New Orleans, Louisiana: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: French Quarter and Beyond

• Morning: Start the day with beignets and café au lait at Cafe du Monde (open 24/7)
• 9:00 AM: Visit Jackson Square, a historic park surrounded by iconic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo
• 10:30 AM: Explore the French Market, a centuries-old marketplace offering local goods, food, and drink
• 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a NOLA staple serving up gumbo and other Creole classics
• 3:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Mississippi River on the Moonwalk, enjoying the views and live music
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Coop’s Place, a casual Cajun eatery with great food and atmosphere
• 8:30 PM: End the night with some jazz at Preservation Hall or the Spotted Cat Music Club

Day 2: NOLA’s Cultural Heritage

• 9:00 AM: Visit the National WWII Museum (open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Parkway Bakery and Tavern, serving up delicious po’ boys and more
• 2:00 PM: Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park, featuring a diverse collection of art
• 4:30 PM: Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, dedicated to preserving the city’s African-American heritage
• 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Herbsaint, a contemporary restaurant with a focus on local ingredients
• 9:30 PM: Catch some live music at the Howlin’ Wolf or the House of Blues

Day 3: Beyond the French Quarter

• 9:00 AM: Visit the Garden District, taking in the stunning antebellum architecture and picturesque gardens (self-guided tour)
• 11:30 AM: Grab lunch at Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar, a local favorite serving up po’ boys and more
• 1:30 PM: Explore the New Orleans Botanical Garden, featuring a variety of plants and scenic views
• 3:30 PM: Visit the Audubon Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Willie Mae’s Scotch House, a beloved restaurant serving up Southern comfort food
• 8:30 PM: End the night with some live music at the Maple Leaf Bar or the Bayou Beer Garden