I’m going to be honest for a second: the very first time I visited New Orleans, I didn’t love it. Sounds blasphemous I know but I didn’t. My first visit to New Orleans was pre-Hurricane Katrina and for some reason I just didn’t mesh well with the city. I liked it and trust me, I had a great time but I wasn’t convinced I needed to continuously visit. Lucky for me, I don’t give up that easy so I’ve since gone back several times. I wish I could remember all of the places I’ve visited during the old times of visiting the Big Easy but I don’t. What’s most important is that I’ve documented the most recent visits to finally update my New Orleans city guide.

On this recent trip to New Orleans, John and I went during Mardi Gras. This was my first Mardi Gras visit though John had been before. Even though we had a fantastic time, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting the NO for the first time during Mardi Gras. We met friends there so we had a great time but it can very overwhelming. No matter when you decide to visit New Orleans, one thing is will always ring true: a trip to New Orleans will always bring the most delicious food, interesting people (and stories) and unfortunately for me, frizzy hair; I still can’t manage that little hair problem.

Every time I visit N.O., I always have a list of places I want to try. Even though I try so hard, I never quite get to all of the places because New Orleans is just not a city you can plan everything you do. I hope you find my New Orleans city guide helpful and still allow for a bit of spontaneity during your trip. My Instagram friend/friend in my head, Ryan, also just released a guide to New Orleans. Head over to Brown Sugar and Bourbon to check it out.

New Orleans city guide: where we visited

There’s an abundance of places to visit in New Orleans. During this last trip, we revisited one of my favorite champagne bars, Effervescence. I’m pretty sure anyone I’ve come in contact with since returning from New Orleans, I’ve mentioned this bar to them. I’m obsessed.

New on this last trip was a visit to Compère Lapin. It was so delicious and the service was spectacular. I cannot wait to go back.

There are A LOT of places that have been recommended to me that aren’t included on this guide but I thank you for your recs. I’m sure John and I will head back soon and we can work our way through the list. Enough of me rambling, click the button below to download my New Orleans city guide.