by Jay

New Orleans Fall Highlights

Fall in New Orleans means the end of heat-induced hibernation and switching gears to enjoy the upcoming months of moderate weather, a calendar full of foodie-haven and music festivals, a unique take on Halloween, plus several parades and many other fun activities.

With the summer lull over, this is a great time to visit Crescent City. Here are a few highlights, to give you an idea of just how much is going on in New Orleans in the fall.

SEPTEMBER

Southern Decadence

August 31 – September 4, 2024

Traditionally held over the Labor Day weekend, this popular festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world. The festival’s annual hub, Bourbon Pub Parade, will be open as late as 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Just like in previous years, it serves as an epicenter of the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free show/block party happening on Saturday, and the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday.

NOLAXNOLA

September 26-October 6, 2024

So, what is NOLAxNOLA exactly? Pronounced “NOLA by NOLA,” it’s a celebration of New Orleans music, venues and artists. In 2021, a coalition of New Orleans artists, venues and cultural leaders banded together to support one another and keep the music community and culture bearers strong in those difficult times.

The event featured a huge and impressive case of New Orleans artists and was a success, so it came back in 2022 with even more shows and more venues participating. Supposed to be even bigger this year, NOLAXNOLA is not to be missed. For this year’s artist roster and participating venues list, check out the event’s website.

NOLA Coffee Festival

September 27-28, 2024

This annual festival-slash-trade show celebrates all things coffee. NOLA Coffee Festival celebrates the joy of coffee products and the many people who serve this industry from farmers to distributors to roasters to shop owners and baristas. Although the event is a two-day one, consumer day is on Saturday, September 28. That’s when you can sample the products, attend classes on home brewing, and more. Held at the Convention Center.

OCTOBER

Art for Art’s Sake

October 5, 2024

The always well-attended Art for Art’s Sake is an opportunity to browse the shops and galleries along the commercial stretch of Magazine Street. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and beverage sampling.

National Fried Chicken Festival

October 5-6, 2024  

The two-day fest features four outdoor stages and 40+ well-known fried chicken vendors coming from all over the region to represent different cooking styles of this classic Southern dish. General admission tickets start as low as $5 with upgraded options starting at $39 for the unlimited Beer Garden and $79 for the VIP lounges. The fest is held at the Lakefront.

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival

October 11-13, 2024

This free fest happens every year in the CBD, in Lafayette Square. Join the fun for two stages of music, a dozen of the best barbecue vendors in the region, and a large art market.

Oktoberfest

October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2024

New Orleans throws its version of Oktoberfest over three Fridays and Saturdays in October at Deutsches Haus in Mid-City, to celebrate the city’s rich German history with all the usual trappings, including authentic food and live music.

New Orleans Film Festival

October 16-22, 2024

The New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running festival of its kind in the state (35 years in 2024). The festival has grown to the point of attracting thousands of attendees and industry insiders, plus more than 400 filmmakers and over 200 films annually.

It’s one of the few film festivals in the nation that showcases Oscar-qualifying films drawn from all three Academy-accredited categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. Venues include Broad, Orpheum and Prytania theaters, and the festival’s hub, the Contemporary Arts Center.

NOLA FUNK FEST

October 18-20, 2024

Held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, this three-day fest will feature the city and nation’s best funk acts on two stages, plus exhibitions and talks. Get your tickets here.

Krewe of Boo

October 19, 2024

This lively affair became the “official Halloween Parade” in New Orleans in 2007, and has been going strong since, only growing in popularity. The parade is brought to you by Kern Studios, so expect the usual 3-D fiberglass and papier-mâché extravaganza, plus all of your favorite spooky characters.

All the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest kids. Parade-goers are encouraged to come in costume. Expect plush toys, candy and unique, eco-conscious throws. The parade starts in the Marigny and goes to the French Quarter.

Top Taco

October 24, 2024

At Top Taco, festival-goers sample unlimited taco tastes and signature cocktails from some of the best restaurants in New Orleans, voting for their favorites to crown four categories of awards: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Cocktail. The fest is held in Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Expect three stages of music, mezcal tastings, and a tequila lounge. You can get tickets here.

