New Orleans, Louisiana, also known as NOLA, and nicknamed the “Big Easy” was established in 1718 and is now recognized for its vibrant nightlife, colorful cultures, and Mardi Gras celebrations. In 2014, it was even voted one of the world’s best cities by the readers of Travel + Leisure. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans, but to be honest, what pushed me to finally go was my husband bringing it up as an option for a trip and also embarrassingly enough, watching all the seasons of The Originals and wanting to see how the city really compared in real life. Plus the iconic cemetery looked really cool – if you like that kind of stuff!
This city also has an amazing food scene specializing in Cajun and Creole food, lively jazz music, a deep history of war and Voodoo, an eclectic art scene, 18th-century architecture, bayous and alligators and more. New Orleans is home to the most historic districts in the US and you’ll find plenty to explore here. I found that 4 days in New Orleans, Louisiana is plenty of time to explore the city’s main highlights and many attractions. Read on for a full itinerary and the main things you need to know to help you plan your trip! To help you plan your trip more specifically to your preferences, use my free Pre-Trip Planner and Checklist as well as The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad so you don’t forget anything and avoid a stressful vacation.
When To Visit New Orleans, Louisiana
The best times to visit New Orleans, Louisiana is in early spring or late fall – around the months of February to May and October through November, when the weather is cooler and you can mostly avoid hurricane season, and the celebrations are in full swing. We had actually visited NOLA at the end of November and early December and the weather was still quite warm and comfortable – I was even able to be in tank tops at times. And, a bonus is that there are fewer tourists around during this time too. But if you want to attend Mardi Gras, this event does last for about 2 weeks, so you may want to stay even longer than 4 days in New Orleans to enjoy the festivities.
How To Get Around New Orleans, Louisiana
The best way to explore New Orleans, Louisiana is on foot. Public transportation on the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is also a great alternative if needed. One-way fares for streetcars or buses cost $1.25 USD and an extra $0.25 USD if you need to transfer. You can also rent bikes or call a taxi or even Lyft if needed as well. When we visited New Orleans, we did everything by foot and it just made it easier to explore at our own pace and not have to miss a thing. Most of everything is within walking distance anyway if you stay in the French Quarter and Bourbon Street area – which leads me to the next point.
Where To Stay In New Orleans, Louisiana
The most popular area to stay especially if it’s your first time in New Orleans is undoubtedly in the French Quarter or near Bourbon Street. Here you can find some of the best restaurants, bars, jazz clubs, vibrant nightlife, landmarks, shops, museums, galleries, and more. What better place to stay than to have it steps away from your accommodations? We had actually stayed at the Pelham Hotel and had really liked the spaciousness of the room as well as the location.
The majority of the time, I prefer booking with Hotels.com since they have great prices (including secret prices if you’re a member) and the ability to redeem a free night’s stay after every 10 stays. Some of the best hotels in the area are the Windsor Court Hotel, Four Season Hotel, Pontchartrain Hotel, Le Pavillon Hotel, One11 Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, The Roosevelt New Orleans, and the Royal Sonesta Hotel. I do advise always shopping around as there are plenty of great hotels to choose from for the best prices and the type of accommodations with the amenities you prefer. Here are the Best Ways To Save Money On Hotels For Your Next Vacation.
Where To Eat In New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has an amazing culinary scene and you’ll want to be sure to try some of the local foods like gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, po-boys, the New Orleans Muffuletta, and their famous beignets! Their food is based on a mix of cultures with a heavier emphasis on Cajun, Creole, French, and African which also ties in with their traditions and history. You can also drink alcohol on the street as long as it is in a plastic cup and not in a glass container.
Here are some of the most popular restaurants you’ll want to visit when spending 4 days in New Orleans – some have even been around for over a hundred years!
Café Du Monde
Cuisine – French
Price Range – $
Why They’re Good – Since 1862, this French Market coffee stand and now full-blown café offers fresh beignets (fried fritters) sprinkled with icing sugar and one of the best coffees ever. You’ll have to try this New Orleans tradition and even take home a canister of coffee if you can.
