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Ready to explore New Orleans? This is your perfect three-day plan!
After visiting this city more times than we can count, and never getting tired of the food, music, and ghosts, we’d say three days is just the right amount. It gives you enough time to soak up the soul of the city without burning out (or needing stretchy pants for too many more meals).
This guide blends iconic experiences with lesser-known gems, from slurping gumbo in the French Quarter to gliding through swamps, touring plantations, and walking haunted streets after dark. Whether you’re getting your first taste or coming back for more, this three-day New Orleans itinerary is the perfect mix of flavor, history, and fun. Let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite activity in New Orleans was this tasty food tour. We ate our way through the historic French Quarter with a local guide, trying everything from gumbo to sugar-dusted beignets. Make sure you bring your appetite!
3-Day New Orleans Itinerary Overview
Three days in New Orleans is just the right amount of time to dive into the city’s culture, cuisine, and haunted history without feeling rushed. This itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of the French Quarter, Garden District, and beyond, while still leaving space for beignets, live jazz, and spontaneous discoveries.
Getting around is easy without a rental car. Most attractions are walkable, and the streetcar is a fun, affordable way to reach places like the Garden District. A quick tip: wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets—but that’s part of the charm!
- Day 1: Kick off your trip by diving into the French Quarter with a food and history tour that sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Spend the afternoon wandering side streets and visiting the Backstreet Cultural Museum, then wind down with a jazz walking tour and dinner just steps from the city’s best live music.
- Day 2: Day two brings you deep into the Louisiana bayou with a thrilling airboat ride before shifting gears with a stroll through the elegant Garden District. After a standout lunch at Commander’s Palace and time to admire historic mansions, wrap up the evening learning to make iconic dishes during a hands-on Louisiana cooking class.
- Day 3: Spend your final day connecting with Louisiana’s past at Oak Alley Plantation before soaking in skyline views on a peaceful Crescent Park walk. As the sun sets, enjoy one last dinner in the French Quarter and a ghost, voodoo, and vampire tour for the ultimate spooky send-off to your New Orleans adventure.
Day 1
Morning – French Quarter food tour
We kicked off our first day in New Orleans by eating our way through the French Quarter on this top-rated food and history tour, and it instantly set the bar high for the rest of the trip. We booked the 10:30 am option, which gave us the whole morning to snack, stroll, and soak up stories from a local guide who knew the Quarter inside and out.
We chose the small group option and were so glad we did. Our guide, Susan, had us laughing from the start with her dry wit and deep knowledge of the city’s cultural roots. As we wandered through side streets and historic corners, she painted a vivid picture of how New Orleans became the culinary melting pot it is today.
This tour wasn’t just a bite here and there—it was a feast. We tasted gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys (my personal favorite), and rich andouille sausage, with a few sweet stops along the way for pralines and powdered sugar-dusted beignets. Drinks weren’t included, but there was a break long enough to sample something iconic from a nearby bar.
It’s an ideal way to explore the Quarter—fun, filling, and family-friendly. Just be sure to wear comfy shoes and book early, because this one sells out fast. Read the glowing five-star reviews here to see why it’s one of the most popular food tours in New Orleans!
Reserve your spot on this food tour here with free cancellation!
Afternoon – Explore on your own and visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum
After wrapping up the food tour, spend some time wandering through the French Quarter and surrounding streets. This is the perfect window to explore at your own pace—pop into funky shops, browse voodoo boutiques, or stroll down Bourbon Street while it’s still mellow. The area is full of character and is easy to get lost in, especially with a full stomach and nowhere to be just yet.
When you’re ready for something deeper, take the 20-minute walk to the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the historic Treme neighborhood. It’s small and intimate, but incredibly impactful. You’ll be guided by a real Mardi Gras Indian who walks you through the vibrant, handmade suits on display and shares the cultural history behind them. It’s open until 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and entry is $25 USD, which we think is more than worth it for the perspective and personality packed into this hidden gem!
