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 Cultural and Culinary Exploration of New Orleans, Louisiana

Day 1: Historic French Quarter

New Orleans, USA on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe du Monde

Start your day with the iconic beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, open from 6:00 AM to midnight, a must-try classic in the heart of the French Quarter.

USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Join a guided walking tour to explore famous landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the colorful architecture; tours usually run from 9 AM to noon.

USD25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Coop’s Place

Enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like jambalaya and gumbo at Coop’s Place, open for lunch from 11 AM to 9 PM.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the French Market

Explore the open-air French Market for local crafts, food, and souvenirs; it is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Woldenberg Park

Take a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi Riverbanks at Woldenberg Park, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy views of the river and passing boats.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antoine’s Restaurant

Dine at Antoine’s, the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans, offering classic Creole cuisine with a historic ambiance; open from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.

USD50, 2h0m

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Day 2: Garden District Charm

New Orleans, USA on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar

Enjoy a fresh, locally-sourced breakfast with excellent coffee; open from 7 AM to 3 PM.

USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Garden District Walking Tour

Explore the beautiful antebellum mansions and historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with an expert guide; the cemetery is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.

USD30, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Commander's Palace

Experience fine Creole dining where jazz and dining traditions meld; lunch hours from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, reservations recommended.

USD45, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit to Magazine Street Shops

Browse eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and cafes on Magazine Street; shops typically open until 6 PM.

Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cochon Restaurant

Savor traditional Cajun Southern dishes in a casual yet refined setting; open for dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM.

USD35, 2h0m

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Day 3: Museum and Nature Day

New Orleans, USA on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Beignet

Try their famous beignets in a cozy atmosphere; open daily 7 AM to 11 PM.

USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

City Park Exploration

Enjoy the vast City Park with highlights like the New Orleans Museum of Art (open 10 AM–5 PM) and the Sculpture Garden.

Museum entry USD15, Park Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Degas

Dine in a charming French bistro setting serving exquisite Southern twists on classic French cuisine; open 11:30 AM–2:30 PM and 5 PM–9 PM.

USD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Experience beautiful sculptures nestled throughout City Park’s natural landscape; open daylight hours with free admission.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jacques-Imo’s Cafe

A lively spot known for bold flavors and Southern Cajun dishes, open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM.

USD35, 2h0m

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Day 4: Culture and Music

New Orleans, USA on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Enjoy Southern breakfast classics with modern twists in an upscale bakery-cafe; open 7 AM to 3 PM.

USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Tremé Neighborhood

Explore the Tremé cultural heritage with visits to the Backstreet Cultural Museum (open 11 AM to 4 PM) and local art galleries.

Museum USD10, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Savor soul food and Creole dishes at this historic spot known for civil rights history; open 11 AM to 3 PM.

USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Frenchmen Street for Music

Spend the afternoon exploring live jazz venues and street performances along Frenchmen Street; venues generally open by 5 PM, street exploring anytime.

Varies by venue, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Praline Connection

Casual dining spot offering authentic Creole fare until 8 PM on weekdays.

USD20, 1h30m

9:00pm

Live Jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club

Experience intimate live jazz performances on Frenchmen Street, open nightly from 8 PM.

USD10, 2h0m

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Day 5: Arts and Riverfront

New Orleans, USA on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Elizabeth's

Known for hearty Southern breakfasts and praline bacon; open from 8 AM to 2 PM.

USD20, 1h0m

10:00am

The National WWII Museum

Explore extensive exhibitions about the Second World War; open 9 AM to 5 PM, tickets recommended to book in advance.

USD30, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cochon Butcher

Casual eatery offering gourmet sandwiches and house-made charcuterie; open 11 AM to 3 PM.

USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk along the Mississippi Riverfront

Enjoy scenic river views and visit Jackson Square again for any last souvenirs; the riverfront is accessible any time.

Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Emeril’s

Experience upscale New Orleans cuisine with signature dishes by famous chef Emeril Lagasse; open 5 PM to 10 PM, reservations recommended.

USD60, 2h0m

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of New Orleans, Louisiana

Day 1: Historic French Quarter

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Garden District Charm

8:30am

10:00am

1:30pm

3:30pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Museum and Nature Day

8:00am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Culture and Music

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

9:00pm

Day 5: Arts and Riverfront

8:30am

10:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

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