To do
A few of our favorite places to eat, explore, and enjoy between wedding events. Most are great daytime options, with a couple fun evening ideas mixed in.
Getting around New Orleans is easy! Walking around is our favorite way to get around if the weather is nice. Streetcars and buses are only $1.25/fare and you're probably only about 15 minutes away max from anywhere you want to go by car (use Lyft, Uber, or a taxi).
THINGS TO DO
AROUND NEW ORLEANS
Sydney and Walda
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
1 Collins Diboll Cir
City Park
Free outdoor sculpture garden surrounded by oak trees and lagoons — one of the calmest and prettiest walks in the city.
French Quarter Walking Tour
(Historical or Spooky)
Typically begins near Jackson Square
French Quarter
Whether historical or ghost-themed, walking tours reveal hidden courtyards, architecture, and stories you’d miss on your own. A must for fans of American Horror Story: Coven.
Royal Street Antique & Design Shops
Royal St (between Canal & Esplanade)
French Quarter
Elegant antiques, art galleries, and local designer boutiques — great relaxed browsing between café stops.
FREDA
3242 Magazine St
Lower Garden District
A beautifully curated boutique shop featuring independent designers, vintage clothing, books, and thoughtful accessories — a perfect Magazine Street stop. There's a great wine bar called 'Patron Saint' and pizza joint called 'St. Pizza' next door.
Crescent Park River Walk
2300 N Peters St
Bywater / Marigny
Scenic Mississippi River views, breezy walking paths, and great sunset photo spots away from the crowds.
The Country Club
634 Louisa St
Bywater
A laid-back neighborhood restaurant with a hidden backyard pool — one of our favorite sunny-day hangouts and a queer oasis. We will be relaxing here on Sunday afternoon if you’re still in town and feel like joining for a swim, drinks, or drag brunch.
If you have more time, we highly recommend these places in the greater New Orleans area:
Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour
Manchac Swamp area
(north of New Orleans;
pickup varies by company)
Quiet bayous, cypress trees, and wildlife — a peaceful Louisiana experience beyond the city. There are options in boats too if a kayak isn't your speed.
Whitney Plantation Museum
5099 LA-18
Wallace, LA
A powerful historical visit that centers the lives and stories of enslaved people — deeply meaningful and thoughtfully presented.
FOOD & DRINK:
BRUNCH & DINNER
Molly’s Rise and Shine
2368 Magazine St
Irish Channel / Lower Garden District
One of our favorite breakfast and brunch spots — playful Southern flavors, great coffee, and a cheerful neighborhood feel. The roasted carrot yogurt is incredible.
Brennan’s
417 Royal St
French Quarter
A New Orleans classic and our runner-up reception venue — we especially love the Roost Bar and lush courtyard for a drink. Expect timeless Creole dishes and a beautiful setting that feels quintessentially New Orleans. Great for brunch or lunch if you're in the Quarter but best to make a reservation in advance.
Mosquito Supper Club
3824 Dryades St
Central City
A special-occasion Cajun dining experience with storytelling, seafood, and a communal table vibe. Make a reservation in advance.
St. Roch Market
2381 St Claude Ave
Marigny
A beautifully revived historic food hall where everyone can grab something different — great location for a low-key lunch between activities.
N7
1117 Montegut St
Bywater
Hidden garden atmosphere, French-Japanese menu, and one of the most romantic patios in the city. We got dinner here while deciding where to have our wedding ceremony and reception.
Acamaya
3070 Dauphine St
Bywater
A vibrant neighborhood favorite for coastal Mexican flavors and incredible seafood — think bold dishes, a lively atmosphere, and one of our top picks for a fun New Orleans dinner with friends. We got dinner here on Daniel's birthday in 2024. Make a reservation in advance.
PO-BOYS
Killer Poboys
219 Dauphine St
French Quarter
Modern, chef-driven po’boys that still feel local — ideal quick daytime stop while exploring the Quarter.
Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St Louis St
French Quarter
Old-school New Orleans institution — messy, delicious, and exactly what visitors imagine.
BARS
Peychaud’s
727 Toulouse St
French Quarter
One of our favorite cocktail bars — intimate, refined, and very New Orleans without being over the top.
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland Ave
Bywater
Backyard wine bar with live music — perfect relaxed evening energy after daytime exploring.
Jewel of the South
1026 St Louis St
French Quarter
A beautifully restored historic bar known for inventive cocktails and Southern hospitality — a refined but welcoming spot for an evening drink that still feels distinctly New Orleans.
Nightbloom
3100 St. Claude Ave
Bywater
A moody, late-night cocktail bar with creative drinks, great music, and an intimate vibe — perfect if you’re looking for something a little sultry and off the beaten path before or after dinner. We have gotten drinks here before dinner at N7 and Acamaya.