3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary for an Amazing Getaway

This 3 days in New Orleans itinerary will help you plan an epic getaway to this fun and vibrant city. When you think about those bucket list USA cities to visit, I'm sure New Orleans has made the cut. After wanting to visit New Orleans and Louisiana for a long time, I finally had the opportunity and I can't wait to return someday.

New Orleans, aka the Big Easy, is most known for jazz music, Creole cuisine, and of course, Mardi Gras. Even if you don't travel during festival season, there are still so many fun things to do in New Orleans that you'll love. You can't help but stop and admire the brilliant French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as listen to jazz music as you hop from one patio and street corner to the next.

In this New Orleans travel guide, I'm going to highlight the best things to do in New Orleans in three days. You'll explore the historic heart of the city, the French Quarter, enjoy nightlife on Bourbon Street, admire the beautiful architecture, visit top attractions and activities, and eat and drink your way around the city.

For first timers to New Orleans, this 3 days in New Orleans itinerary showcases the best of the best. However, NOLA is a great place to visit again and again. This blog post might give you some new ideas for repeat trips to New Orleans, as well as some repeat visits to some of your favorite haunts.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

There are many comfortable properties in New Orleans to call home throughout your stay. I am happy to provide the details on two hotels in New Orleans that I highly recommend, as well as a way to browse all accommodations to find one that's right for you.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

The Four Seasons New Orleans is one of the top hotels in New Orleans, which boasts amazing amenities and world-class elegance. Its eye-catching lobby bar with a twinkling crystal chandelier is the perfect place for happy hour. The rooms feature stunning views overlooking the city, and there's a spacious rooftop pool when you're looking for a break from sightseeing.

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center is the official hotel of the National WWII Museum, located in the Arts & Warehouse District of downtown New Orleans. The rooms are bright, modern, and spacious, with views overlooking the impressive museum architecture.

3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary Day 1: The French Quarter

For our first day in NOLA on this 3 days in New Orleans itinerary, we're going to stick primarily to the famous French Quarter. Also known as Vieux Carré, it's the oldest neighborhood in the city and designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Thankfully, due to the strength of the nearby Mississippi River Levees, the French Quarter wasn't damaged very much during Hurricane Katrina in comparison to other areas devastated by the disaster.

Wander the Streets and Admire the Architecture

When you first arrive in New Orleans, I suggest beginning your trip by walking around the French Quarter. It's a great way to become acquainted with the city on this 3 days in New Orleans itinerary. After all, when you think of New Orleans, you most likely picture the beautiful buildings of the French Quarter. Going for a wander here is a great introduction to the city, and you'll likely come across some street performers, too.

When you think about the architecture of New Orleans, I'm sure that cast iron balconies and colorful townhouses come to mind. In Vieux Carré, you'll witness a glorious combination of historic French, Spanish, Creole, and American architecture.

Some must-see properties in the French Quarter include the LaBranche House, the Gallier House, the Miltenberger Houses and the Old Absinthe House. While you can do a self-guided walk around the French Quarter, you may prefer to start your trip with a guided architecture tour to learn some interesting details. Book your French Quarter architecture tour here.

For those who love museums, there are quite a few in the French Quarter that are among the best things to do there. You can add the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, the New Orleans Jazz Museum or the New Orleans Voodoo Museum to your 3 days in New Orleans itinerary.

Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square is a historic city plaza and park in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Formerly called the Place d'Armes or Plaza de Armas, it's a National Historic Landmark (since 1960). At this site, France turned over New Orleans to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

The design for Jackson Square was heavily influenced by the 17th-century Place des Vosges in Paris, France. The park is the size of one city block. There's an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson in the center.

On the north side of the square, there are three 18th century historic buildings. In the middle, you'll find the St. Louis Cathedral, dedicated to King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis). It's the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States.

Another important building in Jackson Square is the Cabildo, the old city hall (now a museum). This is where the final version of the Louisiana Purchase was signed. On the opposite side, there's another building that was once called the Presbytère. It eventually became the city's courthouse and now it is another museum.

