New Orleans-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the French Quarter

Morning

9:00 am - Start your day at Café du Monde

Get your caffeine fix and try beignets (square-shaped fried dough pastry) at this iconic café. It’s a must-visit for any NOLA traveler.

10:00 am - Visit the French Market

Walk along the Mississippi River and explore the historic French Market, which features local vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.

Afternoon

1:00 pm - Grab lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Try some of their famous gumbo, jambalaya, or fried chicken at this legendary Creole restaurant. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!

2:30 pm - Visit the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

This historic cemetery is home to the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s tomb. Be respectful and follow the rules (no photography, no touching tombs, etc.).

Evening

7:00 pm - Catch a live jazz performance at Preservation Hall

Experience the authentic sounds of New Orleans jazz in an intimate setting.

10:00 pm - End your night with drinks on Bourbon Street

Find a spot to people-watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: History, Culture, and Music

Morning

9:30 am - Visit the National WWII Museum

Learn about America’s experience in World War II through interactive exhibits and personal stories. Allow at least 3-4 hours for this visit.

1:00 pm - Grab lunch at Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Try some of their famous fried chicken, shrimp creole, or red beans and rice at this beloved soul food restaurant.

Afternoon

2:30 pm - Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art

Explore a diverse collection of art from around the world, including European, African, and Asian pieces. The museum’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden is also a must-see.

Evening

6:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Coop’s Place

Try their famous Cajun fried chicken, gumbo, or jambalaya at this casual eatery.

9:00 pm - Visit the Spotted Cat Music Club

Experience live music in an intimate setting with a diverse range of genres and performers.

Day 3: Garden District and Magazine Street

Morning

10:00 am - Take a stroll through the Garden District

Admire the stunning antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens, and picturesque streets. Be sure to take a photo in front of Commander’s Palace!

12:30 pm - Grab lunch at The Court of Two Sisters

Enjoy their outdoor seating area and try some Creole cuisine, such as shrimp creole or gumbo.

Afternoon

2:00 pm - Shop and browse on Magazine Street

This six-mile stretch features a mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and unique shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry.

Evening

7:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Herbsaint

Try their creative Creole cuisine in an upscale setting. Don’t forget to ask for recommendations!

Day 4: Explore the Ninth Ward and Bayou St. John

Morning

10:00 am - Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum

Learn about African, Afro-Caribbean, and African American cultures through art, music, and history.

12:30 pm - Grab lunch at the Treme Coffee House

Try some Creole cuisine and coffee in this historic neighborhood.

Afternoon

2:00 pm - Explore Bayou St. John

Take a scenic walk along the bayou, which offers stunning views of the city. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the waterways.

Where to Stay

  • French Quarter: Hotel Monteleone ( iconic hotel with historic charm), Lafitte Guest House (quaint B&B with courtyard pool)
  • Garden District: Columns Hotel (upscale boutique hotel with lush courtyard), Audubon Cottages (charming B&B with outdoor pool)

Getting Around

  • Walking: NOLA is a walkable city, so take advantage of the historic architecture and scenic views.
  • Streetcar: Catch the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar for a fun ride through the Garden District.
  • Taxi/Uber: Use these services to get around quickly, especially at night.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Use services like Lyft or Uber to get around.

Tips and Reminders

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines on Bourbon Street and in popular restaurants.
  • Try some of the local cuisine (gumbo, jambalaya, beignets) to experience NOLA’s unique flavors.
  • Respect the city’s history and culture by being mindful of your surroundings and following rules at historic sites.
  • Don’t forget to tip servers, bartenders, and tour guides – they work hard for their tips!
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun while exploring outdoors.

Additional Tips

  • Book reservations for popular restaurants in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Be prepared for occasional rain showers or hot weather during your visit.
  • Explore NOLA’s many parks and green spaces, such as City Park and Audubon Nature Institute.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Mississippi River to see stunning views of the city.

Bonus Activities

  • Swamp Tour: Visit Honey Island Swamp for an immersive experience in Louisiana’s wetlands.
  • Airboat Ride: Explore the bayous and marshes with a thrilling airboat ride.
  • Ghost Tour: Take a spooky tour through NOLA’s haunted history and folklore.
  • Brewery Tour: Visit local craft breweries, such as Crescent City Brewing Company or Urban South Brewery.

Have Fun!

Enjoy your time in New Orleans, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any recommendations or assistance.