Discover family travels in New Orleans with Darley Newman’s tips and hacks on beignets at Cafe du Monde, flaming bananas foster, where to see top views and more.
I recently traveled to New Orleans, a city I’ve visited a few times, including during Mardi Gras. On this trip, I took a deep dive into the food scene, as well as attractions that are great for multiple generations traveling together. Read my tips below to best take advantage of your next trip, including time at The National WWII Museum, New Orleans streetcars and some of the best restaurants for beignets and classic NOLA dishes.
Tip 1: Ride the New Orleans Streetcars
A great way to explore New Orleans is by getting around the way that locals have been since 1835! Riding the iconic green and red streetcars is a fun and charming experience for both kids and adults TK. For only $1.25 per ride, the streetcars will take you to many popular attractions, like the French Quarter, City Park, and the Garden District. If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations over the course of your trip, we recommend buying a day pass for $3 or a 3-day pass for $9, which will give you unlimited rides to hop on and off at any New Orleans neighborhood. This truly is the best way to discover the top restaurants, shops, and local culture in New Orleans.
@darleynewman Riding around NOLA like a local 🚃 #traveltips Hop on the historic New Orleans streetcars for a fun and inexpensive way to discover hidden gems in the city! @Visit New Orleans . . . . . #visitneworleans #neworleansstreetcar #nola #neworleanstravel #nolalife #nolalove #streetcars #streetcar #transport #transportation #publictransport #louisiana #louisianacheck #louisianatravel #nolatok #louisianatok #traveltok #nmtwd #travel #traveltiktok #travellife ♬ I Can’t Help Myself ( Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) – Four Tops
Tip 2: Taste the Famous Beignets at Café Du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying the legendary beignets at Café Du Monde. This French Market Coffee Stand has been open since the 1860s, serving up sugary, pillowy beignets that are hard not to love. Anyone in the family with a sweet tooth is sure to savor these delightful treats. Café Du Monde is definitely a hot spot in New Orleans and the lines just to get beignets can get pretty long. We suggest dining in with table service to avoid waiting in long lines. Sitting in the cafe is a great way to take in the New Orleans culture and rest before heading to your next stop.
@darleynewman Tasting the iconic beignets at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans! 🍩😋This French Market gem has been open since the 1860s, serving up history with a side of powdered sugar. Definitely a must-visit in New Orleans! @Visit New Orleans . . . . . #visitneworleans #neworleans #nola #beignets #sugar #donuts #cafe #dessert #food #foodie #travel #traveltips #nmtwdabq #travelswithdarley #history #historytok #foodtok #traveltok ♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem
Tip 3: Visit the National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum provides an extraordinary insight into a pivotal moment in United States history. With an extensive collection of artifacts from World War II, including Allied aircrafts and personal letters from the war front. The National World War II Museum is a fascinating place for all ages, with incredibly immersive interactive exhibits that bring history to life. The museum has a mission to share stories from those who lived through and were impacted by World War II, which makes it a standout attraction in New Orleans. If you get hungry after traversing through this extensive museum, stop by one of the six different restaurants on campus to try one of their many New Orleans-inspired dishes. The National World War II Museum is an excellent destination to spark your kids’ interest in American history!
@darleynewman Why is The National WWII Museum located in New Orleans?!?! Hear from Dr. John M. Curatola about how New Orleans was home to Higgins Industries, which produced unique, amphibious boats capable of transporting men from the ship to shore. Get a look at the treasures this museum holds inside @wwiimuseum ⭐️✈️ @Visit New Orleans . . . . . . . . #nmtwdabq #visitneworleans #neworleans #nola #WWII #worldwarii #military #worldwartwo #history #historytok #travel #traveltok #americanhistory #traveltips #museum #familyfun ♬ Love Story – Indila – Penguin Piano
Tip 4: See Stunning Views of New Orleans at Vue Orleans Observation Deck
Head to Vue Orleans Observation Deck for a comprehensive multi-floor experience of New Orleans culture, history, art, food, and music. Everyone in the family will have something to do with seven interactive exhibits, nine original movies, and 360-degree views of the city from an indoor and outdoor observation deck. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about New Orleans’ fascinating past while admiring the beauty of the city from up high! This is a great first stop if you’re visiting New Orleans and looking for an introduction to the city and a bird’s eye view.
