New Orleans encapsulates the best parts of what make cities wonderful. A rich culture that melds diverse people from their food, music, art, architecture and ways of life. As someone who has traveled to multiple cities across the U.S. and the world, New Orleans is truly unique.
With influencer culture taking over my home city of New York, and LA before that, New Orleans feels like a secret to keep safe. It’s got all the aesthetic Instagram and TikTok worthy spots, but in my opinion has been left untapped by the masses of social media culture, besides Mardi Gras of course.
I still find it difficult to articulate why I love Nola so much, but I think it’s the combination of everything, the people, the beauty of the architecture, the culture, there’s just an unspeakable vibe in New Orleans that I think everyone should experience at least once!
To give some background on the diverse culture of New Orleans here’s a quick1 and non-comprehensive history of Louisiana’s formation through the groups of people who lived there. So to take it back a bit, Louisiana as a whole was originally inhabited by the Natchez, Taensa, and other indigenous peoples. In the 1500s European influence entered with the French. Louisiana, then named La Louisiane after King Louis XIV, became a French colony in 1682. After conflicts with the indigenous people whose land they were invading, around 1706,France enslaved people from the various Native American tribes. Following in 1718 France brought over ships with kidnapped African people to Louisiana to enslave. An article titled, “Ignominious Anniversary” by Erin M. Greenwald recaps some of the history of the first slave ships to Louisiana and New Orleans, and features this image that provides a synopsis of the transatlantic slave trade to Louisiana.
As Greenwald notes, according to www.slavevoyages.org people who were kidnapped and brought to Louisiana were not just from nations in Africa, but various other Atlantic and Caribbean colonies, like Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica etc.
There was also Spanish influence that came about when France transferred Louisiana to Spain ensuing from the Seven Years War in 1762 via the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Two devastating fires in the late 1700s, required rebuilding, and many structures were erected in the Spanish style, many of which are found in the French Quarter. Iconic buildings like the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere, were among them. Louisiana was then transferred back again to France in exchange for lands in Tuscany, in 1803. And as many people know, a short time later the French sold Louisiana and a large chunk of land along the west side of the Mississippi to the United States through the Louisiana Purchase which is how it is a state today.
Now two of the main cultures that are referenced when it comes to New Orleans are Cajuns and Creoles. For those not familiar these are not interchangeable groups of people. Cajuns come from the Acadian people, a group expelled from Nova Scotia, which was a colony of France at the time during the 18th century. On the other hand, Creole can refer to people who are French with African and/or Spanish and/or Native American ethnicities, and generally has a more fluid definition that has evolved with time, but most people believe it refers to those who have some type of mixed ancestry.
Ultimately, the classic foods of New Orleans like gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin to name a few, have variations depending on whether it’s the Creole or Cajun version. There are also some differences with how Mardis Gras is celebrated among Cajuns and Creoles. So if you’re ever in Nola make sure you don’t make the mistake of thinking Cajun people and Creole people are exactly the same!
As shown, there’s not just one sole group of people who have inhabited New Orleans or made the city what it is, but rather a combination of different people who brought their cultures to the city and melded with one another. There’s no denying that French culture has a massive influence on Nola, but I think it’s an oversimplification to not speak about other groups of people whose backgrounds have influenced the way New Orleans is today.
For my second trip to Nola I visited with my mother and aunt and I was ready to put all my TikTok research to work. Lovingly named ‘Itinerary girl’ for the duration of our trip I was prepped with a combination of cute Insta worthy spots, and go-to locations to visit.
We stayed at the Place d’Armes and I really loved the historic charm that the hotel offered. There were multiple courtyards, buildings, and different stairwells leading to the rooms so it felt like there was space to just look around at the architecture. The location on St. Anne St. was very central for most of the touristy places like the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square etc. On future visits I’d love to stay somewhere a bit farther from the French Quarter to get a little less of a touristy feel, but other than that it had fairly nice accommodations.
Our first meal was breakfast at French Toast on 1025 Decatur Street. This restaurant wasn’t one I pre-planned to visit, but from the moment I walked inside I was so glad we decided to start our trip with them.
The host and waitress were so kind, and although it was not my first time in the south or Nola, the southern hospitality in New Orleans feels particularly warm. This restaurant overlooks Latrobe Park which creates a nice wrought iron fence amongst the trees moment. The view coupled with the tall 10 pane windows across the front of the restaurant provided a nice cast of light across the casual dining room.
