I’ve lived here and in neighboring cities for a total of 7 years. An amazing place. Doesn’t disappoint. It’s probably the best thing going for the Southern United States. I love the inspiring vibe. I would avoid it for Mardi Gras…if you can’t, go once, and then you will.
My must sees:
Cafe du Monde beignets
Le Garage, awesome vintage/antique store on the Esplanade edge of the quarter
Zotz, 24 hour cafe on Oak
The Spotted Cat, jazz on Frenchman st, esp. friday nights
Mother’s, the best cheap quick Cajun on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras
A ride around New Orleans East, because two years later it still looks like hell
The bookstore in Pirate’s Alley
+ more!