Beyond the Tourist Traps: New Orleans In 24 Hours

Explore New Orleans like a local in just 24 hours. Think it can’t be done? Think again!

In many ways, New Orleans embodies the creole cuisine it is best known for. Like Gumbo, New Orleans is a spicy, layered, rich and mysterious mix. It exudes joie de vivre through its music, food, architecture and people. You could live in the Crescent City for years and still not learn all its secrets. But what if you have only 24 hours?

Give me a day and I can show you New Orleans in its truest form beyond the tourist traps and cheap façades and into the real essence of the Delta queen.

Morning

Begin your morning on Poydras Street’s “Restaurant Row” near the Garden District. Here, you start your day at Mother’s, a food institution that has welcomed locals since 1938. Mother’s is refreshingly unimposing and very humble. It’s known for its “Debris” Po’boy, a sandwich that you’ll need to eat with a fork.

Since it’s breakfast time, I recommend trying the homemade biscuits with debris (which is basically the lovely drippings and gravy from their incredibly tender roast beef). You will need to walk off your biscuit, so I suggest taking a post-breakfast stroll to the RiverWalk.

Disclaimer: Avoid the basic mall shops that make up the Outlet Connection. The real sight to see is the mighty Mississippi: Taken in its power, the sound of the steamboats rolling down the river, the smell that wafts up from the dark river sludge. Understand this river and you will understand New Orleans.

Afternoon

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You have now walked a few miles and are likely thirsty and maybe hungry again. If you are a fan of seafood, this city is your best friend.

Make your way from the river to the French Quarter. We are avoiding Bourbon Street because the French Quarter’s true essence is not among the touristy trappings of Bourbon. Instead, we are heading to Iberville and the lovely Deanie’s Seafood. Like Mother’s, Deanie’s is quality wrapped up in an unpretentious bow. Their seafood platter is a crispy mound of shrimp, crawfish, catfish and hushpuppies that at least two people can split. Best of all, you are rubbing elbows with the locals, who can spot a good seafood restaurant at least a mile away.

Now that your tummy is full, be sure to check out St. Louis Cathedral. Around the corner is Pirate’s Alley, full of stories and legends (anything called Pirate’s Alley would need to have a good story).

You are probably still full from lunch, but if you happen to want a snack, you can take advantage of the proximity and enjoy a hot beignet from Café Du Monde. Yes, this is a bit touristy but locals alike can’t deny the power of an original New Orleans beignet.

Late Afternoon

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If you visit the city during the summer, you will likely spot a number of Sno-ball stands on street corners throughout the city. Be sure to scoop one up.

Sno-balls are a cousin to the snow cone but juicier and with more flavor choices. Trust me: You can make room for a sno-ball. You can also spend your afternoon walking down the charming Garden District streets taking in the rich architecture that makes up the city’s divine historical homes. Maybe find a grassy patch in City Park and sit under an oak tree for a bit. You’ll need your energy for the evening.

Evening

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Begin your evening with a Sazerac – a cocktail only the Crescent City could create. If you want a truly Creole dining experience, check out Galatorie’s, Antoine’s or the queen bee — Commander’s Palace. These are old institutions that New Orleans society has frequented for decades and here you can sample Creole specialties like turtle gumbo and fried soft shell crab. End your night with an after-dinner drink at the Columns Hotel Bar on St. Charles. Your belly is likely quite full and hopefully your spirits are high. Walk down St. Charles and smell the jasmine. This is New Orleans.

You can experience New Orleans past the tourist traps if you have only a day. Yes, it involves a lot of food but New Orleanians will be the first to tell you that they believe they “live to eat.” More importantly, you can get a glimpse into the Crescent City, which moves at her own pace and has her own flavor. No doubt after a day in New Orleans, you will exude a joie de vivre of your own.

Cover photo: panoramio.com

About the author

Paige Bennett

Paige Bennett is a communications and content strategy consultant. After beginning her career as a news producer, she moved to Oman. Paige now lives San Francisco and is currently producing a documentary that explores the lives of women who are pioneers for women's rights in the Middle East.

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