New Orleans Itinerary

When it comes to New Orleans there is so much I have to say and much more things I would like share about this beautiful city. It is one of the very few cities in the United States that is unique with its own specific culture, food, language, music, and rich history. Many U.S. locals associate New Orleans to Mardi Gras or a party scene and Internationally, many others know little to no knowledge about this city. That’s where I come in,  to uncover these hidden gems. As a starter,  I am happy to share with you a 4+ day New Orleans Itinerary to get you started.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains activity discounts from New Orleans CVB, however, all opinions are mine.

New Orleans Itinerary: DAY 1

EAT

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Address: 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 9pm

Price: $$

Favorite: Warm chocolate cookie with Milk to dip; Instagram friendly

Lunch at Killer Po Boys

Address: 219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Hours: Monday, Wednesday- Sunday: 10am – 8pm

Price: $

Favorite: Shrimp Poboy

 

Dinner at Arnaud’s Restaurant

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6pm – 10pm

Price: $$$

DO

Walk around the French Quarters

Downtown New Orleans isn’t very big, making it easy to walk around and check the main tourist attractions in a day or two. Once in New Orleans, you’ll quickly notice that the ambience changes during the day and at night. Right before noon on your first day in New Orleans, I’ll suggest that you walk around the french quarters, say hello to its friendly locals and admire its colorful houses. I must warn, that you’ll be highly tempted to take a ton of selfies by every house you pass by. I mean, after seeing an image like the one below

I mean, how can’t you?

Hang out at the Jackson Square

The Jackson square is kind of the unofficial center or meeting point for tourists. The Andrew Jackson statue placed in the middle with the St. Louis Cathedral neatly tucked behind it, is an iconic landmark that represents the city of New Orleans. The Jackson square and the St. Louis Cathedral share deep rooted history that is worth learning about. St. Louis Cathedral is open to visitors from all walks of life. 

 

Do a ghost tour

I did a ghost tour activity with the Travel Zoo. I didn’t initially think too much of it but it turned out to be an interesting experience. My tour group was led by a charismatic Lady, who could tell you the horror backstory of any place/street in New Orleans. We learned about Zach and Addie, the couple that became famous from surviving Katrina and then later infamous for a messy murder. We later stopped by the most haunted house in New Orleans which its story has been featured on the America’s horror story series. 

Walk through the Frenchman street

This is the liveliest street in New Orleans. Here you can find all sorts of performers making concerted efforts to keep you entertained. From buskers playing live Jazz music to Men dressing up little dogs and having them pose in a “cool” fashion.

 

Watch a live Jazz show

New Orleans is the home of Jazz. It isn’t hard to find quality Jazz music in the crescent city. Here’s a list of great Jazz places to check out.

My personal favorite is the Jazz Playhouse. The location is fancy, the performance is always spectacular and the best part is that, entry is free! However, you do have to pay for a drink.

 

 

New Orleans Itinerary: DAY 2

EAT

Breakfast: Brennan’s

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 10pm

Price: $$$

 

Lunch: Sucre

Address: 3025 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 10pm

Price: $

Favorite: Everything

Dinner: Commander’s Palace

Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30am – 1:30pm; 6pm- 9:30pm

Price: $$$

Favorite: *Top restaurant in New Orleans*

DO

Swamp tour

This has been an activity, I always looked forward to trying. The state of Louisiana has a lot of swamps and there are tour companies such as Cajun Encounters that take tourists on a 1 and a half hour boat ride.  This is no ordinary ride where you just admire the swamps. You also get to see alligators, turtles, raccoons, boars, and other swamp wild life animals. It’s truly an amazing experience. 

Note: Bring a jacket to keep you warm especially if you are doing these tours in non summer months. It gets cold when the boat is speeding through the swamp.

Walk through Magazine street

Magazine street is a long street full inquisitive and interesting shops. Taking a walk through this enchanting street, will prepare you for a pleasant surprise.

Visit Mardi Gras world

If you are into costumes and carnival, Mardi Gras world my just be the best place for you. Entry for adults is $22 and for students is $17. See the Mardi Gras World for more information.

Enjoy a rooftop view