Travel Notes: New Orleans
Where to stay…
The CBD. Aka the Central Business District. Trendy coffee shops, boutique hotels, and warehouses reimagined into popular restaurants is what you’ll find in this part of town. Let’s be honest- it’s a millennial’s heaven and I loved it! You’ll find more locals here, it’s clean, feels safe and you’re still just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter. What’s not to love?
We used Sonder to find a great apartment for an even better price. Sonder combines the conveniences of an apartment or home with the cleanliness and consistency of a hotel. Our one bedroom was perfect! Check out our Sonder rental here.
Be sure to check out Drip Affogato Bar in the CBD. Delicious coffee & deserts!
have a bite at Auction House Market…
Everything from macaroons to poke bowls, Auction House Market located in the CBD has an option for everyone. A Tito’s martini and a sampler of raw oysters (from Elysian) was the perfect pre-going out snack! Check them out @auctionhousemarket & www.auctionhousemarket.com.
@auctionhousemarket
@DriftAffogatoBar
@jospephineestelle
@jospephineestelle
@jospephineestelle
stop by The Ace Hotel…
Coffee, cocktails, and a rooftop bar make the Ace a great place to hang out for an hour or three! I stumbled upon this gem by popping in for a cold brew at Stumptown Coffee Roasters (www.stumptowncoffee.com/locations/new-orleans). Turns out, this popular (and perfectly designed) New Orleans hotel also has two gram-worthy bar/restaurants.
We didn’t get a chance to catch dinner at Josephine Estelle, but the exceptional service and menu only hinted that this place would be a great dinner option. The bar service was on point, and we both enjoyed our yummy cocktails!
Located on the 9th floor, Alto gives off a more chill vibe and is a dream on a Sunday afternoon. If you’re not a hotel guest, a small $25 fee will get you full access to the pool and lounge chairs. We stopped in for a frozé and checked out the views. Highly recommended for a sunset!
Alto, #upatalto
Yummy Frozé from Alto!
The French Quarter…
On day two of my trip to New Orleans, one night on Bourbon Street sent us to The Remedy Room. Granted, we started [drinking] around noon so I highly recommend pacing yourself. If you don’t- have no fear, an IV clinic is near! We maintained a pretty stereotypical itinerary during the time we spent in the Quarter, but I'll still give you my piece on it. Bourbon Street isn’t for everyone but there were a few things I found redeeming!
The French Quarter
A personal fave, Lafitte’s serves a purple frozen drink- must try! One of the oldest bars in the United States, this bar has a unique & historic vibe.
To-go cups. It’s a thing.
Have all the treats…
An underlying theme of the weekend, I was on an unconscious mission to eat everything in sight. This brings me to my last note on New Orleans, Beignets & other things. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, you have to eat one. But you won’t regret it! We did stop by Cafe Du Monde located on Decatur Street, but locals swear by other ‘cafe beignet’ options too.
Cafe Du Monde beignets, 3 for less than $3!
Decatur Street, the view from Cafe Du Monde
In addition to our beignet mission (and while waiting for a friend at the airport) we found a cute donut shop. The airport is about 20-25 minutes from the Quarter, so if you’re in that area for an hour or two and need to have #allthetreats Cravin’ Donuts & Cafe is necessary pit stop. The shop makes for a gram-worthy photo too!
@cravindonutscafe
@cravindonutscafe
All in all…
New Orleans is an amazing city that everyone should visit at least once! Take at least one day to enjoy the sights, walk around, and stumble upon your own hidden gems. Even with a couple of days you can see so much of what this city has to offer. This isn’t a FULL recap of the weekend, but I hope this hits a few spots you’d maybe consider! If you have any questions about my trip or future travels, please feel free to contact me and follow my updates on Instagram @sami.fuentes.
Thanks for visiting, see you around!