The French Market

Near Jackson Square, be sure to wander around the historic French Market. Established in 1791, the French Market has existed for well over 200 years, even though the market has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over.

The French Market is one part farmers market and one part flea market with many vendors and cafe-style seating. You can find many different eateries, bakeries, vendors and souvenirs all in one place. There are also special events and festivals at the French Market, so be sure to check their website to see if any align with your travel dates.

While Café Du Monde is the most famous place in New Orleans for café au lait and beignets, they unfortunately don't have any vegan beignets. Instead, I ventured over to Meals from the Heart Cafe inside the French Market.

Not only do they serve a vegan-friendly menu, but they also have vegan beignets. They were delicious! If you don't follow a vegan diet, you can sample the beignets at Cafe du Monde, but don't miss trying the beignets at Meal from the Heart Cafe as well.

Vue New Orleans

It's an interactive museum and incredible view all in one! Vue New Orleans offers immersive exhibits to learn about the local food, history and culture. Using state-of-the-art technology, you'll be introduced to prominent characters of New Orleans, including Creole Wild West Big Chief Howard Miller and Queen Rukiya. Learn about the personal stories and New Orleans personalities of Marie Laveau, Jelly Roll Morton, Henriette DeLille and others.

Listen to the various genres of music that have come out of New Orleans, from jazz and R&B to funk and bounce. Take a seat in the panoramic theater to watch a short film about the Mississippi River and how it has shaped the city over time.

Then, it's time to take a trip to the 360° indoor and outdoor observation deck. Even the elevator ride provides an entertaining show! From the very top, you'll be able to see the entirety of Canal Street, the French Quarter, Treme, Garden District, the Mississippi and more. Admire the architecture and nature from up above. Book your tickets to Vue New Orleans here.

River Walk

From Vue New Orleans, it's time to go for a stroll on the New Orleans River Walk. It's 1.3 miles in total length and follows the mighty Mississippi River. You can check out the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk for shopping and great deals.

Watch the barges and ships travel down the river and you can easily venture off the River Walk to go anywhere in the French Quarter. It's a scenic part of New Orleans with access to all of the popular amenities in the French Quarter.

Sazerac House

Sazerac House is a museum, distillery and event space devoted to the Sazerac cocktail. Throughout the interactive exhibits across three floors of the museum, Sazerac House details how this cocktail is part of the customs and traditions of New Orleans.

The cocktail rose to fame in the 1850s and nowadays you'll see it on every cocktail list at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Learn about the legacy behind this delightful drink and the methods that go into preparing one. You'll see how they create Peychaud's Bitters, as well as the methods for distilling Sazerac Rye.

For those wondering how to make a Sazerac cocktail, it's a combination of Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Peychaund's Bitters, Herbsaint, a sugar cube and a lemon twist. Here's the recipe from the official website. You can also visit the website to reserve your complimentary tour or you can purchase a ticket that comes with a Sazerac Cocktail tasting.

Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall is the premiere place to listen to jazz music in New Orleans, since 1961. I've never been to a venue quite like it, and the energy in that room cannot be matched. There are over 360 nights a year where you can hear music at Preservation Hall, from their collective of over 50 local musicians and bands.

It's a relatively small room lined with a few rows of benches and standing room at the back. We sat in the front row and we felt like we were right in the middle of the performance - I swear that we were close to getting hit by the sliding trombone!

The energy in that room is incredible. Everyone is cheering, standing up and dancing, and thoroughly enjoying the music. The musicians ensure that everyone puts their phones away and simply lives in the moment. If there's one thing that you do in New Orleans, it's attend a jazz performance at Preservation Hall.

3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary Day 2: Full City Tour

It's day two of our three days in New Orleans itinerary, and it's time to get outside of the French Quarter to see more of the city. I suggest starting your day with an informative tour by a NOLA local. It'll give you a great overview of the city and its history.

Then, I recommend spending more time in each area that you visited on the tour, especially the ones that interest you most. End your day by taking in some jazz music and bar hopping on Bourbon Street.