Tremé Fall Festival

October 26, 2024

This local fave throws a serious party in the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé, and Gov. Nicholls Streets in one the nation’s first African American neighborhoods during the first weekend of October, just as the weather is getting nice.

Most of the action is centered in front of the historic St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Expect entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty, a second line, and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries. The festival is donation-based.

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

October 27, 2024

There’s a po-boy for every budget and palate in New Orleans, and at this festival dedicated to the beloved New Orleans staple you can sample over 50 varieties. Dozens of vendors also compete in several “Best of” categories.

Halloween

The second half of October; October 31, 2024

New Orleans puts its own spin on the Halloween fun with a slew of balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street. The city knows how to do Halloween in a family-friendly style too. We are thankful for the variety, and hope you’ll find plenty of entertainment in the two weeks leading up to the holiday as well as on the day of Halloween itself.

NOVEMBER

Bayou Bacchanal

November 1-2, 2024

This two-day fest will be held in Armstrong’s Park Congo Square and will celebrate the city’s Caribbean heritage, Carnival-style.

Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival

November 9-10, 2024

The annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up the perfect trifecta of gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, returning to celebrate over a decade of existence at Louis Armstrong Park. A few years ago this festival was merged with another popular local event, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, adding more music, and featuring two art markets and two food courts.

LUNA Fête

Thursday-Sunday, November 14-17, 2024

LUNA Fête light show will illuminate Lafayette Square and will spread to Piazza d’Italia, located downtown. The annual large-scale light and sound installations are breathtaking, and the fest is free and family-friendly.

Beignet Festival

November 16, 2024

This annual extravaganza returned in 2022 and is held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The free, daylong party gives you an opportunity to sample dozens of renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese.

There are usually vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards are given in four “Best of” categories. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!

Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course

November 28, 2024

Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the track on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m., and the racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse.

Bayou Classic

November 28-30, 2024

Each November the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans over the Thanksgiving weekend to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries.

Over the years, this has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans. The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, the battle of the bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome.

Celebration in the Oaks

November 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025

This beloved New Orleans tradition is celebrating over three decades of existence, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.

The Bombay Club, located inside the Prince Conti Hotel.

Looking for Hotels in New Orleans? Choose the Prince Conti Hotel

When it comes to hotels in New Orleans, location is key. The Prince Conti Hotel is located just blocks from the New Orleans Jazz Museum, where Satchmo SummerFest will be taking place this coming August.

You don’t even have to venture far to listen to live New Orleans music when you stay at the Prince Conti Hotel. The hotel’s own restaurant, The Bombay Club, features live music every night.

The Prince Conti Hotel is also a quick walk to Frenchmen Street, where you will find tons of local bars and restaurants playing live music for all to enjoy.

The hotel is also located near the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, which can take you to New Orleans’ Uptown to visit famous places for music like Tipitina’s and Le Bon Temps Roule.

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans this summer, be sure to check out the city’s unique music scene and book your reservation at one of the best hotels in New Orleans with great low room rates, the Prince Conti Hotel!

by Jay

Shopping for Women Near the Prince Conti French Quarter Hotel

Photo courtesy of Hemline on Facebook

Shopping in New Orleans gives visitors another way to experience the city’s vibrancy. Clothing in the French Quarter runs the gamut of styles and this list of some of the area’s best women’s clothing shops reflects that. Whether you’re looking for vintage or contemporary, formal or casual, there’s something for everyone in the French Quarter.

Dirty Coast 

713 Royal Street

Dirty Coast offers casual New Orleans-themed clothing and gifts for women and men. Their French Quarter location opened in 2016 “at the corner of Pirates Alley and Touchdown Jesus” (their description). Since 2002, the company has printed more than 250 local designs for t-shirts and posters that proclaim their love for New Orleans.

Co-founder and designer Blake Haney was in Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina and created the company’s first design, a bumper sticker that said “Be a New Orleanian, Wherever You Are” and stuck 5,000 of them all over the city as soon as he could move back. Write-ups in the Times-Picayune and The New York Times followed. The company now has devotees around the globe — locals and visitors  — who want to celebrate how much they love New Orleans.

