A Guide to New Orleans if you Don’t Want to Drink
New Orleans is known for being a drinking city. It’s a place where you can grab a drink at almost every establishment at any time of day, plus they have open container laws. However, if you don’t like to drink or aren’t a big drinker, like I am, New Orleans can be a tough city to navigate.
I just got back from a trip out there so thought I would share some options on how to enjoy the city while avoiding the drinking chaos.
My first recommendation: go for no more than 2 nights. 3 days, 2 nights is fine, but in my opinion, you would be fine with 2 full days. Of course, it all depends on what you want to see and do, but if you are sticking to the French Quarter area you really don’t need that much time to explore.
I’m not a big itinerary person, I’m more of a “let me create a list of things I want to do, and see, and eat, and I’ll go from there” type of person. So, I’m going to share my favorite spots from the weekend, just not in an itinerary format.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Monteleone: During this most recent trip I stayed at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. It’s a 4-star hotel and was on the pricier end.
Pros: In the French Quarter, walking distance to everything. Pool is amazing, great for cooling off if the weather is hot. Food is also great at all the restaurants. Super comfortable beds!
Cons: Pricey… and in the French Quarter so can get a bit loud. There are two towers, one side has been renovated, the other is not. If you are in the older tower the rooms are a bit dated.
Eliza Jane: This hotel is on the opposite side of Canal Street from the French Quarter. Meaning it’s a little outside the fray. The rooms are newly renovated, and the bar and restaurant are great options. They do not have a pool, which isn’t a must but is a nice to have when it gets hot.
Where to Eat:
Beignets at Cafe du Monde
These options are all OFF Bourbon. Meaning, you don’t have to deal with drunks if you go here. Unfortunately, by nature of the city you cannot avoid some stumblers walking around, but if you avoid Bourbon Street completely you will bypass most of the madness.
Tujague: One of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans, if not the oldest. Over 130 years old and steeped in history. Food was fantastic. A classic Cajun restaurant, so order the shrimp and grits, gumbo, or jambalaya.
Court of Two Sisters: This place has a beautiful outdoor courtyard. It’s another historic building with decent food. It’s definitely not my top spot for food, but I’d honestly just go for the atmosphere. They have a pretty small menu so if you do go, get the gumbo or the shrimp and grits and bananas foster for dessert and just enjoy being outside under the tree in the courtyard.
Justine: Amazing cocktail and dessert spot. It gives off more New York City vibes than New Orleans, but sometimes you want that change of pace.
Atchafalaya: Great brunch spot in the Garden District. A Contemporary Louisiana restaurant with a limited, but very delicious, menu. When I went, they had live music which was a nice touch to the atmosphere.
Cafe du Monde: A must stop for Beignets. Cash only, so plan ahead. There is usually a line, but it moves quickly. It’s a sit-down spot, that also does to-go orders. Be mindful they are trying to get people in and out fast so they will sit you at tables that may not be cleaned. You’ll sit down then someone will come by to remove the dishes and wipe the table down. Just something to remember when you are quickly shown to your table.
Peychauds: Cocktail spot with an outdoor courtyard. It backs up to the Court of Two Sisters. Honestly, sitting in the courtyard made me feel like I was in a different country not right next door to Bourbon Street.
Cochon: Amazing meat selection. I would call this a modern Cajun place with the menu being more meat heavy. Really good food and a little off the beaten path, so more locals than tourists.
Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits: This was recommended to me, but I didn’t get a change to check it out. It’s a bit off the beaten path and more of a relaxed Picinic, charcuterie, wine vibe.
Jacques-Imo’s: Another spot recommended but I wasn’t able to check out. This one was recommended by two locals, so probably worth a visit.
What to Do:
Sight Seeing Along the River Walk
French Market: Daily open-air market. Lots of souvenir type items. Definitely worth checking out, but it won’t take more than an hour to explore.
Eat Beignets: This is a must! The most well-known is Cafe du Monde. But Cafe Beignet’s are pretty good, as were the ones from the restaurant in the Hotel Monteleone, Criollo.
Voodoo Museums: Voodoo is a major component of New Orleans history. There are few shops that you can stop in to learn about the history and pick up a few Knick-knacks. The most popular one being Voodoo Authentica.
The Cabildo: New Orleans history museum and architectural landmark. 10$ admit fee.
The Garden District: Classic wisteria tree lined streets and antebellum style mansions. A great place to walk around to get out of the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. You can either walk from the French Quarter, about an hour walk, or take one of the streetcars to the neighborhood.
Plantation Tour: If you really want to get out of the city you can check out a Plantation tour. There are many in the surrounding areas, some better than others. The one I went to was not the most factual when it came to retelling history, so I would definitely do your research if you wanted to learn about the actual goings on of plantation life vs glossing over the reality of slavery.
Audubon Park: Near the Garden District. Another great place to wander around, especially if you need a break from drinking.
City Park: Beautifyl park, about 20 minutes drive outside the French Quarter. Old weeping willow trees, ponds and lakes you can kayak through. There’s another Cafe du Monde in the middle of the park along with a little train that encircles the park.
Cemetary Tour: I went on the St. Louis Cemetary No. 1 Tour. It was fantastic! Not only did I learn about the history of the cemetery, but also about the history of the city. Depending on when you visit, I would recommend doing an early in the day tour to avoid the heat.
River Walk: A quick walk along the Mississippi river. Fair warning, there’s not a ton to look at, but it is a bit less congested. You can walk a portion of it uninterrupted, but there is a part that is blocked by train tracks. To cross over you have to walk over a bridge. I actually think the second half of the walk, the walk over the tracks, is nicer… probably because it’s less travelled by tourists. But I would say it’s not a must see. Definitely not missing out on anything if you don’t walk it.
Jackson Square: Right in the heart of the French Quarter, honestly you can’t miss it (visually). Definitely not a must do, but you’ll be walking around the area anyway so why not take a breather in the square.
Wander down some alleys: Arguably the best part of New Orleans is how it unfolds itself to you. There are so many shops, restaurants, and cafes it’s hard to take it all in. The best way to appreciate the city is just to wander around. People always say New Orleans is the most European American city. I don’t really see the similarty other than the streets and alleys. In that way, yes, it most definitely is. Keep in mind all the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone so you need to watch where you’re walking but you can stumble (sometimes literally) upon some really cute side streets, alleys and courtyards.
French Quarter History Museum: Right off Royal Street a great stop if you need a break from the French Quarter. It’s a free museum and doesn’t take long to walk through. It is also a great reprieve if you need some AC.
Louis Armstrong Park: Another park near the French Quarter.
Jackson Square
General notes:
As I mentioned, the city's streets and walkways are primarily cobblestone so definitely watch where you are walking. The city does unfold itself meaning; in order to truly appreciate the city, you have to find things for yourself.
It’s a warm climate, so I would avoid going in the summer months. I went at the end of May with temps of high 80 and over 90% humidity. With that in mind, drink a lot of water!
In all honesty, it is a fun city to explore. Especially if you like food. But, in the tradition of being honest, you do not need to spend more than a few days here. Go with an open mind, some walking shoes and ready to eat! There’s also a ton of music, but that is literally everywhere you walk, so have fun and enjoy!
