New Orleans is the kind of city that stays with you long after you leave. The sound of brass bands, the smell of Creole spices in the air, and the vibrant colors of the French Quarter make it feel like no other place in America. It’s a destination where every corner has a story and every meal feels like a celebration.
If you’ve got just one weekend, don’t worry. You can experience the best of the city in three days without feeling like you’re running a marathon. The key is to plan a little so you can soak up the charm, history, and flavors without missing the magic.
This itinerary lays out exactly how to spend your time in New Orleans—from wandering cobblestone streets to sipping cocktails on the Mississippi. With details on where to go, how to get there, and what to do, you’ll have a trip that feels full yet relaxed.
Where to Book Your Stay and Experiences
Before we dive into the itinerary, here are some hotel and activity picks that will make your weekend smooth and unforgettable.
Hotels
Experiences
- French Quarter walking tour
- Mississippi River jazz dinner cruise
- Ghost and vampire night tour
- Cajun and Creole cooking class
Day One: French Quarter
Where to Go
Your first stop should be the French Quarter. This is the heart of New Orleans and a place you’ll return to again and again during your weekend.
How to Get There
If you’re flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, it’s about a 25-minute ride by taxi or ride-share. Once you’re in the Quarter, put away the car keys; walking is the best way to get around.
What to Do
Start with a late afternoon stroll through Jackson Square. Street performers, artists, and the view of St. Louis Cathedral make this the perfect welcome to the city. Head to Café du Monde for beignets covered in powdered sugar. Wander through the French Market for souvenirs or grab a snack.
As evening falls, please make your way to Bourbon Street for its famous nightlife. If you prefer something a little less raucous, Frenchmen Street is lined with jazz clubs where the music spills onto the sidewalks. Cap off the night with a Sazerac or a hurricane cocktail before heading back to your hotel.
Day Two: Garden District and Riverfront
Where to Go
Spend your morning in the Garden District, where historic mansions and leafy streets feel like a step back in time. Later, shift to the Mississippi Riverfront for a change of pace.
How to Get There
Hop on the St. Charles streetcar from Canal Street. This vintage ride is more than just transportation; it’s part of the New Orleans experience. From the Garden District, the riverfront is just a short ride or drive away.
What to Do
Walk through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (or take a guided tour for the whole history lesson). Admire the stately homes along Prytania Street, and stop into shops and cafés along Magazine Street. Grab lunch at Commander’s Palace, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants.
In the afternoon, head to the Mississippi River. Take a leisurely walk along Woldenberg Park or hop on a Mississippi River jazz dinner cruise for a scenic ride with live music. You’ll see the city glow as the sun sets over the water.
Day Three: Food, Culture, and Farewell
Where to Go
Dedicate your last day to the flavors and culture that make New Orleans unforgettable. Think cooking classes, markets, and museums that bring the city’s story to life.
How to Get There
Most of these spots are easy to reach by walking or a quick streetcar ride if you’re staying in the French Quarter or nearby.
What to Do
Start your morning with a hands-on Creole and Cajun cooking class. You’ll learn how to make classics like gumbo or jambalaya while getting plenty of tastings along the way. Afterward, visit the National WWII Museum, one of the top-rated attractions in the city, or spend more time shopping along Royal Street for antiques and art.
If you’ve got extra time before your flight, relax with a coffee and people-watch one last time in Jackson Square. Then grab a po’ boy or muffuletta for the road; you’ll thank yourself later.
Final Thoughts
Spending a weekend in New Orleans gives you the perfect mix of history, music, food, and pure fun. Day one introduces you to the French Quarter’s energy, day two slows you down with the beauty of the Garden District and the riverfront, and day three lets you savor the flavors that make the city famous.
Whether you’re staying in a boutique inn, a luxury hotel, or a VRBO apartment, and whether you’re taking a ghost tour or floating on the Mississippi, every experience adds a new layer to your trip. By the time you leave, you’ll already be plotting your return—because New Orleans is the kind of city that keeps calling you back.