New Orleans Usa 3 Day Itinerary

New Orleans 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: French Quarter & Beignets

Morning

  • Start at Cafe du Monde (8am) for beignets and coffee. This iconic cafe is a must-visit for any New Orleans trip.
  • Explore Jackson Square, surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and live music.

Afternoon

  • Visit the National WWII Museum (9am-5pm). This museum offers a comprehensive look at the American experience in World War II.
  • Walk along Bourbon Street, known for its lively atmosphere, bars, and restaurants.
  • Stop by St. Louis Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic cathedral in the heart of the French Quarter.

Evening

  • Dine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (11am-9pm) for some delicious Creole cuisine.
  • Enjoy live jazz music at Preservation Hall (5pm-10pm) or the Spotted Cat Music Club (4pm-1am).

Accommodation

  • Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St): A historic hotel in the French Quarter with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.

Transportation

  • Streetcar: Ride the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar to get around the city.
  • Walking: The French Quarter is easily walkable, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic and uneven sidewalks.

Day 2: Garden District & Cemeteries

Morning

  • Take a guided tour (9am-12pm) of the stunning Garden District, known for its beautiful antebellum mansions.
  • Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (10am-3pm), a historic cemetery with above-ground tombs.

Afternoon

  • Explore Magazine Street (11am-6pm), lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Stop by the New Orleans Museum of Art (10am-5pm) in City Park, featuring a diverse collection of art.

Evening

  • Dine at Coop’s Place (11am-10pm) for some delicious Cajun cuisine.
  • Experience the nightlife on Frenchmen Street, known for its live music venues and bars.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Mazarin (730 Bienville St): A charming boutique hotel in the French Quarter with comfortable rooms and a courtyard pool.

Transportation

  • Streetcar: Ride the Canal Street streetcar to get to City Park.
  • Walking: The Garden District is easily walkable, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic and uneven sidewalks.

Day 3: Bayou & Parks

Morning

  • Take an airboat tour (9am-12pm) of the Honey Island Swamp, exploring the bayou and spotting wildlife.
  • Visit City Park (10am-5pm), featuring walking trails, gardens, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Afternoon

  • Explore the New Orleans Botanical Garden (10am-5pm) in City Park, showcasing a variety of plants and flowers.
  • Stop by the New Orleans Lakefront, offering scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain.

Evening

  • Dine at Jacque-Imo’s Cafe (11am-10pm) for some delicious Creole cuisine with a twist.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise (6pm-8pm) on the Steamboat Natchez, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Provincial (1024 Chartres St): A historic hotel in the French Quarter with comfortable rooms and a courtyard pool.

Transportation

  • Car: Rent a car for the day to explore the bayou and surrounding areas.
  • Shuttle: Book a shuttle service to get to the Honey Island Swamp tour.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak season (February-May).
  • Try to avoid visiting during hurricane season (June-November).
  • Don’t forget to try some beignet-flavored coffee at Cafe du Monde!
  • Be respectful of the city’s history and culture, especially when visiting cemeteries and historic sites.
  • Take necessary precautions against heat exhaustion and sunburn.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and tours in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Pack comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash; many businesses accept credit cards.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Try some delicious pralines (a New Orleans specialty) at Morning Call or Cafe du Monde.

Other Things of Interest

  • Mardi Gras World: Explore the history and culture of Mardi Gras at this unique museum.
  • The French Market: Shop for souvenirs, try local cuisine, and enjoy live music at this historic market.
  • Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise: Take a daytime cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, food, and entertainment, giving you a well-rounded experience of New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler!