New Orleans 3 Day Itinerary

*Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and pay for a service, I’ll be compensated at no cost to you. I only recommend items and services I use myself.

In between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartain lies one of the most energetic cities in the world; New Orleans. Nicknamed Crescent City by its shape, this city’s location became a hotspot for cultural innovation. The blend of cultures colored the city, giving birth to its unique traditions, music scene and cuisine. While visiting New Orleans during Carnival is on most people’s bucket list, there’s so much more this city has to offer.

Follow my 3 day journey through Crescent City and learn about its iconic foods, culture and history.

Here’s my itinerary for New Orleans.

Before you go.

Before you book your plane ticket off to Crescent City make sure to look up when are the best times to visit. The recommended months to visit New Orleans are February to May, but if Carnival is not at the top of your list December and January are also great months to visit. This is mostly due to the cool weather. However if you go between September and November at the height of hurricane season you can score lower hotel and flight rates, but the weather won’t be as enjoyable as other months.

Where to stay.

When booking a hotel or Airbnb explore outside Bourbon Street. I stayed at an Airbnb on Tulane Ave only a few blocks away from the crowds and noise of Bourbon Street. Just about an 8 minute walk to the French Quarter. I visited in September and the total amount for our stay was $587.41 for 4 nights and 3 people. Not bad! Also for Airfare, Southwest can probably give you the best deals. I got my ticket with Southwest points.

Day 1 - Swamp Tour and Fresh Quarter

Morning - Swamp Tour

A must do activity when visiting New Orleans is taking a tour to the swamps. That’s how I started my first day. I highly recommend you take a guided drift through gator territory and learn about the swamp’s ecosystem and wildlife. The tour I booked was through Cajun Encounters, and paid $60 per person. Swamp tours take approximately 2hrs leaving you with plenty of time to explore the city afterwards.

During your tour don’t be surprised if you get a visit from a gator!

Mid Day Snack time at the French Market.

After a thrilling experience through the swamps I was ready for some food. So I made my way to the French Market. Dating to 1791, this historic market has remained one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Resembling some European markets, this market features over 200 vendors making it a perfect destination for shopping, dining and enjoying some music! Plus, if you are ready to venture try some gator, I recommend you get the fried alligator po boy.

More food! Post Mid Day Snack at Cafe Du Monde

Of course even after a delicious po boy, I still had some room saved for one of Cafe Du Monde’s famous beignets. Cafe Du Monde is one of New Orleans most iconic spots, established in 1862 it is located at the end of the French market. Serving its iconic dark roasted Coffee and Chicory and delicious beignets. You’ll find that this coffee spot is very popular amongst tourists.

Afternoon Stroll through the French Quarter

As I continued to explore the city, with my boozie slushy (yes you can drink and walk around in New Orleans) I was mesmerized by the city’s architecture. It is a perfect reflection of its history and diverse heritage. One of my favorite landmarks in the city was St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, a reflection of the city’s French influence.

My stroll through the French Quarter ended by enjoying some delicious oysters and a visit to the Carousel Bar.

The Carousel Bar & Lounge

The Carousel bar is the best place to start your night before going deep into Bourbon’s street night scene. The Carousel bar, well it is exactly what it sounds like. It is a revolving bar located in Hotel Monteleone. Great place to lounge and enjoy one of their signature cocktails.

Night life in New Orleans

The Night life in New Orleans is amongst one of the best in the world. With plenty of places to choose from to enjoy music and amazing drinks.

My favorite spots:

Pat O’Briens for Hurricanes and dueling pianos
Tropical Isle for it’s Hand Grenades
The Beach on Bourbon for dancing, definitely made a stop here every night

Day One Summary:

Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters
French Market
Stroll through French Quarter
Carousel Bar & Bourbon Street

Day 2 - The Garden District

My second day started with a walk around the Garden District. About a 15 minute drive from the French Quarter. The Garden District is home to many historically famous mansions in New Orleans. Filled with famous residents and home to Miss Robicheaux's Academy, from American Horror Story: Coven.

The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 located in the Garden District, takes its name from its location which once was the City of Lafayette. Founded in 1833, the cemetery is notable for its tombs and mausoleums, containing generations of family members. Super spooky but definitely worth checking out!

Dinning in the French Quarter

One of the spots I absolutely wanted to visit was Antoine’s Restaurant. Established in 1840 it is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the country. Showcasing 15 dining rooms varying in sizes and themes, with some of them featuring Mardi Gras memorabilia. Although it is a little bit heavy on the wallet, the sophisticated Creole cuisine mixed with French traditions is absolutely worth every penny. I had the Pompano Pontchartrain which is one of Antoine’s most popular dishes, along with some crawfish cardinal soup.

If after dinning you still have room for dessert I suggest making a stop at Cafe Beignet.

Preservation Hall and Bourbon Street

Given birth to Jazz this rhythmic city has a multitude of festivals and jazz concerts you can attend during your visit. The Preservation Hall is a must visit Jazz venue in which you can enjoy and witness the evolution of Jazz. Make sure to book your tickets in advanced or be ready to stand in a long line as it is a very popular spot. Also drinks and food are not serve in the Hall, so make sure you BYOB.

Day Two Summary:

The Garden District
Antoine’s Restaurant: https://antoines.com/
Preservation Hall: https://www.preservationhall.com/
Bourbon Street

Day 3 St Roch Market and Jazz

Needles to say after many nights spent at Bourbon Street, my last day started with a heavy hungover, cured by brunch at the The Ruby Slipper. Be ready to have the best Bloody Mary of your life. This brunch spot is super popular and they do not accept reservations, so first thing in the morning login to yelp and add your name to the waitlist. It will save you a ton of time and pain.

Although there is so much to see in the French Quarter. Adjacent districts also have a lot to offer. If you can make your way to the Marigny District, do it! There you can enjoy more Jazz at the Spotted Cat and even more delicious food at the St Roch Market. And it’s only a short drive from the French Quarter.

Jazz Playhouse

End the night with some Jazz! Always! Of course my last night had to include more jazz. I visited the Jazz Playhouse where I enjoyed some music, along with more drinks and even more food.

And of course a final stop to Bourbon Street before heading home! Hope you enjoyed my journey through New Orleans. Three days is not nearly enough time to see everything this city has to offer.