Antoine’s
Cuisine – French Creole
Price Range – $$$
Why They’re Good – New Orleans’ oldest restaurant is still owned and operated by fifth-generation relatives of the founder. This restaurant from 1840 is known for its French-Creole cuisine and unique atmosphere. They are known for their Oyster Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou, and Pommes De Terre Souffles.
Commander’s Palace
Cuisine – Creole
Price Range – $$$
Why They’re Good – Established in 1893, Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans landmark known for its award-winning food and offers a look into this city’s vibrant past. They even offer a jazz brunch with live music while you enjoy classic New Orleans food. There is a business attire dress code so remember to dress appropriately!
Parkway
Cuisine – Sandwiches
Price Range – $
Why They’re Good – Since 1911, this neighborhood hangout is known for its classic style po’ boys (also known as poor boys) which are French loaves with limitless ingredients that can include roast beef, shrimp, oyster, catfish, soft-shell crabs, French fries, and ham and cheese. There’s also a very interesting history as to why they’re named as such.
Napolean House
Cuisine – Creole
Price Range – $$
Why They’re Good – Hosted on a 200-year-old landmark, Napoleon House was established in 1914 and the building’s first occupant was the mayor of New Orleans in 1812-1815. He had offered his house to Napoleon in 1821 as a refuge during his exile and although he never made it, the name stuck. It is now one of the most famous bars in America and is a place that’s frequented by artists and writers. It’s even said to be haunted, but thankfully we didn’t see anything when we visited. Here you will find some of the most popular and traditional New Orleans foods and you’ll want to try their famous muffuletta or even their alligator sausage po’boy.
Willie Mae’s
Cuisine – Southern
Price Range – $$
Why They’re Good – This family-owned restaurant was established 1957 as a bar and even had their own barbershop and beauty salon. It is famous for its fried chicken and soul food and received the James Bear Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region”.
GW Fins
Cuisine – Seafood
Price Range – $$$
Why They’re Good – GW Fins uses seasonal ingredients and subtle culinary techniques to showcase a variety of the most pristine fish from around the world and their wonderful flavors and textures. They also have a great seafood menu where it will please everyone who dines here – you’ll want to visit more than once during your 4 days in New Orleans, Louisiana!
Dooky Chase’s
Cuisine – Creole
Price Range – $$
Why They’re Good – This now African American art-filled restaurant was originally a sandwich shop and lottery ticket outlet in 1939 and become a thriving bar and later a family restaurant in 1941. They now offer a lunch buffet that changes daily from Tuesdays to Fridays, and on Friday and Saturday nights, there is an expanded menu.
Atchafalaya
Cuisine – Contemporary
Price Range – $$$
Why They’re Good – Named one of America’s top 10 urban brunch bars, brunch is a popular occasion in this Creole cottage and they even have a Bloody Mary Bar and it’s apparently a very NOLA way to start your morning. Need more be said?
Criollo Restaurant
Cuisine – Creole
Price Range – $$$$
Why They’re Good – Located inside the historic Hotel Monteleone, they have a seasonal menu and a revolving carousel bar. Their menu offers old-world flavors with refined Southern dining and their dishes are a blend of cultures that really represents Louisiana.
Ruby Slipper Café
Cuisine – Breakfast/Brunch
Price Range – $$-$$$
Why They’re Good – With 5 locations in New Orleans and many in other States, you can be sure to have an amazing breakfast, brunch, or lunch at this award-winning café. Savory or sweet – take your pick through this large menu! And don’t forget their French Truck Coffee you’ll want to get to keep your day going strong.
Royal House
Cuisine – Seafood
Price Range – $$
Why They’re Good – Offering fresh seafood and traditional New Orleans foods, you can’t go wrong at Royal House. You have to try their delicious chargrilled Louisiana oysters and you’ll probably want to reorder! They also have po’ boy sandwiches grilled rib-eye if that’s something more to your liking as well.
