New Orleans 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of New Orleans

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.), famous for its beignets and café au lait.
  • Take a stroll along Royal Street to admire the historic French Quarter architecture.

Afternoon:

  • Visit St. Louis Cathedral (615 Pere Antoine Alley) and Jackson Square (701 Decatur St.).
  • Hop on a Steamboat Natchez cruise (Toulouse Wharf, 300 Toulouse St.) for a glimpse of the city from the Mississippi River.
  • Explore Frenchmen Street in the evening for live music at venues like Blue Nile and d.b.a.

Dinner:

  • Savor Creole cuisine at Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave.) or Galatoire’s Bistro (209 Bourbon St.).

Nightlife:

  • End your day with a visit to Tropical Isle (811 Decatur St.), home of the famous Hand Grenade drink.

Day 2: Uncovering New Orleans’ Cultural Gems

Morning:

  • Visit The National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St.) to learn about American military history.
  • Walk through City Park and visit New Orleans Museum of Art (One Collins C. Diboll Circle) or Sculpture Garden.

Afternoon:

  • Take a tour of the Garden District (St. Charles Avenue) to admire beautiful mansions.
  • Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (1430 Washington St.) for a glimpse into New Orleans’ past.

Lunch:

  • Have lunch at Coop’s Place (1113 Decatur St.), known for its fried chicken and oysters.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Tremé, home to the Louis Armstrong House (2339 Louis Ave.) and the Backstreet Cultural Museum (1116 St. Claude Ave.).
  • Have dinner at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (2301 Orleans Ave.), a historic New Orleans eatery.

Stay:

  • Hotel Monteleone (211 Royal St.) offers luxury accommodations in the heart of the French Quarter.
  • For budget travelers, consider The Iberville (701 Dumaine St.).

Things to Know:

  • New Orleans is known for its unique and lively culture, so be prepared for an unforgettable experience!
  • The city is easily navigable by foot, streetcar, or bike.
  • Cash is still widely used, especially in small businesses and for tips.
  • Always ask for “to go” when ordering food, as many restaurants add a service charge.
  • Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Place) offers tours year-round to see floats and costumes from the iconic carnival.