There are few cities in the United States that celebrate the contributions of its black residents as much as New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most famous cities in the world, it is the music, art, flavors, history, and soul that make New Orleans what it is today, and much of what makes the city great comes directly from the black people that call the Crescent City home.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to this beloved city, we’ll tell you how to go a full day in New Orleans by supporting black-owned restaurants, shops, museums, and much more.
Check-in at The Moor, a Hausotel by Homage
Owned by Howard University alums Damon Lawrence and Marcus Carey, The Moor is one of just a few black-owned hotels in New Orleans and blends southern charm with African-inspired décor.
RELATED: A New Black-Owned Hotel Is Open For Business In New Orleans
Grab a coffee at Backatown Coffee Parlour
Located in New Orleans’ old Storyville neighborhood, the coffee at this chic shop is made from coffee beans that are sourced from a New Orleans company and then roasted by one of the country’s only black-owned roasters located in Mississippi. The café au lait is a favorite and be sure to try the vegan sweet potato scone.
Discover books by local black authors at Community Book Center
Vera Warren-Williams opened this hub for black literature and culture in 1983, and the store has been an instrumental part of the New Orleans literary scene ever since. Here you’ll find titles by mainstream and independent authors, and there are always events like film screenings and social gatherings.
Have lunch and treats at the Praline Connection
You might have to wait for a table at this Frenchman Street restaurant, but once you try a cup of crawfish étouffée and signature dishes like the fried chicken, stuffed crab, and seafood po’ boys, you’ll be glad you stuck around. After lunch, head to the attached praline shop to buy pralines and special spices and sauces for family, friends, and of course, yourself.
Learn about the history of Treme at The Backstreet Cultural Museum
Sylvester Francis began documenting the jazz funerals, Mardis Gras costumes, carnivals, and second line parades in the 80s and opened this two-room museum to display his photographs as well as costumes, accessories, and memorabilia he collected over the years.
Take the New Orleans Black Heritage & Jazz City tour
From visiting Congo Square and Armstrong Park to unpacking slavery in Louisiana, Voodoo, music, and architecture, All Bout Dat Tours dives deep into how the black experience has built and continues to sustain New Orleans.
Take a tour of BMike’s Studio BE
Head to the Bywater neighborhood to view the vibrant, sweeping murals by acclaimed social justice artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums. Known for his beautiful large-scale murals celebrating the beauty of black men, women, and children as well as cultural icons like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr, BMike’s work is re-shaping the New Orleans art scene in a major way.
Make Hurricanes at the New Orleans Drink Lab
Owned by Daniel Victory, one of the city’s best bartenders, shake things up by learning how to make classic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac, the Hurricane, and Ramos Gin Fizz during this interactive class.
Have dinner at Dooky Chase’s
There are countless restaurants you can visit to get an authentic taste of New Orleans, but until you’ve sat down for a bowl of gumbo at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, you haven’t really experienced New Orleans. This institution has been around since 1941 and the menu, which features signature dishes like Shrimp Clemenceau and Chicken Creole, is better than ever.
End the day with live music at Prime Example Jazz Blues Food
This Broad Street hot spot has music nearly every night, with both local and visiting acts hitting the stage throughout the week. Order a cocktail and dessert and wind down while listening to smooth jazz in the heart of 7th Ward.
Ready to visit New Orleans? Join Travel Noire for our upcoming TN experience in New Orleans this fall!
