Your Perfect 3 Days in New Orleans: Local Vibes & Good Times!
This itinerary showcases the local culture, food, music, and colorful neighborhoods that make New Orleans such an unforgettable destination. Let me know if you need any other details!
Remember: This is a suggested itinerary - feel free to remix it based on your energy levels, budget, and interests. New Orleans operates on its own time, so stay flexible and let the city surprise you! ⚜️
Day 1: Classic NOLA Essentials
Morning
Start at Cafe du Monde in City Park
Pro tip: shorter lines than French Quarter!
Must-order: Beignets & Cafe au Lait
Walk off the sugar through the gorgeous City Park
Walk through City Park over to the New Orleans Museum of Art & Sculpture Garden
Perfect for morning light photos
Afternoon
Head to the French Quarter
Lunch at Napoleon House (get the Muffuletta)
Pro tip: Half portions available for budget travelers
Explore the French Quarter!
Jackson Square for street artists & performers
Pharmacy Museum for weird NOLA history
Hove Parfumeur for unique local scents and custom perfumes
Shopping on Royal Street
Window shopping is free and fabulous!
Evening
Dinner at Gris-Gris
Make reservations in advance
Pro tip: Sit at the open kitchen counter for a show
Night cap at Hot Tin rooftop bar
Best skyline views in the city
Day 2: Culture & Local Vibes
Morning
Breakfast at Molly's Rise and Shine
Grand Slam McMuffin is legendary!
Coffee is solid, but save room for more
The National WWII Museum
Plan for 3-4 hours to walk through the endless exhibit halls!
Book tickets online to save
Afternoon
Late lunch at Turkey and the Wolf
The collard green melt is worth the hype
Split sandwiches - they're huge!
Garden District Tour
Self-guided walk past mansions
Stop at The Chloe for afternoon drinks
The Bead Shop for unique souvenirs
Check out the Hause of Hoodoo for the witchy best of New Orleans
Evening
Dinner at Cochon or Cochon Butcher for budget option
Make reservations well in advance
Cochon Butcher is also a great lunch option!
Frenchmen Street crawl
Start at The Spotted Cat for live music
Let your ears guide you
Pro tip: Most venues are cash only
Day 3: Off the Beaten Path
Morning
Breakfast at Bearcat Cafe
Has both "good cat" (healthy) and "bad cat" (indulgent) menus
Great for vegetarians/vegans too
Whitney Plantation
Book tour in advance
Plan for ~3 hours including travel time
Important history, powerful experience
Afternoon
Late lunch at Barracuda
Best tacos in the city
Great for budget travelers
Choose your own adventure:
- Option 1: City Park’s Botanical Gardens & Esplanade Avenue
- Option 2: Bus Tour of the City with Cemetery Tour
- Option 3: The Country Club pool pass
Evening
Dinner at Shaya
Order extra pita - trust us
Share plates for budget option
Preservation Hall jazz show
Buy tickets in advance
Get in line 30-45 minutes early
BYOB from nearby shops allowed while in line
Money-Saving Tips 💰
- Get a Jazzy Pass for unlimited streetcar rides
- Many restaurants have great happy hour deals
- Museums often have student/senior discounts
- Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner
- Water is free at bars - stay hydrated!
Photo-Worthy Moments 📸
- Morning light at City Park
- Hot Tin rooftop at sunset
- Preservation Hall's neon sign at night
- Streetcars on St. Charles
- Jackson Square artists
- Frenchmen Street neon
- Garden District mansions
Weather Notes ☔
- Always have a backup indoor option
- Afternoon showers are common
- Pack a portable fan in summer
- Layers are your friend (restaurants blast the AC)
A few bonus tips that didn't make it into the guide but might be helpful:
Most coffee shops close early (around 3-4pm), so plan your caffeine runs accordingly
The streetcar is charming but not always on time - build in extra time when using it for dinner reservations
Lots of places still prefer cash, especially on Frenchmen Street
If you're visiting during festival season (spring/fall), book accommodations way in advance