Brennan’s
Cuisine – Creole
Price Range – $$$
Why They’re Good – Known for its Creole cuisine, Brennan’s has been a New Orleans tradition since 1946 with a Creole menu that has both French and Spanish influences. They have won many awards and are one of the best wine restaurants. You can choose to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner here – and don’t forget to try their World Famous Bananas Foster or Louisiana Bread Pudding.
4 Day Itinerary To Visit The Best Places In New Orleans, Louisiana
Below I will list a daily itinerary that you can follow – but as usual, feel free to change it up and rearrange it as you like. I have created this in a way that makes it visually easier to follow throughout your 4 days in New Orleans where you don’t have to backtrack – but it also depends on where your accommodations will be located. Also keeping in mind, a majority of the attractions listed below can be done on foot. If you really want to visit all the locations below at a leisurely pace, you can also stretch your stay in New Orleans to 5 days – also dependent on if you want to visit everything on the list! To make the most out of my time while I’m on vacation, I also like to wake up early and have long nights. If you are okay with doing the same, you can definitely visit all of the below locations!
I highly recommend booking New Orleans tours at Free Tours By Foot – and yes they’re free for the most part (depending on which you take)! We had taken the Voodoo Tour and the French Quarter Tour and we were very impressed with how it was run and how much we had learned. Sometimes, it’s better to also hear it from locals, especially for a city like New Orleans with so much history. We had also taken a kayaking tour in the New Orleans swamp but unfortunately didn’t see any alligators. But feel free to book a tour in addition to visiting the best places in New Orleans, Louisiana that are listed below. And if you’re interested in the chilling stories of New Orleans, you can also book a haunted tour.
First Day In New Orleans, Louisiana
1 – JAMNOLA
Time Spent – 45 minutes to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – Joy, Art, and Music New Orleans – takes you through the cultural gems that make New Orleans so unique. There are 17 immersive exhibits that display everything from food, music, art and theatrics through the eyes of local artists. Here you can better learn about the culture and leave with a new appreciation for the Crescent City art community.
2 – Faubourg Marigny / Frenchmen Street
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – An official Historic District, Marigny has many historical buildings and landmarks and is known for its Cajun bistros, jazz bars, and block party vibes. And Frenchmen Street is one of the best streets to look for live music in New Orleans in this neighborhood. There are live performances that range from jazz to blues, reggae, and even rock. You’ll be able to watch and hear a variety of different kinds of music and has some of the best live music produced in the world. You can dance the night away or just take in the beautiful music as you enjoy a nice cocktail.
3 – Shops Of The Colonnade / French Market
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Also known as the French Market, Shops of the Colonnade is a market with a series of commercial buildings that span across 6 blocks in the French Quarter. It was founded as a Native American trading post and this market is the oldest of its kind in the United States. You can find shops, art galleries, home goods, restaurants, and even live events to attend here. This includes a Flea Market featuring daily vendors and a Farmers Market.
4 – New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Time Spent – Up to 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – This voodoo museum opened in 1972 and preserves the legacy of the New Orleans Voodoo history and culture with its many mysteries and folklore. It feels less like a museum and more like a small shop with two small rooms and a collection of different voodoo artifacts and relics. They also took us here as our last stop during the Voodoo Tour we took with Free Tours By Foot.
5 – French Quarter
Time Spent – You’ll want to visit this area a few times during your 4 days in New Orleans, Louisiana
Interesting Facts – In the heart of New Orleans is the French Quarter, famous for its vivacious nightlife and iconic buildings. They are most recognized for Bourbon Street (named for a Royal family in France) – where they have all the jazz clubs, plenty of restaurants and bars, many street entertainers, and constant celebrations. It extends 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue
Time Spent – 2 hours
Interesting Facts – This historic music venue preserves traditional New Orleans jazz and is also associated with a house band, a record label, and a non-profit foundation. Tickets cost anywhere from $25 to $40 USD depending if you’re standing or sitting.
