How many days do you need in New Orleans?

This itinerary covers 5 days in New Orleans, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for New Orleans?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to New Orleans. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Ultimate New Orleans Travel Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Jazz

Day 1: French Quarter Exploration

New Orleans, USA on June 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café du Monde

Enjoy classic New Orleans beignets and café au lait at this iconic outdoor café, open 24 hours, perfect to start your day with a sweet treat.

USD8, 1h0m

9:45am

Walking Tour of French Quarter

Explore the historic French Quarter streets with a guided walking tour focusing on architecture, history, and voodoo culture, tours typically last around 2 hours and start at 10am.

USD25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cochon Butcher

Savor authentic Cajun sandwiches and charcuterie at Cochon Butcher, open daily from 11am to 7pm, offering a taste of local flavor in a casual setting.

USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square

Visit the stunning St. Louis Cathedral and relax at Jackson Square, absorbing local artists and street performers in this vibrant plaza, open all day.

Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Historic Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

Take a short walk to enjoy rides and local exhibits at this charming spot inside City Park, open from 11am to 5pm during weekends and holidays, check for weekday hours.

USD5-10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Antoine's Restaurant

Experience classic Creole dishes in one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the U.S., open daily from 5pm, known for oysters Rockefeller and historic ambiance.

USD40, 1h30m

8:30pm

Jazz Night at Preservation Hall

End your evening with authentic New Orleans jazz at Preservation Hall, nightly performances from 8:00pm to 11:00pm showcasing local musicians.

USD20, 1h30m

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Day 2: Garden District and Uptown

New Orleans, USA on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Surrey's Café & Juice Bar

Start your morning with fresh juices and a hearty Southern breakfast, located in Uptown and open from 7am to 3pm weekdays.

USD15, 1h0m

9:15am

Garden District Walking Tour

Stroll through the Garden District’s elegant mansions and historic Lafayette Cemetery No.1; tours typically start at 9:30am and last about 2 hours.

USD25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Commander's Palace

Dine at this iconic restaurant known for refined Creole cuisine and impeccable service; open daily from 11:30am.

USD50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Streetcar Ride along St. Charles Avenue

Enjoy a scenic and historic streetcar ride through Uptown and the Garden District, day passes are available for unlimited rides during the day.

USD3, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Audubon Park

Relax in this beautiful park featuring ancient oak trees and lagoons, open daily from dawn to dusk.

Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Petite Grocery

Savor modern Louisiana cuisine in a charming setting, open from 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, reservations recommended.

USD40, 1h30m

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Day 3: Museum & Arts District

New Orleans, USA on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Start your day with Southern-inspired breakfast and pastries at this trendy eatery, open daily from 7am.

USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

National WWII Museum

Explore one of the best WWII museums globally, with engaging exhibits and films; open daily 9am-5pm, plan at least 3 hours.

USD30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cochon Restaurant

Enjoy Cajun Southern cooking in the Warehouse District, open daily 11:30am to 10pm, serving local specialties like rabbit and pork belly.

USD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Contemporary Arts Center and Ogden Museum

Visit these two adjacent art museums showcasing contemporary and local art, open 11am-6pm on weekdays.

USD12 each, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at the Moonwalk Riverfront Park

Take in the Mississippi River views and watch the sunset on this peaceful riverside walkway.

Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Emeril’s

Savor innovative Creole cuisine from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, open nightly starting at 5pm.

USD60, 1h30m

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Day 4: Bywater and Marigny

New Orleans, USA on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Elizabeth's Restaurant

Feast on Southern comfort food with a twist, including praline bacon, open daily 7am to 3pm in the Bywater neighborhood.

USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Bywater Murals and Crescent Park

Walk around the vibrant Bywater arts district enjoying street murals followed by a stroll in Crescent Park with stunning river views.

Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Joint

Try some of New Orleans' best BBQ in a casual setting, open daily 11am to 8pm.

USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Music and Shopping at Frenchmen Street

Discover live music bars and unique boutique shops on lively Frenchmen Street, open throughout the day with peak live shows in the evening.

Variable, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Three Muses

Enjoy small plates and cocktails with live jazz in an intimate setting, open daily from 5pm.

USD40, 1h30m

8:30pm

Live Jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club

Experience New Orleans jazz at this popular local venue on Frenchmen Street, open from 7pm until midnight.

USD15, 2h0m

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Day 5: Park and Departure

New Orleans, USA on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Beignet

Enjoy beignets and coffee in a tranquil garden setting, open daily 7am to 10pm.

USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

Explore beautiful City Park and the NOMA galleries, open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday, ideal for morning culture and nature.

USD15, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Call

Another local favorite for beignets and café au lait situated within City Park, open from 7am to 4pm daily.

USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Departure Prep and Souvenir Shopping

Head back towards the French Quarter or airport area for last-minute shopping or packing before departure.

Variable, 1h0m

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Ultimate New Orleans Travel Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Jazz

Day 1: French Quarter Exploration

8:30am

9:45am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

8:30pm

Day 2: Garden District and Uptown

8:00am

9:15am

12:00pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 3: Museum & Arts District

8:30am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Bywater and Marigny

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 5: Park and Departure

8:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

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