DuffelUp.com Blog

Hi! My name is Kira and I'm going to be posting weekly for Duffel. Every Wednesday I'll be picking a new city to explore, planning a 48-hour trip there, and then writing about it here for your reading enjoyment. Check back every week for a "mini vacation" from work and enjoy! 

New Orleans has so much culture and such a unique style that visiting can feel like you’ve left the United States completely. Known for their awesome food, great music, and endless parties New Orleans is where you give in to indulgences and live it up. Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of a 48-hour weekend getaway to the Big Easy.  The trip focuses around arriving Friday morning because of their Friday Lunch tradition (explained more below). 

Friday 9 am – St. Charles Streetcar 

Get a feel for the city by catching a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar.  The St. Charles Streetcars are a historic landmark and only a dollar each way to ride. Jump on at Canal Street and see the gorgeous Garden District, Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and many other classic New Orleans scenes. It’s a 90-minute trip and one of the best ways to experience more of what’s outside of the French Quarter. 

Friday 11:30 am – Galatoires

Friday Lunch should be reason enough for you to want to take a day off of work and head over to the Big Easy a day early.  Friday Lunch has become an institution in New Orleans and is meant to be a time where people come together for good food, good drinks, and a good time overall. Galatoires has obtained the reputation of being the place to go for Friday Lunch.  Although pricey (and jacket required!) the experience is a New Orleans must and is an excellent way to interact with locals and in general mingle and just have fun.  With some people’s lunches lasting all afternoon, the advice given is always to just relax, talk to the people around you, take your time, and enjoy it all!  

Friday 3 pm – French Quarter

Walk off the meal you just ate by exploring the French Quarter.  As the oldest and most famous section of New Orleans, the French Quarter will not disappoint! A great place to start is at Royal Street where you can browse the many antique stores, art galleries, and specialty stores located there.  

If you're looking for a quick caffeine pick-me-up check out Cafe Du Monde, open 24 hours and known for their chicory coffee and beignets.  A good friend informed me that the beignets at Cafe Du Monde are a New Orleans must so pick them up as a treat to sweeten your day.  

Friday Evening – Dinner and Bar Hopping in the French Quarter

For a classic New Orleans dinner head to Tujague’s (pronounced two jacks).  It’s the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans and in addition to their awesome Creole dishes they’re also known to be a pretty great bar!   

If you’re still too full from lunch to consider sitting down for dinner someplace set out for Bourbon Street to start your night.  This is the area to go for nightlife with its countless bars, restaurants, and seemingly never-ending music.  You could easily spend your entire night bar hopping on Bourbon Street alone but if you’re looking for something a little less packed check out Napoleon House.  Locals recommend it as a great place for a meal or for a few drinks and it has a ton of history.Order - Pimm’s Cup drink.   

The view of Bourbon Street from an apartment. Photo by MattPendletonPhotography.

Saturday 10 am – Explore Garden District or Julia Street

This morning is meant for exploring outside of the French Quarter.  If what you saw yesterday morning at the Garden District caught your eye, walk around there to experience beautifully architected homes.  Otherwise, check out the 600 block of Julia Street for some of the best art in the city. A must-see in the Julia Street area is the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), which has exhibits featuring beautiful and whimsical local art.   

Saturday 1 pm – Do It Like the Locals

The best suggestion for lunch would be to ask a local where they’d eat! However, if you’d like a place in advance check out Café Reconcile for some excellent Southern cuisine and to help out a great cause.  Café Reconcile is a non-profit restaurant that brings in young adults from at-risk communities who are interested in getting into the food service industry and teaching them valuable life skills and job training.  Order – Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (arguably the best in the city!) 

Saturday Afternoon – Museum Hopping

Or if you’re looking to check out some museums the Historic New Orleans Collection is located in the French Quarter and features changing exhibits on local history.  It’s also free!   

Another museum to check out is the Old U.S. Mint, which features both an exhibit on the coin minting process and New Orleans Jazz.  It’s the only building in the U.S. to be used both as a U.S. and Confederate Mint.    

Finally, for a more laidback option check out the New Orleans Jazz Park where you can take walking tours or just check out the atmosphere and relax. 

This afternoon is also a perfect opportunity to check out the many walking and bike tours they have throughout the city.  

Saturday Evening – Dance the Night Away

Experience the music of New Orleans and hang out at Frenchmen Street for the night. Located just outside of the French Quarter, this two-block area is known to be where the locals hang and where you can check out all the live music your heart could desire. Enjoy your drinks and all types of great music without the neon lights and craziness of Bourbon Street. While you’re exploring Frenchmen stop by D.B.A., a local music club that has some of the local’s favorite live artists and a great beer list.  

 Wolfman Washington performing at D.B.A. Photo by Lep. 

Where to Stay?

Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast (for a place out of the French Quarter) 

4125 Saint Charles Ave.  

This charming mansion is located in the Uptown/Garden District and is a perfect location if you want easy access to many different locations and sites in New Orleans.  Designed by the famous architect Thomas Sully in 1891, the house features beautiful architecture and period furnishings throughout. The live-in innkeepers, Joe and Bebe, are there to ensure that you’re experience at the Avenue Inn B and B is as wonderful as the building surrounding you, helping you make your entire New Orleans experience unforgettable.

Soniat House (in the French Quarter) 

1133 Chartres St.  

If you’re looking to be more in the center of things check out the Soniat House in the French Quarter.  Found in the quieter area of the French Quarter, the Soniat House is a luxury hotel that has been named one of the best in the world.  Comprised of three historic Creole townhomes that were built in the 1830’s, the hotel features many elegant details and beautiful antiques to make your stay there as luxurious and comfortable as possible.  Every morning a complimentary breakfast of Creole café au late, hot biscuits, and homemade strawberry preserves.