Morning: Land at Louis Armstrong Airport, take a quick shuttle to your boutique hotel in the French Quarter. Settle in, enjoy a coffee at a nearby café, and map out the historic streets.
Afternoon: Wander down Royal Street admiring art galleries and antique shops, then pause at the iconic Café du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee.
Evening: Soak up the lively atmosphere of Jackson Square, watch street musicians, and dine on gumbo at a classic Creole restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the historic St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District and admire the grand mansions and oak‑lined lanes.
Afternoon: Join a guided walking tour of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, learning about above‑ground tombs and local history.
Evening: Return to the French Quarter for a jazz dinner on Frenchmen Street, where live bands play into the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the National WWII Museum, one of the nation’s top attractions, with its immersive exhibits.
Afternoon: Walk across the river to the Audubon Park for a leisurely bike ride and a picnic under the live oaks.
Evening: Catch a sunset cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, enjoying live music and city skyline views.
Find HotelsMorning: Stroll through City Park, visiting the whimsical Storyland and the beautiful New Orleans Museum of Art.
Afternoon: Rent a paddleboat on the park’s lagoon, then wander the Best Of New Orleans sculpture garden.
Evening: Dine at a nearby restaurant on Magazine Street, sampling modern Southern cuisine.
Find HotelsMorning: Walk the scenic Mississippi Riverfront, stopping at the historic Moonwalk for photo ops.
Afternoon: Browse the bustling French Market, sampling local cheeses, fresh seafood, and handmade crafts.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner of po’boys at a waterfront eatery, then watch the river lights shimmer.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the culturally rich Treme neighborhood, visiting St. Louis Cathedral’s lesser‑known sister churches.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Backstreet Cultural Museum to learn about Mardi Gras traditions.
Evening: Experience an authentic brass band performance at Preservation Hall, followed by late‑night beignets.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a cooking class on Creole cuisine, mastering dishes like jambalaya and pralines.
Afternoon: Visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum for a quirky look at historic remedies.
Evening: Savor a multi‑course tasting menu at a renowned farm‑to‑table restaurant in the Warehouse District.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, strolling beneath its famous canopy of oaks.
Afternoon: Continue to Laura Plantation for a hands‑on cooking demonstration and garden walk.
Evening: Return to New Orleans and unwind with a relaxed cocktail on a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a final leisurely walk along Bourbon Street, picking up any last‑minute souvenirs.
Afternoon: Enjoy a light brunch at a historic café, then head to the airport for your flight home.
Evening: Arrive back in STL with memories of music, food, and unforgettable walks.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add a full day exploring the vibrant Bywater neighborhood and its street art, or take a swamp tour in the nearby bayous. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Days 5 and 6 by focusing on the riverfront and Treme in a single day, and skip the plantation day trip—both still offer rich cultural experiences while saving travel time.