Visit NOLA with Me: Amtrak Train Ride, Hop-Off Bus Tour, Cafe Du Monde, Vue Orleans, and Audubon Aquarium
- Jaz The Sag
- Jan 2
- 7 min read
New Orleans, Louisiana has my heart and it's definitely on my list of places to return. My time in NOLA was too short, so come reminisce with me for a while as I try to recapture the adventure and liveliness of summer '23 in nearly 100 degrees of humidity.
My trip began with an Amtrak train ride from Birmingham, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana and included a sightseeing bus tour with beignets at Cafe Du Monde, Vue Orleans and the Audubon Aquarium at the Audubon Nature Institute.
All Aboard the Amtrak to New Orleans
Taking the Amtrak instead of flying was an intentional choice. For one, NOLA was close enough for me to entertain driving or another mode of transportation instead of a costly flight. I had never rode a train somewhere before so when I looked up the cost of a one-way coach ticket to NOLA and saw it was just $15, the decision was made. I bought a round-trip coach ticket for $30 and booked a two-night stay at a hotel downtown in the city.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed the slowness of the train ride. I can be antsy and in a rush to do things to get it done, so this was a nice change of pace because it forced me to sit with nothing but time. Along with a very chatty, but nice seat neighbor.
I will say that there was a sense of community on the train from ladies doing the electric slide (or some form a line dance) in the aisle to strangers striking up conversations with each other in passing. Could be a Southern thing, but it was nice. I was on board with some of the same folks on my return home because we recognized each other and knew when someone was missing on a stop.
Watching the scenery change gave me space to think about where I was in life, what I was releasing, and what I was opening myself up to.
No rushing. No turbulence. Hardly any wifi. Just time, movement, and anticipation.
Getting Around Town & Exploring
I took Uber everywhere, which allowed me to stay present instead of stressed over figuring out directions and sitting in traffic or processing other drivers' behaviors. I just wanted to enjoy the city. When I could get around on foot, I usually opted to walk because this allowed me to move around and really take in the sights.
Whenever I travel somewhere to stay for a bit, I like to be within walking distance to a lot of amenities, attractions, and sights. I feel like it helps me get more familiar with the area by walking around or being a short ride away.
Canopy Hotel by Hilton New Orleans Downtown
I stayed at the Canopy by Hilton in Downtown New Orleans, located in the business district. I didn't realize what part of town I was in, but in hindsight, it was so fitting. Kinda like reinforcement because I was going through a transition with my entrepreneurial journey. Being around the professionals inspired me to get things sorted out with my own solo business jaunt.
This was a casual hotel with mid service, but I was grateful for late check-in through the Hilton app because my train was delayed. I was hungry for food and adventure by the time I got to the hotel. And what a nice treat, hearing one of my fave songs on my room floor. "Lights Up" by Harry Styles is a song about self-discovery and and self-acceptance. Everytime I hear it, it takes me somewhere lighter where I feel one with myself. It's such a gem and one of my faves. Hearing this song at that time in that place was confirmation about me being where I was supposed to be and stepping into a new chapter. Although super short, I knew this would be a healing trip.
Sightseeing Bus Tour and Beignets
One of the first things I did was hop on a sightseeing bus tour that allows us to get off, explore, and jump back on to see the next spot. If you’re visiting New Orleans for the first time—or even the second and third—this is such a smart way to understand the layout of the city without feeling overwhelmed.
Hearing the stories of what took place and then seeing where it happened is different type of learning I love. I didn't realize Ruby Bridges' story took place in NOLA. It didn't dawn on me that Tennessee Williams capture a slice of NOLA in "A Streetcar Named Desire" where he lived at the time.
One of my favorite stops included beignets at Café du Monde in the French Market. Warm, dough just right, generously dusted with powdered sugar. It felt like a true welcome-to-New-Orleans moment.
The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me structure without pressure which was something I deeply appreciated in that season of my life. I was learning how to explore without rushing myself, go with my own flow without interference from others, and letting my curiosity lead. I was doing the hell what I wanted to do and it was freeing. I needed that.
