Author: Yehyun

For a long time, I’d heard people say New Orleans was like nowhere else in the U.S. I didn’t quite get it—until I finally went. In just three days, I found myself wandering through jazz-filled streets, devouring pillowy beignets, and soaking in a culture so rich and warm, it made me feel like I’d stepped into a living storybook.

Here’s my personal travel guide — mixed with honest impressions, tips, and must-see spots for first-time visitors.

☕ Café du Monde – A Must for First-Time Visitors

One of our first stops in New Orleans was the famous Café du Monde — and yes, it lives up to the hype. We ordered the classic combo: beignets and a café au lait for breakfast. The beignets were warm, light, and perfectly crisp on the outside, covered in a thick layer of powdered sugar that got everywhere (don’t wear dark clothes if you care!).

🦪 Acme Oyster House – Iconic Spot for Seafood Lovers

If you’re visiting New Orleans and love seafood, Acme Oyster House should absolutely be on your list. It’s a well-known spot in the French Quarter, and for good reason. We tried both the raw oysters and the chargrilled oysters, and they were incredible. The raw oysters were super fresh, briny, and had that clean ocean taste — perfect with just a squeeze of lemon and a bit of cocktail sauce. Very Recommended!

We also ordered the New Orleans Medley, which came with small portions of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and grilled smoked sausage. Every bite was packed with flavor.

🎶 Bourbon Street – Loud, Lively, and Unforgettable on the Weekend

We couldn’t leave New Orleans without experiencing Bourbon Street — especially on a weekend night. It was everything I imagined and more: lively music pouring out of bars, people dancing right in the street, and a crowd that didn’t seem to slow down. The energy was wild, fun, and honestly a little overwhelming — but in the best way.

If you’re looking for a party vibe, this is the place. You’ll find neon lights, open doors to live bands or DJs, and plenty of people just vibing with their drinks and friends. It’s not exactly a quiet stroll, but it’s a must-see at least once, especially if you’ve never been.

🦞 Louisiana Crawfish Festival – A Local Gem Worth the Trip

One of the unexpected highlights of our trip was stumbling into Louisiana’s 50th Crawfish Festival, which happened to be going on during our visit. It’s a seasonal event held at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette — a bit of a drive from the French Quarter (around 20–30 minutes by car), but 100% worth the trip if you’re in town when it happens.

This festival was all about crawfish — and I mean all kinds. We tried everything from crawfish balls to crawfish pasta, boiled crawfish, and my favorite: crawfish bread. The food was incredible, with bold Cajun flavors and huge portions. One stand, Ernie Ro Bread, had such a big reputation for their crawfish bread that we waited in line for an hour and a half just to try it. And honestly? It was worth it — cheesy, spicy, buttery perfection in every bite.

🍸 The Sazerac House – A Free, Interactive Museum for Cocktail Lovers

If you’re curious about New Orleans’ cocktail culture, don’t miss The Sazerac House. Located just outside the French Quarter, it’s a beautifully designed, modern museum where you can learn all about the history of classic New Orleans drinks — especially the Sazerac, which is considered America’s first cocktail.

The best part? Admission is completely free, and they offer plenty of samples throughout the tour. From rye whiskey to bitters, you’ll get a taste of how these iconic drinks come together, and the staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. The self-guided tour includes interactive exhibits, historical displays, and even virtual bartenders that show you how the cocktails are made.

It’s a perfect little stop if you’re looking for something chill, educational, and totally local — and you don’t need to be a cocktail expert to enjoy it.

🦪 Happy Hour Oyster Hunting – A Budget-Friendly Treat in the French Quarter

One thing I quickly learned while walking around the French Quarter in the late afternoon (around 3–5 PM) — happy hour is a big deal here, especially if you love oysters. So many restaurants had signs out front offering $1 oysters, and in some places, even $0.50 oysters when you order a drink.

It became a little adventure in itself — hopping from place to place, trying oysters from different spots while sipping on cocktails or a cold beer. Some were raw and simple with lemon and hot sauce, others came with toppings or different styles. Every place had its own vibe, and it was such a fun and affordable way to enjoy more of the city’s seafood.

Tip: Keep an eye out for chalkboard menus or banners — most of the best deals aren’t advertised online. And if you’re not a huge oyster fan, many restaurants also offer other discounted bites during happy hour, like shrimp, crab cakes, or cocktails.

🌿 City Park & New Orleans Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a quieter escape from the crowds in the French Quarter, head to City Park. It’s a massive green space with walking trails, shaded trees, and beautiful open areas to relax in. We spent the afternoon exploring the New Orleans Botanical Garden, and it was honestly one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.

The garden was lush, colorful, and thoughtfully designed — perfect for a slow walk, photos, or just taking in the calm. Admission was $13 per adult, and definitely worth it if you want to experience another side of New Orleans that’s more nature-focused and reflective.

We also took the mini train that loops around City Park, right near the Botanical Garden. It was such a peaceful and charming ride — a great way to see more of the park without walking too much.

After walking around the garden, we made our way to Toup’s Meatery for happy hour — and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. We ordered a meat board and a couple of glasses of wine, and everything was incredibly flavorful. There were several kinds of meat we had never tried before, and each one had its own unique texture and taste — highly recommended if you want to treat yourself to something a little different.

💬 Final Thoughts

This trip was a good mix of well-known spots and low-key local finds. From classic beignets at Café du Monde to trying crawfish bread at a local festival, we got to see a little bit of everything. The city has its own pace, and it was nice to just follow it.

If you’re visiting for the first time:
✔️ Try different foods — even the ones that sound unfamiliar
✔️ Take advantage of happy hours (especially for oysters!)
✔️ Explore beyond the French Quarter if you have time

There’s a lot to do here, but it doesn’t feel rushed. Just wander, eat well, and enjoy what you find along the way.

If you’ve been to New Orleans, share your favorite memory or travel tip in the comments!