City Swappers: New Orleans vs. Miami

Two couples swap lives for the chance to experience a new city. Decide for yourself if it’s just a nice place to visit, or if you’d like to live there.

Two couples swap lives for the chance to experience a new city. Decide for yourself if it’s just a nice place to visit, or if you’d like to live there.

                 

New Orleans Miami
Miami natives Robin and Laird head to New Orleans for a weeklong stay in a penthouse near the One Bal Harbour area of town.
New Orleans natives Grant and Stacey head to Miami for a weeklong stay in a penthouse near Florida’s South Beach.
   
Where to Eat Where to Eat
  • Robin and Laird enjoy down-home Cajun soul food at The Praline Connection.

  • The other couple’s family treats them to a crawfish boil at Southern Oaks Plantation.

  • A horse-drawn carriage takes them to dinner at Commander’s Palace, one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans.
  • Grant and Stacey have an unexpectedly fancy dinner at Mr. Collins restaurant, including grits with lobster tail.

  • Le Tub, a restaurant set on the water that won “America’s best burger” in 2005, is their lunch destination.

  • They stop at a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant called Ayestaran for their signature Cuban sandwiches.
   
What to Do What to Do
  • They try their hand at crawfish hunting.

  • They feed gators at Kliebert's Turtle & Alligator Farm, one of the only family-run gator farms in the country.
  • They stop by El Titan de Bronze, a Cuban cigar factory in Little Havana to roll their own cigars.

  • They paddleboard on the calm waters of Hollywood Beach.

  • They finish their night with salsa dancing at Hoy Como Ayer.
   
What to See What to See
  • Robin and Laird hit Frenchman Street, home to some of the finest jazz clubs and restaurants in the city.

  • They finish their night off with drinks in the French Quarter.
  • Parasailing takes them high above Miami’s picturesque landscape.

  • Miami Seaquarium gives them the chance to feed an endangered, 3000-pound, 58-year-old manatee.

  • Grant and Stacey pick up some salsa outfits at Pepe y Berta.

Next Up

Florida’s East Coast Beaches

We share the best beaches on Florida's East Coast. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

7 Fun Things to Do on Your Fort Myers Vacation

From sunset kayaking to delicious eats, there is so much to explore in southwest Florida's island sanctuary.

5 Family Adventures in Hawaii

Put the phones down and make memories to last a lifetime with these thrilling activities on the island of Hawaii.

3 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

There's nothing like a challenging hike with a rewarding view.

The Newest Reasons to Visit Miami Beach

Learn about Miami Beach's newest hotels, restaurants and more.

10 Wild West Family Adventures

Discover how Buffalo Bill, U.S. soldiers, railroaders and Pony Express riders opened the west.

Visit Gorgeous Tulip Fields Without Flying to Holland

Washington’s Skagit Valley is the next best thing.

Miami on a Budget

Vacationing in Miami doesn't always have to make your bank account cry.

This Majorly Discounted CityPASS Will Let You Visit 5 of Seattle’s Best Attractions for a Fraction of the Cost

Save big on admission tickets to some of Seattle's best attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture and more.

Kansas City BBQ: 6 Top Picks You Won’t Want to Miss

When in Kansas City, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best barbecue joints in the country. The only question is where to go first.

What's New from TRVL

On TV

Stream discovery+

Your favorite shows, personalities and exclusive originals. All in one place.

Subscribe Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.