Our recs (and endorsement) for a trip to
New Orleans
New Orleans is one of those cities that stays with you long after you've left.
With roots that pre-date the Declaration of Independence, the city's rich history can be felt to this day. Once ruled by the Spanish, then the French, and finally folded into the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans wears its layers proudly. Its blend of European and African influences shaped a culture and cuisine unlike any other.
For Spruce co-founder Kyle, the connection is personal — he got married in New Orleans and experienced firsthand the city’s warm hospitality and its come-one, come-all spirit.
Spread across distinct neighborhoods that make the city feel larger than it is, there’s more to eat, drink, and explore than you could ever fit into a weekend.
So with a sweeping caveat that this is by no means authoritative or exhaustive, here are some highlights to help shape a long weekend getaway, and a gentle nudge to move it to the top of your travel hit list (and not just for Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest—though by all means do go for those too).
STAY
Hotel Peter and Paul: Set in a restored 19th-century church and schoolhouse in the leafy Marigny neighborhood, this hotel marries historic charm with Southern hospitality, creating a quintessential NOLA vibe. The Elysian Bar, serving delicious cocktails and a full menu in a warm, aesthetic space, is worthy of a visit even if staying offsite.
Maison Métier: Located in the Warehouse District (15 minutes walk from the French Quarter), the Maison Métier blends Southern charm with Parisian flair in an intimate, boutique setting. Its beautifully decorated, and hosts one of the city's trendiest cocktail bars with priority access for hotel guests.
Windsor Court: Located near the French Quarter, the Windsor Court brings a little bit of England to Nola, complete with a celebrated afternoon tea, Polo Bar-esque cocktail lounge, a rooftop pool, and panoramic city views. The best part of the stay is the incredibly warm and attentive staff, making you feel right at home from the minute you arrive.
Henry Howard Hotel: Situated in the Garden District, this 1860s Greek Revival townhouse turned boutique hotel offers Southern comfort with subtle design quirk. Featuring a quaint courtyard and bar in the ground floor parlor, there are few better places to soak in the Nola vibes with a cocktail in hand.
DO
Explore City Park: One-and-half times the size of New York's Central Park, City Park is a verdant oasis about 15 minutes ride from the French Quarter. The park has something for everybody to enjoy, including the Botanical Gardens, a statue garden, two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, playing fields, forests, and walking paths that meander along and over ponds and streams. Plus, there's an outpost of Cafe du Monde when it's time to rest and refuel.
Take in live music on Frenchman Street: While less famous than Bourbon Street, the three block stretch of Frenchman Street in the Marigny is packed with live music venues. Come in the evening, grab a beverage, and wander on into whichever venue calls out to you.
World War II Museum: a history lover's dream, the museum is a sprawling, immersive experience, including several pavilions with aircraft, artifacts, and movies and mementos sharing powerful personal accounts. Highly recommended, if time allows - you can easily spend most of the day here (or more).
Stroll Magazine Street: Magazine Street stretches for six miles from the French Quarter through the Garden District and Uptown on to its end in Audubon Park. Lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and cottages, it has unmistakable Nola charm and makes for a great stroll.
Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Audubon Park: While you can make your way just about anywhere in an Uber, we recommend hopping on the St. Charles Streetcar at least once to take in the beauty of the city the old-fashioned way. Running along the Garden District, St. Charles Avenue is lined with seriously impressive historic mansions shrouded by towering trees and greenery. Take it all the way to the end of the line to Audubon Park, another large park which includes the New Orleans Zoo (and another 18-hole golf course).
EAT (CASUAL)
Cafe du Monde: A Nola institution since 1862, serving chicory coffee and beignets straight from the fryer blasted with powdered sugar. The original is located right on Jackson Square in the French Quarter (open until 11pm) with additional outposts throughout the city. Touristy, yes, but iconic for a reason and a must-hit in our eyes.
Turkey and the Wolf: A nationally acclaimed sandwich shop in the relaxed Irish Channel neighborhood known for its inventive take on comfort food. There can be a line during lunch hour, so come prepared (and hungry).
EAT (SIT DOWN)
Brennan's: A French Quarter institution serving up creole classics. Famous for its pink facade and Banana's Foster, and less so for also hosting Kyle's (Spruce co-founder) wedding reception. Whether its brunch, lunch, or dinner, you won't be disappointed.
Commander's Palace: A Garden District landmark since 1893, featuring refined Creole cuisine, lively jazz brunches, and white-tablecloth hospitality in a charming mansion dating back to the Victorian era.
N7 Restaurant: Technically located in the Bywater neighborhood, this indoor-outdoor garden oasis could just as well be in Provence. Featuring an expertly curated natural wine program and Mediterranean-leaning fusion cuisine that left us blown away with every dish. Word is out, so make sure to make reservations well in advance.
Saba: Located on Magazine Street in Uptown, this relative newcomer serves delicious wood-fired Middle Eastern classics in a warm and buzzy space. Ideally come with a crowd and share as many plates as you can. And don't skip the fresh, fluffy homemade pita bread and delicious dips.
DRINK
The Tell Me Bar: If you arrive in an Uber, you might begin to wonder if you're driver got lost as you make your way down quiet streets of the Lower Garden district and pull up next to an interstate overpass. But walk inside and you are immediately transported into (your very cool) friend's loft, replete with vintage furniture, art, cozy nooks plus a sizable patio with seating. A rotating list of natural wines + lite bites, friendly service, and great vibes all around.
Bar Métier: Within Maison Métier hotel, this swanky cocktail bar is one of the city's trendiest. It can be tricky to get in, so be sure to plan ahead.
Bacchanal: This Bywater favorite combines a wine shop, natural wine bar and large outdoor garden with live music. A great place to pass a few hours on a nice weekend afternoon.
Gold Mine Saloon: For the more rowdy-night-out end of the spectrum, this bar one block off Bourbon Street is spread over two stories in a historic French Quarter building, with a large bar and live music on the ground floor, and another bar upstairs that opens onto a large balcony overlooking Dauphine Street below.
