New Orleans 7 Days
Day 1: French Quarter and Local Cuisine
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
– Arrive in New Orleans and check into your accommodation.
Late Morning: French Quarter Walking Tour
– Start with a guided walking tour of the French Quarter. Highlights include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the historic French Market.
Lunch: Café du Monde
– Stop by Café du Monde for their famous beignets and café au lait.
Afternoon: Exploring the French Quarter
– Wander along Royal Street, known for its antique shops and art galleries.
– Visit the historic LaLaurie Mansion and learn about its intriguing past.
Evening: Dinner at a Classic New Orleans Restaurant
– Dine at a renowned restaurant in the French Quarter such as Antoine’s or Galatoire’s for classic Creole cuisine.
Night: Live Music on Frenchmen Street
– Head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz and vibrant nightlife. Popular venues include The Spotted Cat Music Club and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro.
Day 2: Garden District and Museums
Morning: Garden District Walking Tour
– Take a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District to see beautiful mansions and the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (if open).
Lunch: Commander’s Palace
– Enjoy a meal at Commander’s Palace, a historic and iconic restaurant known for its haute Creole cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
Afternoon: The National WWII Museum
– Spend the afternoon at The National WWII Museum, one of the top-rated museums in the country.
Evening: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise
– Take a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez. Enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine, live jazz, and views of the Mississippi River.
Day 3: Culture and Local Flavors
Morning: City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art
– Start the day with a visit to City Park. Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the nearby Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Lunch: Po’ Boy and Seafood
– Have a traditional po’ boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery & Tavern or try some fresh seafood at a local favorite like Casamento’s.
Afternoon: Voodoo and History
– Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to learn about the city’s mystical traditions.
– Take a stroll through the historic Treme neighborhood, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the United States.
Evening: Dinner in the Bywater
– Head to the Bywater neighborhood for dinner. Try The Joint for BBQ or Bacchanal Wine for a unique dining experience with live music in their outdoor garden.
Night: Preservation Hall
– Cap off your day with a visit to Preservation Hall for an authentic jazz experience in an intimate, historic setting.
Day 4: Swamp Tour and Local Experiences
Morning: Swamp Tour
– Take a guided swamp tour to see the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Louisiana’s bayous. Tours often include transportation from New Orleans.
Lunch: Central Grocery
– Return to the city and have a muffuletta sandwich at Central Grocery, the birthplace of this iconic New Orleans dish.
Afternoon: Magazine Street
– Spend the afternoon exploring Magazine Street, known for its eclectic shops, cafes, and galleries.
Evening: Dinner and Music at Tipitina’s
– Have dinner at a nearby restaurant, then enjoy live music at Tipitina’s, one of New Orleans’ most famous music venues.
Day 5: Uptown and Audubon Park
Morning: Audubon Park and Zoo
– Visit Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo, which is home to a diverse range of animals and beautiful gardens.
Lunch: Uptown New Orleans
– Have lunch in the Uptown area. Consider trying one of the local cafes or restaurants, such as Shaya for modern Israeli cuisine or The Rum House for Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Afternoon: Streetcar Ride
– Take a ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, enjoying the scenic views of the mansions and oak trees.
Evening: Dinner in Uptown
– Enjoy dinner at a renowned Uptown restaurant, such as La Petite Grocery or Clancy’s.
Day 6: Day Trip to Plantation Homes
Full Day: Plantation Homes Tour
– Take a day trip to visit historic plantation homes such as Oak Alley Plantation or Laura Plantation. Learn about the history and the lives of those who lived there.
Lunch: Plantation Grounds
– Have lunch at one of the plantation’s on-site cafes or pack a picnic.
Evening: Return to New Orleans
– Return to New Orleans and relax with a quiet dinner, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot from earlier in your trip.
Day 7: Final Exploration and Departure
Morning: Bywater and Marigny
– Spend your final morning exploring the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods. Visit local shops, cafes, and art studios.
Lunch: Local Eatery
– Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery in one of these neighborhoods.
Afternoon: French Market and Last-minute Shopping
– Head back to the French Quarter for any last-minute shopping at the French Market or on Decatur Street.
Evening: Final Dinner in the French Quarter
– Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant you haven’t tried yet, such as Arnaud’s or Muriel’s Jackson Square.
Night: Farewell Walk
– Take a final evening stroll through the French Quarter, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before departure.
Additional Tips:
– Transport: New Orleans is a walkable city, but you can also use the historic streetcars or ride-sharing services to get around.
– Events: Check local event listings for any festivals, parades, or special events happening during your visit, as New Orleans often hosts lively celebrations.
– Weather: New Orleans weather can be hot and humid, so dress comfortably and stay hydrated. Always have an umbrella or raincoat handy as sudden showers are common.