48 Hours in New Orleans: A Design-Lover’s Travel Guide
Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans, LA. Photo: Hotel Peter and Paul
New Orleans has always been a city that understands the art of living beautifully, where every meal, every drink, and every moment feels infused with a sense of celebration and joie de vivre. From the historic French Quarter with its ornate balconies and timeless elegance to the creative energy of neighborhoods like Marigny and Bywater, the city offers endless opportunities to surround yourself with beauty while experiencing its legendary hospitality. Whether you're drawn to the grand elegance of historic restaurants, the intimate charm of converted firehouses turned cocktail bars, or the sophisticated luxury of boutique hotels housed in former churches, New Orleans delivers aesthetic experiences that feel both deeply rooted in history and refreshingly contemporary. This guide curates the most visually stunning places to eat, drink, caffeinate, and rest your head across the city's most characterful neighborhoods, because in a city this beautiful, your weekend should be nothing short of magical.
Stay
Hotel Peter & Paul | Marigny
Photo: Hotel Peter & Paul
Hotel Peter and Paul creates a unique boutique experience by housing guests in a beautifully restored complex of 19th-century buildings including a former church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent. The property features rooms with authentic historical character, including original architectural details, antique furnishings, and carefully curated artwork that celebrates the building's rich past. The design balances timeless character with modern comfort, featuring elements like beautiful patterned rugs, vintage armoires, and glimpses of stunning original tilework. Perfect for travelers who want their accommodation to be an experience rather than just a place to sleep, this is where design lovers and history enthusiasts come to stay in a piece of New Orleans rather than just visit it. Each space feels intimate and filled with local culture, making it ideal for romantic getaways and special occasions that deserve truly unique surroundings.
Maison Métier | Central Business District
Photo: Maison Métier
Maison Métier abandons typical hotel conventions to create an art-filled environment that feels more like staying in a sophisticated private residence than a traditional hotel. The property features rooms with elegant gray paneled walls, modern lighting fixtures, and carefully curated contemporary art that creates visual interest throughout. The design seamlessly blends historic architectural details with bold, contemporary furnishings and captivating artifacts that make every corner worth exploring. This is your choice for design-forward stays when you want your hotel to feel like an extension of your aesthetic sensibilities, popular with creative professionals and couples who appreciate contemporary art. The sophisticated use of color and texture creates spaces that feel both luxurious and Instagram-worthy, perfect for travelers who want their accommodation to reflect their taste for beautiful design.
The Chloe | Uptown
Photo: The Chloe
The Chloe transforms a restored 19th-century Uptown mansion into a vibrant 14-room luxury hotel that has earned recognition from Vogue and Condé Nast Traveler for its exceptional design. The property features rooms with dramatic design elements like rich red curtains, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious clawfoot tubs that create an atmosphere of indulgent Southern luxury. The hotel combines classic architectural charm with modern sophistication, offering amenities like a restaurant, bar, pool, and patio within the beautifully preserved mansion setting. This is where you stay when you want to feel like New Orleans royalty, perfect for milestone celebrations, romantic anniversaries, and anyone who believes their accommodation should be as memorable as their destination. The intimate 14-room scale ensures personalized service while the dramatic interiors guarantee every moment feels like living in a beautifully designed dream.
Coffee & Breakfast
Cafe Bon Ami | Central Business District
Photo: Cafe Bon Ami
Cafe Bon Ami occupies the historic Factors Row building from 1858, creating an industrial-chic atmosphere where weathered exposed brick walls meet soaring arched windows that flood the space with natural light. The original monetary vault now serves as a cozy meeting nook, adding an authentic historical element that makes every coffee break feel like discovering a piece of New Orleans history. The space perfectly balances its cotton merchant past with contemporary comfort, featuring sleek modern furniture against the dramatic backdrop of historic architecture. Perfect for those who want their morning coffee with a side of authentic New Orleans history, this is where digital nomads and design lovers come to work from one of the city's most atmospheric settings. The large windows provide ideal people-watching while you settle in for hours with your laptop or a good book.
All Good Cafe | The Barnett | Warehouse District
Photo: All Good Cafe
All Good Cafe creates a moody, sophisticated atmosphere with its striking teal bar front and carefully curated vintage elements that make morning coffee feel like an aesthetic experience. The space features rich leather seating and beautiful patterned rugs that add warmth and character to the industrial bones of The Barnett Hotel. The thoughtfully sourced approach extends to every design choice, creating an environment that feels both neighborhood-focused and elevated. This is your go-to for Instagram-worthy morning moments and intimate coffee dates where the setting feels as carefully curated as your outfit. The cafe's design balances modern sophistication with welcoming comfort, making it perfect for both hotel guests seeking a stylish start to their day and locals who appreciate beautiful spaces.
Brennan's | French Quarter
Photo: Brennan's
Brennan's showcases one of New Orleans' most breathtaking dining rooms, with an ornate painted ceiling featuring pastel stripes and elegant chandeliers that create an atmosphere of pure grandeur. The space embodies classic French Quarter elegance with its sophisticated color palette and timeless design elements that have been welcoming guests for generations. For special occasion breakfasts and leisurely brunches, this is where you come when you want to feel like you're dining in a palace rather than just grabbing coffee. The attention to architectural detail and historical preservation makes every morning meal feel like a celebration, perfect for milestone moments or when you simply want to treat yourself to New Orleans luxury. The overall effect is both intimate and grand, capturing the essence of New Orleans' commitment to making even breakfast feel extraordinary.
