Once you visit New Orleans, you’ll never forget it. Louisiana’s largest city is one of the last true cultural centers in the United States and is home to some of the best food, music, architecture, and art this country has to offer. Of course, New Orleans is also known as a place to free your mind. However, Big Easy celebrations don’t start and end with Mardi Gras at the end of winter, but instead continue with a jam-packed festival season that includes Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, Essence Festival, and Kickoff. It’s summer in NOLA, and it’s time to head to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, simply known as Jazz Fest. The 2024 event will take place from April 25th to May 5th, and this year’s lineup is one of the most exciting yet, featuring the Rolling Stones, Anderson .Paak, Samara Joy, Jon Batiste, Big・Artists such as Freedia are scheduled to take the stage. At the Fairgrounds Racecourse.
Even if you can’t make it to Jazz Fest, the city’s cultural calendar is busy, so there’s never a bad time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. Harper’s Bazaar highlights our favorite places to eat, drink, dance, and shop in New Orleans. Les les bons temps rulers – let’s have fun!
destination
One of the great things about New Orleans is that there is no shortage of luxury hotels to stay at. My personal favorite is Hotel St. Vincent, which is tucked away in the quiet Lower Garden District and has one of the best pools in the city. It’s a former orphanage converted into a modern home (and also where I happened to get married). Those who want to be close to the action (i.e. the reckless abandon of Bourbon Street) should choose lodging closer to the French Quarter, where Expedia-approved accommodations include the Eliza Jane, the Kimpton, and the newly renovated Four Seasons New Orleans. I can. Not only do we offer first-class hospitality, but we also offer the ultimate convenience of being able to walk out the door and join parties as they pass by. There’s a subtle duality to New Orleans that you’ll notice as you get to know the city better. And part of its beauty is being able to switch between extravagant celebrations and more laid-back, slow-starting Southern mornings.
where to drink
There’s no such thing as a bad drink in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal cocktail or a glass of funky natural wine, you’re sure to find the libation you’re looking for wherever you go. For those looking to spend the day with a bottle and the best charcuterie plate ever, head to Baschanel in the hip town of Bywater. If it’s time for happy hour, Luke’s downtown serves the perfect French 75 (with cognac! NOLA style!) paired with 12 fresh oysters. There’s also Dirty He Peychaud’s or Columns Bar, which serves martinis. Hotel St. Vincent’s Paradise Lounge also makes Italian margaritas and rosemary spritz. The rooftop of the Ace Hotel is the perfect place for a nightcap (they also make some of the best espresso martinis).
where to eat
Don’t tell New York, but for me New Orleans is the best food city in America. On a macro level, this town is known for the obvious contenders (beignets, gumbo, po-boys!), but it’s also full of hidden gems from local chefs aiming to reinvent the way the world views Creole cuisine. there is. Enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine at Acme’s Oyster House or the perfect Southern breakfast at his Elizabeth’s in Bywater (praline bacon: don’t ask, just eat!). ), Chicken and (sweet potato!) waffles, and Cafe Sbisa, which serves sinfully delicious shrimp and grits. For a chef-made sandwich bigger than your head, head to Turkey & the Wolf. For a sumptuous weekend brunch in a dreamy garden, choose Café His Amélie. Satsuma is perfect for vegetarians and those who want to enjoy lighter fare, while Dakar is attracting national attention for its Senegalese-inspired cuisine. Café du Her Monde and her pillow-soft beignets are, of course, non-negotiable.
where to dance
Technically, the party can be held anywhere in New Orleans, but for the sake of brevity, the best place to find live music in the city is somewhere on Frenchman Street. Nightlife staples include DBA New Orleans, Spotted Cat Music Club, Rabbit Hole, and Treme Hideaway.
where can i buy
New Orleans is a city of music lovers and eccentric dressers. Any record fan will find themselves sifting through vintage LPs at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District. Meanwhile, independent boutiques such as Reka, Emily Morrison’s Elysian, and St. Claude’s Social Club offer eclectic pieces perfect for your home or wardrobe. His ByGeorge, located within the Hotel St. Vincent, is perfect for luxury lovers. The mini boutique sells resort wear and accessories from brands such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers and Rabanne.
Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, covering everything from movies, TV, music, and more. When she’s not writing, she can be found compulsively baking cookies, relistening to the same early 2000s pop playlist, or stalking Mariah’s Carey’s Twitter feed. I love it.
