WINNING TIP: Stroll among the cypress swamps
Eschew the organised swamp tours and go it alone. The Barataria Preserve is just 30 minutes south of New Orleans and admission is free. There are ranger-guided walks, or you can pick up a trail map at the visitors’ centre (Wednesday to Sunday 9.30am-4.30pm) and explore the eerie cypress swamps and lazy bayous. The friendly staff will advise you where to go to spot turtles, snakes, alligators, rare birds and insects. There are shady picnic tables near each car park, but no food outlets, so bring supplies.
hhans208
Tipitina’s
Head uptown to this New Orleans institution on Napoleon Avenue, immortalised in the song by Professor Longhair. This is where you’ll find Nola greats like the The Neville Brothers and the Rebirth Brass Band playing. One of the best, if not the best gig I’ve ever been to was here, with the warmth, character, musicianship and atmosphere combining in a truly memorable night. A wonderful place.
tipitinas.com.
unguarded
Jogging tour
This guided tour was booked on my behalf as means to shake off a long day’s travelling. As somebody who can barely run the length of myself, I was dreading the prospect but it was nothing to be afraid of. The knowledgable guides keep to your pace, while pointing out areas of historic and cultural note and the fact I’d exercised for 90 minutes meant I didn’t feel as guilty that evening when tucking into wonderful food at places recommended earlier on the tour.
10km tours cost $30, neworleansjoggingtours.com
Dave T
Candlelight Lounge
We went to The Candlelight Lounge on our last night in Nola to see the Treme Brass Band. We’d read reviews saying you are coerced into dancing, which for two shy, reserved Brits sounded like hell but we did really want to see the band. It was a fantastic night. The hospitality from Gladys, who runs the place, was immense. She did coerce us into dancing and it was brilliant fun. The band is incredible, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly.
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roxanne12345
Stay at the Jazz Quarters
The Jazz Quarters are renovated early 19th-century Creole cottages set round a lovely courtyard. They are really well located – just across Ramparts Street in Tremé – a relatively quiet area, safe and secure and yet close to the French Quarter. Very different from a standard city centre hotel.
Rooms from $149, two-night minimum, jazzquarters.com
buryboy
BJ’s Lounge
This hidden gem of a bar in the Bywater is my personal favourite place to chill out in New Orleans. It’s a bit spit and sawdust, a dive even, but man the atmosphere is brilliant. They have loads of local live bands, and the bar is cash-only.
thirstyk007
The National WWII Museum
An amazing journey through the greatest story ever told. Powerful, emotional, and inspiring. I recommend this wonderful experience to every visitor coming to New Orleans.
Adult $24, child $14.50, nationalww2museum.org
Ross Barron
The French Market
Take the Riverfront streetcar to the centuries-old French Market and spend the morning browsing while your senses delight in the sights, sounds and smells of this New Orleans landmark. Sample local produce, chat to stallholders and treat yourself to a few bottles of Louisiana hot sauce before adjourning to the Original French Market Restaurant for lunch. Relax outside on the elegant roof terrace while dining on delicious seafood gumbo and Cajun jambalaya with a chilled bottle of chardonnay.
doctorstats
Learn to cook the Cajun way
Eaten in a few of New Orleans’s best-known restaurants? What about learning to cook some of the region’s most famous dishes? Make your way down Canal Street to the French Quarter and head to the New Orleans School of Cooking for a three-hour masterclass. You will learn how to prepare Louisiana classics such as gumbo, jambalaya and pralines. Sessions are as entertaining as they are informative, and a great way to learn about New Orleans food traditions and pick up some local history and anecdotes.
neworleansschoolofcooking.com
Marie Peyre
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