New Orleans, The Big Easy — A city full of life, music and amazing food. The city has always been on my bucket list and a few months ago, thanks to my internship with Southwest Airlines, I was finally able to visit and cross it off my list.

I’ve always had this fascination with New Orleans and wanted to see and experience it for myself. From walking around Jackson Square, to exploring the Garden District, New Orleans is filled with rich culture and beautiful unique architecture. Discover all that New Orleans has to offer in this travel guide.

Where to eat & drink

Cafe Du Monde

A New Orleans landmark in it’s own right, Cafe Du Monde has been serving up their famous beignets and café au lait since 1862. The original location can be found at the French Market where lines begin to form around 8 in the morning. However, you can beat the rush by visiting earlier as the coffee stand is open 24/7 (with the exception of Christmas Day).

Johnny’s Po-Boys

Po-boys can be found on nearly every corner in New Orleans, but none are as delicious or hold such a strong history as those from Johnny’s Po-Boys. Not only do they serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city, they also hold the title as the oldest family-owned restaurant in the city.

Pat O’Brien’s

While New Orleans is known for it’s vast culture and history, it’s also notorious for it’s party scene. One must-visit place to grab a drink and relax is at Pat O’Brien’s located in the French Quarter. While many have tried to copy their famous drink, none quite compare to the rum Hurricane found at Pat O’Brien’s. Developed in the 1940’s, Pat’s has become synonymous with New Orlean’s drinking and their Hurricane drink mixes can be found at multiple gift shops located throughout the city.

What to see & do

Garden District

If you’re wanting to branch out beyond the French Quarter, take the trolly over to the Garden District. Take a step back in time as you stroll post the old victorian mansions and revisit the glory age of The Big Easy.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

While New Orleans has many famous cemeteries, none are quite as famous at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Designated as a historic landmark in 1975, this cemetery attacks more than 100,000 visitors each year. However, unlike other cemeteries located throughout the city, you cannot do a self-tour. Under rules set forth by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, all visitors must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. You can find multiple tours offered by searching either on Groupon or Google.

New Orleans Botanical Garden

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, take the trolly over the the botanical garden. Only minutes from the city center, the botanical garden offers both indoor exhibits as well as open outdoor space for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

St. Louis Cathedral

One of New Orleans’ most notable landmarks, the building stands as the oldest cathedral in the United States.