@darleynewman Looking for the best views in NOLA? Visit Vue Orleans Observation Deck!! A fun, interactive way to learn about New Orleans of the past and take in its beauty today 🏙️⭐️ @Visit New Orleans . . . . . #visitneworleans #neworleans #nola #nmtwdabq #travel #history #art #culture #food #traveltips #views #city #foodie #panoramic #360 #naturetok #traveltok #historytok #foodtok ♬ This Will Be – audios4you
Tip 5: New Orleans Classic Dishes and Where to Find Them
Tasting the diversity of New Orleans cuisine is essential during your family trip. From muffuletta sandwiches to fresh seafood, the city offers something delicious for everyone in the family.
For breakfast, head to Mother’s Restaurant, located in the Central Business District and within walking distance to the French Quarter and the National World War II Museum. Mother’s Restaurant is a New Orleans classic known for its claim to the best baked ham in the world. The restaurant is also known for New Orleans staples like Po’ boys and Ferdi sandwiches. We recommend the ham and cheese omelet with pancakes if you are looking for a hearty breakfast.
At some point during your busy day exploring New Orleans, be sure to visit Central Grocery & Deli to try the famous muffuletta sandwich from the place that invented it! At Central Grocery & Deli, you order at the counter and take your sandwich to go, which is ideal for families who are eager to get to their next stop. These sandwiches are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, marinated in olive oil, and filled with premium Italian cold cuts. Visiting Central Grocery & Deli is sure to offer a unique tasting experience that will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Finally, Brennan’s Restaurant is a top spot for dinner in New Orleans. We recommend starting with appetizers, especially the Turtle Soup and Oysters J’aime. Moving to entrees, the Blackened Redfish is the most popular dish at Brennan’s and well worth it. We also suggest ordering the delicious Crispy Fried Soft-Shelled Crab entree for an additional seafood option. The standout dish at Brennan’s, sure to amaze everyone in the family, is the Bananas Foster. Invented at Brennan’s in 1951, the Bananas Foster is prepared right at your table with a stunning display of flames. This sweet treat is a fantastic way to end an incredible meal at Brennan’s Restaurant.
@darleynewman Looking for the best spots to eat in New Orleans? I’ve got you covered! Start with breakfast at Mother’s Restaurant for the best baked ham in the world 🌎 Next check out Central Grocery & Deli for the Muffuletta Sandwich of your dreams 🥪 For an afternoon treat, stop by the famous Cafe Du Monde for some iconic beignets! Finish your day with dinner at @BrennansNOLA to savor delicious New Orleans classics like turtle soup 🐢🍲 You don’t want to miss out on any of these amazing NOLA eats! @Visit New Orleans . . . . . #nmtwdabq #visitneworleans #neworleans #food #foodie #travel #foodtok #traveltok #nola #cafedumonde #beignets #breakfast #muffuletta #sandwich #oysters #turtlesoup #bananasfoster ♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER sped up – Dear.angel.lacy14
Bonus Travel Hack: if you want to go to the famous Commander’s Palace but do not have a reservation or not dressed in the appropriate attire after a long day of sightseeing, head next door to Le Petit Bleu Cafe where you can taste the renowned Turtle Soup!
@darleynewman Travel ✈️ Hack for Foodies and Hungry History Lovers in New Orleans: Have a hankering for turtle 🐢 soup 🤷♀️, but maybe haven’t reserved at famous @Commander’s Palace (or are wearing shorts, because it’s hot 🥵 )!?!? Check out Le Petit Bleu, the relatively new, cute cafe whose menu is complete with turtle soup and crepes, just beside it. It’s French meets Cajun in the Garden District across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 for history lovers. Commander’s Palace has been around since 1893! @Visit New Orleans . . . . . . #visitneworleans #neworleans #nmtwdabq #nola #history #foodie #travelhacks #louisiana #travelswithdarley #gardendistrict #turtlesoup #crepes ♬ La vie en rose – Zaz
New Orleans is the ideal destination for families to explore and enjoy together. Happy travels!
Learn more about traveling to New Orleans! For more of our recent adventures and travel tips, listen and subscribe to the “Travels with Darley” podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Audible, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch the tv series on your local PBS station, Create TV, and for free on Go Traveler!
