Whether you're celebrating something special or are looking for a way to treat yourself, New Orleans has endless possibilities. From spa treatments to luxurious restaurants, here are a few places to splurge.
Start your day with New Orleans-style brunch. Brennan’s is a New Orleans icon that celebrates traditions like Mardi Gras through its décor and has an old New Orleans feel with velvet seats and white tablecloths. Order their Eggs Hussarde–a Brennan’s original–with a round of Brandy Milk Punch for the ultimate Brennan’s breakfast.
Venture over to Royal Street to shop for antiques and art. Keil’s Antiques or M.S. Rau are great for rare antique pieces and estate jewelry, while Rodrigue Studio and Frank Relle Photography offer modern art.
Visit Tijon in the French Quarter for a custom perfume-making experience. Each guest receives a lab coat, workbook, and detailed instructions, then chooses from over 300 oils making three perfumes and bottling and naming the one they like best. The most difficult task is naming your perfume.
Known for its nightlife, the French Quarter has an abundance of hot spots to get a drink. Champagne lovers can relax at Effervescence, or the French 75 Bar, while jazz enthusiasts will love the Carousel Bar or the Davenport Lounge. sip craft cocktails and caviar in a beautifully renovated Creole cottage at Jewel of the South, the award-winning "upscale tavern" from legendary mixologist Chris Hannah.
Julia Street is a must for art collectors or art lovers. Gallery Row offers a collection of art galleries with local and emerging artists. Shop for paintings, sculptures and photography to add that New Orleans touch to your home in the premier arts district of the city. For high-end clothes, head over to Rubenstein’s or Canal Place. For something sparkly, Adler’s is the premier jewelry shop in the city.
Many award-winning restaurants are located in this popular area. Restaurant August, Emeril’s, and Herbsaint offer upscale dishes and have extensive wine lists. Visit the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans to dine at Miss River, Chemin à la Mer, and the Chandelier Bar.
Whiskey drinks have found their match at the Sazerac Bar, while those looking for something more laid back may enjoy the Polo Club Lounge. For live music, check out Jeremy Davenport at the Davenport Lounge. In the mood for something romantic? The sultry red walls and sophisticated-yet-sexy library aesthetic of Bar Métier is the perfect stop for a pre-or post-dinner drink.
Start your day with milk punch and live jazz at Commander’s Palace, where you can dine like royalty in their exclusive wine room. Or if you’re looking for something a little more casual that still feels sophisticated, you can opt for nearby Atchafalaya.
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that Uptown is where to find some of the best boutique shopping in the city. Magazine Street has a collection of clothing stores, art galleries, home goods, and high-end furniture finds. Some favorites include Alex Beard Studio, Sunday Shop, Mac Maison, Villa Vici, Leontine Linens, Pilot/Powell, and SoSusu.
Admire the beautiful architecture throughout the Garden District and Uptown area by taking a walking tour. Two great options are New Orleans Architecture Tours and Tours by Judy.
You can’t go wrong at local favorites such as Clancy’s, Brigtsen’s, or Gautreau’s, each of which are nestled within the Uptown neighborhood off the beaten path. Or you can always try Magazine Street staples like the James Beard Award-winning La Petite Grocery or Coquette. Dakar NOLA offers one seating per night for their multi-course Senegalese dining experience.
This neighborhood has several cozy spots to grab a drink. Whether it’s date night or a night out with friends you can’t go wrong with the James Beard Award-winning Cure or Bouligny Tavern. Both the Chapel Bar and Paradise at the Hotel Saint Vincent also provide exceptionally lush backdrops for sipping signature cocktails. If the weather is nice, enjoy wine on the patio at Delachaise, or craft cocktails on either the rooftop veranda at Hot Tin or the grandiose front porch of The Columns Hotel Bar.
Traveling can be exhausting, but New Orleans has several spas to get some R&R. The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers a wide array of treatments, including the "Southern Gentlemen," a therapeutic massage inspired by New Orleans' most famous cocktail, the Sazerac. The Ritz Carlton Spa, Spa at the Windsor Court, and Waldorf Astoria Spa are also great escapes in the downtown and French Quarter area. If you need a break from Magazine Street shopping, book an appointment at Earthsavers.
Head over to City Park and explore NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden for inspiring exhibits and beautiful gardens.
For history buffs, the National WWII Museum is a must. It was voted #2 best museum in the world and offers various unique experiences. The Behind the Lines VIP tour gets you a behind-the-scenes view of the museum and access to some of the most exclusive artifacts.
New Orleans is full of festivals year-round, and many offer VIP experiences. The Jazz and Heritage Festival offers exclusive packages for those wanting a more luxurious experience. Foodies will also love the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and Tales of the Cocktail.
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