The Perfect New Orleans 3-Day Itinerary
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From its beautiful buildings, interesting blend of cultures, unique history, and amazing food, there’s so much to love about New Orleans. After years of wanting to go and finally visiting, I can confidently say it totally met (and even exceeded) all my expectations.
While there’s a ton to do — and I have plenty of museums and restaurants on my to-do list for my eventual return — three days is a great amount of time to get to experience an overview of this amazing city.
There’s time to check out its most popular and beautiful neighborhoods, get a taste of some history and culture, listen to lots of music, and try some of the main foods and drinks. Although I definitely left NOLA feeling like my time had been cut short and wishing I’d had a couple more days, I also feel like I covered a lot of ground in just a long weekend.
Day 1: Canal Street, Bourbon Street, French Quarter
Canal Street
To start off your time in New Orleans, check out one of the city’s major streets, Canal Street.
To be totally honest, Canal Street wasn’t really my favorite. It kind of gave me a Hollywood or a Times Square vibe. If you’ve been to either of those places, you know what I mean.
While some of the buildings were cool, and there were definitely a ton of stores, restaurants and bars to check out, it had a slightly manufactured vibe and lacked some of the charm that New Orleans is known for and is abundant in other neighborhoods.
But since it is an iconic fixture of New Orleans, definitely at least walk through!
From here, it’s also a really easy walk to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, where we’ll spend the rest of the day.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of New Orleans’ best-known streets.
That doesn’t mean that it’s one of New Orleans’ best places, though.
While I usually take safety advice urging you to completely avoid a place with a grain of salt, reading lots of reports of drinks getting spiked and basically needing to side-step vomit everywhere did make me feel a little nervous.
I went into my trip thinking I’d like to at least check it out, but would probably not be exploring its nightlife situation.
That instinct was correct. I ended up walking through Bourbon Street a couple times, and just being there felt overwhelming. It was super loud, crowded, and definitely had a sketchy vibe all around.
But, that’s just my experience. I always like to follow my gut instinct, so I did not check out any bars or restaurants on this street.
But if you’re more into the party atmosphere, you may have a totally different experience! If you’ve been here, I’d love to know your thoughts!
Okay, now it’s time for the good stuff.
French Quarter
When it comes to the French Quarter, I could go on endlessly about this area!
Where Canal and Bourbon Street lacked in charm, the French Quarter made up for it tenfold.
The buildings were gorgeous, with beautiful iron balcony fences and hanging plants. There were street musicians on a number of corners, and all in all, just a ton to explore.
With only three days in New Orleans, it’s hard to imagine dedicating so much time to just one area, I know. But especially if it’s your first time here, I promise it’s worth spending the majority of your day here.
Some highlights in the French Quarter:
The French Market
There are a ton of art stalls and food stalls here. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (the retail shops typically close at 5 though).
Jackson Square
This is an iconic area in the French Quarter. that’s a national historic landmark.
There’s a historic church with really interesting architecture, plus a fountain and a statue of Andrew Jackson. You’ll also see lots of artists selling their work, along with tarot card readers and psychics.
New Orleans Voodoo Museum
This is a small museum dedicated to Voodoo and its influence in New Orleans.
There are just a couple rooms, so don’t expect to spend a long time here.
But I thought it was really interesting and well done. Voodoo has had a significant impact on New Orleans history and culture, so it’s well worth learning a bit about!
Admission is $10 or $8 with a student ID.
Shopping in French Quarter
Voodoo Authentica
Just down the street from the museum, Voodoo Authentica is and interesting little shop/cultural center.
If you’re interested in picking up an authentic souvenir, this is the spot to do it.
Le Jardín
This is a beautiful little shop selling art.
Omen
If you’re interested in witchy things, then you will looove New Orleans!
Described as a “psychic parlor and witchcraft emporium,” there are lots of interesting things to peruse within Omen.
Hex
Just a couple doors down from Omen is another witchy shop. Hex, “an Old World Witchery” also sells all sorts of herbs, divination tools, candles, books, and more.
Crescent City Conjure
Sticking with the witchy theme, this shop also sells things like oils, incense, herbs, and gris-gris, an amulet used in Voodoo.
Sassy Magick
This metaphysical shop leans towards the cuter, artsier end of things. Thing “American Horror Story-Coven meets Hello Kitty,” to use their own words.
French Quarter Walking Tour
At night, definitely consider taking a tour of the French Quarter!
