Strolling the French Quarter (October 2025)
New Orleans had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and I had the opportunity to visit on an extended, three-day weekend last October. Although I only had a short stay in town, it was a lot of fun to explore not only the many historic architecture, but also discover its multi-blend of French, Creole, and American cultures. As the city’s slogan states, “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll)!
Long before the arrival of the French, New Orleans was originally the land of the Choctaw people, who called the area “Bulbancha.” This part of present-day Louisiana was a major trading post for indigenous tribes in and all over the region until the French arrived in the 1690s to initially farm the land. However, it wasn’t until 1718 that New Orleans was officially established, named after Phillip II, Duke of Orléans, and became the capital of French Louisiana (aka “New France”).
New Orleans changed hands between France and Spain throughout the 18th century until the onset of the 19th century, when the United States acquired French Louisiana through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Soon, New Orleans grew exponentially, with the influx of Haitian immigrants following the Haitian Revolution and the slave trade from West Africa. The city soon became the third-largest in the country, as well as a melting pot of different cultures, especially in the Francophone world.
The city continued developing into the 20th century and became a tourist draw in the 1970s and 1980s. There was also a second wave of tourism in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, following rebuilding efforts that ended up drawing even more visitors than ever before, especially during Mardi Gras in February each year. Today, it has become a popular weekend destination to party, drink, listen to jazz music, and overall have a good old time.
I had an early flight to New Orleans leaving at 7h00, so it was a 4h00 wake-up call to get ready and head to the airport. The flight departed on time, and it was a quiet, uneventful three-and-a-half-hour ride over. Soon enough, we landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at 12h30 local time– just before landing, I caught a glimpse of the incredibly-green swamp land that makes this part of the US so distinct. I would be visiting the swamp during my time in Louisiana, and I found it quite beautiful!
Aerial views of the swamp
Just right outside the airport are taxis at fixed price ($35 USD) to the French Quarter, so I grabbed a ride where I would spend the afternoon in before I could check into my hotel. The French Quarter is a historic part of New Orleans, its narrow streets lined with elegant, cast-iron buildings and packed with restaurants and jazz bars for a lively time. I found the architecture lovely, vibrant and overall a great vibe.
Architecture of the French Quarter
By the time I arrived in New Orleans, it was already close to 14h00. I hadn’t had lunch yet, but I didn’t want to eat a heavy meal, as I had early-dinner reservations at 17h00. That said, I walked into a random bar to grab some oysters, a local delicacy– considering that the city is located right on the Gulf of Mexico, there’s lots of seafood to be had. I ordered two types of oysters: raw and char-grilled, and both were fabulous. If you like briny, punchy flavors, oysters are the right dish for you!
Char-grilled oysters with garlic butter and cheese
Raw oysters
Even though I visited in October, it was still 81°F/27°C and humid– after all, it’s still The South! Despite the heat, I continued my visit of New Orleans: I stopped by a small yarn store to grab a skein for my partner and then spent time wandering the French Quarter, coming across street performances playing jazz and classic tunes. Some tourists were even dancing to the beat! Very animated, very fun.
Right in the heart of the French Quarter is Saint Louis Cathedral, pristine white and majestic. Unfortunately, it was closed that afternoon for a wedding, but I was able to go in later during my stay (more on it later). Any case, I strolled down the busy Bourbon Street, already packed with rowdy and drunk people, and gradually made my way to the hotel to check in. My hotel was located just on the border of the French Quarter, actually housed inside of an old train station-turned-museum. The rooms were reasonably-sized, and while simple, it was a comfortable stay.
Saint Louis Cathedral
Bourbon Street
I got settled into my room and freshened up a bit before I headed right back out, catching an Uber over to the restaurant for my dinner reservations at Cochon. It was fancy and trendy, but it served traditional Creole food with a modern flair. I’d booked for an early dinner at 17h00, but I was surprised to see so many patrons already inside.
Any case, I ordered a selection of small plates, including fried alligator bites to start– given that alligators are native to the Deep South, I wanted to give it a try. I found the taste quite interesting: it resembled chicken, but tougher and dry– not sure it was my favorite, but I’m glad I got to sample it!
Fried alligator
In addition, I also ordered rabbit and dumplings, another Southern comfort classic, as my main. Again, I don’t know if I really liked it, as I found the stew quite heavy in cream and the rabbit pieces small and lacking in flavor. However, the star of the meal was the banana pudding for dessert, which was rich, creamy, and soft. Overall, the meal was okay– not my favorite, but a great way to try out a famous restaurant and Southern/Creole cooking.
Rabbit and dumplings
Banana pudding
That concluded my first afternoon in town: I’ll recap more of my adventures in New Orleans soon! 🙂
— Rebecca
