Three days that capture the soul of the city — from historic cocktails to live jazz, oak-lined streets to surreal swamp tours. This is where to start.
1
Day 1: The Quarter & Classic Cocktails
History, spirits, and live music
Open Day 1 on Map
Plan a walking route between these venues
Morning
Beignets & Jackson Square
Start at Cafe du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee. Walk Jackson Square, browse the artists, and explore the St. Louis Cathedral.
Tip: Go early (before 9am) to avoid lines. Wear dark clothes — the powdered sugar is real.
Suggested venues
Late Morning
Royal Street Stroll
Walk Royal Street from Jackson Square toward Canal. Antique shops, galleries, and beautiful ironwork balconies. This is the quiet, elegant side of the Quarter.
Tip: Pop into M.S. Rau Antiques even if you are not buying — museum-quality pieces.
Lunch
Classic Creole
Lunch at a historic Creole restaurant. Gumbo, po-boys, or a proper muffuletta.
Tip: Reservations recommended. Dress code at finer spots — no shorts.
Suggested venues
Afternoon
Cocktail History Tour
The Sazerac at the Sazerac Bar (Hotel Roosevelt), then a Ramos Gin Fizz at the Carousel Bar (Hotel Monteleone). Both are bucket-list cocktails in their original homes.
Tip: The Carousel Bar actually rotates. Sit at the bar for the full experience.
Suggested venues
Evening
Dinner in the Quarter
Dinner at a neighborhood institution before heading to Frenchmen Street for music.
Tip: Make reservations. Restaurants fill up by 7pm.
Suggested venues
Night
Live Music on Frenchmen
Walk down Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Pop into clubs — most have no cover, just tip the band. The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Maison are reliable picks.
Tip: Music starts around 9pm. Stay until midnight at least. Cash for tips.
Suggested venues
2
Day 2: Garden District & Magazine Street
Oak trees, mansions, and neighborhood life
Open Day 2 on Map
Plan a walking route between these venues
Morning
St. Charles Streetcar
Board the St. Charles streetcar at Canal Street. Ride through the Garden District, past Tulane and Loyola, to Audubon Park. Sit on the right side for mansion views.
Tip: Buy a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides. The streetcar itself is from 1923.
Late Morning
Lafayette Cemetery & Garden District Walk
Walk through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (free, self-guided). Then explore the oak-lined streets around Prytania and First Street for the most impressive mansions.
Tip: Anne Rice fans: the cemetery inspired many of her vampire novels.
Lunch
Magazine Street Lunch
Magazine Street is 6 miles of shops, restaurants, and neighborhood life. Stop for lunch somewhere along the way.
Tip: Magazine Street is walkable in sections. Use rideshare between neighborhoods.
Suggested venues
Afternoon
Magazine Street Shopping
Browse the boutiques, vintage shops, and galleries. Start around Washington Ave and work your way toward Uptown.
Tip: Look for Dirty Coast (local tees), Hazelnut (home goods), and Miette (vintage).
Evening
Uptown Dinner
Dinner at a neighborhood restaurant. Uptown dining is more relaxed than the Quarter — dress comfortably.
Tip: These are local favorites, not tourist spots. Reserve ahead.
Suggested venues
Night
Nightcap
End the night at a low-key neighborhood bar or head back to the Marigny for more music.
Tip: Snake and Jakes does not close until very late. Proceed with caution.
Suggested venues
3
Day 3: City Park & Something Weird
Art, nature, and the surreal side of New Orleans
Open Day 3 on Map
Plan a walking route between these venues
Morning
City Park & NOMA
Start at City Park — 1,300 acres of live oaks, lagoons, and the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). The Sculpture Garden is free.
Tip: Get beignets at Morning Call in the park. Same recipe as Cafe du Monde, shorter line.
Suggested venues
Late Morning
Bayou St. John
Walk or kayak along Bayou St. John. This is where locals go to escape. Rent kayaks at Wheel Fun Rentals.
Tip: The bayou connects to the lake — paddle north for bigger water.
Lunch
Mid-City Lunch
Lunch in Mid-City or the Treme. Some of the best neighborhood food in the city.
Tip: Dooky Chase is legendary — Leah Chase fed civil rights leaders here.
Suggested venues
Afternoon
Something Weird
New Orleans does strange better than anywhere. Pick your adventure: the Museum of Death, a voodoo tour, a swamp tour, or the House of the Rising Sun exhibit.
Tip: Swamp tours leave from the city — book ahead. You will see alligators.
Night
Final Night
One more night of music. Return to Frenchmen, or try a jazz venue like Preservation Hall (book tickets online) or the Maple Leaf Bar Uptown.
Tip: Preservation Hall sets are 45 minutes, standing room. Go early or buy online.
Suggested venues
Before You Go
- •Comfortable walking shoes — you will cover miles
- •Light layers for AC vs. humidity
- •Cash for tips, small bars, and street musicians
- •Reservations for nicer restaurants
- •Umbrella — afternoon showers are common
When to Visit
Best time
October-November or March-April
Consider avoiding
August (brutally hot) and Mardi Gras week (unless that is your goal)
December is underrated — cooler weather, holiday decor, fewer crowds
Build Your Walking Route
Click "Open Day on Map" above to see venues on the map. Then tap the route button to get walking directions between stops—optimized for the best path.
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Ready to explore? Choose your path.