New Orleans 5 Day Itinerary

New Orleans 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the French Quarter & Bourbon Street

  • Morning: Start your day with a café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde.
  • Afternoon: Visit Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo (where you can learn about Louisiana’s history).
  • Evening: Stroll down iconic Bourbon Street, known for its vibrant nightlife. Don’t forget to check out Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar or Preservation Hall for live music.
  • Dinner: Try Creole cuisine at Gumbo Shop or Café Amelie.
  • Tips: Remember, street performers in the French Quarter rely on tips, so bring some spare change!

Day 2: Garden District & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

  • Morning: Explore the beautiful Garden District with its well-preserved mansions. Start at Magazine Street and walk towards Washington Avenue.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, an antebellum plantation with a unique alley of oak trees.
  • Evening: Dine at Commander’s Palace for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
  • Tips: Make reservations in advance for restaurants like Commander’s Palace.

Day 3: Explore the Faubourg Marigny & Bywater

  • Morning: Visit the historic French Market, then stroll along the riverfront to Woldenberg Park.
  • Afternoon: Discover the vibrant neighborhoods of Faubourg Marigny and Bywater, including the colorful houses on Frenchmen Street and art galleries at Royal Street.
  • Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at Parkway Bakery & Tavern (famous for their po’boys).
  • Tips: Catch live music at d.b.a. or Three Muses on Frenchmen Street.

Day 4: City Park, Museums, and Swamp Tour

  • Morning: Spend your morning in City Park, home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
  • Afternoon: Embark on a swamp tour to see Louisiana’s wildlife up close (recommendations include Cajun Encounters or Honey Island Swamp Tour).
  • Evening: Dine at Cochon for contemporary Southern cuisine.
  • Tips: Check the weather before booking your swamp tour, as it can be affected by heavy rain.

Day 5: Mardi Gras World & Farewell New Orleans

  • Morning: Visit Mardi Gras World to get a behind-the-scenes look at floats and costumes used in the famous Mardi Gras parades.
  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours wandering around the charming neighborhoods, shopping for souvenirs, or sipping a Sazerac at Antoine’s.
  • Tips: Make sure to tip service industry workers, as they are an essential part of New Orleans’ vibrant culture. Enjoy your stay in The Big Easy!

Transportation

  • Walking: New Orleans is very walkable, especially within the French Quarter and the Garden District.
  • Streetcars: Operated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), streetcars offer an affordable way to explore the city’s major attractions.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Available throughout the city. Download the Lyft or Uber app for easy access.
  • Bike: Bike rentals are available through services like Blue Bikes, which operate a bike-share system in New Orleans.