Eat
Jewel of the South | Treme
Photo: Jewel of the South
Jewel of the South charms with its delightful citrus-patterned wallpaper and warm wooden floors that create an inviting atmosphere perfect for leisurely dining. The space features classic bentwood chairs and French doors that open to natural light, creating an airy, garden-like feeling even when dining indoors. The restaurant's design celebrates both elegance and approachability, with thoughtful details that make every meal feel special without being overly formal. This is where you come for photo-worthy dinner dates and celebrations that call for something more special than your typical night out. The charming garden courtyard makes it ideal for romantic evenings or intimate gatherings where the setting becomes part of the entertainment.
Seaworthy | Central Business District
Photo: Seaworthy
Set in a classic 1832 Creole cottage, Seaworthy embraces its maritime heritage with authentic weathered textures and vintage nautical artwork that create genuine character rather than theme-restaurant artifice. The space features a beautiful weathered fireplace and carefully preserved architectural details that honor the building's long history while serving contemporary coastal cuisine. The design celebrates the time-worn traditions of Southern hospitality through thoughtful preservation and authentic materials that feel lived-in and welcoming. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic New Orleans atmosphere and locals who want to feel transported to a different era without leaving the city. The intimate scale and historic character make every visit feel like discovering a hidden gem that perfectly captures the city's maritime heritage.
Acamaya | Bywater
Photo: Acamaya
Acamaya creates drama through its striking design elements, including sculptural circular sconces that cast dramatic pools of light against gray walls and warm wood ceilings. The restaurant features bold interior design that combines rich colors with industrial touches, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly complements their Mexican cuisine. The open kitchen is showcased behind illuminated shelving, making the culinary process part of the visual experience while maintaining the restaurant's refined aesthetic. This is your destination for elevated date nights when you want cutting-edge design with your dining experience, especially popular with design enthusiasts and couples celebrating special occasions. The sophisticated bar area makes it equally perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or late-night drinks when you want to be surrounded by contemporary art and thoughtful lighting.
Drink
The Elysian Bar | Hotel Peter and Paul | Marigny
Photo: The Elysian Bar
The Elysian Bar creates an incredibly atmospheric experience with its rich red and black color scheme, featuring dramatic wallpaper and statement bar stools that add playful sophistication. The space includes built-in bookshelves and intimate lighting that make it feel like a private library where cocktails happen to be served. Located within the historic Hotel Peter and Paul, the bar benefits from the property's commitment to preserving character while creating contemporary comfort. This is where you come for moody date nights and sophisticated cocktail experiences that feel like discovering a secret club hidden in the Marigny. The eclectic decor and warm, inviting ambiance make it perfect for both intimate conversations and solo drinking when you want to feel surrounded by beautiful design.
Salon Salon | Maison Métier | Central Business District
Photo: Salon Salon
Salon Salon transforms a former library into a stunning cocktail destination with floor-to-ceiling illuminated shelving that showcases an impressive collection of spirits like works of art. The space maintains the grandeur of its library origins while creating a sophisticated bar atmosphere that honors both its past and present functions. The dramatic lighting and careful curation of the spirit collection create visual interest throughout the room, making every angle photogenic and engaging. Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate both exceptional drinks and exceptional design, this is where you bring someone you want to impress with your taste in beautiful spaces. The intellectual atmosphere of the converted library makes it ideal for meaningful conversations over expertly crafted cocktails.
Cure | Uptown
Photo: Cure
Cure showcases the dramatic architecture of a converted firehouse with stunning arched alcoves behind the bar and soaring brick walls that create an impressive backdrop for serious cocktail craft. The warm lighting and rich leather banquettes nestled into exposed brick corners create intimate seating areas within the grand space. The restaurant's impressive spirit library is displayed throughout the dramatic architecture, turning the cocktail collection into part of the visual experience. This is the destination for serious cocktail lovers and anyone who wants to experience New Orleans nightlife in one of the city's most architecturally stunning spaces. The intimate seating areas make it perfect for romantic dates or small group celebrations where you want both excellent drinks and unforgettable atmosphere.
The Lobby Bar | The Chloe | Uptown
Photo: The Chloe
The Lobby Bar at The Chloe features a classic coffered ceiling and vintage portraits that create an elegant, old-world atmosphere perfect for cocktails and conversation. The space showcases beautiful bentwood bar stools and rich wood paneling that honor the building's 19th-century mansion origins while providing contemporary comfort. The bar's design balances sophistication with approachability, creating an environment that works equally well for hotel guests and locals seeking a refined drinking experience. This is your go-to for elegant pre-dinner drinks or late-night cocktails when you want to feel like you're drinking in a beautifully preserved piece of New Orleans history. The intimate scale and classic design elements make every visit feel special, perfect for celebrating occasions that call for a touch of old-world glamour.
New Orleans proves that a city built on the foundations of beauty, culture, and celebration creates endless opportunities for aesthetic discovery and memorable experiences. From the industrial elegance of converted historic buildings to the ornate grandeur of French Quarter institutions, these carefully curated spaces remind us that where we choose to spend our time directly impacts how we feel and what we remember. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, celebrating with friends, or simply treating yourself to a beautiful escape, New Orleans' most aesthetic destinations offer inspiration for living more beautifully every day. The only challenge will be deciding which stunning experience to prioritize first.
All locations featured here are Opulist picks and can also be found when using the "Restaurant," "Bar," "Coffee Shop," or "Hotel" Feature filters while searching for your going out experience in New Orleans.
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