Ultimate 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Jazz Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Jazz

New Orleans, Louisiana on April 21, 2025

4:00PM

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in New Orleans and check into your accommodation in or near the French Quarter for convenient access to downtown attractions.
Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Walk to French Quarter and Jackson Square

Familiarize yourself with the iconic French Quarter and relax at Jackson Square where you can see street artists and historic architecture.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Court of Two Sisters

Enjoy a famed buffet dinner in a charming courtyard setting offering traditional Creole food, perfect for your first taste of New Orleans.
Approx. USD40 per person, 1.5 hours

8:45PM

Preservation Hall Jazz Show

Experience a 45-minute live jazz performance in this iconic venue that highlights authentic New Orleans Jazz traditions.
USD20-30 per person, 45 minutes

Day 2: French Quarter & Cooking Class

New Orleans, Louisiana on April 22, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Vintage

Start your day with fresh beignets and coffee at The Vintage, embracing local flavors and atmosphere.
Approx. USD10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore French Market and Royal Street Galleries

Browse through unique shops and beautiful art galleries in this historic market area as the city wakes up.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

New Orleans School of Cooking - Hands-On Class

Learn to cook classic dishes like Chicken and Andouille Gumbo in this 3-hour hands-on cooking class that ends with a delicious lunch.
USD150 per person, 3 hours

1:30PM

Afternoon Stroll along Waterfront

Walk along the Mississippi River waterfront, engage in the tradition of hanging a lock, and relax near the water.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

City Park Visit & NOMA Museum

Discover the expansive City Park and enjoy visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art which opens until 5 PM on weekdays.
Museum admission about USD15 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Current Crop Roasting Lab - Coffee Lab

Participate in the coffee roasting lab to learn and taste at this interactive session; tickets required, limited availability.
USD50 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at ACME Oyster House

Savor fresh seafood including oysters and other specialties at this vibrant and fun-filled local favorite with open hours till 10 PM.
Approx. USD30-40 per person, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Garden District & Perfume Lab

New Orleans, Louisiana on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stanley

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with New Orleans style Eggs Benedict to prepare for a busy morning.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

St. Charles Streetcar to Garden District

Purchase a $3.25 day pass and take the historic streetcar through the beautiful Garden District to see stunning mansions and gardens.
USD3.25 per person, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tijon Perfume Lab Workshop

Engage your senses and create your own custom perfume in this fun 90-minute lab workshop.
USD99 per person, 90 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at BearCat

Try innovative dishes such as crawfish biscuits & gravy in a trendy setting known for Southern inspired cuisine.
Approx. USD25 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lafayette Cemetery Visit

Take a free or guided stroll through this historic cemetery known for its unique above-ground tombs and fascinating stories.
Free or guided tours vary, 1 hour

3:30PM

Audubon Park Walk

Relax and enjoy nature at Audubon Park, reachable via the St. Charles Streetcar line, open daily and free to visit.
Free, 1-1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Evangeline

Taste upscale Cajun and Creole dishes in a warm atmosphere known for authentic New Orleans cuisine.
Approx. USD40 per person, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Evening at Mahogany Jazz Hall

Catch live jazz music in an intimate setting to cap off your evening in New Orleans.
Cover charge around USD15-20, 2 hours

Day 4: Museums & Night Bazaar

New Orleans, Louisiana on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at District Donuts

Grab freshly made coffee and creative donuts for a sweet start near morning attractions.
Approx. USD10 per person, 45 minutes

9:00AM

The National WWII Museum

Spend a few hours at this world-renowned museum open from 9 AM to 5 PM, learning about important historical events with immersive exhibits.
USD30 per person, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Napoleon House

Have a classic Muffaletta sandwich and a refreshing drink inside this historic building close to the museum.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Pharmacy Museum and Voodoo Museum

Discover quirky and fascinating local culture through these two small museums located in the French Quarter.
Approx. USD10-15 per person, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Canal Streetcar Ride & Shopping on Chartres Street

Use the convenient Canal Streetcar to reach shops and boutiques along Chartres Street for souvenir and art shopping.
USD3.25 day pass, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Turtle Bay

Enjoy exotic island-inspired cuisine for a flavorful dinner in a vibrant atmosphere.
Approx. USD40 per person, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Frenchmen Night Street Art Bazaar & Jazz Bars

Explore the vibrant street art market and listen to live music at nearby clubs like The Jazz Playhouse and Jam NOLA for a full artistic and musical experience.
Free entry, music cover charges vary (~USD10-35), 2-3 hours

Day 5: Morning Walk & Departure

New Orleans, Louisiana on April 25, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Joey Kay’s

Grab a quick and hearty breakfast including local gumbo for a final taste of New Orleans before your flight.
Approx. USD15 per person, 45 minutes

8:30AM

Morning Walk at Armstrong Park and Waterfront

Take a peaceful stroll in Armstrong Park and along the waterfront nearby to soak in some last moments with beautiful views and statue landmarks.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Pack and Check Out

Return to hotel for packing and check-out in time for your 12PM departure.
Varies, 1 hour