Steal This Itinerary for a Long Weekend in New Orleans

We’ve been to New Orleans A LOT. I’ve visited a few times with girlfriends, and Brian and I spent a full month nearby in an attempt to escape the Midwestern winter.

We love this city. It’s been through a lot. Honestly, it continues to go through a lot, which only makes us feel more protective over what makes it so special.

This city is resilient and welcoming. It can also be challenging if you’re not prepared for it. I’ll go into everything you need to know to plan a long weekend in New Orleans that’s fun, safe, and surprising, as there’s so much more to this city than you may think.

Is New Orleans a good weekend getaway?

New Orleans is a favorite weekend getaway for many people for a reason. This is a vibrant city with a rich history and incredible cuisine.

Yes, the French Quarter is fun for a day, but give this city more time and you’ll uncover quite a bit that’s wonderful, maybe even a little weird.

How many days do you need for New Orleans?

You can fit a lot into one day in New Orleans, but a full weekend gives you the option to see beyond the main tourist circuit.

This New Orleans itinerary includes three full days of food, fun, and stops you may not see elsewhere. If it’s too fast-paced for you, pick and choose based on your interests. If that’s going on a beignet crawl for several days, I support you.

How to Spend a Weekend in New Orleans

You can spend a weekend in New Orleans like this:

• Eat beignets at all of the classic shops.
• Find your favorite New Orleans cemetery.
• Indulge in po-boys all over town.
• Visit museums like the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum or Museum of Death New Orleans.
• Wander the Garden District.
• Find your favorite corner of New Orleans City Park.
• Listen to jazz on Frenchmen Street.
• Explore the best of the Bywater neighborhood.

A Weekend in New Orleans: Day 1

This New Orleans itinerary assumes you’ll get into the city early Friday for your long weekend. If you only have two days in New Orleans, pick and choose based on your priorities, as long as you leave time to indulge in some of the city’s best eats.

For the lucky among you, I’ll include enough here for three days in New Orleans. If you’re visiting mid-week, check on hours of operation for restaurants or New Orleans attractions.

Stop 1: Cafe du Monde

I’ll make sure you fit a few beignet stops in this itinerary, as that is the way. Start with Cafe du Monde. While it’s not my favorite in the city — I’ll share that one with you, don’t worry — it is an icon.

Ideally, you’ve arrived in nice weather to take advantage of its open-air seating. This one is cash-only, by the way.

Stop 2: Jackson Square

Jackson Square is the heart of the city’s French Quarter, but it’s also an important historical site. In 1803, this is where Louisiana became a part of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase.

The square is named after Andrew Jackson, but we don’t need to spend too much time thinking about him. Set your gaze on St. Louis Cathedral, instead, or any of the street performers or local artists that like to spend their mornings here.

Stop 3: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

The above-ground graves in New Orleans are a striking sight, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most popular option.

You need to visit with a guide, so book a highly rated one like this one. Tours are generally 45 minutes to an hour with start times available throughout the day.

While you’re inside, you’ll visit the tomb of Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen, and the pyramid-shaped tomb that actor Nicolas Cage built for himself.

If you love themed tours, New Orleans ghost tours are super popular. We’ve done this one for a side of voodoo and had a fun time.

Stop 4: Lunch

Return to the heart of the French Quarter to fuel up for the rest of the day. You haven’t had po-boys yet, and there are two popular options here.

Erin Rose is known for their frozen Irish coffee, but the dive bar is also home to Killer PoBoys. A po-boy, or po’boy, is a classic New Orleans sandwich typically served on French bread and filled with fried seafood or meats.

Fun fact: If you see “po-boys” punctuated or spelled differently throughout this guide, just go with it. New Orleans can’t decide, either.

I had already had one before visiting so I went with their whiskey grilled cheese, but Brian liked their rum-glazed pork belly sandwich.

Johnny’s Po-Boys is another option. They’ve been serving up their version since 1950. These are big enough to share if you’re not super hungry. I had the voodoo shrimp that was on special during my visit and it was a messy gut bomb in the way you’d expect.

This one is cash-only.

Stop 5: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

I told you things might get weird on this New Orleans itinerary. This quirky museum is located in an 1820s-era apothecary shop that was once operated by America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho Jr.

You’ll see antique medical tools, potions, and voodoo remedies sharing the same shelves.

I loved this stop. If you’re at all curious about the cure-alls from back in the day, especially in a city so connected to what we’ll call alternative treatments, you’ll want to go here.

Optional Stop 6: Museum of Death New Orleans

There are a few of these around the country, but the New Orleans version seems to hit a little differently. While I didn’t find this one as well-done as the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, this one may be high on your list if you’re a true crime fanatic.

That’s what got me through the door. You’ll see serial killer memorabilia and crime scene photos in addition to more than you’d ever need to know about the funeral business.

