No matter how you pronounce it, New Orleans is one of those vibrant US cities that I like to describe as one that satisfies the senses (taste, smell, sound, touch and sight). It's known for it's great food scene, music culture, French and Spanish architecture, famous festivities like Mardi Gras, but also has an interesting heritage and history. If you missed it: my Instagram stories in New Orleans.

If you have a few days to spend in New Orleans; here are some of my recommendations of things to do and where to eat.

Haunted History Tour: We purchased tickets for the Haunted History Tour: with Ari (Ariadne) who was an excellent tour guide.

One of the highlights of the stop is Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop built between 1722 and 1732 and known to be one of the oldest structures used as a bar.

Shopping:

• Bourbon French Parfums, a fun experience choosing a fragrance, with friendly staff
• Hove Parfumeur, more expensive perfumes
• Roux Royale, great little shop for souvenirs, on the expensive side
• Louisiana Music Factory, vast selection of music from artists both local and international

Restaurants:

• Cafe Du Monde, 800 Decatur St. - famous for its beignets and coffee and they never disappoint!

• Manchu Food Store, best fried chicken wings at this hole in the wall joint, where it seemed to be mostly locals
• 9 Roses Cafe, excellent Vietnamese food
• Sucre, in the French Quarter, for tasty gelato
• Carmo, Great lunch spot, with vegetarian options that are very delicious

• El Gato Negro, very good mexican food
• Palace Cafe, 605 Canal St., an iconic spot with outdoor seating and buffet breakfast that was absolutely delicious - (try the alligator sausage!)

• Cafe Beignet, 334 Royal St., the beignets are not as good as the ones from Cafe Du Monde, but it's a cute albeit crowded place. Place your order at the counter and try to find a spot! The tables and chairs are a little bit uncomfortable and everything comes in takeaway dishes.

• Arnaud's, 813 Bienville St., great ambiance and live jazz (in the Jazz Bistro), known for the famous drink: French 75 (Courvoisier VS, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Moët & Chandon), and the souffle potatoes are incredible!

French 75 cocktail: The drink dates to World War I and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun

• Steam Whistle Cafe, 2031 Charles Ave, cute little cafe in the Garden District, right next to the Pontchartrain Hotel, which has a beautiful lounge

• Cochon, bustling and busy, the oven roasted gulf fish ($32) was just okay, catfish courtbouillon $19 was better and the wood fired oysters were great!

• Auction House Market, a new type of warehouse food hall; it's like a hip food court, with gourmet foods to choose from

• New Orleans Creole Cookery, 508 Toulouse St., classic creole food
• Commander's Palace - was closed for a private event but the
• Garden District is beautiful to walk around, you can see John Goodman's house (below) as well as Sandra Bullock's. Walking maps are available at Commander's Palace. The Lafayette Cemetery is also in the Garden District.

See more NOLA posts here.