Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi, and leading right into the mouth of the Gulf is the city of New Orleans. One of the largest cities in the state of Louisiana, New Orleans remains a popular and whimsical destination for travelers. Known for its 24/7 nightlife, vibrant music and succulent cuisine, this city is a melting pot of French, African and American cultures.

Nicknamed “The Big Easy”, the city of New Orleans has so much for tourists to see and do while visiting. Ghost tours, voodoo shops, city sightseeing, trolleys, river boats, the French Quarter, the Garden District, the bayou, and on and on. So let’s get planning!

Photo courtesy | Christian Senger

Picking a place to stay when taking a trip to New Orleans can reflect so much about the vacation you’d like to have. The city has no shortage of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and such, so be sure to check out the variety. Popular choices among visitors can range from upscale hotels like the Hotel St. Marie, to historic charming B&Bs. With seven districts to sort through, picking the right place to stay can get a bit hectic.

While modern, sleek hotels that find themselves in the central downtown area or blocks from the French Quarter can be nice, to really immerse yourself in the city of New Orleans, some of the B&Bs offer a great alternative. The Melrose Mansion sits right in the middle of the French Quarter with direct access to Bourbon Street and the Riverwalk Marketplace. A 1884, restored Victorian Mansion, the property provides twenty-one guestrooms and suites with all the modern amenities that travelers expect in one romantic setting.

Other wonderful establishments include Chimes Bed and Breakfast, situated in the uptown Garden District. This little piece of character has been around since 1986 and rests between the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line and Magazine Street. Let the inspiration flow and find yourself staying in one of five rooms, alongside writers, artists and chefs alike looking to aboard the unique New Orleans experience.

One last B&B to check out is the Parisian Courtyard Inn in the lower Garden District and just a short walk from the center of the city. This romantic inn offers ten rooms to choose from that allow guests to fall back into time and live in historic New Orleans.

Don’t forget the food! Café Du Monde is a local and tourists best way to start off the day. Established in 1862, this traditional coffee shop and cafe offers the must-have essentials for a New Orleans breakfast. Also on the menu are coffee, Chicory, and other pastries and beverages for a sit-down or on the go meal.

For dinner on the other hand, there are plenty of wonderful places to choose from that it all comes down to what type of New Orleans cuisine you want to try first. The best of the best for French Creole style dining is the Commander’s Palace, a landmark painted in its iconic blue. Voted Best Restaurant in the city, the place is upscale but it’s been around since the 1880s. With world-class chefs cooking for you while you enjoy the tree-line streets of the garden district the establishment serves brunch and dinner with a rotating menu serving anything from seafood dishes to filets, or decadent risotto.

Photo courtesy | Jason Mrachina

Speaking of seafood, how about trying Casamento’s? For 90 years Casamento’s has made a tradition of blending Italian tradition with the flair of Louisiana seafood. Oysters are a must, or the gumbo, either way it’s a win-win.

In the end though, what’s a trip to New Orleans without experiencing its colorful nightlife. Locals have their favorites and they vary from star-studded clubs to live music clubs. For the music lover try Preservation Hall, a traditional jazz institution in the French Quarter. Or if you want to go all out, try Pat O’ Brien’s, considered the most famous Bourbon Street bar and serves the Hurricane (the city’s most famous party drink). On the other hand, if you’re looking to party then you can’t go wrong with Jax Brewery Bistro Bar or Republic New Orleans. Both boast VIP access and experiences with great atmospheres.