This is a 4-day itinerary for the ultimate Crescent City adventure to help you make the most of your time in New Orleans

New Orleans is often called The Big Easy for its rich history, culture, and music. With this itinerary, you’ll explore the heart of the Crescent City, balancing must-see tourist attractions with hidden gems that locals treasure. New Orleans has something for everyone, whether you’re here for the beignets, the live jazz, or the captivating history. Take a look at this action-packed itinerary!

Key Takeaways

New Orleans offers a rich mix of history, music, and food that caters to all types of travelers.
Must-see highlights include the French Quarter, City Park, and live music on Frenchmen Street.
Prices vary, but New Orleans offers options for all budgets, with a mix of free attractions and paid tours.
The city’s culinary scene is unbeatable, from casual beignets at Café du Monde to fine dining experiences.

During Day 1, you will explore the Garden District, French Quarter, and take a steamboat cruise

1.1 Morning: Garden District Stroll and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Visit the Garden District, which is known for its grand mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic charm, on your first day in New Orleans. Experience the stunning 19th-century Greek revival and Italianate architecture on a self-guided walking tour. An early morning walk will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the homes here, which remind you of a bygone era.

Time Required: 1-2 hours
Price: Free
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the iconic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans, known for its above-ground tombs. Many tours offer in-depth histories of the notable individuals buried here, but you can also explore on your own.

1.2 Afternoon: Discover the French Quarter (Vieux Carré)

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. This historic neighborhood is home to world-renowned attractions, from Jackson Square to the Saint Louis Cathedral. Meander through cobblestone streets, admiring the Creole townhouses with their signature iron balconies.

Lunch Stop: Make sure to grab a bite at Café du Monde, famous for its beignets and chicory coffee. Beignets (three for $4.25) are powdered-sugar-dusted delights that should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list.
Must-Visit: The Cabildo, a museum located near Jackson Square, offers a deep dive into Louisiana’s rich history, including exhibits on the Louisiana Purchase.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Price: Free to explore, but individual attractions like The Cabildo cost around $10.

1.3 Evening: Steamboat Natchez Cruise

End your first day with a sunset cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. This authentic paddlewheeler takes you on a two-hour journey down the Mississippi River while you enjoy jazz music, a dinner buffet, and incredible city views.

Time Required: 2 hours
Price: Tickets range from $38 for the cruise only to $55 for the cruise and dinner.
Review Highlight: “A must-do in New Orleans! The jazz band on board was fantastic, and the river views at sunset were magical.” 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor

On Day 2, discover the secrets of Voodoo, City Park, and Frenchmen Street

2.1 Morning: Voodoo Tour & Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo

Start your day with a guided Voodoo Tour, where you’ll learn about the city’s spiritual past, including the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Tours usually take you through the French Quarter, visiting key sites like Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.

Time Required: 1.5-2 hours
Price: $25 per person
Pro Tip: Visit the Historic Voodoo Museum afterward ($10 entry) to explore artifacts and altars dedicated to this mystical tradition.

2.2 Afternoon: City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

Head over to City Park, a sprawling 1,300-acre green space filled with attractions. Take a stroll through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where more than 60 sculptures are set amid live oaks and magnolias.

Lunch Stop: Stop at Café NOMA within the New Orleans Museum of Art for a casual bite. Their fresh, seasonal menu includes salads and sandwiches ranging from $12 to $18.
Must-Visit: Spend an hour exploring NOMA itself, one of the oldest fine arts museums in the country, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Price: Free to explore the park; NOMA entry is $15 per person.

2.3 Evening: Live Music on Frenchmen Street

No evening in New Orleans is complete without live music, and Frenchmen Street is the perfect place to find it. Known for its local vibe, this street features dozens of bars and clubs where you can catch live jazz, blues, and brass bands.

Pro Tip: Visit The Spotted Cat Music Club for a quintessential jazz experience. There’s usually no cover, but you should budget for drinks (about $7 for a beer).

Day 3: Bayou Tour and Oak Alley Plantation

3.1 Morning: Swamp and Bayou Tour

Venture beyond the city on a Bayou Tour to see a side of Louisiana often overlooked by visitors. These tours take you through the swampy bayous, where you’ll spot wildlife like alligators, turtles, and herons.

Time Required: 3-4 hours (including travel time)
Price: Around $60 per person, depending on the tour operator.
Review Highlight: “A peaceful escape from the city hustle, and we saw so much wildlife! Our guide was informative and funny.” 4.7 stars on Viator

3.2 Afternoon: Oak Alley Plantation

Next, head to Oak Alley Plantation, famous for its stunning alley of 300-year-old oak trees. Explore the grounds and learn about the history of the plantation and its ties to slavery.

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Price: Admission is $27 per person with discounts for students and seniors.
Pro Tip: There’s a restaurant on-site where you can try classic Southern dishes like gumbo or crawfish étouffée.

Day 4: World War II Museum, Confederate Memorial Hall, and Shopping

4.1 Morning: National World War II Museum

Dedicate your final day in New Orleans to exploring the National World War II Museum, a world-class museum chronicling the American experience during WWII. With immersive exhibits, personal narratives, and interactive displays, it’s a must-see for history buffs.

Time Required: 3-4 hours
Price: Admission is $31.50 for adults, with discounts for veterans, students, and seniors.
Review Highlight: “One of the best museums I’ve ever visited. The exhibits are deeply moving and incredibly well-done.” 4.8 stars on Google

4.2 Afternoon: Confederate Memorial Hall

Continue your historical exploration with a visit to Confederate Memorial Hall, the oldest continually operating museum in Louisiana. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, uniforms, and weapons from the Civil War.

Time Required: 1 hour
Price: $10 per person
Pro Tip: This museum provides a unique look into Civil War history, but keep in mind its contents reflect a complex and controversial time in U.S. history.

4.3 Evening: Magazine Street Shopping

Cap off your trip by shopping along Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch filled with boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Whether you’re looking for local souvenirs or high-end fashion, you’ll find it here.

Pro Tip: Check out Dirty Coast Press for quirky, New Orleans-themed t-shirts and souvenirs.

The best places to eat in New Orleans

One of the best things about New Orleans is its food. My favorite places to eat in the city (and I’ve eaten my way around the city a few times now) are:

The best po’ boy sandwiches in the city can be found at Mother’s Restaurant. Catfish is the best!
Acme Oyster House specializes in barbecued and fresh oysters. (Bloody Marys are awful, though.)
Though it feels uber-touristy, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant has the best charbroiled oysters in the city.
The fried chicken and jambalaya at Coop’s Place are amazing. Near Jackson Square.
Come to Gumbo Shop for all your Cajun food needs!
A casual Southern-style seafood restaurant serving gumbo and po’boys.
Po’boys with a global flair at Killer Po’boys.
The Seaworthy oyster bar is classy (but not pretentious).
Good cocktails, delicious food, and a chic atmosphere at Willa Jean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to visit New Orleans?

The best time to visit is from February to May, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy events like Mardi Gras or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

2. Is New Orleans family-friendly?

Absolutely! While known for its vibrant nightlife, New Orleans also offers family-friendly attractions like City Park, Audubon Zoo, and the National WWII Museum.

3. How should I get around New Orleans?

New Orleans is a very walkable city, especially in the French Quarter. However, for longer distances, the streetcars ($1.25 per ride) and rideshare options like Uber are convenient.

4. What are some budget-friendly things to do in New Orleans?

Some free activities include exploring the Garden District, attending live music on Frenchmen Street, or visiting Jackson Square. You can also stroll through City Park without spending a dime!

Best Ways to Spend Your Time in New Orleans