New Orleans, USA 5 Day Itinerary

New Orleans 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: French Quarter Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day with a delicious beignet at Cafe Du Monde. Take a leisurely stroll around Jackson Square, visit St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, take in the colorful houses on Royal Street, check out art galleries and antique shops. Don’t miss the Voodoo Museum!
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Creole dinner at Muriel’s Jackson Square. Finish off your night with some jazz at Preservation Hall or a drink at the Carousel Bar & Lounge.
  • Things to Know: The French Quarter can be quite lively, especially at night. Always carry cash and watch your belongings.

Day 2: Garden District & Cemetery Tour

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Willa Jean in the Warehouse District, then take a self-guided or guided tour of the historic Garden District. Admire the beautiful mansions on Magazine Street.
  • Afternoon: Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to learn about New Orleans’ unique above-ground tombs and its fascinating history. Alternatively, take a streetcar to the iconic St. Charles Avenue for more sightseeing.
  • Evening: Dine at Commander’s Palace in the Garden District for an upscale Creole dining experience. Or, grab a bite at Cochon or Herbsaint in the Warehouse District.

Day 3: City Park & Audubon Zoo

  • Morning: Head to City Park and visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Grab lunch at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, known for its po’boys.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Audubon Zoo. Don’t miss the Amazon and Swamp exhibits, as well as the Louisiana Swamp creature feature.
  • Evening: Dine at the Columns Hotel Restaurant, a historic mansion in the Audubon Circle neighborhood, or try some Southern comfort food at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant nearby.

Day 4: Riverfront & Warehouse District

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Amelie in the Warehouse District. Visit the National WW2 Museum to learn about an important chapter of American history.
  • Afternoon: Take a riverfront stroll along the Mississippi River, visit the Aquarium of the Americas and the Insectarium if you wish. Check out the Riverwalk Marketplace for shopping and dining options.
  • Evening: Dine at Cochon Butcher or Johnny Sanchez for a more casual dinner. Explore Frenchmen Street for live music and a less touristy nightlife scene.

Day 5: Swamp Tour & Farewell

  • Morning: Depart early for a swamp tour to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Cajun Encounters and Honey Island Swamp Tours are popular choices.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city, have lunch at the famous Mother’s Restaurant for a classic baked ham and pot roast lunch. Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring any missed areas.
  • Evening: Gather with friends for a farewell dinner at Brennan’s Restaurant, known for its turtle soup and bananas Foster flambéed tableside.

Transportation: New Orleans is best explored on foot, but streetcars are also available in many areas. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are prevalent. Consider purchasing a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides on the streetcar system.

Tips: Embrace the unique culture of New Orleans, from its food to music, Mardi Gras traditions, and lively personality! Always be mindful of your surroundings and carry a small first-aid kit for bug bites and sunburns. Enjoy your trip!