The Lowdown
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in America. There is world-class jazz music everywhere, streetcars, amazing Cajun food, beignets, po boys, crawdaddies, and even random street parades. It’s a city like no other, and it oozes with art and culture.
Where to Stay
There are several companies planning to open up coliving spaces in the next few years (including Outsite), but they aren’t quite ready yet. As such, your best bet is probably renting a suite or apartment. There are several nice places available on VRBO, including many which are around $80-90 USD per night, which makes things quite affordable. New Orleans has many character homes with unique architecture and decoration (especially in the French Quarter), so there are lots of cool places to choose from. If you stay close to the action, you can take a streetcar or walk almost everywhere.
Credit: @Visit New Orleans
Credit: @Visit New Orleans
Where to Work
There are lots of great places for coworking in New Orleans. One of the most unique is The Blue House, which offers coworking in a beautiful New Orleans house. They offer programming, and a more casual and close-knit environment than some of the other coworking locations.
If you’re staying in or around the French Quarter, the closest options are Launch Pad, Beta, and The Shop.
The Warehouse offers modern coworking in a renovated warehouse. It’s located in the Bywater neighborhood, and you can grab a trial pass for only $50 for a week of coworking.
Other options in the city include Workspace at Myrtle Banks, Propeller, and The Landing Zone.
Credit: @The Blue House NOLA
Credit: @TheWarehouseNOLA
Where to Eat
There is so much great food in New Orleans, and it’s quite a challenge to sample it all. From crawdaddies (like lobster with spices) on Bourbon Street to beignets at Cafe du Monde, from gumbo, jumbalaya, and creole food at The Palace Cafe to killer poboys (New Orleans sandwiches) at Killer Poboys, you’ve got your foodie homework. That’s not even including alligator balls and other cajun delicacies readily available at almost every corner.
Credit: @killerpoboys
Credit: @Visit New Orleans
Where to Play
There is so much to see in New Orleans, and every neighborhood has its own unique character: From the colorful buildings in the French Quarter, to Canal Street (used to be an actual canal) and the streetcars, to the plantation homes of the Garden District, the choices are plentiful. You can grab a streetcar ticket for only a couple dollars, and ride it all the way through the Garden District. It’s actually the best and most cost-effective way to see the city and get the lay of the land. Uber is also an option for those quick and deliberate trips.
Bourbon Street is always hopping, and it’s usually filled with random parties, parades, music, dancing, and great food. Don’t miss the French Quarter as well- it’s full of jazz cafes, restaurants, and bars.
It isn’t hard to find world-class music in New Orleans. It’s happening everywhere, including in the streets. Must-dos for music lovers include Preservation Hall and New Orleans Jazz Festival, which takes place every April.
For something completely different, take a day trip down to the swamp and hang out with the gators. You can book tours with Airboat Adventures– they’ll even let you hold a baby gator!
Of course, New Orleans is also world-famous for Mardi Gras celebrations, which take place every February.
Finally, if you’re into sports, New Orleans has professional NBA and NFL teams.
Credit: @Visit New Orleans
Credit: @airboatadv
How to Get There
Fly into Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. From the airport, you can grab an Uber, cab, or rent a car.
Ready to Go?
1. Find a room at VRBO
2. Check Skyscanner for the best prices on flights and car rentals.
3. Pick up Lonely Planet’s book, Pocket New Orleans.
4. Download Krugo App and find all the concerts, arts, and sports events during your travel dates.
5. If you’re travelling from outside the US, grab some travel insurance below:
6. Pack your bags!