Other notable things to do in 48 hours in New Orleans are the Royal Street Art Galleries, Audubon Park, Art Warehouse, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Museum of Death, the Pharmacy Museum and Mardi Gras World. Early wake up service, yes, but with just 48 hours in New Orleans, you'll make the most of your time here. Head to the Café du Monde, established in 1862 and a New Orleans tradition. As soon as you take your first bite of beignet, you'll understand why it's your first stop of the day.
Avoid crowds with an early visit and remember to bring cash, credit cards are not allowed. Treat yourself to an extra order and get a latte to go with it. Prepare your napkins, as these French donuts are dipped in powdered sugar. With a belly full of authentic New Orleans cuisine, it's time to fill your heart with authentic New Orleans jazz.
Here are a couple of recommendations for the best budget and luxury lodging options in New Orleans. The Brennan's French Quarter restaurant, an old New Orleans dining tradition steeped in Old World elegance, originated in 1946. Whether you're a Louisiana native or just love going to the infamous “Bayou” for exquisite Cajun and Creole cuisine, there's something truly magical about the city of New Orleans. Hear the buzz of jazz masters as you lean against the wall and prepare to immerse yourself in this New Orleans tradition. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted at night, but it embodies everything you love about New Orleans with a myriad of live music options, vibrant bars offering iconic NOLA drinks, and street performers who always offer something unique.
After the night, head to the Riverbend neighborhood, grab a daiquiri (takeaway, of course) from New Orleans Original Daiquiris, and consider having casual dining on Maple Street, a popular destination for college students and twentysomethings, or at one of the many highest-rated restaurants near or along Carrollton Avenue, such as Boucherie or Jacques-Imo's. starting in 1821, Audubon Park is a sprawling park that spans nearly 350 acres. We recommend one of them all, but if you really have to choose, there's nothing that represents New Orleans better than a Po'Boy. Bananas played a fundamental role in the New Orleans industry, as the port was an important transportation stop from Central and South America.
Whether you want to stay close to the French Quarter, the iconic Bourbon Street, or perhaps further afield, close to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome or the Garden District, New Orleans is undoubtedly home to a collection of unique hotel options to suit all budgets. In a city full of incredible brunch options, it can be hard to choose the best place to have lunch in New Orleans. The natives of New Orleans have developed an affinity for the strange, terrifying and unusual, so it should come as no surprise that there are a lot of interesting haunted or voodoo walking tours. Perhaps the iconic Commander's Palace, a restaurant that has been in operation since 1893, is the place of choice for lunch, or perhaps you prefer to return to downtown New Orleans to enjoy a late brunch and sample the best beignets in town at the Café du Monde.
New Orleans has LOTS of ghost stories that go back to the founding of this historic city, and some of them will truly leave you speechless. A modern but discreet place to enjoy the best of New Orleans without going crazy is Bacchanal Wine and Spirits, in the Bywater neighborhood.
