I visited New Orleans for the first time in 2018, and then again during a long layover in 2019. I cannot wait to return to this unique city! Despite being located in the United States, stepping into New Orleans feels like being transported to a different country because of it’s French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.
A few fun facts about New Orleans:
- It’s official motto is “Let the good times roll!”
- It is consistently ranked one of the most haunted cities in America
- Open containers are allowed on public streets and sidewalks in the French Quarter
- ”Bourbon Street” is actually named after a ruling family of France, not the drink. Go figure!
For a perfect New Orleans itinerary- be sure to plan a few key activities, but also leave some time for wandering through the fun neighborhood of the French Quarter, going bar hopping on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street, and visiting some of the best restaurants in New Orleans.
Below is a sample New Orleans itinerary for a long weekend in New Orleans. I think that New Orleans is the perfect place to visit for a long weekend- two, three, or four days in New Orleans allows plenty of time to see the major attractions and also indulge in the city’s amazing food and drinks. I do not recommend visiting for a full week as it can be easy to over-indulge!
Below is a sample New Orleans itinerary for a long weekend in the big easy. However, in the spirit of the motto of New Orleans, “Let the good times roll!”, be sure to leave some room for flexibility in your New Orleans itinerary for spontaneous fun and adventure.
New Orleans Itinerary: Day 1
Get a Beignet and Coffee at Cafe du Monde
Cafe du Monde is the original french market coffee stand in New Orleans. They are well-known for their beignet’s, which are square-shaped deep fried pastries covered in powdered sugar. YUM. I stopped at Cafe du Monde multiple times during my trip to New Orleans.
The line can be long to enter but do not worry- they serve pretty fast so the line moves quickly. They are open 24 hours which makes it a great spot for a late night snack in addition to breakfast.
Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square is a bustling square located in the center of the French Quarter. There is always a fun street show happening there whether it is a dixieland band passing through or an acrobat inspired performance. There are also many talented artists selling paintings in the square.
St. Louis Cathedral is located at Jackson Square and is the oldest active Cathedral in the United States. The cathedral is open daily for self-guided tours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Explore shops and art galleries in French Quarter
The French Quarter is a really fun neighborhood to explore, with a ton of cool shops and art galleries. There are also plenty of bars in the area if you need to cool off with a drink!
Dinner at Antoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant was established in 1840 and is one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. They are well known for their sophisticated creole dining options including Oysters Rockefeller and Pompano en Papillote. Antoine’s Restaurant has several different dining rooms- be sure to walk through them all to see their unique decor.
Go to a jazz show at Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is a top jazz venue in New Orleans. They are open Thursday-Sunday with three live shows per evening: at 5:00, 6:15, and 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$50 and sell out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance as this is a must-do activity to add to your New Orleans itinerary!
Go bar hopping on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street has a ton of bars and live music venues to choose from. A few of my favorites are Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar which is one of the oldest bars in the United States, and Fritzel’s European Jazz Club which will make you feel like you have been transported to a 1930’s French jazz club.
New Orleans Itinerary: Day 2
Go on a Swamp Tour
This was one of my favorite activities in New Orleans! I did an airboat swamp tour led by a Louisiana alligator expert and was able to see many alligators up close and personal. The airboat is very fun to ride in, and you will also learn a ton about local flora and fauna. This is such a cool experience- I felt like I was in an episode of “swamp people”. This is a must-add to your New Orleans itinerary! Book your airboat swamp tour here.
Most of the swamps are located at least 30 minutes from the French Quarter, so I recommend booking a tour that includes transportation. Alternatively, if you are doing a road trip to New Orleans and have access to a car, you can do a swamp tour on your way to or from New Orleans.
Get a Po’Boy for lunch
A po’boy is a traditional sandwich in Louisiana which usually consists of roast beef or fried seafood. I recommend visiting Killer Poboys for creative po’boys including five different vegan options. Yum!
Get a Sazerac at Carousel Bar
A sazerac is a traditional New Orleans drink consisting of Rye whiskey or Cognac and Absinthe. I recommend trying one at the famous Carousel Bar located at Hotel Monteleone. Carousel Bar gets its name because of its circular bar that rotates like a carousel. Every 15 minutes it does one full revolution.
Have an authentic New Orleans dinner at Gumbo Shop
There are so many staple New Orleans dishes to try while in the big easy. I recommend visiting Gumbo Shop and trying their Gumbo (a thick stew traditionally consisting of meat, okra and creole seasonings) or Jambalaya (meat and vegetables mixed with rice). I love Gumbo Shop because they offer several vegan alternatives and even have a separate vegan menu!
Go on a Haunted Ghost Tour
New Orleans is consistently voted one of the most haunted cities in America, and the best way to learn about its spooky history is on a haunted ghost tour. This is a great way to see some major historical sites and learn interesting facts about New Orleans, as well as learn about the city’s haunted and spooky history. Book your haunted ghost tour here.
Listen to Live Music at Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street is located just east of the French Quarter of New Orleans (about a 15 minute walk from Jackson Square). This street is well-known for its bars with amazing live music.
New Orleans Itinerary: Day 3
Get Brunch at Muriel’s
Muriel’s is located next to Jackson Square and has a fantastic Sunday Brunch. While you are there be sure to snap a photo at the empty table devoted to the ghost that haunts the restaurant (however- if you take the haunted ghost tour the night before, you will learn that this is actually just a marketing ploy and there has never been any significant ghost encounters at Muriel’s).
Explore the Garden District
The Garden District is located a few miles east of the French Quarter and is well known for its historic mansions and lavish gardens. For $1.25 you can take the St. Charles Streetcar there from the French Quarter. The St. Charles Streetcar is one of the oldest street railways/trolleys in the world.
Enjoy Craft Beer or Champagne
While craft beer and champagne might not be what comes to mind when thinking of New Orleans, there are a several great wine bars and breweries to add to your New Orleans Itinerary. Effervescance is a champagne bar in the French Quarter that offers small plates and champagne tasting flights. Parleaux Beer Lab and Brieux Carre Brewing are two options for trying craft beer.
Get dinner at Arnaud’s
Arnaud’s is another upscale restaurant in New Orlean’s well known for its traditional Creole cuisine. It was established in 1918 and is the largest restaurant in the city.
The above New Orleans itinerary is meant to be flexible depending on the type of trip that you are taking. If you are in New Orleans for a longer period of time, you could easily spread out the above activities in order to have a more relaxing trip. Alternatively, for a shorter trip, you could squeeze in many of the above activities in order to see many of the highlights of New Orleans.
Have you visited New Orleans before? Leave a comment and let me know your must-add activity to a New Orleans itinerary!