My friend and I opted for a ghost, voodoo, and vampire tour with Witches Brew New Orleans, and would definitely recommend it!
It was a great way to learn more about the French Quarter’s past, which definitely includes a lot of spooky history. The tour is $32.99, or $37 if you go with the adults-only option.
I didn’t find the tour particularly scary, but the stories were all super interesting, and I feel like I learned a ton. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling with young kids, the content may be too disturbing for them — I went on the adults-only option, so I can’t speak to how the family-friendly tour differs, but it’s something to keep in mind.
I wrote a whole review about my experience with Witches Brew — if you’re not sure if it’s right for you, check it out!
Day 2: Bywater, JAMNOLA, Mardi Gras World, Frenchmen Street
Bywater
The Bywater neighborhood is a cute and colorful little neighborhood that’s — you guessed it — by the water.
A delicious Honduran Restaurant, Alma Cafe, is here, and it’s a great spot for breakfast, but there are a bunch of options in this area if you’re up for something else.
After breakfast, head to Crescent Park for a little walk and to check out the water.
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras is one of, if not the most famous things about New Orleans, so it’s only fitting that you take some time to learn about the tradition.
At Mardi Gras World, you can learn about the floats and sculptures created for the annual event, plus you’ll see some objects created for Disney World and private events too.
They also have a free tourist shuttle which will drop you off around Canal Street afterwards.
Mardi Gras World is open seven days a week, with entrance from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $22 and can be booked here.
Frenchmen Street
No New Orleans trip would be complete without spending an evening at Frenchmen Street.
Music is a major part of New Orleans’ culture, and although you’ll see street performers and live music throughout the city, Frenchmen Street is an experience on its own.
I would 100% suggest spending an evening/night here rather than on Bourbon Street.
JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA is an immersive art museum, with art all by local artists and inspired by New Orleans.
I did find the tickets to be a bit steep (tickets are $$33.97 through their website, or $29 on Viator) but it was a super cool experience. Definitely very photo-worthy, and fun to explore for an hour or two! Each of the exhibits showcase a different aspect of local culture, with one room dedicated to Mardi Gras outfits, while another was all about instruments, which had some interactive elements too. When I visited, it was in its original Bywater location, but it’s since moved to a larger space on Frenchman Street,.
JAMNOLA is open every day except for Wednesdays. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dining on Frenchman Street
Marigny Brasserie is a great spot for dinner — get the po boy sandwich with fried green tomatoes and grilled shrimp, I am still dreaming about this. The cocktails are really delicious too!
Dat Dog is another popular option for food as well, especially for late nights!
Nightlife and live music
When I went recently, there was no cover anywhere I stopped despite being a Saturday night, but some places did have a one drink minimum.
30°/-90° had a great live band, and Blue Nile was also fun.
But there’s also The Spotted Cat, Three Muses, Favela Chic, and more.
All the places are very close together, so it’s really easy to walk around, check out the vibe, and then go somewhere else.
Frenchman Art Bazaar
Definitely also stop by the Frenchmen Art Bazaar, a really cool night market that’s the perfect place to pick up a handmade souvenir.
I walked away with a t-shirt as well as two art prints! It opens at 7 p.m. every night and is open until midnight Sundays through Wednesdays, and 1 a.m. on the other days.
If you’re looking for some more shopping, Frenchmen Art and Books is also a cool spot.
Day 3: City Park, Magazine Street, Garden District
City Park
New Orleans is vibrant, loud, and well, a giant city, so if you’re anything like me, you may be needing a little refresh and some quiet time at this point.
So, start the morning off at City Park, one of the most gorgeous spots in the city.
It’s giant (it’s even one of the largest urban parks in the country), and I didn’t get to explore most of it, and you could easily spend hours here if you have the time.
There’s a botanical garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, a sculpture garden, and even an amusement park, just to name a few of the attractions this park has to offer.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, or just exploring nature. Plus, there are a number of food options, including the iconic Café Du Monde, a New Orleans institution known for its beignets.
Magazine Street
This six-mile road is another one of New Orleans’ unique must-dos.
Magazine Street stretches across multiple neighborhoods, all offering their distinct vibes, with tons of stores, restaurants, cafes and bars along the way. I suggest heading to its Garden District section, as this is another beautiful neighborhood we haven’t had a chance to check out yet!
Garden District
The Magazine Antique Mall is a great spot for fans of thrift shopping and anyone looking for unique home goods or art, while Fleurty Girl is another New Orleans mainstay selling unique clothing and accessories.
