New Orleans is such a unique and colorful city. I think most people put it into a box as a party city, but it has so much more to offer. So if you are looking for tips on the best party spots you've come to the wrong place. I'm going to give you a list of my favorite spots that you probably wont find plastic beads.

Coffee, Juice, and Cocktails:

Stumptown Coffee - It’s attached to the Ace Hotel. It’s Stumptown so you know the coffee is good.

Drip Affogato Bar - Right across from Stumptown. My friends who I was with enjoyed their coffee even more than Stumptowns.

Sprout & Press - Fresh pressed juices, homemade milks, salads & wraps.

Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar - American and Latin breakfast and lunch fare plus fresh squeezed juice!

Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge - Dive bar vibes. It’s decorated with retro Christmas decor!

Cure - This bar is beautiful! That’s reason enough to go, but they also have some tasty cocktails.

The Rum House -Tropical cocktails in a funky setting, and small bites.

Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 - Gotta love a good tiki bar. The drinks not only taste amazing, but look so pretty!

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar - Historic bar serving beer and frozen drinks since the 1700s.

Bar Tonique - Craft cocktails, in a cozy brick space.

Food & Snacks:

Brennan's - On the higher end, but perfect for a date!

Josephine Estelle - Italian restaurant attached to Ace Hotel New Orleans. The food is amazing, and the space is stunning! Another great date spot. After dinner you can head right over to get cocktails at the Ace Hotels funky bar.

The Grill - A great little diner full of personality. Get a milkshake. They are the best!!

Horn's - A cute spot for breakfast or lunch.

Elizabeth's - Down home country classics

Cochon Butcher - Located in a renovated warehouse serving pork-focused Cajun food.

Domilise’s Po-Boy - It’s off the beaten path and you could easily pass it by without giving it a second glance. It’s a hole in the wall. That’s how you know it’s good.

Cane and Table - Rum cocktails and great food. You will feel like you are in Old Havana.

Three Muses - Great spot to eat drink, and listen to some live jazz!

Cafe Du Monde - Beignets! If you go to New Orleans you pretty much have to go here or you screwed up.

District Donuts.Sliders.Brew - This place has crazy donuts, and other yummy food!

Meltdown Pops - Ice pops!

Hansen's Sno-Bliz - It's a classic! They are known for their famous Sno-ball (soft shaved ice & homemade syrups) since 1939. They are open from Spring through Fall.

Shop:

Hattie Sparks - Oh so stylish shop with cute clothes and accessories.

Box Paper Scissor - All the pretty paper goods!

Beckham’s Bookshop - A classic little bookshop.

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights- This rustic shop is really neat. You can watch the craftsman make the lights in their workshop, and can ask them questions about the process.

Esoterica Occult Goods - Witchcraft themed store with all the dark stuff you could want.

Papier Plume - All the fancy paper goods!

St. Roch Market - Food hall with stalls selling eats and drinks.

F&F Botanica and Candle Shop - A neat shop selling candles, oils, incense plus herbs and spices.

Things To Do:

Museum of Death - The name says it all. I’m the type of person that loves this stuff, but if you can’t handle graphic photos then you should maybe pass on this one. It’s really well done thou, and very fascinating!

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum - This museum is small, but pretty interesting. You’ve gotta see it!

New Orleans Museum of Art - A great museum, and a nice quite retreat.

City Park - 1300 acre outdoor oasis!

Cajun Encounter Swamp Tour - Highly recommend heading a little out of town to take a swamp tour and get to know the real Louisiana. There are many tours to choose from, but I've taken this tour, and it was really great! Bring bug spray!

Lafayette Cemetery #1 - New Orleans has many beautiful cemeteries to tour. St. Louis Cemetery #1 is a favorite, but you have to pay for a tour to enter. I highly recommend Lafayette Cemetery #1. It’s free to enter. Bonus! The cemetery is full of beautiful magnolia trees. It’s great! It’s also located in such a pretty part of town around beautiful historic homes. It’s by far my favorite cemetery I’ve ever been to.

Hotel:

Ace Hotel - I’ve stayed there a couple times now and I love it. It's located just far enough away from the touristy part of the city. Its also located very close to a streetcar stop so it’s super easy to hop on and off. (I’ll talk more about the streetcasr next) The hotel is right next to a few really pretty restaurants and shops. Highly recommend the splurge!

Streetcar - This is the best way to get around New Orleans. It’s $1.25 per ride or $3 for a 24hour pass. You must pay with exact change! It was way cheaper for us to leave our car parked on the street for free and to take the streetcar everywhere. They run 24 hours a day. It's pretty simple to figure out. You'll quickly get the hang of it.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspired you to explore New Orleans. I also hope that when you go you discover new places of your own as well!

Happy exploring!

- Brittany Reagan