New Orleans, USA 2 Day Itinerary

New Orleans 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the French Quarter and Beyond

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Du Monde (800 Decatur St.), famous for its beignets and café au lait.
  • Visit Jackson Square (701 Decatur St.) and St. Louis Cathedral, the city’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along Royal Street, known for its art galleries and antique shops.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Voodoo Museum (724 Dumaine St.) to learn about New Orleans’ unique cultural traditions.
  • Visit Faulkner House Books (624 Pirate Alley), a charming bookstore in the historic Pirate’s Alley.
  • Lunch at Café Amelie (912 Royal St.), a lovely courtyard restaurant offering Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Take a walk along the Mississippi Riverfront, enjoy the view, and visit the Aquarium of the Americas (1 Canal St.).
  • Visit the National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St.), one of the most popular museums in the U.S.
  • For dinner, head to Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St.), a farm-to-table restaurant featuring Southern cuisine.
  • Experience live jazz at Preservation Hall (726 St. Peter St.) or another nearby venue.

Day 2: Garden District and Beyond

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at Willa Jean (611 O’Keefe Ave.), a popular spot for Southern comfort food.
  • Take a streetcar to the Garden District (board from Canal St., Carondelet St., or St. Charles Ave.).
  • Explore the beautiful mansions along Magazine Street and Admire Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave.), a New Orleans institution known for its Creole cuisine and elegant dining rooms.
  • Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (925 Camp St.) to learn about the region’s art, history, and culture.
  • Take a walk along Bayou Saint John and visit City Park (1 Palm Dr.).

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Dinner at GW Fins (808 Bienville St.), offering fresh seafood and creative Creole dishes.
  • Visit Tropical Isle (741 Bourbon St.) for a Hand Grenade, a popular New Orleans cocktail.
  • Take a Haunted History Tour or a Ghost Tour to explore the city’s eerie side.

Things to Know:

  • The best way to get around is by foot, streetcar, taxi, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
  • New Orleans is known for its festive atmosphere and lively nightlife. Don’t forget to check out live music venues and bars.
  • Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Place) offers tours year-round, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the floats and costumes used in the famous Mardi Gras parades.

Where to Stay:

  • The Hotel Monteleone (211 Royal St.) is located in the heart of the French Quarter and offers a rooftop pool and Carousel Bar.
  • The Windsor Court Hotel (300 Bourbon St.) is a luxurious option with a top-floor restaurant offering panoramic views of the city.
  • For a more budget-friendly option, consider Airbnb rentals or hostels like the Frenchmen Inn (421 Frenchmen St.).