A Micro Guide to New Orleans. Get Jazzed.

New Orleans is a city that everyone needs to see, taste, and hear at least once in your life — if not more. The cobblestone streets of The French Quarter are abuzz with the sound of live jazz music, the smell of fried crawfish po-boys, and the feeling of insurmountable joy as you take it all in. It’s almost like stepping back in time to another place, another era.

And what most people don’t realize about The Big Easy is just how much lies beyond Bourbon Street. And because we love this city so much, a micro travel guide to the city was a no brainer. From po-boys in The Garden District to orange wine in a backyard, here are our top 5 can’t-miss spots in NOLA.

Bacchanal Wine

Bacchanal calls itself Nola’s backyard party, and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. The unassuming house sits on the edge of the Bywater neighborhood, a vibrant part of town known for it’s eclectic art scene and laid back nightlife. Once you walk in the front door of Bacchanal, you’re immediately greeted by wall-to-wall bottles of wine. Pro Tip: Send half of your party out back to secure a table in the backyard, while the other half hand-selects your vino of choice. And if you love charcuterie like we do, then head on over to the refrigerator brimming with meats and cheeses. Pay at the cash register, grab an ice bucket, find your pals, and prepare for a delightful night of live jazz and good vibes.

Hotel Peter and Paul

The words cozy and grand don’t typically go together, but Hotel Peter and Paul is a rare example of when they do. Located in a former 19th-century Catholic church, school house, convent, AND rectory, this marvel of a hotel is a interior design-lovers paradise.

It only makes sense that the space was brought to life by Ash NYC. From gingham drapes and sconces in the parlor to the ornate marble fireplaces, there’s so much drama and warmth in every corner of the space. And when we tell you a martini at Elysian Bar is essential, we mean it. It’s run by the same team from Bacchanal afterall.

Jacques-Imos 

Jacques-Imos is a destination. Located 20-minutes west of the more commonly-frequented areas in New Orleans, this quirky restaurant is a mainstay in our NOLA itinerary. The space itself is sensory overload — in the absolute best way possible. Abstract murals adorn the walls (and ceilings), each table is draped in a comical plastic table cloth circa 1998, and the ambiance is that of your cool aunt's house on a Sunday night. No matter if you’ve been here once or are visiting for the 100th time, everyone is a regular here. Everyone is a friend. And the crab-stuffed catfish deserves its own Michelin star. Pro Tip: Come for a birthday or special occasion and ask to be seated in the main house.

Parasol’s 

If you’re like us, then an unpretentious dive bar is an absolutely must-visit on any trip. Parasol’s is just that. Located off Magazine Street, the local haunt has a back-of-house kitchen where you can order Cajun favorites and nestle in at the bar top.

Everytime we visit NOLA, we find ourselves here sipping a beer or no-frills mixed drink and chowing down on a po-boy. The perfect ratio of fresh french bread, piles of lettuce and mayo, and the fried shrimp is unmatched. 

Willa Mae’s

When visiting the south, it goes without saying that you have to indulge in fried chicken when and wherever you can. And the best place to do that is Willa Mae’s Scotch House.

The family-owned restaurant opened in 1957 and has since been serving up Louisiana and Mississippi cuisine ever since. The small-but-mighty menu features classics like fried chicken (duh), candied yams, fried okra, cornbread muffins, and bread pudding. We like to wash it down with a big cup of sweet tea. And if our review isn't enough, In 2005, Ms. Willie Mae Seaton was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.

Disclosure: Willa Mae’s is temporarily closed. When it reopens, there will more than likely be a long line/wait time so come prepared with a deck of cards.