Hidden Nola 2023

FRENCH QUARTER

T he most recognizable area in the city, the action-packed French Quarter, consists of centuries-old French and Spanish architecture with charming hidden brick courtyards, iron balconies, and Creole cottages. There is never a shortage of things to see or do, day or night. The French Market, Jackson Square, and Canal Place draw shoppers along Decatur Street, just steps from the Mississippi River. Royal Street is world-renowned for its art, jewelry, and antique stores, and foodies will find fine dining restaurants and bars across the neighborhood. Artists, street performers, and musicians are fixtures in the French Quarter, as is Bourbon Street’s all night-party atmosphere. And a very established LGBTQ+ scene in the lower French Quarter welcomes everyone.

Good Friends Bar Photo by Sophia Germer

Eat + Drink

Shop | Play | Visit

Galatoire’s , an internationally-renowned restaurant and French Quarter staple, always draws a well-dressed, yet rowdy crowd. Classic New Orleans fare and fresh seafood can be found at Red Fish Grill and the charbroiled oysters at Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar can’t be beat. Brennan’s has been a fine dining destination since 1946 with tableside flaming Bananas Foster and jazz brunch. For more casual Creole fare, two Maspero locations serve up classic New Orleans dishes and Port of Call is a favorite for burgers with a side of a piled high baked potato late into the night. For a true New Orleans experience, stop by Verti Mart grocery store for a muffuletta sandwich to go. Bars with an amazing lineup of live music include Balcony Music Club, Fritzel’s Jazz Bar, and Maison on Bourbon . Storied bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, Erin Rose, Good Friends, and Molly’s on the Market, with its signature frozen Irish coffee, are definitely worth a visit. Known for its iconic Hurricanes and dueling pianos, Pat O’Brien’s is always a lively time.

Art enthusiasts can’t miss the world-renowned galleries and shops along Royal Street, including M.S. Rau, which deals high-end art, antiques, and jewelry; and George Rodrigue Studio , the namesake gallery of the New Orleans artist who famously painted his Blue Dog Series. Photography lovers should pop by the gallery of Frank Relle , who captures Louisiana swamps at night with creative illumination. Learn more about New Orleans history at The Historic New Orleans Collection or the Sazerac House which offers background into New Orleans’ famed cocktail. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum , inside a building on the National Register of Historic Places, delves into the history of health care and healing tonics in the city. For unique shopping, Glitter Box is a hyper local shop with accessories made by New Orleans artists. The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection offers a curated selection of custom, exclusive, and local products. Fifi Mahony’s is a funky shop with a wide range of wigs, custom designs, makeup, and costume accessories. For New Orleans voodoo dolls and many other items blessed by the spirits, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo is sure to please.

Sleep

Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street has a unique feature: a revolving Carousel Bar that takes patrons for a slow and controlled spin. The Royal Sonesta is located on Bourbon Street with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. Cool off at Maison Dupuy , a boutique hotel, with one of the largest pools in the French Quarter.

HIDDEN NOLA

14