While here, wander around and explore some of the beautiful historic homes in this neighborhood.
I didn’t get to visit these spots, but the Garden District is also home to unique attractions like Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. In case you didn’t know, New Orleans utilizes above-ground tombs due to the city being below sea level.
→ Note: The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is temporarily closed due to repairs, according to its website. I will update this note once I see that it’s reopened!
The Rink, a former ice rink that has been converted into a shopping center, is another popular destination with a number of cute shops including a bookstore.
If you’re looking for some more art and culture, there are also a number of museums and galleries in this area, from the George and Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art to the Ashé Cultural Arts Center which focuses on Black art.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
The French Quarter is absolutely gorgeous, walkable, and has tons of restaurants, bars, shops, and sightseeing, which is key.
Especially if it’s your first time in NOLA, I would 100% recommend getting a hostel or hotel here or very close by.
Many hotels are just a few blocks away in the Business District (around Canal Street), which is a great option too for its proximity and lots of food options.
However, there are other great options as well! The Warehouse District and the Garden District are also great neighborhoods that are walkable, with plenty of food, bar and sightseeing options closeby.
$ HI NEW ORLEANS HOSTEL – This highly-rated hostel has a great location right on Canal Street, meaning the French Quarter is just a short walk away. It has air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar, plus a 24-hour front desk. It also includes a continental breakfast. Private rooms start at $139, but if you’re willing to go with a shared dorm, prices go from $23 to $39. Find out more here.
$$ HISTORIC STREETCAR INN – This cute boutique hotel a mile outside of the French Quarter is also in a great location and it has many food options and sightseeing options nearby. It’s also a great option for anyone looking for a charming and historic ambiance! Book here.
$$$ HOTEL LE MARAIS – Right in the French Quarter, this hotel has a heated saltwater pool, a fitness center, a courtyard, and a shared lounge. There’s no food onsite, but its location makes this hotel worth it. Learn more.
New Orleans really was everything I’d hoped it would be, with all its beauty, interesting history, culture, and amazing food.
While three days really isn’t enough to explore all of what New Orleans has to offer, following this three-day itinerary will allow you to cover a lot of ground, while getting a great overview of the city!
Final tips for visiting New Orleans
Bring cash! A surprising amount of places were cash-only. You’ll also want cash on-hand for tipping any tour guides.
Weather-wise, New Orleans can get a lot of rain. October, when I visited, is the driest month. Although I lucked out and the weather was perfectly hot and sunny, October still averages like three inches of rain usually. So, I would pack some rain gear just in case, especially if you’re visiting during the rainier months!
Be prepared to walk a lot.
People dress pretty casually — so especially considering the above point, I’d suggest leaving the heels at home!
New Orleans’ food scene is MASSIVE. Don’t feel like you can conquer it all in just three days — I definitely didn’t. (But all the more reason for a return visit, right?) Definitely do your research on what foods and drinks NOLA is known for, and figure out what you want to prioritize. As for restaurants, I’d suggest picking one or two places you really want to make it to, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the choices. There’s so much great food, there’s nothing wrong with just wandering around and seeing what you stumble upon!
Looking for more tips? This guide has everything you need to know for your first time in New Orleans.
Thank you. This looks like a great itinerary. My family and I will be visiting NOLA for the first time in April, and I was trying to get a good balance of things. This looks awesome.
Thanks so much for reading and for your comment! I hope you have an amazing time!!
Thank you for your lovely recap! We’re headed to NOLA on Saturday and I’m very grateful for your recommendations.
Thanks so much for reading, I hope you have a great time!
Hi Tess
I came across your blog while looking for an itinerary to explore historic New Orleans, and I loved your ideas. Thanks for the tip about bringing cash, we definitely needed some at Café du Monde!
We also followed your suggestion and booked the Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour with Witches Brew. It was fun and just spooky enough for our kids (our youngest is 11).
That said, I wanted to mention that one part of the tour wasn’t well adapted for young children (there were several in our group), and one family even left during that section (it involved a man with PTSD in 2006; I won’t go into more detail here).
It would be helpful if your post included a heads-up for families with kids or teens. Of course, the tour company should also provide a warning, but I thought you’d want to know.
Thank you again for your great work. As a blogger myself I know how much effort goes into creating valuable content.
Thanks for your comment, Lee, I’m so glad you found this guide helpful and I hope you loved New Orleans! I’ve added in a note about this — I appreciate your feedback, and thank you so much for reading!