Three Days in New Orleans
Curated By
Anne Zdon
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New Orleans
Arts & Culture
City Travel
Food & Wine
Entertainment
Local Culture
Architecture
Curator’s statement
New Orleans, the vibrant jewel of the American South, is a city like no other, where rich cultural traditions, world-famous cuisine, and soul-stirring music converge in a lively celebration of life. Known for its iconic French Quarter with its historic architecture and lively street festivals, the city's unique blend of Creole, Cajun, and French influences are evident in every facet of its culture. Whether savoring mouthwatering gumbo in a local eatery, dancing to the rhythms of jazz on Frenchmen Street, or immersing yourself in lively Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans promises an unforgettable and immersive travel experience.
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Day 1
Day 1: Explore the French Quarter
Morning: Start your New Orleans adventure with a classic beignet and café au lait at the iconic Café du Monde. Then, wander through Jackson Square and admire the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.
Midday: Head to the famous Central Grocery for a Muffuletta sandwich, a New Orleans specialty. I recommend splitting a muffuletta as the sandwiches are huge!
Afternoon: Visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum or tour the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Explore the French Quarter's historic streets, taking in the vibrant architecture, street art, and unique shops. I recommend checking out Krewe for eyewear and stopping by Vintage 329 to browse vintage barware and jewelry.
Evening: Have dinner at Brennan's, for high-end Creole food. This restaurant is famous for its bananas foster dessert which is flambéed tableside. The courtyard dining area has lush greenery and foliage, which makes you feel like you're dining in a garden. Reservations are recommended.
Late Night: Enjoy a jazz performance at Preservation Hall, the most iconic jazz venue in New Orleans. This is a must-visit spot!
Day 2
Day 2: Explore the Garden District and Uptown
Morning: Stroll through the picturesque Garden District, known for its historic mansions and oak-lined streets. Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 for a unique look at New Orleans' above-ground burials and consider taking a walking tour of the area.
Midday: Have lunch at Elizabeth Street Café, on Magazine Street. This restaurant offers French-Vietnamese food, including banh mi.
Afternoon: Wander into shops up and down Magazine Street in the Garden District. I recommend checking out Sunday Shop, Century Girl Vintage, Garden District Book Shop, and Levee Baking Shop.
Evening: For dinner, dine at Commander's Palace, a renowned Creole restaurant. Advance reservations are a must!
Late Night: Listen to live jazz at The Spotted Cat, d.b.a, or Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street. The Spotted Cat is my personal favorite jazz bar in this area.
Day 3
Day 3: Explore Bywater
Morning: Visit Music Box Village in the Bywater neighborhood, a unique and interactive musical playground where art and music collide. This vibrant outdoor space features a collection of whimsical, handcrafted houses, each designed to produce distinct sounds and melodies. This was one of my favorite places I encountered in New Orleans!
Midday: Enjoy lunch at Sneaky Pickle, which features a vegetarian-focused menu.
Afternoon: Check out StudioBe, an innovative gallery space with large-scale murals and multimedia installations. The art here sparks conversations about race, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Stop in at Bacchanal Wine for an afternoon of wine, cheese, and live music if you'd like to rest your feet.
Evening: Check out Bywater American Bistro for dinner, otherwise known as BABs. This restaurant is celebrated for its creative dishes, blending flavors from various cuisines while emphasizing the richness of Louisiana's culinary traditions.
Late Night: Visit Bar Marilou, a speakeasy located in a former library attached to Maison de la Luz hotel. This bar is cozy and romantic, with dim lighting.
Need to Know
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Things to Do in Monument Valley.
Travel Advisor
Anne Zdon
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans.