Skip to content
Back to destinations New Orleans, LA

Best of New Orleans

Jazz courtyards, Creole kitchens, and lantern-lit alleys beyond Bourbon Street.

5 daysLocal gems
Trip length
3-day5-day7-day10-day
Best time to visit: February to May

Spring brings mild weather and the city's biggest festivals, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane risk peaks in late summer and early fall.

Day 1·French Quarter Charm & Culinary Delights

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Jackson Square

    Soak in the historic heart of the French Quarter, surrounded by artists and street performers.

  2. Food

    Café Du Monde

    A New Orleans institution, grab a beignet and cafe au lait – don't mind the powdered sugar.

  3. Nightlife

    Preservation Hall

    Experience quintessential New Orleans jazz in an intimate, historic setting (arrive early for tickets).

  4. Food

    Napoleon House

    Enjoy a Pimm's Cup in a legendary bar with a rich history and atmospheric courtyard.

Day 2·Garden District Grandeur & Magazine Street Finds

Open in Maps

  1. Activity

    Garden District Walking Tour

    Marvel at the stunning antebellum mansions and lush gardens on a self-guided or guided tour.

  2. Sightseeing

    Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

    Wander through one of the city's oldest and most atmospheric above-ground cemeteries.

  3. Food

    Commander's Palace

    Indulge in a classic Creole lunch at this iconic, award-winning restaurant (reservations highly recommended).

  4. Shopping

    Magazine Street

    Browse the eclectic boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries stretching for miles.

Day 3·Treme's Soul & Frenchmen Street Rhythms

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Louis Armstrong Park

    Explore the birthplace of jazz and Congo Square, a historic gathering place for enslaved Africans.

  2. Sightseeing

    Backstreet Cultural Museum

    Discover the vibrant traditions of Mardi Gras Indians, social aid and pleasure clubs, and jazz funerals.

  3. Food

    Dooky Chase's Restaurant

    Savor authentic Creole cuisine at a legendary establishment, a true pillar of the Treme community.

  4. Nightlife

    Frenchmen Street

    Immerse yourself in live music, hopping from club to club for an authentic New Orleans night.

Day 4·Bayou Beauty & Local Flavors

Open in Maps

  1. Activity

    Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Barataria Preserve)

    Experience the natural beauty of the Louisiana bayou with hiking trails and wildlife viewing.

  2. Food

    Cochon Butcher

    Grab a delicious and casual sandwich or plate of cured meats at this local favorite.

  3. Food

    St. Roch Market

    Enjoy a diverse range of culinary options from various vendors in a beautifully restored food hall.

  4. Food

    Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

    Unwind in the evening with wine, food, and live jazz in a relaxed backyard setting.

Day 5·Riverside Reflections & Artful Departures

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

    Discover aquatic life from the Mississippi River and beyond, located right on the riverfront.

  2. Rest

    Woldenberg Park

    Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi River, offering scenic views and a breath of fresh air.

  3. Sightseeing

    New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

    Explore diverse art collections and the sculpture garden in picturesque City Park.

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.

Or plan your own New Orleans trip