Dollz & Dames

216 Decatur Street

A colorful boutique offering everything you’ll need for one-stop shopping for a glam evening out or a stylish, retro-inspired daytime outfit. Retro-chic polka dot halter dresses, boleros, rompers, kimonos, Irregular Choice heels (when you know, you know) — it’s all there.

Dollz & Dames is a treasure trove of accessories too, from funky-glam clutches to bold jewelry to embellished sunglasses. Don’t stop there though, especially if you’re shopping for a gift. There are fragrances plus bath products, candles — the list goes on.

Fifi Mahony’s

934 Royal Street

Fifi Mahony’s has been wigging Mardi Gras krewes, the burlesque community, performance artists, fashion shoots and shows, and us mortals who just need a fresh wig for Mardi Gras Day, since 1997. A second location, with a beauty parlor, opened in Bywater (3212 Dauphine Street) recently.

A true New Orleans original, Fifi’s will make a glam queen out of you in one afternoon with its vast collection of makeup, glitzy accessories, sunglasses, and, of course, wigs. Oh, the wigs. Do you wanna be a “Marylin” or “Antoinette”? Done, and done. Any style, length, or color you have in mind, Fifi’s will have it. Custom wigs run for around $200, but you can snag a wig for as low as $40, too. Beware, come Halloween or Mardi Gras, the line is out of the door, so prep accordingly.

Hemline

609 Chartres Street

Hemline is an elegant boutique with two locations in New Orleans. Their flagship store is located in the French Quarter and sells contemporary designers like Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Amanda Uprichard, and Dolce Vita, among many others. Brigette Holthausen moved to New Orleans from Brazil at age 16 and started the business selling backpacks, sandals, and jewelry at the French Market, opening her shop on Chartres several years later.

Lost and Found

323 Chartres Street

A quirky boutique with women’s fashions in a wide size range, whimsical accessories, and unique gifts. It’s a gem of a place if you have your eye on a swing dress or a unique accessory to go with it.

Trashy Diva

Trashy Diva Clothing Boutique (537 Royal Street)

Trashy Diva Lingerie (712 Royal Street)

Trashy Diva started in 1996 as a traditional vintage clothing store and has expanded into five shops across New Orleans carrying vintage-inspired clothing and lingerie with contemporary touches. There are two locations on Royal Street: a lingerie shop near the cathedral and a clothing boutique two blocks up.

Trashy Diva’s lingerie shop offers custom-fitted corsets and boudoir glam, essential to the city’s burlesque community, as well as myriad other lacy undergarments. Many styles in the clothing boutique pay homage to the 1940s and 50s; bold Asian-inspired prints and elegant florals decorate day dresses while evening options include velvet, bias-cut gowns like something Audrey Hepburn might wear to Tiffany’s.

UAL (United Apparel Liquidators)

518 Chartres Street

UAL focuses on deeply discounted designer fashion. The inventory changes almost daily and the wide variety of merchandise in the store’s single room makes digging for the perfect look a lot of fun. Christian Louboutin heels, Kara Ross handbags, and Chloe blouses will fill the store one week, and next week that’s gone and Alexander Wang dresses occupy the racks along with Balmain and Valentino. Some of the pieces are sample items or marked as defective, so a careful eye makes for the best shopping experience.

All of these shops are in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, short blocks from the Prince Conti Hotel. Guests can enjoy first-class accommodations as well as shopping that reflects the diversity of cultures and styles that make New Orleans unique.

Bombay Club
by Jay

Eat, Drink, Work: Co-Working in the French Quarter


Image courtesy of The Bombay Club

Traveling purely for pleasure is delightful. But if you need to work remotely on the road, New Orleans is one of the best places on the planet to mix business with pleasure. Many charming spots in the Quarter near Prince Conti are co-working havens with blazing Wi-Fi, where you can soak up local ambiance along with cafe au lait, craft cocktails, and gourmet New Orleans cuisine.

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe (308 Decatur St.)

One of the few coffee shops in the city that serves shots of booze in their coffee, Envie has it all: steaming cups of java, scrumptious pastries and breakfasts, and a full-service bar.

French Truck Coffee (217 Chartres St.)

