French Quarter 101-Walk, Drink, Eat Cheap
Wonder
Take a stroll down the Mississippi river. You can start on Poydras and walk all the way down to the French market and the old mint on Esplanade.
If the ferry is running, jump on board and take the ride across the Mississippi to Algiers point for some of the best views of the city. You can board the ferry at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium of the Americas. The ride is for pedestrians and bikers only and costs $2.
Weave through the aisles of the French market. This bustling market sells a lot of standard New Orleans souvenirs but you can also find some local artists scattered around the open-air pavilion selling a variety of crafts. You can find prints and paintings, and artisan candles with scents like sazerac and French Quarter Courtyard. You can even find a craftsman specializing in hats and fascinators for any occasion.
On your way back, stroll down Royal Street to Window Shop, take a gander at some of the art galleries, and stop to listen to some buskers. End at St.Louis Cathedrial.
Dont miss:
Art galleries:
- Red Truck
- Antieau
- Frrak Relle
Shops:
- Ffi Mahoneys,
- The Glitter Box
Cheap Eats
If you’re looking for some fast, inexpensive, and local cuisine, try these:
Cafe Beignet or the more famous Cafe Du Monde: If you choose to go with the tried-and-true favorite, be prepared for a long wait as the line tends to stretch down the block. Locals know a little secret (which I won’t divulge here) so you probably won’t run into any of them waiting online. However, if you’re running short on time there is usually a separate pick up only line that can get you to beignet bliss a little faster.
Killer poboys: Located at the back of the Erin Rose Bar, this place has some of the best po-boys in the city. If you’re vegetarian, you are in luck because they have an amazing sweet potato po-boy.
Verde Mart: Nothing fancy here. You can pick up a quick po-boy or plate at this popular corner store
Rouses: If it’s crawfish season, you can pick up a pound at this Royal street grocery store and have a quick picnic.
Drago’s: This is the place to go for chargrilled oysters. Skip the restaurant table service and have a seat right at the bar. Here, you can chat with the chefs and watch them work. If you play your cards right, they sometimes sneak a few extra onto your plate.
Nightlife
Walk down Bourbon Street… Keep walking
Unless you are in New Orleans to get obliterated on overpriced sugary drinks, hear loud, less than authentic music, and wade through a sea of other tourists, (hey, no judgment) Bourbon Street is a must-do that is best experienced at a quick pace.
If you walk further down bourbon Street towards Esplanade, you will reach a quieter stretch where are you can spot more locals enjoying a drink. Here you will find Lafitte’s blacksmith shop. Grab a beer or frozen drink at this historic bar that dates back to the 1700s.
On this quieter stretch, you will also find some of the top gay bars in the Quarter. The Bourbon Pub and and the Good Friends Bar are two local favorites. If you find yourself at the latter, be sure to order a Separator.
Some other nightlife hotspots in the corner include:
The Carousel Bar: Sip a cocktail as you spin around on the revolving bar located in the lobby of the Monteleone Hotel
The Dungeon: A Dive Bar complete with cages and a bookcase that leads to a hidden entrance. Have a drink (or be the drink) at this bar which is rumored to be a favorite of the city’s modern-day vampires.
Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29-Tikki bar done right
Pat O’Brien’s-Famous Hurricanes
Preservation Jazz Hall–Authentic New Orleans Jazz