Stop 7: Cafe Beignet

This is my preferred stop for classic New Orleans beignets. The original is on Royal Street, which is super close to where you’ll land if you’re following this itinerary.

Note: If you’ve already been to Cafe du Monde on previous trips to New Orleans, start with this one, instead.

Much like Cafe du Monde, it’s rare that you won’t see a line here, especially if you’re here in the morning. They have all kinds of savory items like sandwiches and gumbo if you’re visiting for the cafe side of things, but I’ve only been for the beignets.

Stop 8: Sazerac House

The Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans, and this museum offers an immersive journey into its history and craftsmanship.

I get a little hyperbolic about it because it’s a big deal in the city. Tours here are free but reservations are recommended so you don’t have to worry about the museum hitting capacity.

We liked the room with virtual bartenders mixing up cocktails while talking about the origins of the spirits you’ll find in the city.

You can also reserve cocktail tastings during your visit. Those aren’t free, obviously. There are a few different kinds to choose from, including a class on the making of the original Sazerac.

Stop 9: Dinner

People scoff at the French Quarter being a tourist trap, but you can’t deny the history of this place. The restaurants in this part of town are a nod to that, even though you may have to drop a chunk of change to experience some of that history.

Let’s start with Brennan’s. This landmark restaurant is easily recognizable for its pink facade on Royal Street, but it’s most well-known for its dessert. Brennan’s was the first to serve bananas Foster, a dessert literally lit on fire as it’s brought to your table.

While pricey, I won’t pretend like my meal here wasn’t delicious. I had the bananas, too, and they did not disappoint. You’ll need a reservation at this one.

Here are a few more options for dinner in or near the French Quarter:

• MaMou: This highly-rated French brasserie is still on our list for a repeat visit as it doesn’t have the historical pedigree of some of the others in this part of town.
• Manolito: This is a more casual dinner option for Cuban cocktails and cuisine. Check out that alliteration, right? Brian loved their Cuban sandwich.
• Muriel’s Jackson Square: I’ve only been to this one for their jazz brunch, but the food was fantastic and filling. They’re known for their turtle soup.

Optional Stop 10: Bourbon Street

If you have it in you for some New Orleans nightlife, be warned that the French Quarter is A LOT. You might see people vomiting in the street, asking you to buy weed, and dancing through the streets.

By morning, most of the debris is gone in favor of a chlorine smell you’ll come to recognize as the city’s sanitation process.

For a side of history with your bad decisions, the Old Absinthe House has operated in the city in some form since 1807. They specialize in absinthe drinks, naturally, but you can get something a little less intense.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar was a favorite among my girlfriends on a recent bachelorette trip. This is one of the oldest standing structures in New Orleans. Most nights, they have a guy on the piano in the back leading sing-a-longs.

To do what’s right by Instagram, you can pop by The Carousel Bar & Lounge. I’ve never been able to get a seat at the bar and the drinks are way overpriced, but it’s fun to pop your head in.

You can also just skip all of that and go to bed after dinner. I’m not your mother, though.

A Weekend in New Orleans: Day 2

If last night got a little chaotic, know this: we’ve all been there. Feel free to skip around in this travel guide today if you’re in recovery mode.

For the strong-willed out there, get up for an early-ish start in the Garden District. There is much to see today, even if some of the city is sleeping in.

Stop 1: The Vintage

This coffee shop on Magazine Street offers beignet flights and beignet bites in flavors you won’t see at the more classic establishments. If you’re done with the sweets, they have a full menu of breakfast options, too.

You can even get an avocado toast here if you want. You can also just eat more beignets.

Optional Stop 2: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

If you went on a cemetery tour on your first day, this one isn’t an essential stop. If you love the haunting vibes of above-ground cemeteries, though, you may want to pass through. You don’t need a guide for this one.

Note: This one closes periodically for routine maintenance, so check on potential closures before you go you’re not yelling at the gate in disappointment.

Stop 3: The Garden District

You’ve been in the Garden District all morning, but now it’s time to have a stroll. As one of the most popular areas of the city, this isn’t off the beaten path, but it’s well-trafficked for a reason. The Garden District is lovely.

St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street are the main thoroughfares for shopping and galleries. I found side streets like Jackson Avenue even better and just as scenic.

Stop 4: Lunch

You can hang out in the Garden District for lunch at a local favorite like Atchafalaya. Oyster fans may want to try Casamento’s Restaurant, a cash-only spot with the city’s best fresh oysters. (I can’t confirm. I believe they are the boogers of the sea.)

If you want to check out a different part of the city, get in a rideshare and head up to Bayou St. John. That’s where you’ll find Cafe Degas, a charming French bistro with a tree growing out of the restaurant’s inner courtyard.