I had chicken and waffles and split a classic style french toast because of the restaurants namesake. Everything was delicious and simple yet nicely plated, I would def recommend if you’re touring the french quarter on your New Orleans trip!
For the rest of the first day it was just my mom and I, and the weather was freezing! The benefits of visiting New Orleans when it’s unseasonably cold is there were no crowds. Unfortunately, it also meant a lot of stores were closed due to the weather. Despite the wind chill it was a bright and clear day which was great for photos!
We took our time walking around the French Quarter and visiting Jackson Square. I’d be lying if I wasn’t thinking about the iconic wedding scene from the Princess and the Frog while inside St. Louis’ Cathedral.
While exploring the buildings around Jackson Square we stopped into Faulkner House Books I saw some people on TikTok recommend it. It did not disappoint in any way. From the exterior alone being tucked along a street rightfully named, Pirates Alley, on the west side of St. Louis Cathedral, with the muted blue color painted on the shop front coupled with a thin glass paned door to enter, it all added to the experience. The walls were lined with books ranging from classics, memoirs, fiction on southern history, a ton on New Orleans of course, and a separate room to the right with just poetry. Since the space was on the smaller side and there was only a couple other people inside browsing I didn’t take any pictures or videos. However, I did purchase “Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast” by Mike Tidwell that I am so thrilled to read!
Once my aunt arrived later in the evening we went to dinner at Muriel’s Jackson Square, a creole restaurant. On the walkover it was almost like the quarter was deserted because of the cold, but there were a few people playing jazz on the corner across from the restaurant. The sounds of their horns were reverberating into Jackson Square along the night sky and it’s moments like those that make me wonder how people can’t not love New Orleans.
Muriel’s is known for wonderful food and a table upstairs where you can request to dine with the ghost of Muriel herself! The interior felt so classic and simplistically chic. We were seated by the windows and the tables were divided by hanging paintings. To the left of our table was a print of a beautiful impressionist painting. I had my first taste of seafood gumbo for this trip and it was amazing. Muriel’s offers 3 courses for once pre-determined price which I think is a great deal to have a fulfilling dining experience. Post dinner we headed to the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone and it was poppin’. For a Tuesday night I was a little surprised at the amount of people in the bar but there was a great vibe overall.
Day 2 consisted of more general walking around and exploring. This time focused on the Garden District.
We started off with breakfast at the Ruby Slipper on Decatur. I’m not a breakfast person, but it was some of the best breakfast I’ve ever had in my life. I had one of the eggs benedict options which were great, but the pancakes are what truly stole the show. They had the best texture and flavor I’ve ever had of a pancake. Perfectly fluffy with just the right amount of rise and balanced sweet taste, it was like eating a pancake out of a cartoon. My aunt said the biscuits and gravy were phenomenal as well, so we all recommend Ruby Slipper. It was definitely worth the hype!
We then walked to Canal Street meandering into some stores here and there before getting on the St. Charles Streetcar. The streetcars of New Orleans make me feel like I’m in a movie and they are super cheap at $3 for unlimited rides in 24hrs, including buses. Taking the St. Charles route through the garden district is great for seeing historic homes and at the time we went, Mardi Gras decorations as well!
Although we didn’t eat there I was so happy to see the Commander’s Palace Restaurant. As someone who’s blue and white obsessed this building is iconic for the colors alone.
There were also some great stores in a little outlet on Prytania Street one block up from the Commander’s Palace.
One the way back to the Quarter we ran into a little jazz parade as advertisement for a cookie brand!
Next stop was a Pelicans game at the Smoothie King Center. I love basketball and I was so happy we were catching a game in Nola. The Pelicans won against the Charlotte Hornets, so post game we went to party on a bar on Bourbon street to celebrate!
Surrey’s on Magazine Street was the first stop for breakfast the next day. I keep talking about how great the food is and this place was no exception. I ordered a turkey, apple, goat cheese sandwich on sourdough that I’m still craving a week and a half later. They had fresh pressed juices on the menu that were also delicious.
The restaurant was full of art from local artists to purchase and I was so grateful to be able to nab a little blue double row house sculpture.
