New Orleans-4-day-itinerary

New Orleans 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: French Quarter Exploration

  • Morning: Start at Café du Monde (open 24/7) for beignets and coffee. Explore Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market.
  • Lunch: Grab a po’ boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery and Tavern or try some gumbo at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National WWII Museum ( tickets: $28) or take a stroll along the Mississippi River on the Moonwalk.
  • Evening: Enjoy live jazz music at Preservation Hall ($20-$30) or the Spotted Cat Music Club. For dinner, head to Coop’s Place for Cajun cuisine.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hotel Monteleone ( historic hotel in the French Quarter)

Day 2: Garden District and Cemeteries

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of the stunning Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 ($20) or explore on your own.
  • Lunch: Head to Magazine Street for lunch at Atchafalaya or The Rum House.
  • Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Garden District (free walking tours available). Stop by the New Orleans Museum of Art (free admission).
  • Evening: Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife on Bourbon Street. Try a Sazerac cocktail at the Sazerac Bar.

Transportation Tip: Use the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar ($1.50) to travel between the French Quarter and the Garden District.

Day 3: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (free admission). Explore the Backstreet Cultural Museum ($10) or the Ogden Museum of Southern Art ($15).
  • Lunch: Try some delicious Creole cuisine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 ($20) to see the famous above-ground tombs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at the Howlin’ Wolf or the Maple Leaf Bar.

Things to Know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak season (February-May). Don’t forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes!

Day 4: Bayou Adventures

  • Morning: Take a guided kayak tour of the Honey Island Swamp ($75) or explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (free admission).
  • Lunch: Grab some seafood at Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden (free admission). End your day with a scenic ride on the Steamboat Natchez ($40-$60).
  • Farewell Dinner: Savor Creole cuisine at GW Fins or try some beignet-flavored ice cream at Creole Creamery.

Tips and Other Interests

  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in dimly lit streets.
  • Don’t miss the famous St. Patrick’s Day parade (March) or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April-May).
  • Explore the charming neighborhoods of Marigny, Bywater, and Treme for unique shops, cafes, and street art.

Getting Around: Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or take advantage of the city’s affordable public transportation system.