New Orleans

Things we love:

Unlike anywhere else in the US, you can drink in the streets. Cue one non-stop street party. The food. Eat everything: gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, beignets... This is the birthplace of the cocktail thanks to one Antoine Peychaud and his therapeutic bitters. Mr Peychaud we salute you. Drink all the Sazeracs. There is music, everywhere. Streetcars. People still use them to commute.

Things we wish we'd known:

Bourbon St is hen/stag-party hell. Ogle, do some jelly shots, and get out of there. Voodoo is actively practised by many people here. It isn't as safe as it feels; take taxis and be wary of unlit streets. This is home to America's oldest bar, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. It may be famous, but Purple Drink is overrated. The Bywater / Marigny is where to play these days.