Magazine street was great to walk around and see more adorable homes, and great vintage shops. Everyone was so nice and I loved that each store we went to had it’s own version of eclectic items. Maybe it was just that section of the neighborhood, but nothing felt too generic.
For a midday coffee we hit up Piety and Desire Chocolate. This place was giving boho meets your grandma’s dining room (or maybe just my grandma because she had the same bowl of plastic fruit on her dining table) and I absolutely loved it. Their coffee was notably good and the chocolates were definitely on par with some gourmet brands. All around great atmosphere and 10/10 staff again.
As if I haven’t already said enough about how amazing the food was on this trip, it continued on with dinner at Meril’s. This restaurant by Emeril Lagasse was named after his daughter and featured a family style menu of multiple types of cuisine. New Orleans classics like gumbo were featured, juxtaposed by poke nachos, and greek salad. The variety seemed like it might not work but once we ordered a group of items to share everything was delicious. I distinctly remember eating at another Lagasse restaurant in Las Vegas and thinking it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. This restaurant falls into that category, and it’s nice to see that Lagasse’s restaurants are continuing to live up to his ongoing culinary legacy.
Last stop of the night was at Bar Marilou another TikTok recommendation. The decor of this place was a funky library lounge with a deep red and animal print color scheme. I loved that it felt like somewhere that might be in New York, but with a little less pretentious crowd. We were hoping for live music but even though the band never showed the staff was attentive and the vibes were pretty good.
Our final full day was full of more sightseeing and I was channeling my inner Daphne from “What a Girl Wants” with my outfit for this day. It was also super windy!
After breakfast we took a self-guided tour of the 1850 House, an antebellum row house. It showed a brief glimpse into the life of the upper-middle class family that used to inhabit the home in the 19th century and the enslaved people forced to work for them.
In the late afternoon we visited Jamnola, an immersive art pop-up showcasing New Orleans artists and their work centered around the city. Jamnola was absolutely worth the entry price and the art showcased was whimsical, thoughtful, and highlighted the spirit of Nola (in my opinion as a tourist).
A variety of mediums were used across the exhibits and it’s always nice to see recycled materials utilized.
Jamnola was located in the Marigny neighborhood and I could not get over all the gorgeous colorful homes lining the streets. Something about the colors and closeness of the facades to the streets is so stark yet inviting as you walk by.
This days afternoon pick me up was had in the form of beignets and hot chocolate from Cafe du Monde. I was really hoping to try Loretta’s beignets on this trip after hearing so many positive reviews, but Cafe du Monde still hit the spot with their famous beignets covered in a mountain of powdered sugar. The sounds of a street performer singing pop hits and all the chatter of the surrounding patrons as we collectively stuffed our faces only elevated the affair. I can’t imagine ever visiting Cafe Du Monde without the cafeteria style noise as the backing track to powdered sugar falling on my lap.
I then took a shot at haggling in the French Market, managing to successfully talk down the price of an onyx panda statue to $25 less than originally asked. The only thing that could reward such a feat of shopaholic prowess was eating some more New Orleans classics at the famous Acme Oyster House.
On the way to the restaurant we ran into a second line for a wedding and the music and joy radiating on the block was magical.
Even though we had to wait in the cold for around 40mins before getting a table the food at Acme Oyster House was incredible and on theme for the high food standards of this trip.
We ended this night with more shopping, this time for snacks and I tried my first Praline and slice of king cake. Sadly pralines aren’t my thing, but king cake definitely is! We tried the classic cinnamon king cake from Mad Batter Bakery in Chalmette Louisiana. Seeing all the Mardi Gras decorations and finally understanding the obsession with king cake I was starting to feel jealous of everyone who gets to celebrate Mardi Gras every year!
This trip was such a dream. Almost every time we stepped outside the sounds of jazz being played filled the streets. The bright colors of homes and the intricacy of the wrought iron fences and balconies were storybook like. The beauty of New Orleans and the kindness of the people who call it home truly makes Nola what it is.
- This was intended to be a quick synopsis, but not only am I longwinded, but I love a rabbit hole related to history, so it actually turned into multiple paragraphs. In my weak attempts at synthesizing new learned information (for me), I read too many Wikipedia pages. I’m obviously aware that more stringent academic sources would be needed to constitute actual comprehensive research. Please note I’m not a historian, just a history nerd 🙂 ↩︎
Isabella Martinez | Lifestyle, Inspiration & More 
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