Written by Sarah Tinoco

We're sure you've heard this said about plenty of cities, but we’re not exaggerating when we say there isn’t any other place out there like New Orleans. This world-class city—nestled in southeastern Louisiana between the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, and a 24,000-acre marshland known as the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge—is home to a vibrant culture and resilient community. With rich history and tradition, lauded Southern hospitality, delicious food, and an exciting nightlife, New Orleans is one of those rare cities that truly has something for everyone. We’re covering where to eat, drink, shop and stay, what to see and do, and what to know when planning your trip to this exhilarating destination.

Our Clubhouse travel expert and New Orleans local, Jen Curran, shared her wealth of NOLA knowledge with us to give you her best recommendations for a trip to her town. Plus, we sourced picks from ECT Clubhouse members including Nelda D., Kathryn S., O'Shannon B., Cha M., Kelley M., Janna Z., Maya O., and ECT CEO, Katalina Mayorga to give you the best of the best of New Orleans. 

Stay

• Dream at Maison de la Luz, the City Hall annex-turned-stunning boutique hotel from Atelier Ace, the group behind the Ace Hotels. This luxury property in the Central Business District captivates guests at its dramatic entranceway with its original dual staircases, banisters, and columns, checkered floors, and vintage-inspired globe chandeliers. Maison de la Luz is a design lover’s heaven, from the concierge desk straight out of a Wes Anderson film, to the bespoke details in each of its 67 rooms including the bedside art and serpent shower door handles. Jen swoons that Bar Marilou, housed in what was once City Hall’s library, is “one of the most beautiful places in the city,” modeled after a jewelry box with French influences. 

Also included in the guide:

• A restored collection of four historic buildings that now house uniquely designed rooms with their own southern character

• A gorgeous property that houses 14 immaculate rooms inside a 19th-century mansion

• A boutique hotel that offers swanky accommodations, some complete with charming design elements including a writer’s nook or a private veranda

Shop

• Delight in maximalism at Saint Claude Social Club, an over-the-top women’s wear boutique in the Lower Garden District. Shop bold patterns, shapes, and colors from their selection of apparel and accessories by women designers from all over the world.  

Also included in the guide:

• A spiritual supply store offering conjure candles, healing oils, incense, sage bundles, and other botanically sourced goods for energy healing purposes

• A Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop that carries a highly curated selection of books catering to many interests

Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.

Eat

• Discover Mosquito Supper Club, what Kathryn describes as “a delectable array of the freshest gourmet Cajun cuisine in a gorgeous home,” and what ECT co-founder Katalina Mayorga calls “the best meal I’ve ever had.” This intimate dining experience lives up to the hype with its captivating multi-course Cajun menu served in a communal setting. Mosquito Supper Club operates on a model that prioritizes sustainability, involving practices such as composting food scraps and operating scarcely to not overwork its staff. Reservations are required in advance and prepaid. The season runs from September through June.

Also included in the guide:

• A family-owned neighborhood spot for “all the best po’boys you could ever want”

• An exciting restaurant serving what Jen calls “Louisiana seafood with traditional Mexican recipes.”

• Several spots to go to for the best oyster experiences

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