New Orleans 6 Day Itinerary

Title: Six-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & The French Quarter

Arrival: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main gateway. You can reach the city center via taxi, rideshare services, or the airport shuttle bus.

Accommodation: Stay in the heart of the French Quarter for easy access to attractions. Some popular options are Hotel Monteleone, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, and The Roosevelt New Orleans.

Activities: Explore the vibrant French Quarter with its colorful houses, historic architecture, and lively music venues like Preservation Hall and Frenchmen Street. Don’t miss Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street.

Food & Drink: Café du Monde for beignets, Central Grocery for muffuletta sandwiches, and Antoine’s Restaurant for Creole cuisine.

Day 2 - Garden District & Beyond

Activities: Visit the elegant Garden District with its beautifully preserved homes, including the famous magazine-covered house at 2819 Coliseum Street. Stroll along Magazine Street for shopping and dining. Take a streetcar to the historic Oak Alley Plantation (book in advance).

Food & Drink: Cochon, Commander’s Palace, or Brennan’s for lunch; Willa Jean for breakfast or brunch.

Day 3 - The National WW2 Museum & Tremé

Activities: Spend the day at The National WW2 Museum, one of the top museums in the U.S. Explore the Tremé neighborhood, one of America’s oldest African-American communities and a hub for jazz music. Visit Louis Armstrong House & Museum and check out the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

Food & Drink: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant for Creole cuisine; Mahalia Jackson Theater Café or The Jazz Bistro for lunch.

Day 4 - City Park & Audubon Zoo

Activities: Relax at City Park, one of America’s most expansive urban parks. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Besthoff Sculpture Garden within the park. Explore Audubon Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals.

Food & Drink: Parkway Bakery & Tavern for po-boys; The Columns Hotel Restaurant or Café Amelie for brunch.

Day 5 - Swamp Tour & Plantation Homes

Activities: Embark on a swamp tour to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close. Visit the plantation homes of Oak Alley (if you didn’t go yesterday) or Laura Plantation.

Food & Drink: Gator’s Bayou for Cajun dining; Cafe Des Amis or Le Poche’s for Creole cuisine.

Day 6 - Farewell New Orleans

Activities: Return to the French Quarter for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Grab a drink at Pat O’Brien’s famous Hurricane bar. Take a leisurely riverfront stroll, or enjoy a jazz brunch before heading to the airport.

Tips:

  • New Orleans is known for its lively nightlife, but be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
  • Uber and Lyft are widely available, but taxis can also be used. Streetcars offer an affordable way to explore some areas.
  • Cash is still king in many establishments, so bring plenty of small bills.
  • The weather can be hot and humid, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated.
  • Enjoy the music, food, and friendly people that make New Orleans unique!