Need a jolt of caffeine to get down to business? French Truck boasts some of the city’s best locally-roasted coffee, prepares espresso to perfection, and puts a unique spin on mocha with hints of cayenne and cinnamon.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St. at Conti)

Known for its award-winning craft cocktails, the Kingfish is another great happy hour co-working spot. Sip $7 cocktails, $6 wine, or $4 beer, and sample $9 small-plate specials like fried boudin balls or duck and Andouille gumbo. Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Bombay Club (Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St.)

You could work in your room at the Prince Conti Hotel. But what fun is that? Wander down to The Bombay Club during happy hour, and graze on small and shareable bites like Ploughman’s Board or Natchitoches meat pies while imbibing great specials on beer, wine, and house cocktails. From 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

by Jay

Getting Around As a Guest of the Prince Conti Hotel

You can pretty much walk to all of your destinations in the French Quarter from the hotel as the terrain is flat, the area is just 78 square blocks, and the street layout makes sense and is easy to navigate. The next best thing would be to bike or hail a pedicab (check out Blue Bikes). If you want to go outside the Quarter, try a cab or rideshare, or a streetcar.

Taxicab and ride-share services

The ride-share options in New Orleans include Uber and Lyft. We also recommend United Cabs, Inc. (504-522-9771). Use the United Cabs Passenger app to book.

Bus and streetcar

City buses run every 30 minutes on average on weekdays (less often on weekends) and have special schedules on holidays. It costs $1.25 one-way (a transfer costs 25 cents), and you can see routes and schedules online. To pay the fare on the bus, you must have exact change, but you can also buy passes via the Le Pass App, online, and at the ticket machines.

Another option is the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus tours by City Sightseeing. They run every 30 minutes on a two-hour loop; the unlimited one-day pass is $46 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-12. To hop on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, walk to Canal and Carondelet streets (directly across Canal from Bourbon St. in the French Quarter) and look for the iconic green car.

by Jay

Best Things to Do and See in Nearby Neighborhoods


Photo by Trevor Mark

Just outside the Quarter, not far from the Prince Conti Hotel, you’ll find a wealth of nearby neighborhoods with their own distinctive character. Ready, set, explore!

Feast Your Eyes and Fine Dine in the Arts District

New Orleans is steeped in history. But modernism takes center stage in the Arts District, where old warehouses find new life as contemporary art galleries and nouvelle cuisine restaurants. Home to more than a dozen world-class galleries, Julia Street invites the public to view their latest exhibits at lively wine-fueled receptions on the first Saturday of every month. Feast your eyes on art, then delight your palate with cuisine from some of the city’s most creative chefs at Herbsaint and Cochon (Donald Link), Compere Lapin (Nina Compton), and the man who started it all: Emeril’s.

Bar-Hop to Hear Live Music in the Marigny

Once known only to locals, Frenchmen Street now rivals Bourbon Street as a tourist destination. Live music bars line the street, where top New Orleans musicians start playing long before dark at small clubs like the Spotted Cat and continue well past the wee hours at marquee venues like Blue Nile.

But don’t stop at Frenchmen. Hit three hotspots right next to the Elysian Fields streetcar stop: Siberia, the Allways Lounge & Cabaret, and the Hi-Ho Lounge. All offer an eclectic range of terrific music from local and touring bands, along with a colorful grab bag of homegrown entertainment.

Spend the Day Exploring Bywater

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, walk or bike along the Mississippi from Marigny to Bywater through Crescent Park, a lovely 1.4-mile stretch of native landscaping. Cross the “rusty rainbow bridge” over the tracks to Piety Street, where you can grab a slice at Pizza Delicious and browse bins of collectible vinyl at Euclid Records. Junk hounds can rummage through found objects at Bywater Bargain Center (3200 Dauphine St.).

Whet your whistle at Bud Rips, the locals’ favorite dive bar, and take a dip in the pool at the Country Club. Then swing by Bacchanal Wine, grab a bottle of wine, and take it out to the open-air courtyard, where you can feast on upscale bar food like build-your-own-cheese-plate and bacon-wrapped dates. Dreamy!

