How often do you travel short and long distances? And with the company, you work for? Our guest today – John – is very lucky, working in the company of appliance repair in Mt Albert where the team is very friendly, he has the opportunity to travel for the weekend with his co-workers. In this post, John decided to share with us a trip to New Orleans, which he has long wanted to visit. 

Well, let’s not drag it out, it’s up to you, John!

John’s First Impression About New Orleans

If you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend trip and have never been to New Orleans, I would highly recommend it! I had an absolute blast on my first visit this past weekend. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights from my trip. New Orleans is a large city, so it’s important to choose accommodations that are centrally located and within walking distance of all the best attractions. 

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The French Quarter is the perfect place to stay for first-time visitors. With its tucked-away courtyards and picturesque streets, the French Quarter feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, there are dozens of great restaurants and bars right at your fingertips. 

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider staying in one of New Orleans’ many historic beds and breakfasts. These properties are often located in the heart of the French Quarter and come with all the charm and hospitality that Louisiana is known for. 

Airbnb

I decided to save some money and rent an Airbnb instead of getting a hotel room. I’m so glad I did! Not only did I get to stay in a cool historic apartment in the French Quarter, but I also had a great experience with my host. She was super friendly and gave me some great tips on things to do and places to eat. If you’re thinking about renting an Airbnb in New Orleans, definitely go for it!

Food & Drink in New Orleans

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without indulging in some of the city’s iconic food and drink. Beignets, gumbo, po’boys…the list goes on and on. When it comes to choosing where to eat, it’s tough to go wrong in New Orleans. However, there are a few must-try dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Head over to Café Du Monde for breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee paired with their world-famous beignets – fried dough dusted with powdered sugar. For lunch or dinner, stop by Mother’s Restaurant for some hearty Southern cooking. And no trip to New Orleans would be complete without indulging in at least one Hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s – one of the most popular bars in the French Quarter. Just be sure to drink responsibly! 

Attractions & Activities in New Orleans

There’s no shortage of things to do in New Orleans. Take a stroll down Bourbon Street, visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, or take a carriage ride through the French Quarter. For something truly unique, head over to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – one of the most famous cemeteries in America – or take a Swamp Tour through Louisiana’s bayous. And if you’re looking for some retail therapy, Canal Place Shopping Centre and The Shops at Canal Place offer an upscale shopping experience unlike any other. 

The French Quarter

The French Quarter is hands-down one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. There’s so much to see and do, and the atmosphere is unique. I could have easily spent my whole weekend just walking around and taking everything in. 

Some of the highlights for me were checking out Jackson Square, listening to live music on Bourbon Street, and indulging in some beignets at Cafe du Monde. If you love good food, great music, and rich history, you’ll love the French Quarter!

Swamp Tour

One of the best decisions I made was to book a Swamp Tour while I was in town. It was so much fun learning about the history and ecology of the Louisiana wetlands, and seeing alligators up close was a highlight. If you’re looking for something a little different to do, definitely consider taking a swamp tour while you’re in New Orleans!

Conclusion

All in all, I had an amazing time on my first trip to New Orleans! If you’re considering going, definitely do it—you won’t regret it. Between the delicious food, incredible music, and fascinating history, there’s something for everyone in this city. And if you happen to be planning your trip for sometime soon, make sure to check out some of the highlights that I mentioned above—you won’t be disappointed!