New Orleans, Louisiana state in the USA is known for many things like Jazz music, french culture, wonderful catholic architecture and of course alligators.
The City lived through slavery, black immigration due to sugarcane plantations but it now stands for jazz music, colorful architecture and vibrant party culture. NOLA offers something for everyone, be it history nerds, foodies, nature lovers, or party fun.
How to reach New Orleans: New Orleans airport has great connectivity and often you find good deals during summer from major hubs.
Where to stay: I would suggest to go by Airbnb since the city offers beautiful stays. Stay close to French Quarters or magazine street since most of the tourist spots are in and around the location. The place is also ideal to stay if you love partying and Uber can be inexpensive for late night rides. Another reason to stay close to Quarters/magazine street is marvelous food options.
OK now, let’s dive into itinerary.
Friday night (Day 0):
If you reach the stay on or before 7 PM, take your time to freshen up and dress up and hit Frenchman street. Grab some hot dogs from “Dat Dog” restaurant and you will not regret it. I would suggest to save your energy for exploring and partying in Bourbon street for Saturday or Sunday night.
In my opinion, Frenchman street is the best start for your trip. The street is relatively short strength, may be 3-4 blocks but you can find most wonderful live music performances. You might not find world famous shows like LA or New York or Nashville offers but this place is the gem for Jazz music. For Jazz music, head to “The Spotted Cat” or “Three muses”. Sometimes “30/90” and “The Maison” has Jazz shows but it depends mostly on show timings. 8:30 – 9:00 PM is the right time to hit the clubs for wonderful shows. They usually end at around 12 AM but few last until late 3:00 AM. If you are still wide awake, there are pubs that run all night long.
If you are a fan of art and encourage local artists, do not miss out “Palace Market Frenchmen”. You will find very interesting collection.
Day 1:
Grab brunch at any restaurant that New Orleans has to offer. My favorites are:
Sneaky Pickle, Atchafalaya.
I know, how can any NOLA visitor miss the world famous “Cafe Du Monte” right? Well, I would rather go there in the evening with less crowd to sip my chicory coffee and enjoy beignets with live street music rather than waiting in line under the scorching sun.
The street has many more options like Orange couch for creative coffee options or Cafe Envie.
Walk around the Jackson Square and walk around for unique shopping experiences. The options are limitless. From antique collection stores to sassy T shirts to hot sauce stores and farmer’s market with wonderful handmade collection, the place has so much to offer.
Go and explore the St. Louis Cathedral and its extremely artistic inside. If you choose this itinerary for Sunday, there will be a jazz style musical mass and it is open for all.
Stop by and try Prairies when you pass the candy stores and the City is known for them.
Hit Oceana grill for amazing food. The place is funky and is famous for its interesting food menu .Try this must have dessert called New Orleans bread pudding and you will regret if you do not try it.
If you go early to the Quarters, you can join free city walk tour and they will guide you through all the places above and around Quarters.
New Orleans is famous for cemeteries and there are tours for three of these. You can book online or reach there early to buy a ticket. Few of them are guided tour only cemeteries and you will get access only with a guide accompanied.
Slurp the snow ice you find almost everywhere and consider a walk through magazine street. This 6 mi stretch street is unique in its own way for its cute boutique stores and wonderful restaurants. There are many famous Pho places like Lilly’s cafe if you love Thai food. Or sip in some Cortada at Cherry coffee.
One restaurant that deserves special mention is “Shaya”. This Mediterranean place has the most fluffiest and tasty Pita bread you can ever imagine. Try their Halwa Cappuccino if you are coffee freak like me.
Go home and relax for a while, probably a nap. Hit “The Boil” restaurant for most amazing sea food. I am sure there are many such sea food places that serve NOLA famous craw fish with Cajun seasoning.
If you are looking for vegan/vegetarian options, head to “The Green Goddess”. The place has seating outside on brick road and if the climate is perfect, the experience can be unforgettable.
Go for river walk during/after sunset.
Hit Bourbon street to have mad fun and pub hopping. I cannot pinpoint on one pub or bar since whole street is most happening. You may see people throwing pearl chains from rooftops as the Mardi gras festival vibe goes all year long.
Day 2:
You probably must be sore for busy day before so relax and head to a good brunch place like “The Daily Beet” or “Cafe Amelie”.
Head early to Swamp tours which takes you on a boat ride and show you alligators. Do you know Louisiana has more alligator population than humans? If you are lucky, you can get a chance to hold young alligator (mouth clipped).
Tip: Check for groupon coupons and you would most probably get a good deal.
Head to “Oak alley plantation”. This is an hour away from the city so you may have to rent a car. DO NOT miss this place. This place churned a valley of emotions when I visited for many reasons. You can see slavery spelling out at each corner and the details the tour guide give may hurt your heart. Head to the plantation owner’s mansion and witness most dreamy view from its bedroom. The Oak trees planted in a row and a path in between is the most scenic and Instagram worthy place. The entry is about $55. You can walk around as long as you want.
These two tours may take up most of your time. Or you can choose cruise packages sold at river walk that covers swamp tour, plantation and cruise for 5-7 hours.
Other places worth visiting if time permits:
World War II museum: The place takes you to tour to past and leaves you with impressions.
Mercedes Benz dome: If its game season and can afford the tickets, do not miss the place.
Thanksgiving time: If you happen to visit NOLA during Thanksgiving time, do not miss Bayou Classic parade. This long procession is bright colorful and energetic with students of all ages performing all the way through the procession.
Other places I highly recommend are Audubon Public park, Audubon Arboretum for nature lovers and kid friendly educational locations.