If you only have one night to spend in New Orleans, you want to make the most of it and see as much as possible. I’m sharing 5 things that you will definitely want to cross off your list.

 1. Enjoy a great meal AND then get dessert…or a late night snack

There are soooo many amazing restaurants in New Orleans to check out. The good news is that because there are so many great options, the culinary standard is really high and average restaurants don’t last.

No matter what, you need to make sure that you save room for a sweet treat and stop by Cafe Du Monde for some beignets. No visit to New Orleans is complete without them!

2. Get a Drink at the City’s Only Rotating Bar

I’m a sucker for unique experiences which makes a drink at the  Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge in the French Quarter a must! The 25 seat Merry-Go-Round bar serves up great craft cocktails and takes about 15 minutes to make one revolution.

3. Take a Walk Down Two Famous Streets

Of course, you have to make a rite of passage to check out the action on Bourbon Street located in the heart the French Quarter. You’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, and music along the way… along with lots of interesting people watching.

A few streets over, check out where the locals go on Frenchmen Street for up and coming musicians and a totally different vibe from Bourbon Street.

4. Listen to Great Music

Whether it’s on the street or in a club, you need to make sure that you designate some time to stop and really take in the talent of all of the incredible musicians that you are witnessing. Don’t forget to bring cash so that you can help support the artists as they pursue living their dream.

5. Pause to View the Amazing Art

One of the things I loved about my brief time in New Orleans was discovering something interesting around every corner. The people, the music, the architecture and the art make each step in New Orleans a sensory experience.

I also had to bring home some art from my visit. This print (pictured above) was created by a local artist that I discovered in the Frenchmen Art Market. I love how his art beautifully captured the feeling of walking the streets with vibrant colors and imagery.

The art isn’t limited to a canvas. The architecture is also beautiful in its own right. Be on the lookout for signs that share more about their history and story.

Where to Stay

During my visit to New Orleans, I stayed at the Windsor Court Hotel located within a few blocks of the French Quarter. Details matter, from the fresh flowers in the lobby to the pralines resting by your bedside.

The hotel was close enough to be accessible to everything (the French Quarter is only a few blocks away) and far enough to feel like you are experiencing a relaxing retreat. If you have extra time, enjoy relaxing on a bench in the courtyard or on a lounge chair by the rooftop pool.

If you have additional time in the morning, I highly recommend walking around the city for another perspective in the daylight…and another round of beignets.

You can find more amazing ideas from my interview with insider tips from a New Orleans Local.

Thanks again to the Windsor Court Hotel for hosting my stay. All opinions are my own.

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