Places You Must Checkout if You Visit New Orleans For a Day!
This past June, my family and I stopped in New Orleans for 24 hours, as our pit stop on the way to Texas. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, but not for the insane nightlife of Bourbon Street. My goal for my one day in new Orleans was to experience the culture and take in the sights. Here are my must stops if you are spending one day in New Orleans…
1. Cafe Du Monde
If you do any research before you take a trip to New Orleans, you know that beignets are a must! Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur St.) is the pinnacle. This was our first stop, the hotel we stayed at was in the French Quarter so once we got checked in we made our way to the beignets. In New Orleans, there are many locations for Cafe Du Monde, but this locations wins in all aspects of the game. The atmosphere, the service, and the beignets…perfection.
As you approach the famous beignet stand, you are welcomed by jazz music courtesy of some street musicians right outside the stand. There is an abundance of outdoor seating where you can enjoy your beignets and coffee. The service is quick and the workers are friendly. They are open 24/7 so honestly there isn’t a wrong time of day to enjoy a beignet. Where else can you get a bag of 3 beignets for $2.73 and a Cafe Au Lait for $2.73. I was in New Orleans for 24 hours and I went twice, so this is a must! If you do not want to sit at one of the table at Cafe Du Monde, take your beignets to this next spot….
2. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is right on the edge of the French Quarter and on the Mississippi River. Originally a French trading camp when New Orleans was founded, this area inside of the French Quarter is filled with benches and grassy spots to relax and take in the sights.
Right at the end of Jackson Square is St. Louis Cathedral. I did not have the chance go inside but I would recommend it in your day. Jackson Square is home to many local artists who set up shop on the sidewalks and this is a tradition that has gone on for decades. You may get the chance to see some art or get a palm reading while here. Jackson Square offers great picture opportunities and many shaded areas where you can cool off, which I recommended if you visit during the summer.
3. The Court of Two Sisters
I highly recommend having the jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. This brunch takes place seven days a week from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are spending a day in New Orleans, make a reservation (https://www.courtoftwosisters.com/reservations) to ensure that you have a table when you get there.
This brunch is a buffet where you can get regular breakfast items, some New Orleans classic items, and many dessert items. They also have special items that you can order like if you want an omelette or Eggs Benedict. Our server was so nice and welcoming and the atmosphere they have created here was top notch. When you enter, you are welcomed by a sea of tables shaded by a canopy of trees along with jazz music and birds chirping.
4. Grab a French 75
Before visiting New Orleans, I read about a drink called the French 75. This is a popular drink in many of the establishments in the French Quarter. As a champagne girl, I knew when we had brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, I had to order one. The French 75 is now my new favorite cocktail to say the least. As a drinks and desserts type of girl this place was heaven.
5. Take the St. Charles to the Garden District
After you have eaten brunch at The Court of the Two Sisters, hop on the historic St. Charles Trolly and head to the garden district.
Jumping on the St. Charles Trolly around 6:00 pm is a perfect time to walk around the Garden District. From this trolly you can view the historic homes, pass by a few cemeteries, and take a look at the shops in the area. As a fiend for architecture and pretty homes…let my tell you New Orleans is my town. If you love to just walk around and looking a different architectural feats, the Garden District will not disappoint.
Around 8:00 pm you can get back on the St. Charles, take the trolly back to the French Quarter and get back to your hotel and do your skincare routine by 9:30 pm. Before leaving , I highly suggest going back to Cafe Du Monde the next morning and grabbing beignets and coffee. I mean you’re only spending 24 hours in New Orleans!