Take a City Tour of New Orleans

In the morning, take a sightseeing city tour of New Orleans where you'll see the best of the best from a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Your local tour guide will tell you all about city culture and history as you drive through neighborhoods and past important sites. You'll go beyond the French Quarter, starting your trip by driving down Frenchmen Street, Esplanade Avenue, and more.

This driving tour travels to many areas around the city, providing a condensed overview within a few hours. You'll pass by Louis Armstrong Park, the revitalized Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, the Treme neighborhood, the Ninth Ward and the Lower 9th Ward. Your guide will explain how the area was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

There are a few places where you'll stop along the way where you'll get out of the vehicle for a short tour. These destinations include St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, New Orleans City Park and the Garden District. As the tour only stops as these locations for about 15-20 minutes, you'll get a taste for which places you'd like to explore in more detail.

In addition, you'll drive past Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Magazine Street and Congo Square, where you'll learn about the birthplace of jazz. Overall, this is a fantastic overview tour that provides informative facts and interesting stories about the city. After your tour, you can decide which neighborhoods or landmarks that you'd like to return to in order to visit at your leisure.

Visit a New Orleans Cemetery

If you enjoy dark tourism, it's time to head to one of New Orleans' famous above-ground cemeteries. As the majority of NOLA is below sea level (and built on reclaimed swampland), most burials in New Orleans are within above-ground tombs. After all, you don't want the graves to be flooded or have coffins float away!

I visited St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, established in 1854, and it's a little less touristed than some of the other cemeteries in town. There are many ornate tombs and mausoleums beyond the main iron gates, as well as some headstones that are neglected and left to decay. Many relatives pay for the upkeep of the tombs, but some buried in this cemetery may no longer have any living relatives in the city.

In reading the names of those buried in the tombs (some with several buried in the same plot), I always wonder what their lives and relationships were once like. Who were the people buried here and what were they like?

Most visitors to NOLA visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, built in 1789 and the oldest standing cemetery in New Orleans. Many famous people and prominent local figures are buried at this cemetery, including Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen. This cemetery is closed to the general public due to continual acts of vandalism, but you can book a tour with a licensed guide.

New Orleans City Park

The New Orleans City Park is a massive greenspace in the city where your trip could easily fill an entire day. It's NOLA's version of Central Park and there are so many things to see and do there. For museum lovers, check out the New Orleans Museum of Art. Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Louisiana Children's Museum will keep kids entertained for hours.

There are multiple gardens within the City Park, including the Botanical Garden, the Historic New Orleans Train Garden, the Pelican Greenhouse and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. I wandered through the Sculpture Garden and absolutely loved it. Spanning 12 acres, there are over 90 sculptures on a beautifully landscaped site with sprawling footpaths and bridges, peaceful lagoons and huge Spanish moss-laden oak trees.

Naturally, the City Park is ideal for outdoor recreation. Go for a walk around the trails, go birdwatching, play a round of disc golf, go golfing at Bayou Oaks Golf, play tennis or pickleball, or take a little hike at Couturie Forest. The forest has eight different ecosystems with numerous varieties of birds, fish and trees within this 60-acre forest. It's home to New Orleans' highest point of elevation at a whopping 27 feet above sea level, Laborde Mountain.

Street Art and Murals in New Orleans

Being the vibrant city that it is, it should come as no surprise that NOLA is home to amazing street art and colorful murals. Whether you're looking to add some bright bursts of color to your Instagram feed or wanting to witness some beautiful or thought-provoking public art, I highly recommend seeking graffiti art when you travel to New Orleans.

Without a doubt, the most famous work of street art in New Orleans is the original Banksy piece. On the corner of North Rampart and Kerlerec Street, you'll find the Umbrella Girl. This work is protected behind a piece of glass. There have been attempts to steal this artwork in the past, and some thieves have had elaborate plans to take it for themselves.

You can go on a self-guided walking tour to see public art in New Orleans, through the Bywater Historic District, the St. Roch Historic District, Faubourg Marigny, the Freret Neighborhood, the Central Business District, the Garden District and more. The New Orleans official website lists some of the most beautiful murals, though I highly recommend booking a street art tour in New Orleans to learn more about graffiti culture in the city.

