Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for New Orleans
Feel the soulful rhythm of New Orleans, a culturally rich city famous for its lively French Quarter, vibrant jazz scene, and unique Creole cuisine.
New Orleans is served by Louis Armstrong International Airport; the streetcar and walking cover much of the core. February–March is Mardi Gras—book far ahead; spring and fall are otherwise ideal. Summer is hot and humid. Book jazz clubs, popular restaurants, and swamp tours in advance. The French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny are best explored on foot. Allow time for beignets, po’boys, live music on Frenchmen Street, and a steamboat or cemetery tour. Hurricane season runs June–November—check forecasts if travelling then.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in New Orleans.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans
Spring
26°C / 16°C
Warm and festive, perfect festival weather
Summer
33°C / 24°C
Oppressively hot and humid, daily storms
Fall
27°C / 17°C
Warm and cooling, hurricane risk early on
Winter
18°C / 9°C
Mild and pleasant, Mardi Gras season
Day 1
French Quarter
Morning activity: French Quarter.
Cafe Du Monde
Iconic New Orleans cafe known for café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets since 1862.
Lunch nearby: Cafe Du Monde.
Jackson Square
Artists & performers ply their trades in a park built in 1721 & lined with historic buildings.
Afternoon sightseeing: Jackson Square.
Commander's Palace
Notable spot for refined Creole fare & an elegant jazz brunch in a chandelier-hung space since 1880.
Dinner in the area: Commander's Palace.
Preservation Hall
Historic, all-ages place for jazz in a no-frills space with wooden floors & no air-conditioning.
Evening experience: Preservation Hall.
Day 2
New Orleans Swamp Tour
Morning activity: New Orleans Swamp Tour.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Longtime (since 1911) neighborhood hangout with a patio known for classic-style po' boys.
Lunch nearby: Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
Garden District
Afternoon sightseeing: Garden District.
Cochon
Lauded choice in charming, historic digs specializing in pork dishes & imaginative Cajun eats.
Dinner in the area: Cochon.
New Orleans Ghost Tour
Evening experience: New Orleans Ghost Tour.
Day 3
National WWII Museum
Multi-building museum with interactive submarine exhibit, planes, 4-D theater & eatery downstairs.
Morning activity: National WWII Museum.
Mother's Restaurant
Popular cafeteria-style joint drawing crowds with po' boys & down-home Southern fare since 1938.
Lunch nearby: Mother's Restaurant.
Steamboat Natchez
Old-fashioned steamboat offering cruises with buffet dining, including brunch, plus jazz music.
Afternoon sightseeing: Steamboat Natchez.
Brennan's
Fine-dining landmark famed for Creole cuisine, posh breakfasts and bananas Foster for dessert.
Dinner in the area: Brennan's.
Frenchmen Street
Historic New Orleans' street with a 2-block section known for its wide variety of live music venues.
Evening experience: Frenchmen Street.