Discover the Heart of African-American Culture in Tremé

The living, breathing heart of New Orleans culture is the African-American community of Tremé, where free people of color once proudly brought their own property and where many generations of black residents continue to live today. Second-line parades and Mardi Gras Indians emerged from these streets, which nurtured countless jazz greats.

Get a crash course in Tremé history at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, and catch its current incarnation at the Candlelight Lounge, where live brass bands perform often. Tremé also abounds in the city’s signature Creole cuisine. Known for its world-famous fried chicken, Willa Mae’s Scotch House serves “food for your soul,” while Dooky Chase’s menu is a rich sampler of Creole faves like Shrimp Clemenceau and Gumbo Z’Herbes. Both have been justly honored with James Beard awards. Dig in, and enjoy!

by Jay

Nightlife Near the Prince Conti


Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Want to dive into New Orleans’ storied nightlife? You’ve got a head start at the Prince Conti Hotel. The Bombay Club, the hotel’s swank in-house bar and restaurant, is just steps away from your room.

Start your evening at one of the club’s nightly music showcases, where you can sip a perfect martini from the largest martini selection in town while listening to live jazz. The musical menu changes nightly, so The Bombay is always a good launching pad for hitting the streets at other legendary New Orleans venues.

Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur)

You never know what kind of music you’ll find at BMC, as the locals call it, and that’s all part of the fun. Dozens of bands and performers are featured nightly, with shows at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. And since there’s never a cover, you can always dip in and dip out, after fortifying yourself with the daily drink and shot specials. Conveniently located on the Esplanade edge of the Quarter, it’s a good pit stop before or after hitting the lively Frenchmen St. scene.

Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.)

Hailed as the “premiere live music venue in the city” by Where Y’at magazine, the Blue Nile hosts a stellar roster of New Orleans artists every night on both the main stage and in the club’s upstairs Balcony Room, from Cyril Neville and Big Sam’s Funky Nation to Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers. It’s also a must-stop venue for national touring acts. Shows start early and go late, so it’s a great place to cap off the night in a high-energy environment where the collective force field can be contagious.

d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St.)

Since this live music venue opened its doors in 2000, d.b.a. has hosted hundreds of live acts. The bar features a broad selection of beer and spirits, and the music plays nightly. Tin Men and John Boutte perform there regularly.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon St.)

Ready to wind down but don’t want to go to bed? Lafitte’s is just what the doctor ordered. Founded in the early 18th century, and housed in a historic building reputed to have served as the New Orleans headquarters for the infamous pirate and smuggler Jean Lafitte, the candlelit bar exudes exactly the kind of spooky ambiance you’d expect to find in New Orleans. Expect live piano music and a potent menu of nightcaps.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St.)

Jazz mavens make a beeline for Snug, the city’s premier showcase for contemporary jazz. Nightly shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. feature New Orleans icons and world-class visiting artists. Check the music calendar to see who is playing this week.

by Jay

24 Hours in the French Quarter

Prince Conti Hotel is ideally located for you to embark on a perfect French Quarter day.

Have Breakfast at Cafe Conti

When you’re ready to rise and shine, pop downstairs to Cafe Conti for delightful sweet and savory crepes, and a range of breakfast specialties from light (house-made Muesli) to hearty (eggs Benedict of the day).

Catch a Passing Parade at Jackson Square

Jackson Square is the bustling epicenter of the Quarter. Local artists and colorfully-clad fortune-tellers ply their trades in front of St. Louis Cathedral, while street entertainers perform all manner of amazing feats on the steps leading up to the banks of the Mississippi River.

Walk Along the Mississippi River

Catch a cool breeze walking along the Mississippi, where vessels from around the globe cruise the waters of one of the world’s busiest ports, and calliopes on local paddlewheelers provide a colorful soundtrack.

Grab a Muffuletta for Lunch at Central Grocery

Founded in 1906 by Silician immigrant Salvatore Lupo, Central Grocery originated the world-famous muffuletta. Made with homemade bread layered with Italian meats and cheeses topped with the store’s famous olive salad, it rivals po-boys as the city’s most iconic sandwich.

Take a Stroll Down Royal Street

Lined with art galleries, charming gift shops and antique stores filled with treasures like 19th-century absinthe glasses, there’s plenty to elicit oohs and aahs on Royal Street, where you’ll also catch street musicians and pass some splendid private homes.

