New Orleans, USA-7-day-itinerary

New Orleans 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and French Quarter Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in New Orleans and check-in at Hotel Monteleone, a historic hotel in the heart of the French Quarter.
  • Afternoon: Explore the French Quarter, starting from Jackson Square and strolling along the Mississippi River. Visit the famous St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo Museum.
  • Evening: Head to Bourbon Street for dinner and drinks. Try Dooky Chase’s Restaurant for some delicious Creole cuisine.
  • Nightlife: End the night with live jazz music at Preservation Hall.

Day 2: Garden District and Magazine Street

  • Morning: Take a scenic streetcar ride to the Garden District, known for its stunning antebellum mansions. Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
  • Afternoon: Walk along Magazine Street, exploring the trendy boutiques and art galleries.
  • Lunch: Grab a po’ boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery and Tavern.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Commander’s Palace, a New Orleans institution.

Day 3: National WWII Museum and Central Business District

  • Morning: Visit the National WWII Museum, located in the Central Business District.
  • Lunch: Try some beignets at Cafe du Monde.
  • Afternoon: Explore the CBD, including the iconic Superdome and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
  • Evening: Head to the Warehouse District for dinner and drinks. Visit The Howlin’ Wolf for live music.

Day 4: New Orleans Museum of Art and Besthoff Sculpture Garden

  • Morning: Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, located in City Park.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring over 60 sculptures amidst gardens and walking paths.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or grab food from the museum’s cafe.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Coop’s Place, a casual Cajun restaurant.

Day 5: Oak Alley Plantation

  • Day Trip: Take a guided tour of the stunning Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, LA (about an hour outside New Orleans).
  • Lunch: Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the plantation.
  • Afternoon: Explore the plantation’s grounds and learn about its history.

Day 6: Frenchmen Street and Marigny

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • Departure: Head to the airport and depart New Orleans.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines in popular areas like Bourbon Street.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historic sites or attending cultural events.
  • Don’t drink tap water; instead opt for bottled or filtered water.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially at night.

Transportation

  • Streetcar: Use the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar to travel through the Garden District and other neighborhoods.
  • Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft are widely available in New Orleans.
  • Walking: Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and experience its vibrant atmosphere.

Tips

  • Try beignets at Cafe du Monde, but be prepared for a wait!
  • Don’t miss live music performances at Preservation Hall or The Howlin’ Wolf.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline for stunning views of the city.
  • Be sure to try some delicious gumbo and jambalaya during your stay!

Additional Recommendations

  • Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum for a unique look into the city’s spiritual history.
  • Explore the charming Magazine Street shops and galleries.
  • Take a scenic boat tour along the Mississippi River or Bayou St. John.

This itinerary should provide you with a solid foundation for exploring the best of New Orleans, but feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences!