We know that the number of must-visit places for the Essence Festival is the venue itself, Mercedes-Benz, Superdome New Orleans, Louisiana. However, if you’d love to have a super fun weekend in New Orleans on that Fourth of July weekend, you might want to look further than that. Not to worry, you do not have to go about looking for the different places that you can visit for that weekend. Hence, we have got more than enough listed for you in the article, and you do not want to miss out on all these exciting places. So, we have these places sectioned into the best restaurants, the best places for sightseeing, the best bars, and definitely, the best parks.
The Top 10 Best Restaurants in New Orleans
Commander’s Palace
Just so you know, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans is an award-winning restaurant owned by the Brennan family. The restaurant is located in the center of New Orleans Garden Street. Additionally, the food and service here are top-notch and it is a favorite for visitors.
Herbsaint
Located at Charles Avenue, 70130, Herbsaint is one amazing food place that has got the best of New Orleans delicacies. If you are some oysters, top-notch Italian cooking, or French cuisine. Then, this restaurant is to go-to place for you as a visiting person in New Orleans.
Brigtsen’s Restaurant
Managed by Chef Frank Brigsten and his wife, Marna, the Brigtsen’s restaurant has got one of the very best places for creole cooking in New Orleans. Also, Brigsten’s restaurant boasts of satisfied regular customers and new people who testify of the delicacies dished out there.
Coquette
Coquette will give you that classic feeling when you visit to eat. Located on Magazine Street, Coquette has got one of the highest ceilings in the city. Therefore, you are promised a great view while digging in to enjoy your meal. This restaurant is owned by Mike Stoltzfus and you’re promised the best southern cuisine here.
Cochon
Cochon is all things meat. Right, from sausages, and jelly, to mustards and delicious sauces. The restaurant has had years of expert experience in ‘butchering, crafting, and smoking’ a wide variety of meat types. So, you want to get there to have a taste of the fantastic delicacies that they’ve got on the menu.
Jamila’s Cafe
Jamila’s Cafe is a Tunisian restaurant located at 7808, in Maple Street, New Orleans. Here, you’ve got options to dine in-house or simply take your meal with you. Now, there are no delivery options. In addition, you can have a good time enjoying your meal while you are treated to a view of belly dancers.
Luvi Restaurant
If you are an Asian who’d love to get the best of Chinese-Japanese delicacies, then Luvi restaurant is your number one. This restaurant is an Asian-owned eating place that offers the best native homemade dishes. The beautiful, comely, and simple interior would make you feel at home.
Casamento’s Restaurant
Craving some fresh oysters with a mixture of the best seafood combination? Then, let’s take you to Casamento. Casamento is a restaurant popular for serving the best of seafood exquisites right there on Magazine Street, New Orleans. Sacramento has been around since way back in 1919. So, it is a tested and true place.
Saffron
Saffron Nola is yet another special native restaurant in New Orleans. This time, it is for Indians. The Vilkhu Family manages this special place and they’ve got a ton of mentions listed on their website. Besides, Saffron Nola is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New Orleans and you don’t want to skip taking a step into the space before you leave.
Toups Meatery
Named after its founder, Chef Isaac Toups, Toups Meatery presents the best Cajun spices, food, wine, and Cocktails. Then, the restaurant is located at 845 N, Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans.
The Top 10 Best Places in New Orleans
French Quarter
The French Quarter is a top tourist attraction for visitors to New Orleans. This is because of the historic old-time buildings and streets present in this line; some of these are Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Jackson Square, and others. Similarly, this square is usually filled with varieties of people in different businesses, like artists or musicians. It’s a beautiful sight and you should get there.
Frenchmen Street
The Frenchmen Street is yet another iconic place that you’d love to see in New Orleans. The landmark of this area is the Farbough Neighbourhood which houses the famous there block section building right in the heart of the street.
National World War II Museum
If you have read about the Second World War, then you really should not skip visiting this museum. The National World War II Museum presents the historic second world war pictorially, taking the tourists through the dark days of the war down to victory at the end.
Magazine Street
You definitely must have heard of this famous New Orleans Magazine Street before. And, if you have been planning to stop by, that’ll be a great decision for you on the Fourth of July weekend. Likewise, Magazine Street is all-encompassing for cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and more! You can’t get to this street and not leave with something fantastic that you bought.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Housing more than 40,000 art objects of reference, the New Orleans Museum of Art is an outstanding gallery. This is open all week, except for Monday. Therefore, you shouldn’t be discouraged if you are planning to during the Essence Fest weekend.
Lafitte Greenway
Lafitte Greenway is really beautiful adorned by the greenness of its environment. Plus, The Beautiful is one of New Orleans ‘ most fantastic new parks. And, it is made majorly for pedestrians and bicyclists. Therefore, you are perfectly safe to take a walk down when you visit New Orleans for the Essence Fest.
