

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure to take a long weekend getaway to New Orleans. I traveled with my mom, bonus mom, aunt and cousin & wow! It was a trip that I will cherish forever. So many memories. Some that I may remember more than others (thanks to the hand grenades LOL), but in all seriousness we had a blast. People kept asking what we did and my answer was “ate and drank our way through the city.” Personally, that’s what I love and enjoy doing on trips, so I was all about it!

If you’ve never experienced NOLA, I highly recommend it for a girls trip or couples getaway! Below are some places I would recommend.

Where to stay

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Cambria Hotel: Located in the warehouse district, which is honestly the perfect location. We were able to walk to the French Quarters and Bourbon street, so it was definitely convenient. And if you don’t feel like walking, an Uber will cost you under $10. This hotel was beyond clean (which I am extremely picky about) and had the funkiest decor. We highly enjoyed our stay and I would definitely stay at the Cambria again.

Where to eat

The Gazebo Cafe: Best Bloody Mary in town & their jambalaya was delicious! It’s also a great location in The French Quarter!

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Mambo’s: We stumbled upon this restaurant on Bourbon and it was the best meal we had. Thinking about the oysters is making my mouth water. And the staff was also incredible which made it that much more enjoyable!

Central Grocery: You must stop here and try a muffuletta! Holy moly best sandwich I have ever had!

Where to get a good drink

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Hotel Monteleone: I belong at this hotel. It is what my dreams are made of. Seriously, go here at 1pm on a Friday, drink a glass of champagne and tell me you don’t feel like your fanciest self. The Monteleone is known for their carousel bar, but honestly the decor and ambiance was what I loved about it.

The Roosevelt Hotel: Another place I belong. So stinking fancy. Expect to pay $20 for a drink, but wow the decor is seriously breathtaking.

Wino: The coolest wine bar I have ever been to & it was right next to our hotel! We went here twice, because 1. we like wine & 2. it was like Main Event for adults. LOL! Highly recommend!

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: If you want good music & a somewhere to hang definitely checkout this bar. We parked it here for hours on end and had the best time jamming to music! It’s one of the oldest bars and has super cool history, if you are into that sort of thing, too 😉

Tropical Isle: Stop at their outside window, ask for Trudy and get a hand grenade. You may or may not thank me later. LOL!

All in all, it was a trip of a lifetime. It may have taken me (and/or my liver) some time to recover, but it was so worth it.

Have you been to New Orleans? If so, I would love to know your fave places. I am dying to go back in the spring with Austin!