7 – The Cabildo
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – Opened in 1799, the Cabildo is also a National Historic Landmark in Jackson Square and was the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall of New Orleans. Today it has become a Louisiana State Museum. It was also the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803 which finalized the United States’ acquisition of Louisiana.
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – Dedicated to Saint Louis who was also known as King Louis IX of France, this Cathedral-Basilica is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. It was founded in 1720 and has Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Spanish Colonial architecture incorporated into it.
9 – The Presbytère
Time Spent – Up to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Facing Jackson Square, the Presbytère is an architecturally important building and is a Louisiana State Museum. It has two permanent exhibits that tell Louisiana’s story of celebration and resilience through its past until the present day. Originally called Casa Curial or “Ecclesiastical House”, it was a residence or presbytère of the Capuchin monks. The building was then used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse, and later a museum in 1911.
10 – Jackson Square
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – Formerly the Place d’Armes, this park is a National Historic Landmark in the French Quarter. Its name was earned for the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the United States, located in the center of the square. Not only was this place where Louisiana was made a United States territory, but it was also a location for punishments and executions and is now used as a common backdrop in many movies.
Second Day In New Orleans, Louisiana
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – This is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and was opened in 1789. The infamous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, was also buried here and there are many legends about her. And although Nicholas Cage is still alive today, he had pre-commissioned a 9-foot-tall pyramid tomb in this famous cemetery.
2 – Museum Of Death
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – Although there is another Museum of Death in Hollywood, Los Angeles, this is quite an interesting museum to visit during your 4 days in New Orleans. The goal of this museum is to make people happy to be alive. This location has 12,000 square meters of space and houses large collections of art and artifacts surrounding death.
3 – Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church
Time Spent – 20 minutes
Interesting Facts – The present-day church was completed in 1930 but is a close duplicate of an earlier 1850s church that was built on the same site. It suffered foundation damage in the 1920s and the church floor split in half so it was dissembled and a new one was built in its place. It is quite beautiful inside and would be nice to take some photos here.
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – This bar was opened in 1852 and they now host many events that celebrate the spirits and cocktails of New Orleans. The name was inspired by its famous Sazerac cocktail which is now known all over the world. The Sazerac House has 3 floors – the distillery, explore pairings, and the New Orleans cocktail culture. You can also take a complimentary house tour or explore the many exhibits they have.
5 – Magazine Street
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – This popular shopping district begins in the Warehouse District to the Central Business District and stretches for 6 miles. There are shops that sell items like home goods, period furniture, clothing, books, glass, jewelry, and more. There are also many cafés and restaurants should you need to take a break or refresher from your explorations.
6 – Jean Lafitte National Historical Park And Preserve
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – Named after the French pirate, this park has 6 sites that protect the natural and cultural resources of Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta Region. You can go on walking trails, have a BBQ, or even watch alligators bask in the sun. there are a few cultural centers where you can learn about the Cajun way of life, old traditions, and everything about the Louisiana wetlands and bayous.
7 – New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Time Spent – Up to 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This apothecary from 1823 exhibits different types of medicines and superstitious cures. It is a historic building that showcases their extensive collection as well as provide interpretive educational programs to preserve the rich history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana.
8 – Historic New Orleans Collection
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This free museum, research center, and publisher has public galleries that are dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans. It was founded in 1966 and has helped residents and tourists understand the multicultural history of New Orleans through their exhibits, books, and more.
9 – Tijon
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – There are 2 other locations in Charleston, South Carolina and in Grand Case, St. Martin, but I think this perfume store is worth visiting because you can create your own custom fragrance here and they will provide you with all the materials and expertise to make your perfect scent. You can choose from perfume or cologne to body lotions, body oils, and even linen mists.
Third Day In New Orleans, Louisiana
1 – Audubon Aquarium Of The Americas
Time Spent – Up to 2 hours
Interesting Facts – Voted as one of the top 5 aquariums in the United States and is ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. You can see more than 3,600 sea animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, and to the New Orleans waters.
