New Orleans stands out as one of America’s most interesting cities. The mix of French, Spanish, and African cultures creates something you won’t find anywhere else. Jazz music fills the streets, and the food scene rivals any major city in the world.
This guide will help you plan your New Orleans itinerary for 2 to 4 days. You’ll find practical tips for each day, including where to eat and what to see. The schedule is flexible, so you can adjust it based on your interests and travel style.
We’ll cover the must-see spots in the French Quarter, Garden District, and local neighborhoods. You’ll also get recommendations for restaurants, music venues, and cultural sites. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for making the most of your time in this historic city.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
Planning when to visit can make a big difference in your experience. The weather, crowd sizes, and local events all play a role in timing your trip.
The best months to visit are February through May and October through November. Spring brings mild temperatures in the 70s, while fall offers similar comfort with fewer tourists.
Summer (June through September) gets hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s. Winter stays mild, with temps in the 50s and 60s.
Key considerations for your trip:
- February to May: High season with great weather but bigger crowds and higher prices
- June to September: Fewer tourists and lower hotel rates, but expect heat and humidity
- October to November: Comfortable weather with moderate crowds
- December to January: Quiet season with good deals, though some attractions have shorter hours
- Mardi Gras (February or early March): Book months ahead and expect premium prices
- Jazz Fest (late April): Another peak time requiring planning
Consider visiting during shoulder season (October, November, early December) for the best balance of weather and value.
Day 1: French Quarter
Start your New Orleans itinerary in the heart of the city. The French Quarter packs in history, food, and culture within a few walkable blocks.
Morning: Café du Monde and Jackson Square
Begin your day at Café du Monde, open 24 hours a day. Order the beignets (fried dough covered in powdered sugar) and a café au lait. Expect to wait in line, but it moves quickly. The outdoor seating gives you views of the Mississippi River and street performers.
After breakfast, walk to Jackson Square, just steps away. The St. Louis Cathedral stands as the centerpiece, built in 1794 and worth a quick look inside. Local artists set up around the square, selling paintings and offering portrait sketches. Street musicians add to the lively atmosphere.
Afternoon: Historic Tours and Lunch
Book a cemetery tour at St. Louis Cemetery #1 in the morning. The above-ground tombs tell stories of the city’s past, and you’ll need a licensed guide to enter. Tours last about an hour and give you context about New Orleans’ burial traditions.
Grab lunch at Parkway Bakery or Johnny’s Po-Boys for an authentic po-boy sandwich. Try the roast beef or fried shrimp version. Spend the rest of your afternoon walking down Royal Street, where you’ll find antique shops, art galleries, and street performers.
Evening: Dining and Entertainment
Make dinner reservations at a classic Creole restaurant like Arnaud’s or Antoine’s. Both have been serving locals and visitors for over a century. The turtle soup and shrimp remoulade are standard starters, while the main courses showcase local seafood and rich sauces.
Bourbon Street draws the biggest crowds with its bars and party atmosphere. Frenchmen Street offers a more local vibe with better music and less chaos. Head to Spotted Cat Music Club or Blue Nile for live jazz. Most venues have no cover charge, just a one-drink minimum.
Day 2: Garden District and Uptown
Day two of your New Orleans itinerary takes you to quieter, tree-lined neighborhoods. You’ll see a different side of the city with grand homes and local shops.
Morning Activities
Take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar from Canal Street. The historic green cars run every 15 minutes and cost $1.25 per ride. The 30-minute ride passes mansions, universities, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Get off near Washington Avenue to start your Garden District walking tour. The neighborhood features homes from the 1800s, many with columns, wide porches, and ornate ironwork. Lafayette Cemetery #1 sits in the middle of the district. The cemetery dates to 1833 and shows the same above-ground burial style as the French Quarter.
Afternoon Activities
Magazine Street runs for six miles through Uptown, filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Stop at Surrey’s Café for brunch or grab a sandwich at Stein’s Market and Deli. Browse the vintage shops, bookstores, and home decor stores that line the street.
Take breaks at local coffee shops like Mojo Coffee or Z’otz. The area has a relaxed pace compared to the French Quarter. Notice the shotgun houses (long, narrow homes) and Creole cottages that mix with larger properties.
Evening Options
Stay Uptown for dinner at Clancy’s or Brigtsen’s, both serving updated Creole classics. The neighborhoods here feel more residential, and restaurants cater to locals.
For live music, head to Tipitina’s or Maple Leaf Bar. These venues book local and touring acts playing funk, brass band, and rock music. Shows usually start around 10 PM, and the crowds are smaller than downtown spots.
Day 3: Tremé, Marigny, and Bywater
Your third day focuses on neighborhoods where local culture runs deep. These areas have strong connections to New Orleans’ music and food traditions.
Cultural Immersion
Start in Tremé, considered the oldest African American neighborhood in the country. Eat breakfast at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which has served Creole soul food since 1941. The gumbo here sets the standard for the city.
Walk through Louis Armstrong Park, named for the jazz legend who grew up in this area. The park covers 32 acres and includes Congo Square, where enslaved people gathered to play music and dance.
Stop by the Backstreet Cultural Museum to see Mardi Gras Indian suits and learn about second line parade traditions.
Lunch and Afternoon
Head to the Marigny neighborhood for lunch at The Joint for barbecue or Elizabeth’s for Creole comfort food. Both attract locals and offer reasonable prices.