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
According to its name, this museum is indeed one recounting the present history of the Jews. Besides, the Museum describes the many influences that the Jews had in the South, and the lasting influences of the southern hemisphere on the Jews too.
Garden District
The Garden District is a popular name in New Orleans and beyond. This is because this area has got the best aesthetic mansions and places. The pathways are lawn endowed with beautiful walkways too. You can say that Garden District is a top-tier area for the bourgeoisie.
Bacchanal
Bacchanal is fantastic dining in New Orleans notable for presenting the best in assorted wines, original cocktails, and meals. Also, Bacchanal provides that sweet courtyard dining experience that you can try out before going back home to the busy streets.
The Broadside
If you are up for some superb entertainment, and you don’t mind skipping the artist lineup at Essence, you can go over to The Broadside. The Broadside is a venue for music, movies, and more. Additionally, the place has got a movie theatre and you can go in to watch a movie while you enjoy the weekend.
Top 10 Best Bars in New Orleans
Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt
The Sazerac Bar is named after the world’s first mixed cocktail. This bar is notable for being a top bar for different mixtures of local and foreign flavors. It has often been said that the drinks from this bar bear a similar reputation to the Sazerac, which it is named after.
Jewel of the South
With a 4.7 rating, you can tell that this bar is one of the best around in the city. The building that houses the Jewel of the South has got an age-long history that dates as far back as the 19th century. Moreover, if you’re in the mood for a rich cocktail and you’d love to hang out with friends, try this bar.
The Avenue Pub
Avenue Pub is a nice bar with stocked drinks, gin, and more. What’s even better about The Avenue pub is that you do not have to drink alone. You can also order a nice meal to step it down with.
The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul
The Elysian Bar is a very nice hang-out place that is located within the Hotel Peter and Paul compound. Further, It’s a bar, restaurant, and amazing space for you to chill out after a long, exciting day at the Festival.
Carousel Bar & Lounge
The Carousel Bar and Lounge is located at 214 Royal Street, in New Orleans. This place is situated inside the Hotel Monteleone. Moreover, it offers a nice environment to enjoy your cocktail while taking in the scenery. While you sip, you can nod your head or do some shaking to the one-of-a-kind jazz music that’s playing in the background.
Pal’s Lounge
You can enjoy a late-night hangout at this popular comely lounge. Furthermore, there’s enough time to take in the brews and bottles of your favorite drink for as long as you want, even past midnight.
Vaughan’s Lounge
Vaughan’s Lounge is yet another nice bar that you can step into, to enjoy the night. While there is lots of drinking, you will also enjoy the interesting live music and exciting gathering with other visitors in the lounge.
Bar Marilou
When you visit Bar Marilou, you’ll be astounded by the inviting feeling of the library-like interior. This bar is also another one of the superb cocktail bars that offer the best-brewed drinks in New Orleans. Then, at this bar, you can only dine in, and not take out or request delivery.
Twelve Mile Limit
Then, there is Twelve Mile Limit. From cocktails to barbecue and nice people around, this bar is great to be in. Likewise, there are options for you to steal a quick pool game, and chat with the locals. This place is located at 500 Telemachus Street, New Orleans.
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
Likewise, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub has got the best collection of whiskey, beer, and specials concerning your state. If you are a football fan, there is even better news for you. The pub features a whole lot of football sports sessions. So, you can move along with pals if you are together at the Essence Fest.
The Best Parks in New Orleans
Audubon Park
Like every park, Audubon Park is a super nice spot in New Orleans. Over there, are interesting recreational games that you can enjoy with friends and family.
Crescent Park
Situated right along the great Mississippi River, Crescent Park is a wonderful green-spaced area that’ll have breathtaking views that will help you get relaxed. Also, it is a waterfront front that has different landscaping paths.
City Park
Again, City Park is a wide expanse of land that houses amusement facilities, a garden, and spaces for sports like golf or tennis. Also, the park is the 87th largest and 20th most visited public park in the US.
West End Park
The West End Park in New Orleans is a beautiful and fascinating area that Is the best-used picnics, games, and recreational sports from time to time. Also, it is a choice park for visitors to New Orleans.
Woldenberg Park
Located on First Canal Street, New Orleans, Los Angeles, this lark is named after one of the city’s philanthropists, who is Malcolm Woldenberg. If you get to this park, you will get one beautiful scenery of Mississippi.
FAQ about New Orleans During Essence Festival
Where to eat the best beignets in New Orleans?
Although, there are many places where you can get the best beignets. But, Cafe Du Monde is number one.
What to do at Essence Festival?
There is so much to do! There are seminars, dances, pavilion activities, artists’ performances, and lots more!
How much does the Essence Festival cost?
This depends on your budget for the festival. However, if you had like to know the ticket cost, you can visit the Essence website for this.
Final Words
Getting to enjoy the Essence Festival on that Fourth of July is one thing. Even more, you will get to experience many fantastic events. But, while you are in New Orleans, do not forget to step in at any of the places listed above.