Example trip · for inspiration
New Orleans bachelorette weekend
New Orleans · beignets, a brass band and a balcony for the bride
5–7 March 2027 · Alexis, Morgan, Bri, Kendall, Sydney, Paige, Riley, Camille
What makes this trip good: Live jazz on Frenchmen, one big brunch, a second line through the street and as much of the French Quarter as we can walk
Day by day
Friday 5 March
15:30 · Beignets at Café du Monde
Open early and late; powdered sugar on everything. Wear something that forgives it.
French Quarter · restaurant
16:30 · Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral, painters on the fence and street bands. The group photo spot for the first afternoon.
French Quarter · place
18:30 · Carousel Bar at the Monteleone
The bar actually turns, slowly. Seats go fast, so go early and order a Vieux Carré, which was invented here.
French Quarter · nightlife
21:00 · A night on Frenchmen Street
Live jazz and brass bands bar after bar. The Spotted Cat is small and packed; listen from the door and move on.
Marigny · nightlife
Saturday 6 March
11:00 · Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace
The turquoise house in the Garden District, with a jazz trio at the tables. It has a dress code; book a table for eight weeks ahead.
Garden District · restaurant
13:30 · Walk the Garden District
Mansions, oak trees and quiet streets right after brunch. Ride the St. Charles streetcar back toward the Quarter.
Garden District · place
16:00 · Balcony photos on Dauphine Street
Ironwork and ferns at St. Louis and Dauphine. Photograph from across the street; the balconies are private homes.
French Quarter · place
18:00 · Second line with a brass band
The bride leads, everyone waves a handkerchief. Book a band through a company that handles the parade permit and the police escort.
French Quarter · experience
20:00 · Preservation Hall
A small room of traditional jazz, about 45 minutes a set. Buy tickets ahead for one set that night.
French Quarter · culture
22:30 · Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
A candlelit bar in one of the oldest buildings on Bourbon Street, at the quieter end. A better last stop than the busy blocks.
French Quarter · nightlife
Sunday 7 March
12:00 · Muffuletta and a Pimm’s Cup at Napoleon House
A slow Sunday lunch in an old building with a courtyard.
French Quarter · restaurant
Still in the idea bank
Fried chicken at Willie Mae’s
In the Tremé, a short ride from the Quarter. Worth the line if the flight is late.
Tremé · restaurant
Swamp walk at Barataria Preserve
Boardwalk trails through the bayou, about half an hour south. Or book a boat tour that picks you up in town.
Barataria · nature
Steamboat Natchez
A paddle-wheeler on the Mississippi with a calliope and a jazz band. A calm option for Sunday afternoon.
French Quarter · activity
An example to get ideas from; nothing here is booked. Photo: edenpictures, openly licensed (licence, source).