Crescent Park follows the river for 1.4 miles, with walking and biking paths. The park gives you skyline views and a break from busy streets.
Walk down Frenchmen Street during the day to see the art market and smaller shops before the evening crowds arrive.
Evening Plans
The Bywater neighborhood has become a hotspot for creative dining. Try Bacchanal Wine, where you can pick wine from the shop, then eat in the garden while live music plays.
Other good options include Pizza Delicious or The Country Club (which has a pool and restaurant).
Return to Frenchmen Street for the best jazz clubs in the city. The Spotted Cat, Snug Harbor, and d.b.a. all book talented musicians. Unlike Bourbon Street, you’ll hear actual jazz, funk, and blues from working musicians.
Day 4 Options: Beyond the City Center
If you’re extending your New Orleans itinerary to four days, consider these options outside the main neighborhoods.
City Park covers 1,300 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in America. The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) sits inside, along with a sculpture garden.
The park also has botanical gardens and the City Putt miniature golf course. Plan for a half day here.
Other day trip options:
- Plantation tours: Oak Alley is an hour away and shows antebellum architecture. Whitney Plantation focuses on the lives of enslaved people and offers a more honest historical view.
- Swamp tours: Several companies run boat tours through nearby swamps. You’ll see alligators, birds, and cypress trees. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Lakefront dining: Lake Pontchartrain offers casual seafood restaurants with water views. Try Brisbi or Blue Crab Restaurant.
Pick based on your interests. Each option takes most of the day when you factor in travel time.
Key Tips for Your Trip
Good planning makes any New Orleans itinerary run smoother. Here are practical tips for getting around and staying comfortable.
The French Quarter and nearby neighborhoods work well for walking. Streets are flat, and most attractions sit close together.
Download the RTA Go Mobile app for streetcar schedules and routes. Uber and Lyft work well for longer trips or late nights. Cost runs $8 to $15 for most rides within the city.
Key tips for your visit:
- Skip the rental car: Parking costs add up ($25 to $40 per day at hotels), and street parking is limited
- Stay in the French Quarter or Garden District: Both offer easy access to restaurants and attractions
- Bring comfortable walking shoes: You’ll cover several miles each day on uneven sidewalks
- Pack layers: Indoor spaces blast air conditioning, even in summer
- Carry cash: Some bars and small restaurants don’t accept cards
- Stay hydrated: The humidity can be intense, especially from May through September
Book hotels at least 2 to 3 months ahead if visiting during high season. Check neighborhood safety maps and stick to well-lit, populated areas at night.
Food You Must Try
No New Orleans itinerary is complete without trying the local dishes. The food reflects the city’s multicultural history.
Start with the basics that appear on most menus. Each dish has deep roots in Creole and Cajun cooking traditions.
- Beignets: Fried dough squares covered in powdered sugar, best at Café du Monde
- Po-boys: French bread sandwiches filled with fried seafood or roast beef, found at casual spots citywide
- Gumbo: A thick stew with okra, rice, and your choice of seafood or sausage
- Jambalaya: Rice dish with meat, vegetables, and Creole spices
- Bananas Foster: Dessert of bananas flambéed in rum and brown sugar, served over ice cream
- Crawfish: Boiled with spices, served seasonally (December through May)
- Red beans and rice: Monday tradition in many households and restaurants
Look for these dishes at casual restaurants, not just fine dining spots. Some of the best food comes from neighborhood places with paper plates and plastic utensils.
Conclusion
This New Orleans itinerary gives you a solid framework for 2 to 4 days in the city. You can follow it closely or mix and match based on what interests you most.
Music lovers should spend extra time on Frenchmen Street and at local clubs. Food fans might want to add more restaurant stops or take a cooking class. History buffs can extend time at museums and historic sites.
New Orleans rewards visitors who take their time and soak in the atmosphere. Don’t try to rush through every attraction. Leave room for spontaneous stops at music venues, cafes, or shops that catch your eye.
The city has a rhythm all its own. Once you tune into it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Should I Budget for a Weekend in New Orleans?
Plan for $150 to $250 per person per day. Hotels run $100 to $200 per night. Meals cost $30 to $60 per person daily. Add $50 for attractions and transportation. Budget more during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.
Is New Orleans Safe for Tourists?
Tourist areas like the French Quarter and Garden District are generally safe during the day. Stay in well-lit areas at night. Keep valuables hidden. Use ride-sharing apps instead of walking alone late. Check current safety reports before visiting.
Can I Walk Everywhere in the French Quarter?
Yes, the French Quarter is very walkable. Most attractions sit within a 10 to 15-minute walk. Use streetcars or ride sharing for trips to the Garden District, Uptown, or Bywater. Comfortable shoes are a must for uneven sidewalks.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to New Orleans?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for warm months. Bring a light jacket for over air-conditioned spaces. Comfortable walking shoes are important. Add rain gear if visiting May through September. Winter needs light layers and a medium-weight jacket.
Are There Family-Friendly Activities in New Orleans?
City Park offers playgrounds, a small amusement park, and Storyland for young kids. The Audubon Zoo and Aquarium work well for families. Many restaurants welcome children. Avoid Bourbon Street with kids. Consider riverboat cruises or beignets at Café du Monde.
