MileHacker Logo
New Orleans Itineraries

New Orleans Itineraries

New Orleans Louisiana, USA Travel Guide

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Start with iconic beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde in the French Market. Stroll through Jackson Square. Admire St. Louis Cathedral. Wander the charming streets of the French Quarter, like Royal Street, soaking in the architecture.

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the French Market more deeply. Have a casual lunch, perhaps a po'boy. Take a leisurely ride on the Riverfront Streetcar. This offers views of the Mississippi River. If time allows, visit the National WWII Museum (allow minimum 2-3 hours).

Evening Activities

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner in the French Quarter, perhaps at a mid-range restaurant.
  • Live Music: Head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny for live music. Choose from several clubs.
  • Nightlife: This provides an authentic New Orleans nightlife experience.

Weekend & Week-Long Trips

Plan your extended visit with these structured itineraries.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A solid introduction to the city's main attractions.

Activities

  • Day 1: French Quarter Focus (Jackson Square, Royal St. Galleries, French Market, Bourbon/Frenchmen St).
  • Day 2: Garden District & Museums (St. Charles Ave Streetcar, mansions, National WWII Museum or Ogden Museum).
  • Day 3: Beyond the City/Departure (Half-day swamp tour or plantation, souvenir shopping, departure).
Consider booking your tours in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

This itinerary provides a comprehensive dive into New Orleans.

Extended Exploration

  • Days 1-3: Cover French Quarter, Garden District, major museums (as per 2-3 day itinerary).
  • Day 4: Cemetery & Voodoo (Guided cemetery tour, Voodoo Museum, Marigny/Bywater neighborhoods).
  • Day 5: Culinary & Music Dive (Cooking class, Magazine Street shopping, fine dining, jazz clubs).

Week-Long Activities

More activities to fill your week.

Further Exploration

  • Day 6: Plantation & Swamp (Full-day excursion combining a plantation tour with a swamp tour).
  • Day 7: City Park & Departure (Explore NOMA, Sculpture Garden, Botanical Garden, final meal, departure).
  • Customization: Tailor these suggestions to your interests.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

For longer stays, combine activities with relaxed exploration.

Deep Dive

  • Neighborhoods: Spend dedicated time in Tremé, Uptown, or Mid-City.
  • Culinary classes: Multiple cooking classes or specialized food tours.
  • Specific interests: More time for architecture, photography, or music genres.
  • Relaxation: Include days for relaxing in parks or by hotel pools.

Extended City Living

For extended stays, embrace local living.

Apartment Rentals

Focus on renting an apartment or house in a local neighborhood like Bywater, Mid-City, or Uptown.

Local Integration

Explore local grocery stores. Attend community events. Become a regular at a neighborhood bar or cafe.

Community Engagement

Consider volunteering with a local organization to integrate into the community.

Adapt Your Itinerary

These suggestions offer a starting point. Adjust them to match your pace, interests, and the length of your stay.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical Journeys

Explore New Orleans' rich past.

Sites & Tours

  • French Quarter walking tours to learn about colonial history.
  • St. Louis Cemetery tours (especially Whitney Plantation for slavery history).
  • National WWII Museum: A comprehensive experience.
  • Historic New Orleans Collection: Explore artifacts.
Deep dive into the past and cultural narratives.

Culinary Adventures

Savor the unique flavors of New Orleans.

Gourmet Experiences

  • Cooking classes: Learn to prepare classic Creole/Cajun dishes.
  • Beignets: Enjoy at Café Du Monde.
  • Food tours: Join specialized tours.
  • Po'boys: Sample at local institutions.

Outdoor Exploration

Experience the natural side of the region.

Activities

  • Airboat swamp tours: Exciting wildlife viewing.
  • Kayaking: On Bayou St. John.
  • Jean Lafitte Park: Trails and boardwalks.
  • Lafitte Greenway: Cycle and explore.
Enjoy the diverse ecosystems and outdoor opportunities.

Family-Friendly Plan

Activities suitable for all ages.

Kids & Adults

  • Audubon Zoo & Aquarium: Animal encounters.
  • City Park: Storyland, Carousel Gardens.
  • Mardi Gras World: Behind-the-scenes look.
  • Steamboat Natchez cruise: Scenic river journey.

Creative Exploration

Admire the city's artistic and structural beauty.

Visual Feasts

  • Garden District: Mansion tours.
  • Royal Street galleries: Art immersion.
  • Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Regional works.
  • NOMA & Sculpture Garden: Art and nature.

Mind & Body Journey

Find serenity and cultural spiritual insights.

Peaceful Pursuits

  • Cemetery tours: Places of contemplation.
  • Voodoo tours: Cultural understanding of spiritual traditions.
  • Yoga classes: At local studios.
  • Tranquil parks: City Park, Audubon Park.

Curate Your Journey

These interest-based routes allow you to focus on what you love most. Mix and match to create your perfect New Orleans experience.

Budget-Friendly Trips

Travel New Orleans regardless of your budget.

Budget Traveler

Maximize your experience on a minimal budget.

Savings

  • Hostels: Stay in hostels like HI New Orleans.
  • Jazzy Pass: Utilize for public transport.
  • Food: Eat budget-friendly po'boys and street food.
  • Free activities: French Quarter walking, Frenchmen Street music, self-guided tours.
Smart choices lead to memorable, affordable travel.

Comfortable Budget

Balance cost with comfort and a wider range of activities.

Balanced Choices

  • Accommodation: Stay in boutique hotels or B&Bs.
  • Transport: Mix public transit with occasional rideshare/taxi.
  • Dining: Dine at mid-range restaurants.
  • Activities: Include a few paid tours/museums (e.g., swamp tour, WWII Museum).

Premium Travel

Indulge in New Orleans' finest offerings.

Exclusive Services

  • Hotels: Stay at 5-star hotels (Roosevelt, Four Seasons).
  • Dining: Dine at fine dining restaurants nightly.
  • Transport: Use private car service.
  • Tours: Book private guided tours or exclusive experiences.

Smart Savings

Stretch your budget with savvy strategies.

Economical Tips

  • Low season: Travel in summer for lower prices.
  • Kitchenettes: Book accommodations with kitchenettes to prepare meals.
  • Happy hour: Utilize happy hour deals for discounted food and drinks.
  • Free events: Seek out free festivals and events.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer Attractions

Focus on indoor attractions (museums, Aquarium, Sazerac House). Cool off in hotel pools. Enjoy refreshing snowballs.

Winter Charm

Pleasant weather for walking tours. Enjoy holiday decorations. King Cake season begins after Epiphany. Experience the prelude to Mardi Gras.

Festival Planning

Plan around specific festivals (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival). Book accommodations and flights far in advance.

Best Time to Visit

Consider seasonal weather patterns and major events when planning your trip. This helps you select the best time for your activities and budget.
← Previous
Sustainable Travel in New Orleans
← Back to New Orleans
Next →
New Orleans Travel Hacks

Next Up: New Orleans Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Continue to New Orleans Travel Hacks