New Orleans, USA-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with beignets and café au lait at Cafe du Monde (open 24/7)
  • Explore French Quarter: Wander through the charming streets of the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, taking in the historic architecture, street performers, and lively atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • National WWII Museum: Visit this world-class museum to learn about America’s experience in World War II. (Tickets: $25-$40)
  • Stroll along the Mississippi River: Take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, enjoying the views of the city and the water.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy Creole cuisine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (try their gumbo or jambalaya!)
  • Live Music: Head to Preservation Hall for an intimate jazz performance (tickets: $20-$30)

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in the French Quarter or nearby Marigny neighborhood, which offer plenty of amenities and are within walking distance to many attractions.
  • Some top-rated hotels include:
    • Hotel Monteleone
    • Lafitte Guest House
    • Le Richelieu

Transportation

  • Walking: The best way to explore the French Quarter is on foot!
  • Streetcar: Use the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar line to travel between neighborhoods (fare: $3).
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular restaurants and attractions.
  • Don’t leave your drink unattended, especially in bars and clubs.
  • Try some of the delicious local cuisine, including beignets, po’ boys, and gumbo!
  • Respect the city’s history and culture by being mindful of noise levels and respecting private property.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab a coffee and pastry at Cafe Beignet (open 8am-3pm)
  • New Orleans Museum of Art: Visit this world-class museum, which features a diverse collection of art from around the globe. (Tickets: free on Fridays, $15-$20 other days)

Afternoon

  • Garden District Tour: Take a guided tour of this stunning neighborhood, known for its beautiful architecture and historic mansions.
  • Lunch: Try some of the city’s best sandwiches at Parkway Bakery and Tavern.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy seafood at Acme Oyster House (try their oysters Rockefeller!)
  • Nightlife: Head to Bourbon Street for a lively night of bars, clubs, and people-watching.
  • Take a Ghost Tour: Explore the city’s haunted history with a guided tour (tickets: $20-$30)

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in the Garden District or nearby Uptown neighborhood for easy access to these attractions.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Visit the iconic Magazine Street for breakfast at one of its many cafes and bakeries.
  • Explore Magazine Street: Spend the morning browsing this six-block stretch of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Audubon Zoo: Visit this world-class zoo, which features a diverse collection of animals from around the globe. (Tickets: $20-$30)
  • Lunch: Try some of the city’s best barbecue at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy Creole cuisine at Commander’s Palace (try their shrimp creole!)
  • Jazz Brunch: Head to the famous Willie Mae’s Scotch House for a jazz-filled brunch (reservations recommended).

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in the Uptown neighborhood or nearby Garden District for easy access to these attractions.

Day 4: Monday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with beignets and café au lait at Cafe du Monde.
  • Explore Frenchmen Street: Wander through this charming neighborhood, known for its lively music scene and historic architecture.

Afternoon

  • New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Visit this national park, which celebrates the city’s rich jazz heritage. (Tickets: free)
  • Lunch: Try some of the city’s best Creole cuisine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy seafood at Acme Oyster House (try their oysters Rockefeller!)
  • Live Music: Head to the famous Spotted Cat Music Club for an intimate performance by local musicians. (tickets: $10-$20)

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in the French Quarter or nearby Marigny neighborhood, which offer plenty of amenities and are within walking distance to many attractions.

Day 5: Tuesday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Visit the iconic Cafe Beignet for breakfast.
  • Explore the Bywater Neighborhood: Spend the morning browsing this charming neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and lively arts scene.

Afternoon

  • Longue Vue House and Gardens: Visit this stunning estate, which features beautiful gardens and a collection of art and antiques. (Tickets: $15-$20)
  • Lunch: Try some of the city’s best Creole cuisine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy Creole cuisine at Commander’s Palace (try their shrimp creole!)
  • Nightlife: Head to Bourbon Street for a lively night of bars, clubs, and people-watching.

Accommodations

  • Consider staying in the Bywater neighborhood or nearby Marigny neighborhood for easy access to these attractions.