I was there with my girlfriend but found the setting quite romantic for those traveling to New Orleans with their partners.

If you’re here to eat all of the best po-boys in the city, head to the Parkway Bakery & Tavern. Toups Meatery is also a meat-heavy option that serves up a delicious treat known as boudin balls. You didn’t come here to diet.

Stop 5: New Orleans City Park

You can spend the entire day in the city’s best green space. That’s what I did, complete with a paddle boat ride on one of the small lakes in the park.

As we don’t have that luxury with just a weekend here, choose an activity or two to occupy yourself with for a couple of hours:

• New Orleans Botanical Garden: Enjoy this oasis in the city if you love a good garden. They always have seasonal blooms on display, but their tropical exhibits are year-round.
• New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): This is the stop that’ll burn through the most time among your options in New Orleans City Park. There are 40,000 pieces of art inside. It’s also my favorite option on this list, so do with that what you will.
• The Singing Oak: The “singing” here happens thanks to wind chimes hung from the tree’s branches. The area around it is a popular place for locals to gather and do their yoga or relaxing.
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 3: Yep. There’s another cemetery here. This one will likely be more peaceful than the others I’ve mentioned, as it’s just not as popular. That’s a good thing.
• Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: This lovely open-art space is free to enter. There are over 90 pieces of art in the park at this point, so there’s a lot to see. I never found that yellow dog I read about, though.

From here, hop in a rideshare to take you down Esplanade Avenue for an evening of New Orleans jazz.

Optional Stop 6: New Orleans Jazz Museum

You likely won’t have time for this one, but that may depend on what you decide to do in New Orleans City Park. Since you’ll be listening to some live jazz this evening, this is a good stop for a historical primer on the genre before you do that.

The museum is housed inside the historic Old U.S. Mint, so it’s fun to see even if you just pass by. If you make the time, expect to engage with the history of jazz while you’re inside. You can try to time your visit during one of their live music events, too.

Stop 7: Frenchmen Street

It’s almost time to hear some music. Fill up your belly for the night ahead with a stop at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is worth the stop. She’s known for praline beignets, but her savory beignets are even better. Try the open-faced crab variety if it’s on the menu.

NOW it’s time for jazz. The Spotted Cat Music Club is the most popular option on Frenchmen Street, the city’s hub for jazz. If there’s a line there when you arrive, you have options.

The Blue Nile, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, and d.b.a. are all great.

Fun fact: The Maison and Three Muses serve up great food, too, if you want to hang out here through dinner.

You can also just wander and find a bar playing live music without a line. Crowds are fluid, too. The busy bar might not stay that way all night.

I mentioned a few spots already that offer dinner with a side of jazz, but if you want to try a late-night favorite, crawl over to Dat Dog.

I’m from Chicago so had no interest in going for their version of a Chicago dog, but had some help from the checkout gal on building my own. They have vegan options, too.

A Weekend in New Orleans: Day 3

For some, this may be their bonus day. You’ve seen the well-touristed bits, and now it’s time to head out to my favorite neighborhood in the city: the Bywater.

If you’re only working with two days in New Orleans, try to get out to Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits. When we’d have visitors in the city during our long-term stay, they’d all say this was their favorite stop.

Your first stop today won’t happen until mid-morning. If you’re an early bird, grab a coffee to-go from a corner shop near your accommodations and wander a neighborhood you want to give a second look.

The city is SO different before 10am.

Stop 1: Stuph’D Beignets & Burgers

New Orleans isn’t for weak bellies.

Fuel up well this morning so that you’re good with snacks for midday until it’s time for your final dinner in New Orleans. This is your last chance for beignets (unless you go rogue), and the options here are intense.

We ordered the king cake beignet and the Creole Queen, a savory option with crawfish, crab, and shrimp. The king cake version was SO sweet. Brian didn’t mind.

Per the sign, they have burgers, too. We didn’t try them but saw quite a few orders going in by brunch time. The service here is what I’ll call leisurely, so don’t make timed plans after if you’re stopping by.

Stop 2: Crescent Park

We took Kimmy on a walk through this riverside park. The whole thing is just 1.4 miles and involves a bridge I called “the rusty rainbow.” If you’re traveling with your dog, there’s a small dog run here, too. Kimmy isn’t picky so it did the trick for her.

Stop 3: JAMNOLA

JAMNOLA is a series of interactive art spaces curated by local New Orleans artists. I don’t know what else to say about it other than you’ll have a ton of opportunities for Instagram pics while you’re there.

My girlfriend and I had SO much fun there. Dedicate at least an hour to messing around in here. You don’t need to plan this one too far in advance, but you do need to get tickets online before you arrive.

Stop 4: Studio Be

This moving exhibit space was put together by local artist BMike. You’ll see large pieces featuring important Civil Rights moments and profiles of Black leaders.

