New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, fascinating history, and lively music scene, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With its unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, the city offers a captivating experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Nestled in the southeastern United States, New Orleans is easily accessible via the newly upgraded Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, ensuring convenient connections for travelers from around the world.
If you’re planning a short getaway to this vibrant city, this 3-day itinerary will help you maximize your time and experience the best of what New Orleans has to offer.
Day 1: A Deep Dive into the French Quarter
Kickstart your New Orleans adventure in the heart of the city, the French Quarter. Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the iconic Café du Monde, where you can indulge in fluffy, powdered-sugar beignets paired with a steaming or chilled café au lait. For a more traditional breakfast experience, head to Brennan’s, known for its classic Southern cuisine.
After breakfast, stroll to Jackson Square and admire the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The Cathedral offers self-guided tours daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing visitors to explore its rich history and architectural beauty. On either side of the Cathedral, you’ll find the Cabildo and Presbytère, both part of the Louisiana State Museums. These buildings house permanent exhibits on Mardi Gras and the rich history of New Orleans, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and heritage.
For lunch, grab a muffuletta from Napoleon House and enjoy it al fresco on a bench along the Mississippi River, watching the boats glide by. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the city’s captivating history by choosing from a variety of tours. Whether you’re interested in literary explorations, spooky ghost tours, cemetery visits, or a Segway ride, there’s a tour to suit every taste. LGBTQ history tours, carriage rides, and bike excursions are also available for those seeking different perspectives on the city’s rich past.
As evening approaches, don’t miss the chance to catch a performance at Preservation Hall. With shows starting early, it’s a perfect way to unwind before dinner and experience the city’s renowned jazz scene.
Day 2: Exploring the Garden District and Uptown
On your second day, venture beyond the French Quarter and explore the Garden District and Uptown, areas known for their delightful dining, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Start your morning at Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar or Bearcat Café, or if you prefer brunch, head to Atchafalaya. After breakfast, hop on a streetcar and admire the beautiful mansions and grand buildings that line St. Charles Avenue. The unique architectural styles of these houses create a captivating landscape, showcasing the city’s history and wealth. You can also choose to book a tour of the Garden District, by foot, bike, scooter, or bus, to fully immerse yourself in its charm.
Lunch on Magazine Street will prepare you for an afternoon filled with shopping. Savor banh mi sandwiches at Banh Mi Boys, fresh salads and grain bowls from The Daily Beet, delicious crawfish and cheese empanadas at Empanola, or classic red beans and rice from Joey K’s. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from French Truck and cool off with sno-balls from Imperial Woodpecker during the warmer months to keep your energy up for a shopping spree.
For dinner, indulge in Indian dishes at Saffron, savor Italian fare at San Lorenzo, or experience Cajun-Creole delights at Brigtsen’s or Commander’s Palace. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding at Boucherie. Cap off your evening with a live performance at Tipitina’s or the Maple Leaf Bar for an authentic New Orleans experience.
Day 3: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Tremé and Beyond
On your final day, venture off the beaten path and explore Tremé, the oldest historically Black neighborhood in New Orleans. Start your morning with breakfast at Backatown Coffee Parlour, then head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, where you can admire the stunning Mardi Gras Indian suits on display, a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. For lunch, savor authentic Creole cuisine at Lil’ Dizzy’s or Dooky Chase’s, where you can enjoy fried chicken, baked fish, collard greens, gumbo, and delicious bread pudding.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll or drive down the picturesque, tree-lined Esplanade Avenue as you make your way east into the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. Be sure to visit JAMNOLA, a unique pop-up museum that offers interactive exhibits celebrating the vibrant art, music, and culture of New Orleans—perfect for visitors of all ages. Next, check out Studio BE, a dynamic space created by local artist Brandan “B-mike” Odums. This contemporary gallery, housed in a transformed warehouse, showcases the work of Black artists, featuring large-scale paintings, stunning murals, and captivating mixed media installations.
Experience the Mississippi River from a fresh perspective at Crescent Park. This expansive 20-acre urban park is ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a bike ride, especially as the sun sets. In the Bywater, you’ll find a variety of fantastic dining options, including The Elysian Bar, N7, Saint-Germain, and Paladar 511, among others. Choose a restaurant that catches your eye and indulge in a delightful dinner to cap off your day.
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown by visiting New Orleans City Park. You could easily spend an entire day there, exploring the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), letting the kids play at Storyland, renting a swan boat at Big Lake, and wandering through the stunning Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Another option to enjoy New Orleans is to head to the Lakefront, where you can savor delicious seafood while watching sailboats gliding by—a charming spot that often goes unnoticed. If you’re up for an adventure beyond the city limits, check out Louisiana’s first and only swamp zipline at Zip NOLA, located about 45 minutes away in LaPlace, or explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve across the river, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. For a final beach escape, head north to Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville.