Bar-Hop During Happy Hour

Enjoy a grande-dame ambiance while sipping house cocktails and wine at Hermes Bar at Antoine’s (713 St. Louis St., 4-7 p.m. weekdays), then hop over to Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 2-5 p.m. weekdays) for $7 cocktails and $9 small plates. Top that off with $5 specialty cocktails at Prince Conti’s own The Bombay Club (4-7 p.m. Wed.-Sun.).

Treat Yourself to a Gourmet Dinner

There’s no shortage of top-tier dinner spots in the Quarter. Some of our favorites include Bayona (430 Bienville St.), known for its creative spin on Creole and Cajun classics; and Irene’s (529 Bienville St.), which turns traditional Sicilian dishes into haute cuisine.

Sit Back and Enjoy Live Jazz

Head back to The Bombay Club for jazz by New Orleans artists that goes down as smoothly as the house martinis.

by Jay

Where to Eat Breakfast in the French Quarter

Where to Eat Breakfast in the French Quarter

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also a great opportunity to soak up New Orleans’ culinary traditions. Beignets, eggs Benedict, brandy milk punch— some of the city’s most revered dishes and beverages were made to be consumed before noon. Of course, breakfast is also a time to refuel and give your body the nutrition it needs for a long day (and night) of exploring. Fortunately, thanks to a bevy of breakfast spots near Prince Conti, it won’t be hard for you to find a meal that hits the spot.

Brennan’s

Brennan’s (417 Royal St.) is a bastion of Creole dining that’s been known for indulgent Creole breakfasts since 1946. Seafood gumbo, eggs Benedict, duck confit hash, and buttermilk biscuits are served along with the classic eye-opener cocktails. You’ve never had breakfast this luxurious or service this attentive. There’s also a two-course, prix fixe breakfast option for those who want to indulge just a tiny bit less.

Cafe Conti

Deep-fried everything topped with cream sauce — if that sounds like the stuff you’ve been eating in New Orleans, you aren’t alone. Louisiana cuisine can land heavy, which is why a healthy breakfast can be such a refreshing way to start your day. Cafe Conti (830 Conti St.), located in the Prince Conti Hotel, offers continental breakfast, pastries, and croissants, as well as even lighter fare including fresh fruit.

Cafe du Monde

Here’s the thing about Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.): You really can’t pick a bad time to visit the 24-hour beignet destination. It’s great in the afternoon when the French doughnuts and cafe au laits serve as sugary, caffeinated pick-me-ups. The cash-only joint is also great for late-night noshing when a greasy snack to soak up the booze is just what the doctor ordered. But it may be best in the morning when the sun rises over the Mississippi, the streets are freshly washed, and the vendors are just setting up in Jackson Square. Beignets for breakfast at a spot that’s been slinging them since 1862 — there’s nothing more New Orleans than that.

Croissant d’Or

Stepping into this pastel jewel box of a cafe is like stepping into a 19th-century ice cream shop (probably because that was the building’s original use). Grab a cup of coffee and a fresh-baked almond croissant for the best pastry outside of Paris, and enjoy both in Croissant d’Or’s (617 Ursulines Ave.) petite courtyard, populated by fountains, plants, and sparrows swooping in to peck up crumbs. Those with larger appetites may opt for something heartier, like the ham and cheese baguettes or spinach quiche. It’s really hard to go wrong when the ambiance is this charming and everything displayed in the gleaming case so delicious.

Stanley

Stanley (547 St. Ann St.) has so much going for it: the sunny, airy space, prime location overlooking Jackson Square, a literary reference in its name, and generously portioned yet affordable all-day breakfast packed with Louisiana favorites like fried oysters and crab cakes Benedict. Try the signature Bananas Foster French toast, or Eggs Stanley: cornmeal-crusted oysters, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and Creole hollandaise on a toasted English muffin. Eggs Benedict gets a po-boy treatment by being served on toasted French bread. Or, if you can handle it, try the breakfast seafood platter, with soft-shell crab, oysters, and Gulf shrimp. Wash it down with a Mega (double) Bloody Mary or a milkshake punch while you people-watch.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

With six locations in New Orleans alone, The Ruby Slipper Cafe (204 Decatur St. is the French Quarter location) is a local chain that’s slaying the breakfast and brunch game. Breakfast staples like omelets and buttermilk pancakes meet distinctly Louisiana fare like shrimp and grits and bananas Foster pain perdu. Plus, there’s a lengthy selection of breakfast cocktails at the homey, comfortable cafe. It’s the perfect spot to chow down after a feat of endurance, like running the Crescent City Classic or window-shopping on Royal Street.

