The average hipster doesn't stay anywhere for too long; always on the move looking for new adventure, and the next great indie band. New Orleans has the innate ability to provide both in one's first day, granted the indie band might involve more brass than expected.
Start your first day off by waking early and checking out one of the city's great coffee shops. In the Uptown area, Rue de la Course is the spot; an old two story bank turned into bean brewer with classical music filling the space. Here you can check out the back wall for upcoming events, such as festivals, concerts and gatherings. The Gambit, a weekly local publication, should be skimmed through for more local happenings type info.
Powerful coffee, super chill vibe at Rue de la Course — Photo courtesy of Rue de la Course
Grab your bike and continue down South Carrollton onto historic St. Charles. You should make plans to pull into Audubon Park. Here, you can sit in a gazebo and look out over Bird Island. Whip out your backpack guitar and play the local fowl some of your favorite tunes. Lucky for you, birds are just as anti-Top 40.
If your legs are tired, grab the St. Charles Streetcar and ride all the way into the city. You will get off across from Bourbon Street. Way too many conformers on this street. Take the next street, Royal, down to Pirate's Alley. Stop in Faulkner House Books, where you can pick up some Kerouac or Vonnegut. Take your new literature over to Pirate's Alley Cafe to order up some eats and refill on java.
Pirate's Alley (Faulkner's House) — Photo courtesy of Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar
Continue making your way down Royal until you reach the Marigny neighborhood and Frenchmen Street. Time to get your schwill on. Frenchmen has a plethora of watering holes that cater to the hipster crowd. Try the Spotted Cat, for some interesting live music and canned beers.
While you are in the area, plan on catching an "off-Broadway" type performance at one of the bars doubling as theaters. The Allways Lounge generally has some provocative shows running on the weekends.
The "Schlitztini" — Photo courtesy of Snake and Jake's
If you're too far deep into anti-capitalism to take traditional cabs, grab a pedi-cab that won't mind taking you back Uptown. A great first night in New Orleans for any hipster must end at Snake and Jake's Christmas Lounge. Inside the bar, you will see 30-50 clones of yourself, ready to drink til 6 am and talk about all that's wrong with modern society. There are some grungy couches inside that allow you to finally take a load off after a long, but rewarding first day in the Big Easy.
