New Orleans 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the French Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St), famous for its beignets and cafe au lait. After breakfast, take a stroll along Bourbon Street, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic buildings, and street performers.

  • Afternoon: Visit the historic St. Louis Cathedral, then wander through Jackson Square, where you can see street artists, fortune tellers, and maybe even a street musician or two! Don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic statue of Andrew Jackson.

  • Evening: Have dinner at Café Amelie (912 Royal St), known for its charming courtyard setting. After dinner, head back to Bourbon Street to experience some live jazz music in one of the many bars.

  • Where to Stay: The Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St) is a historic hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s walking distance from most attractions and offers a Carousel Bar & Lounge, a unique attraction in itself!

Day 2: Visit Garden District and Museums

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Willa Jean (611 O’Keefe Ave), a popular spot for brunch. Then hop on a streetcar (St Charles Avenue Line) to the Garden District. Explore the beautiful mansions, including the famous “Row of Magnolias” and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

  • Afternoon: Head back to uptown and visit the National WW2 Museum (945 Magazine St), one of the most popular museums in the U.S. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history.

  • Evening: For dinner, head to Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St), a farm-to-table restaurant specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisine. After dinner, take a walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk or enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.

Day 3: Explore Beyond the French Quarter

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Johnny’s Po-Boys (915 Dauphine St), then visit Tremé, one of America’s oldest African American neighborhoods. Visit the Louis Armstrong House (721 N Rampart St) and learn about the legendary jazz musician.

  • Afternoon: Head to the City Park (City Park Ave & Palm St) and relax in the beautiful outdoor space. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (One Collins C. Diboll Circle), located within City Park.

  • Evening: Have dinner at Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave), a historic restaurant known for its Creole cuisine and fine dining experience. After dinner, take a haunted history tour to learn about the city’s ghostly past.

Things to Know:

  • New Orleans is famous for its unique culture, food, and music. Be sure to try gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish during your stay!
  • The city is known for its festive spirit, with numerous parades throughout the year, most notably Mardi Gras.
  • Public transportation in New Orleans is primarily streetcars and buses operated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). You can use the RTA’s app or website to plan your trips.
  • Always tip service workers! It’s customary to tip 10-15% for restaurant service, 15-20% for bartenders, and a few dollars for street performers.
  • Be mindful of the city’s history, especially around issues of race and inequality. Respect local customs and be considerate of other visitors.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)