We hope to welcome you to Prince Conti!

by Jay

French Quarter on a Budget

Known for its iconic high-end restaurants like Galatoire’s, and swank bars like French 75, the French Quarter is a magnet for high rollers, but you can also drink deep of its delights on a limited budget, like many of the locals do, while enjoying a wealth of free attractions.

Rise and Shine at Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

If you hit Cafe du Monde in the morning, you’ll probably have to cool your heels in line. But it’s definitely worth the wait for a breakfast treat New Orleanians have been savoring since 1862. Order a plate of three fresh-from-the-fryer beignets dusted with powdered sugar, and dip them into a steaming hot cup of cafe au lait. Heaven! Though light as air, beignets are surprisingly filling, and taste even better when you’re listening to live jazz while breezes waft off the nearby Mississippi. Cost: about $6, plus an extra buck or two for a tip.

Walk Along the Mississippi River, and Take a Trip on the Algiers Ferry

Strolling the banks of the Mississippi is both delightful and free. And you don’t have to spring for a pricey ticket on a paddlewheel boat to cruise the river. It costs just $2 to board the Algiers ferry to the West Bank, which leaves from the foot of Canal Street, near the Aquarium of the Americas. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city’s skyline, and the towering spires of St. Louis Cathedral. About five minutes later, you’ll dock at Algiers Point, a historic neighborhood with expansive views of the Crescent City along the Mississippi River levee. Reboard the ferry for another $2 when you’re ready to leave, and get back off where you started. Cost: $4 round trip.

Grab a Muffuletta at Central Grocery (923 Decatur St.)

Central Grocery invented the muffuletta. It rivals the po-boy as the city’s most iconic sandwich. Layered with sliced Italian deli meats, rich provolone cheese, and hot and spicy olive salad, muffulettas are served on locally baked seeded buns and are big enough to feed two people. Pro tip: Opt for the half-sandwich (they’re pretty big) and bring it to the Moonwalk for a riverside picnic that will more than fill you up for the day. Cost: $15.25 for a half.

Window Shop on Royal Street

M.S. Rau Antiques (630 Royal St.) houses a trove of priceless antiques worth a fortune, but it doesn’t cost a dime to drool over exquisite Victorian music boxes, dazzling diamond-encrusted brooches and elaborate player pianos. And Rau is just one of the many shops brimming with oddities and treasures on Royal Street. Cap off an afternoon of aspirational window shopping by trying on one of the phantasmagorical wigs at Fifi Mahony’s (934 Royal St.) Cost: Free.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Happy Hour

New Orleans is a drinking town and boasts some of the best happy hours in the country. Lagniappe: many offer budget-priced small bites that can easily serve as an early dinner.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

If you’re staying at Prince Conti, one of the best and most leisurely happy hours in the Quarter is right downstairs at The Bombay Club, where it runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Wash down shareables and bites like Natchitoches meat pies and Ploughman’s Board with a couple of beers ($3), glasses of wine ($4), or specialty cocktails ($5). Cost: Depends on how heartily you imbibe, but about $20 plus tip for two drinks and two apps buys a nice buzz and something in your belly to offset it.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St.)

Live like a king Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., when you can drink draft beer ($4), wine ($6), or specialty cocktails ($7) while noshing on $9 small plates like duck and andouille gumbo and Louisiana crawfish bread. Cost: Like with The Bombay Club, depends on what you eat and drink.

by Jay

Guide to Frenchmen Street: The Venues, Music, and More

Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Art Market photo by Connie Ma

Check out the city’s robust music culture — there’s no better place for live music than the Marigny Triangle. Situated between Esplanade Avenue and Elysian Fields, this wedge-shaped neighborhood is bisected by Frenchmen Street, a pedestrian-friendly strip of music clubs, bars, restaurants, and an art market, some of which don’t get going until after 10 p.m. At that point, brass bands, pedestrians and food trucks combine to create a giant block party. Dance on the street corner or venture into one of these excellent music venues and restaurants.

Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.)

You may have spotted a neon crescent moon sign of this stalwart music club hanging above the sidewalk. Blue Nile hosts a wide range of musical genres ranging from funk to brass bands. Cover price varies depending on the act, and a word to the wise: the club’s second-floor balcony is the best place to overlook the wild street party that is Frenchmen Street.

Bamboula’s (514 Frenchmen St.)

Here, you’ll find casual New Orleans fare like po-boys and jambalaya. The no-cover eclectic live music seven days a week is another draw.

Dat Dog (601 Frenchmen St.)

Dat Dog is a colorful, affordable option if you end up partying on Frenchmen. It’s open late (till 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and till midnight the rest of the week), and has a kid menu and vegetarian options. But, basically, it’s tots, fries and dogs made with many different kinds of meat and loaded with sauces, condiments, veggies, and other goodness. Create your own or choose from a large menu of creatively named specials. There are more than 30 toppings to choose from. Though Dat Dog has two more locations, both Uptown, this one has an undisputed perk, a big balcony for all your viewing and partying pleasure.

d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St.)

Since this live music venue opened its doors in 2000, d.b.a. has hosted hundreds of live acts. The bar features a broad selection of beer and spirits, and the music plays nightly. Tin Men and John Boutte perform there regularly.

Downtown Tattoos (501 Frenchmen St.)

This corner tattoo shop is the premier place to get inked in New Orleans. Its roster of talent includes heavy hitters, and the shop takes walk-ins for the ultimate souvenir — but if you’re not ready to commit to the artwork on your skin, you can hang the tattoo artists’ work on your walls when you visit the adjacent art gallery. There, tattooers who also paint on canvas sell their work.

Frenchmen All Day (630 Frenchmen St.)

Small and quaint, Frenchmen All Day is a cafe with indoor seating, as well as sidewalk cafe seating, a full bar, coffee, and brunch fare. The menu has breakfast quiches, Cuban sandwiches, NOLA staples like crawfish etouffee and red beans and rice, and salads. Open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Marigny Brasserie (640 Frenchmen St.)

The casual, live music venue at the end of Frenchmen offers an elevated Cajun/Creole menu, hand-crafted cocktails, a good wine list, and local draft beer plus, of course, live music.

Palace Market Frenchmen (619 Frenchmen St.)

This nightly art market is held in a quirky, light-strung lot, lined with vendors selling everything from handmade soap and incense to original art and clothing. It’s a good place to shop, chat and hang out when the hustle and bustle of Frenchmen get too overwhelming. Bring your drink and settle into a cozy nook, where you can chat and people-watch until you catch your breath.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St.)

Snug Harbor is a sit-down ticketed music venue that is home to local and touring heavyweights of traditional and modern jazz (such as a weekly show by the Jason Marsalis Quartet). For over 30 years, Snug Harbor has provided the best in live jazz and great regional cuisine. Snug Harbor is located in three rooms of a renovated 1800s storefront — a dining room, a bar, and a music room.

The Maison (508 Frenchmen St.)

A music club that triples as a restaurant and bar. It’s three-level, with multiple stages where you can find drag, burlesque, and live music of many genres. The menu is primarily New Orleans classics, a house burger, and sandwich platters.

The Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen St.)

Petite, sweaty, noisy, and fun, this music club features up to three bands nightly. It draws an eclectic crowd — you’ll see everyone from college students to septuagenarian tourists out there dancing. The venue can get crowded, so if you need to get some air, step out and take a breather at a nearby art market.

Three Muses (536 Frenchmen St.)

Three Muses is one of the best dinner-and-a-show venues in the city, and there’s live music every night. It can get crowded, so you want to make a table reservation (good for 90 minutes, after which you can go to the bar). Some of the best musicians have played there, and the excellent food menu has a lot of vegetarian options.