Skip to content
Back to destinations New Orleans, LA

Best of New Orleans

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

7 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 & Courtyard Jazz

Open in Maps

  1. Food

    Cafe Du Monde

    Classic beignets and cafe au lait to start your New Orleans adventure.

  2. Sightseeing

    Jackson Square

    Soak in the iconic heart of the French Quarter, surrounded by artists and historic buildings.

  3. Activity

    Preservation Hall

    Experience intimate, authentic traditional New Orleans jazz in a historic setting.

  4. Food

    Bacchanal Wine

    Relax in the backyard with live jazz, delicious food, and a vast wine selection – a true local gem.

Day 2·Garden District Grandeur & Magazine Street Finds

Open in Maps

  1. Food

    Commander's Palace

    Enjoy a quintessential New Orleans brunch or lunch in a historic Garden District mansion (reservations highly recommended).

  2. Sightseeing

    Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

    Wander through one of New Orleans' oldest and most atmospheric above-ground cemeteries.

  3. Shopping

    Magazine Street

    Explore blocks of unique boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.

Day 3·Creole History & Treme Rhythms

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Louis Armstrong Park & Congo Square

    Discover the birthplace of jazz and a historically significant gathering place for enslaved people.

  2. Sightseeing

    Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts

    Check for performances, or simply admire the architecture.

  3. Sightseeing

    Treme's Petit Jazz Museum

    A small, but insightful look into the history of jazz in its birthplace.

  4. Food

    Dooky Chase's Restaurant

    Savor classic Creole cuisine at this legendary establishment, a civil rights landmark.

Day 4·Museums & Marigny Melodies

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    The National WWII Museum

    A comprehensive and moving tribute to the American experience in World War II (allow several hours).

  2. Sightseeing

    Ogden Museum of Southern Art

    Explore the visual arts and culture of the American South.

  3. Nightlife

    Frenchmen Street

    Dive into the vibrant live music scene, especially late-night – the real heart of New Orleans music.

Day 5·City Park Oasis & Bayou Bites

Open in Maps

  1. Rest

    New Orleans City Park

    One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., featuring ancient oak trees, botanical gardens, and Sculpture Garden.

  2. Sightseeing

    New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

    Located within City Park, explore diverse art collections spanning 5,000 years.

  3. Food

    Parkway Bakery & Tavern

    Indulge in a classic New Orleans po'boy, a local favorite.

Day 6·Bywater Bohemia & Culinary Delights

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Studio Be

    An immersive art experience showcasing the work of local artist BMike.

  2. Food

    St. Roch Market

    A historic market hall reimagined as a food hall, offering diverse culinary options.

  3. Food

    The Joint

    Feast on some of the city's best BBQ in a laid-back Bywater setting.

Day 7·Mississippi Majesty & Farewell Flavors

Open in Maps

  1. Sightseeing

    Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

    Explore marine life from the local Gulf Coast and beyond, located on the Mississippi Riverfront.

  2. Activity

    Steamboat Natchez

    Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mississippi River with live jazz and optional lunch.

  3. Food

    Central Grocery Co.

    Grab an authentic muffuletta sandwich for a delicious and iconic New Orleans send-off.

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