The Garden District

Any 3 days in New Orleans itinerary would not be complete without a trip to the Garden District within New Orleans' Uptown. Only a short, 15-20 minute ride from downtown New Orleans, the Garden District is an iconic neighborhood featuring grand historic mansions. You'll also find delightful little cafes and beautifully sculpted gardens in the aptly named Garden District.

Wander down oak tree-lined streets to explore this quiet neighborhood and see the lavish mansions up close. Once upon a time, the city's rich and elite no longer wanted to live with the Creoles and immigrants. The land for the Garden District was once owned by the Livaudais Plantation. It became annexed by the City of New Orleans in 1852 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

The Garden District is roughly bounded by St. Charles Avenue to the north, Magazine Street to the south, Jackson Avenue to the east and Louisiana Avenue to the west. It's easy to take the St. Charles Streetcar or an Uber to the Garden District from wherever you're staying in the city.

While you're free to roam about at your own pace, it's also possible to book a guided walking tour of the Garden District, which also includes a visit to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Other things to do in the Garden District include going shopping on Magazine Street, stopping for coffee at a charming cafe, or watching a Mardi Gras Parade if you're visiting during the right time of year.

Natchez Riverboat Evening Jazz Cruise

After a busy day exploring the best of New Orleans, it's time to sit back and relax. Put your feet up, enjoy a river cruise in New Orleans, and listen to some live music on an iconic steamboat. The Steamboat Natchez offers an evening jazz cruise that's one of the best things to do in New Orleans.

Whether it's on the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, you'll enjoy a two hour boat cruise with live narration from the captain and live music by the Dukes of Dixieland. Enjoy spectacular views of New Orleans from the water as listen to music. There's also an option to hvae dinner buffet on the boat if you choose that option for your tour. Book your tickets here.

Carousel Bar and Bar-Hopping on Bourbon Street

It's now time to enjoy the world famous nightlife that New Orleans has to offer, and what better place to go than Bourbon Street. Let's go bar-hopping on Bourbon Street and check out some live jazz music on the way.

One really unique place to have a cocktail is at the Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street. Open since 1949, the Carousel Bar is New Orleans' only rotating bar with an inviting carousel theme. There's also live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a pretty popular spot, so it might be difficult to find a seat at the carousel bar.

No matter where you end up on Bourbon Street or within the French Quarter, there's an open container law in NOLA that allows you to meander from place to place with a drink in your hand. Most bars can provide you with a "go cup", a plastic cup for taking drinks on the go. Some establishments even have walk-up windows where you can order a drink directly in a go cup!

Something else that I didn't see as much in New Orleans but I noticed in Lafayette were the drive-through daiquiri stands. Yes, this is a thing in Louisiana. You can drive up and order the daiquiri flavor of your choice. It comes within a sealed container to ensure that no one drinks and drives. It's pretty hilarious that you can order cocktails at a drive-thru window (something we'd never see here in Canada!).

Here are some other bars on Bourbon Street that may have live karaoke, jazz performances and delicious cocktails: the Old Absinthe House, Tropical Isle's Bayou Club, Maison Bourbon, the Cats Meow, and Fritzel's European Jazz Pub, among others.

3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary Day 3: River Parishes

It's the final day of our three days in New Orleans itinerary. So, it's time to make your way outside of the city for some unique adventures that you'll only find in Louisiana. After all, have you even been to Louisiana if you haven't seen an alligator? The River Parishes region is just outside of NOLA, so you don't have to travel far for this essential experience of the Deep South.

Zip NOLA: Zip Line Over Alligators

Have you ever ziplined over alligators? Ready to zip on down the Bayou? Zip NOLA is the ultimate swamp adventure near New Orleans. It's actually the world's first fully aquatic swamp zipline, so you're surely having a one-of-a-kind experience here. It's one of the most unique things to do on this 3 days in New Orleans itinerary.

