New Orleans-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

  • Morning: Arrive in New Orleans and check-in at your hotel. We recommend staying in the French Quarter or Central Business District for easy access to main attractions.
    • Hotel suggestion: Hotel Monteleone (historic, family-owned) or Le Richelieu (boutique)
  • 10:00 AM: Start your day with beignets and café au lait at Cafe du Monde (open 24/7). This NOLA institution is a must-visit for any traveler.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the National WWII Museum, located just outside the French Quarter. This museum provides an immersive experience with interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and personal stories from World War II.
    • Tip: Book tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (Creole cuisine) or Parkway Bakery and Tavern (gumbo and po’ boys).
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the French Quarter, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street. Don’t miss the street performers, vendors, and historic architecture.
    • Thing to know: Be prepared for crowds and noise on Bourbon Street.

Day 2: Saturday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Cafe Beignet (open from 8 am) for a delicious breakfast or coffee.
  • 10:00 AM: Take a scenic streetcar ride (Line #1: St. Charles Avenue) to the Garden District. This picturesque neighborhood features stunning antebellum mansions, beautiful gardens, and celebrity homes.
    • Thing to know: Streetcars run frequently, but it’s always a good idea to check schedules in advance.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Coop’s Place (seafood gumbo) or Willie Mae’s Scotch House (soul food).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, located in City Park. This museum features an impressive collection of art from around the world, including European and American paintings.
    • Thing to know: The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a must-see on the museum grounds.

Day 3: Sunday

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the French Market (open from 8 am) for a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi River. This historic market offers shopping, dining, and live music.
    • Thing to know: Be prepared for crowds and potential wait times at popular food vendors.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Deanie’s Seafood (seafood) or Parkway Bakery and Tavern (gumbo and po’ boys).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, located in the French Quarter. This unique museum showcases a collection of voodoo artifacts, altars, and exhibits.
    • Thing to know: Be respectful of the cultural significance of voodoo and avoid taking photos inside the museum.

Day 4: Monday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit St. Roch Market (food hall) for breakfast or coffee.
  • 10:00 AM: Take a guided tour of the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, known as “The City’s Oldest and Most Haunted Cemetery.” This cemetery is famous for its above-ground tombs and celebrity burials.
    • Thing to know: Guided tours are available from reputable companies, such as Save Our Cemeteries.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Coop’s Place (seafood gumbo) or Willie Mae’s Scotch House (soul food).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, located in the Treme neighborhood. This museum showcases African and Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage through art, artifacts, and exhibits.
    • Thing to know: Be respectful of the cultural significance of the Treme neighborhood.

Day 5: Tuesday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Cafe Beignet (open from 8 am) for breakfast or coffee.
  • 10:00 AM: Take a scenic drive along the Riverwalk, which features stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding cityscape.
    • Thing to know: Parking can be limited in this area; consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (Creole cuisine) or Parkway Bakery and Tavern (gumbo and po’ boys).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden, located within City Park. This beautiful garden features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees.
    • Thing to know: The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is also located within City Park.

Day 6: Wednesday

  • 10:00 AM: Take a scenic drive through the Lake Pontchartrain region, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding wetlands. Stop at the Madhouse on Rampart (historic mansion) or take a boat tour of the lake.
    • Thing to know: Be prepared for crowds and potential wait times at popular attractions.

Other Tips and Information

  • Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas, especially at night.
  • Weather: New Orleans is known for its humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for potential rain showers during the summer months.
  • Transportation: Public transportation options include buses (RTA) and streetcars (St. Charles Avenue line). Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available.
  • Parks and Green Spaces: New Orleans has a limited number of parks, but City Park is a notable exception, featuring several green spaces, including the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $150-300 per night (average) for 6 nights $900-1800
  • Food and drink: $30-60 per meal x 3 meals/day x 6 days $540-1080
  • Transportation: $2-5 per ride (RTA bus or streetcar) x 10 rides $20-50, or $100-200 for a week of ride-sharing services
  • Attractions and activities: $20-30 per person x 3 people x 6 days $360-540
  • Total budget: $1800-3800