Views from the Top at Vue Orleans
Vue Orleans was another highlight of the trip. This was my immediate motivation for coming to NOLA because I had seen an Instagram ad the year before with walls of art and jazz music playing and realized this was more than a museum, but a cultural experience I had to be there to appreciate.
Fast-forward several months later, I’m on Canal Street taking in an amazing sight of the city from the 33rd floor of the observatory: the curves of the Mississippi River, the way neighborhoods blend into one another, and just how alive the city feels.
This investment in arts, technology and culture to bring tourism to NOLA and appreciation among the locals helps boost economic development. Not to mention how educational an exhibit like this is.
When you enter the exhibit, there’s an area dedicated to characters from different time periods to educate you about earlier settlers and influences that contributed to the NOLA we know today. The digital story cafe presents signature dishes you’ll want to try after your visit.
The theater is an immersive experience that shows you how the city geographically came into existence. You move on through the exhibit and take the elevator ride to the top for unmatched views.
Slowing Down to Touch Water at Audubon Aquarium
Visiting the Audubon Aquarium at the Audubon Nature Institute was calming, immersive, and a welcome pause from the heat.
I feel like the aquarium would usually be a quiet space to observe the wildlife, but because it was summertime (kids out of school) and an eventful weekend coming up (Essence Festival preparation), this place was packed and lively with locals and tourists all over.
Regardless of all that, there were a couple of low-traffic areas I could observe the fish and read about their habitat.
My Song of the Summer for this Trip: "Call on Me" by Chicago
If I had to pick one song that represents the energy of this visit, it’d be “Call on Me” by Chicago. I know it's ironic... But the song sounds like a tropical and carefree summer and I was living my best life as I explored a new city for the first time. It captures my love for NOLA as well as it's a breezy love song. I love the arrangement of the song because it's heavy on the conga drums which is an instrument with African and latin roots....which happens to make up a good portion of New Orleans' varied culture. See how I justified and connected all that?
What I Learned & Why I Appreciate NOLA
It was hot as hell yet fabulous. I hit the city right before the Essence Festival kicked off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. So the city was bustling with more energy for the summer with an abundance of entertainment and tourists. Looking back, I realize New Orleans met me where I was. It didn’t rush me. It didn’t demand a version of myself I wasn’t ready to be. It simply offered moments—and let me decide what to do with them.
My time there was short, but it was meaningful. And that’s why NOLA still lingers in my mind. I’ll return one day to check out more places and eat more food but this first visit will always be special.
NOLA’s culture is rich because of its variety. There’s French, Spanish, Creole, African, and Indigenous influences that stem from who controlled the land at the time – whether won through war or bought and sold in deals…because business has been a thing since people could communicate and power could change hands.
The city’s geographical location matters because it’s surrounded by water like the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, so Irish, German, Polish and Italian immigrants were drawn to New Orleans and trade along the river and lakes.
My Travel Tips
What to Book and Reserve Before the Trip
Reserve your hotel or AirBnB before arriving. I booked my hotel stay about 3-4 weeks before and during the week because rates are better--as discussed before.
Reserve your transportation beforehand like the train or your flight. I reserved an Uber, but had to cancel and catch one when I arrived because my train was delayed. Sometimes, you can't predict these things. So, I recommend catching your Uber or Lyft when you're close to your pickup spot.
When to Visit
I visited New Orleans in the thick of summer. Next time, I'll opt for spring or the transitioning period from late summer to fall...because the humidity and heat is brutal. I say this as a fellow Southerner who grew up in the Deep South's intense summers with heat warnings.
Quick Itinerary for 1-to-2-Day Travel
Vue Orleans
Ticket price is roughly $30 right now
Book directly through website or Groupon
Located on Canal Street
Sightseeing Bus Tour of City
Ticket price is roughly $50 right now
Book through Tripadvisor or Groupon
Location varies
Audubon Aquarium
Ticket price ranges roughly between $40 - $55 right now
Book through website
Located on Canal Street
Jaz the Sag Rates It
5 arrows 🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹
NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with the tourist attractions, hotels, businesses or city of New Orleans and this post is NOT sponsored and does not include any affiliated links. This is just a courtesy post of my own will, sharing an honest review, tips, and my experience.
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