Fly across Louisiana's cypress swamp from platform to platform, nestled high in the treetops. Two guides will lead the way, challenging you to attempt new and exciting ways to zip each time. In total, there are five ziplines, two sky bridges, and unlimited scenic views and thrills.

It's likely that you'll spot alligators along the way, and quite possibly some turtles and snakes if you keep your eyes peeled. When I went ziplining here, I managed to see one alligator from one of the treetop platforms and one alligator at the end once I finished ziplining. When you book your Zip NOLA tickets, you can choose whether or not you require transportation from a New Orleans hotel.

Take a Cooking Class With Spuddy

When you visit New Orleans and Louisiana, you have the opportunity to taste Cajun cooking at its finest. Why not try your hand at cooking it for yourself? Spuddy's Cajun Cooking Experience is located about 50 miles outside of New Orleans in Vacherie, Louisiana. It's well worth the drive as learning how to cook Cajun food with Spuddy is an absolute delight.

The concept is pretty simple: Spuddy himself will guide you through the cooking experience. He has the ingredients all chopped up and ready to go. He'll show you how to cook the food and then you'll eat it together! You'll come away with recipes that you can cook at home so you can bring a taste of Louisiana home with you.

Spuddy will show you the art of cooking andouille, gumbo, & jambalaya, and he makes it so much fun. You'll slow cook the ingredients and stir the pot many, many times (I got quite the workout!). You can also request vegan gumbo and jambalaya in advance. Spuddy takes a lot of pride in the tasty vegan versions of his dishes, which is so refreshing in an area not known for vegan cuisine.

Take an Ethical Plantation Tour Near New Orleans

Plantations are undeniably a big part of Louisiana's past. But, is it possible to take an ethical plantation tour in New Orleans? After all, these tourist attractions and present-day wedding venues have a very dark past steeped in slavery and racism.

I was not interested in visiting a plantation with a whitewashed history, focusing on the "Gone with the Wind" extravagant lifestyles of white slave owners over the mass enslaved Black people who did all the work against their will. There are a few plantation tours near New Orleans that include slavery and don't shy away from explaining this horrifying history in the southern USA.

Oak Alley Plantation is one that has improved over the years. The tour guides used to wear opulent antebellum gowns, focusing on the lush grounds and the furnishings within "the Big House". Nowadays, the costumes are gone and the focus no longer remains on the property itself. Oak Alley still highlights the lives of the rich slaveowners, but they've added exhibits about the slaves within six re-constructed slave quarter buildings. However, I'd love to see more emphasis placed on the lives of the enslaved over those who profited from them.

Laura Plantation

I visited Laura Plantation, which is reportedly the first plantation in Louisiana to delve into the history of its slaves. After visiting, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I admire the research they've done into the lives of some of the slaves, even though it's difficult without many historic records. We were told a few heart-wrenching details about the brutal treatment of the slaves at Laura Plantation.

At the same time, I felt that there was still a heavy emphasis on the white family who lived there including many superficial and lighthearted stories, which really wasn't necessary considering the harsh reality of what life on this plantation was like for most people living there.

Whitney Plantation

After doing more research online, I wish that I had visited Whitney Plantation. This is the only plantation in Louisiana solely dedicated to promoting an understanding of slavery. You will learn about plantation life through recorded slave narratives.

3 Days in New Orleans: Getting Around

For your first two days in New Orleans, it's really easy to get around on foot, especially if you're walking around the French Quarter. For those spots that are a little farther away, like the City Park and Garden District, I recommend taking an Uber. Uber is in New Orleans and drivers are plentiful, so you won't need to wait long for one to pick you up.

For day three in New Orleans, I recommend renting a car to venture just outside of the city to the River Parishes. Pick up your rental car at the airport upon arrival and keep it with you all three days, or rent a car in downtown NOLA and use it only for one day.

We highly recommend using Discover Cars when you're renting a car in New Orleans. Discover Cars connects you with all car rental agencies, so you can find the best prices. Compare rates of car rentals here and book your rental car with ease.

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