I loved this stop. It felt meaningful to spend some time with images of social justice and resilience as well as celebrate stories of activism alongside these artists.

Stop 5: Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

This may just be my favorite spot in New Orleans. There is little else that brings me as much joy as good wine and good live music. I’ve been twice now, once with one other friend and a second time with a larger group of girls.

Their calendar is quite active, but make sure you check online to time your visit for some music. It’ll be much busier during those times, but that only makes the place livelier. Their cheese plates are great, too, in case you need something to snack on.

If wine isn’t your scene, Parleaux Beer Lab is a great alternative for beer drinkers. They had a nice selection of sours on my visit.

Stop 6: Dinner

You won’t need to go far for excellent food in the Bywater. This is the city’s most delicious neighborhood.

N7 was the best meal I had in town, and that’s saying quite a bit. It feels like you’re dining in a secret French garden. Make sure you order the smoked mackerel with a glass of hot wine once you’re seated if it’s a chilly evening.

Here are a few more options in my favorite New Orleans neighborhood:

• Bratz Y’all Bistro: This is a German beer hall-inspired spot with live music in their beer garden if you time things right. One of the greatest misses of my life is failing to order their king cake stuffed pretzel.
• Pizza Delicious: This shop operates next to the German beer hall above and is a quick option if you’re feeling super basic. I don’t mean anything by that, by the way. The pizza there IS delicious.
• Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine: This is another option for a sit-down meal, but it’s more casual than my top pick. After dark, they’re just “Bar Brine.” If you’re looking for some veggies at this point, they have lots of options for yummy meatless plates.

With More Time in New Orleans

We know this city WELL. If you have more than three days here, you have options to add to your New Orleans bucket list. Here are a few more things to do in New Orleans for those with more time:

• Get a king cake at Haydel’s Bakery.
• Meet the otters at the Audubon Aquarium.
• Relax inside Louis Armstrong Park.
• Wander Audubon Park to find the Tree of Life or visit the Audubon Zoo.
• See the parade floats at Mardi Gras World.
• Eat a plate of “dat fries” at Heard Dat Kitchen.
• Visit the city’s best breweries at New Orleans Lager & Ale (NOLA) Brewing, Brieux Carré Brewing Co., or the Zony Mash Beer Project.
• Tour The National WWII Museum, one of the best military museums in the country.
• Try the Oreo-stuffed beignets at LUCA Eats.
• See the iconic blue dog at the Rodrigue Studio.
• Take a ride on the Steamboat Natchez.

READ MORE: New Orleans isn’t all she wrote about the American South. Check out my guide to road trips in the region.

Day Trips from New Orleans

I have a detailed guide to all of our favorite New Orleans day trips from our month in the region.

Driving over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Mobile, the actual home of Mardi Gras, and charming Baton Rouge were highlights.

READ MORE: If you want to dedicate a full day to Baton Rouge, there’s plenty to do. Use my guide!

If you want to go on a plantation tour, I’d caution you to read up on how that plantation handles the history of slavery there. You won’t find a plantation in the region that wasn’t touched by slavery.

My pick for one that does it well is the Whitney Plantation, the only Louisiana plantation focused on the history of the enslaved people who worked the property.

When to Visit New Orleans

The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May. The weather is pleasant, and events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest make things even more lively. (You don’t need to collect Mardi Gras beads if you don’t want to, by the way.)

Our long stay in New Orleans was from mid-January until mid-February, and it was ideal sweater weather.

Apart from that, avoid the summer months. It gets way too hot and humid in the city for my liking.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

My most recent New Orleans stay was for a bachelorette party, so things got a little fancier than usual. We stayed at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. The staff was amazing, and the location is great if you’re after the French Quarter.

Staying in the thick of it is expensive, though. That’s why we picked nearby Arabi for our long-term stay. As there were fleas in the yard there, I won’t recommend that one for you here.

Use the map below to browse your options in New Orleans proper:

A New Orleans weekend is always a good idea.

No matter how much time you spend there, New Orleans leaves an impression on you. That may come in the form of an impacted gut — I never said this was a place for healthy eating — but it’s worth it in the end.

This is one of the most vibrant, eclectic cities in the United States, and I’ll keep visiting it as long as it keeps doing its thing.

Interested in more travel nearby? Check out these guides:

• How to Plan Your Weekend in Asheville
• One Day in Lovely Charleson, South Carolina
• Plan a Relaxing Break at Lake Oconee
• Romantic Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
• A Month’s Worth of Fun in Augusta

More Southern destinations for road trips in the region:

• Why Visit the Swamps of Congaree
• Things to Do on a Trip to Nashville
• How to Plan a Fun Weekend in Memphis
• The Most Interesting Museums in Memphis
• A Guide to the College Town of Athens

Want to see more?