Time Spent – 3 hours
Interesting Facts – This is the nation’s first downtown outlet center – and it’s by the waterfront. You can find over 75 retail stores and restaurants here and you can enjoy 25 to 65% discounts at these stores daily. However, if you do plan to drive here, they do charge for parking at the Whale Surface Lot owned by the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. You’ll need to spend a minimum of $20 USD to get an $8 USD discount depending on the amount of time parked.
3 – Harrah’s
Time Spent – 2 hours or more if you plan to visit more than the casino here, you may even want to visit multiple times during your 4 days in New Orleans, Louisiana
Interesting Facts – With another location in Las Vegas, it’s still worth visiting Harrah’s if you like to check out the casino. There are over 100 table games and over 1,100 slot machines in a 115,000-square-foot space. You can also find restaurants, shopping, shows, and bustling nightlife here.
Time Spent – 3 hours
Interesting Facts – With immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and a large collection of artifacts and first-personal oral histories, you will better understand the price of freedom in a war that changed the world, why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means.
5 – Mardi Gras World
Time Spent – Up to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – If you can’t attend Mardi Gras (which always takes place 47 days before Easter), then you can visit Mardi Gras World for an authentic experience year-round. You can tour 300,000 square feet of warehouse where floats are made and experience firsthand the work and planning that goes into this grand event.
6 – Garden District
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – Established by the elite in the 1840s, Garden District is a fancier part of town and is full of diverse homes and mansions as well as boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars. It is a bit of a contrast from the French Quarter especially when you visit St. Charles Avenue with its grand and historic homes.
7 – Lafayette Cemetery
Time Spent – 20 to 30 minutes
Interesting Facts – One of the iconic graveyards in New Orleans and a National Historic Landmark, you can feel the gothic authenticity and creepiness of this cemetery with the vegetation that grow around the monuments here. It is the most filmed cemetery in New Orleans with quite a few movies and TV shows, including The Originals.
8 – Central Business District
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – Also known as CBD, they have a mix of hotels, bars, Cajun-Creole eateries with award-winning bakers and chefs, upscale shopping, and theatres for different types of shows including Broadway musicals and concerts. You can find award-winning bakers and chefs here. It is also in close proximity to the French Quarter and Garden District.
Fourth Day In New Orleans, Louisiana
For the last day of your 4 days in New Orleans, I have made it a shorter day with a smaller itinerary so that you can pack in those tours I mentioned at the beginning. It is also best to take public transportation, a taxi, or a Lyft for this day as it is farther than the main areas in the previous days.
Time Spent – 2 hours
Interesting Facts – The oldest premium distillery in the United States, you can find award-winning rums that are made with Louisiana sugarcane molasses that include 4 classic New Orleans rums, limited edition blends, and rum cocktails. You can even take a tour on Monday, Friday, or Saturday through the facilities, learn about their techniques and history, and even taste their rum products.
Time Spent – 2 hours
Interesting Facts – The oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans, you can explore different galleries and a sculpture garden. Their collections include African, Asian, and Native American art, paintings, sculptures, antiquities, prints, drawings, photography, textiles, and more. There are also always new exhibitions, so be sure to check their website to see if they interest you.
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – The 20th most visited park in the United States, it is 50% larger than Central Park in New York, and recognized nationwide for its archetypal urban greenspace. There is plenty to do here including an amusement park, visiting the botanical gardens, city putt, a children’s museum, a storyland, a train garden, and more. You can go hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, or even take yourself on a self-guided tour here.
4 – Longue Vue House And Gardens
Time Spent – 2 hours
Interesting Facts – A family home, it really is a beauty to enjoy with its intricately-designed gardens and thoughtfully decorated house. The home was designed to appear timeless and has a house-wide clock system, a photography dark room, wine cellar, and a below-grade basement. They also have an extensive Modern Art collection.
For more travel itineraries, visit Destinations.