new orleans Archives • Purses & Planes

The Famous Carousel Bar in New Orleans

by Natalie | Published on Aug 20, 2021 | Last updated Jul 7, 2022 | Blog, Reviews & Recommendations, USA travel

This post is all about the carousel bar in New Orleans.

Built in 1949, this magical rotating bar has spun through history hosting legendary performers and written about by the most prestigious authors.

One simply cannot leave New Orleans without having a drink at the iconic Carousel Bar & Lounge.

This is such a MUST DO in NOLA, that I’ve included it on my Ultimate New Orleans Checklist. Click here or below to get your free printable!

Carousel Bar & Lounge – The Location

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This famous rotating bar is located in the French Quarter inside the stunning Hotel Monteleone.

Anyone can visit the carousel bar, whether you are staying at the Hotel Monteleone or not.

Book your stay here so the carousel bar is within arm’s reach at all times!

Location: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Check out My 3-Day Itinerary to New Orleans

How to Get a Spot at the Carousel Bar

Ah, the real question we would all love to know the easy answer to. Unfortunately, the “secret” to getting a spot is to wait patiently behind the bar and RUN when you see a spot open up.

There are only 25 seats at the carousel bar. If I can find 3 spots for myself and my friends at the bar on the fourth of July, then I have faith you can too.

The Drinks

It’s no surprise that the drinks are expensive. I ordered the “Handshaken Pina Colada” and it was $15. However, it was absolutely delicious! Considering this bar is a major tourist attraction in NOLA the prices are actually quite fair.

Check out the full cocktail and small bites menu here.

Enjoy your spin around the enchanting Carousel Bar in New Orleans!

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New Orleans Itinerary – 3 Insane Days in the Big Easy

by Natalie | Published on Aug 17, 2021 | Last updated Feb 11, 2022 | Blog, Itineraries, USA travel

This post is all about the most epic 3 day New Orleans itinerary.

New Orleans is an eclectic city that sweeps you into every beat (and beignets!)

I’ve created the best 3-day itinerary for New Orleans to help you have a more successful and less stressful trip. Don’t forget to print your FREE New Orleans Printable Checklist so you don’t miss a thing!

GET MY FREE NOLA CHECKLIST!

So, you’re taking a trip to the Big Easy? Here are the recommendations I swear by to have a fantastic trip in NOLA!

Here is the BEST 3 day New Orleans Itinerary.

3 Day New Orleans Itinerary (the short version)

Day 1 – Check into your hotel. Walk around the French Quarter and have a beignet. Stop by Jackson square and St. Louis Cathedral. Visit Hotel Monteleone and have a drink at the carousel bar.

Day 2 – Explore the Garden District and Magazine Street. Brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe. Take a cemetery tour. Dinner and drinks on Frenchmen Street.

Day 3 – Book a fancy jazz brunch. Explore more of Bourbon Street. Dinner at Galeries. See Fritzel’s jazz band. Have a drink at the Dungeon. Enjoy your last night in Nola!

Where to stay in New Orleans:

The Quisby Hostel – $

Ace Hotel – $$

Hotel Monteleone – $$$

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3 Day New Orleans Itinerary (the detailed version)

Day 1

Check into your hotel and get ready to explore the French Quarter.

Stop and have a beignet and cafe au lait. Cafe Beignet on Royal Street is what I recommend over the famous Cafe Du Monde.

Stroll through the beautiful Jackson Square and admire the St. Louis cathedral.

Enjoy walking in and out of thrift stores and various shops in the French Quarter. I encourage you to venture beyond bourbon street, as there are so many beautiful and interesting corners of the quarter.

Visit Hotel Monteleone and have a drink at the famous rotating Carousel bar.

Day 2

Start your day off on Magazine Street. Have brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe and explore the many shops lining Magazine street.

Next, admire the beautiful houses in the Garden District. Some famous houses to see are the home of Anne Rice and the filming location for American Horror Story Coven.

Book a cemetery tour to see the famous cemeteries of New Orleans. Due to the swampy terrain, graves are buried above ground which makes for a unique sight to see.

After you’ve covered the garden district, head on over to Frenchmen street for dinner and drinks.

Day 3

Your last day in NOLA! Begin with a fancy jazz brunch. I recommend Commander’s Palace, Court of Two Sisters, or Broussards. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

We opted for Broussards, as it was suggested by a local. It was incredible!

Spend your last day back in the french quarter. Walk Bourbon Street and explore some of the hole-in-the-wall bars. Be sure to have a drink at the Dungeon!

After eating a scrumptious dinner at Gallier’s, go to Fritzel’s Jazz Club for an enchanting performance that captures New Orleans perfectly.