Evening – Discover New Olean’s historic jazz scene
There’s no better way to spend your first night in New Orleans than by immersing yourself in the music that defines it. After our visit to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, we took a 10-minute walk over to meet our guide for this jazz history and live music tour, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip.
The tour runs from 5 to 7:30 pm, giving you just enough daylight to see iconic spots like Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, Bourbon Street, and Frenchmen Street, while easing into the city’s nightlife. Our guide, Harris, was a local jazz aficionado who brought New Orleans’ musical heritage to life.
He explained how jazz evolved through the city’s rich cultural blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences, and we stopped to hear different styles—everything from lively brass bands to soulful dixieland.
By the time we stepped into Harris’s favorite jazz club for a live performance and a complimentary drink, we were completely swept up in the energy.
This tour is an unforgettable way to get your bearings and feel the rhythm of the city. We left with a list of jazz bars to visit and a newfound appreciation for how deeply music runs through New Orleans.
Reserve now and pay later when you book your spot here!
Dinner – Mona Lisa
After soaking in the jazz scene, we were ready to trade brass bands for breadsticks, and Mona Lisa, a cozy Italian spot near Frenchmen Street, was just the place. The restaurant has a quirky, laid-back vibe with walls full of playful Mona Lisa portraits, and the food was exactly what we were craving. We ordered a mix of pizza and seafood pasta, with the pasta being the standout, and polished it all off with a tasty glass of red.
It’s casual, affordable, and the perfect way to ease into the night after a full day of exploring. If you’ve still got some energy left after dinner, you’re just steps away from the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street—feel free to pop back in for another drink or catch one more live set before heading in for the night.
Day 2
Morning – Explore the bayou on an airboat
You can’t come to New Orleans and skip the swamps, and this airboat tour delivered an unforgettable experience. We booked the 9:45 am small group option with pickup, and it was hands-down one of the most exciting things we did during our trip. Pickup started around 8:30 am, and between the drive, the boat ride, and spotting wildlife, we’re so glad we dedicated the whole morning to this adventure.
Cruising through the moss-draped cypress trees felt like entering another world entirely. The small boat was perfect for getting close to the action, and we saw alligators, turtles, snakes, and tons of birds like herons, ibis, and egrets.
At one point, I was so focused on a gator in the water that I nearly missed the massive one sunbathing a few feet away—my heart definitely skipped a beat!
Our guide, Ronnie, was hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. He knew exactly where to find the wildlife and kept us entertained the entire ride. The boat itself runs for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the scenic journey there and back adds even more to the experience.
Whether you’re into nature, photography, or just want to do something totally different, this tour is a must. It’s no wonder it has thousands of five-star reviews! Just make sure to book the version with transportation, since ride-shares won’t get you to the dock.
Book your swamp airboat tour here and get ready for a wild adventure!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Afternoon – Explore the Garden District
After a wild morning in the swamp, this afternoon is all about slowing down and soaking up a different side of New Orleans. Hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar (just over $1 USD) and enjoy the scenic 30–40 minute ride to the Garden District, one of the city’s most elegant and atmospheric neighborhoods.
This area is a total change of pace—quiet, leafy streets, grand 19th-century mansions, and all the Southern charm you can handle.
If you’ve got a bit of extra time before lunch, pop into Gracious Bakery for a quick coffee and pastry or browse the shelves at the Garden District Book Shop for a souvenir you’ll actually want to keep. Magazine Street also runs along the edge of the district and has some great little boutiques and shops to explore later.
Lunch at the Commander’s Palace
It doesn’t get more iconic than Commander’s Palace, and this is your chance to try one of New Orleans’ most celebrated restaurants. Open since 1893, this bright blue Victorian spot is tucked right into the heart of the Garden District, and it’s as famous for its refined Creole cuisine as it is for its legendary hospitality.
This place is definitely a bit of a splurge, but the weekday lunch sets are a great value, especially if you’re in the mood to treat yourself after a busy morning. From turtle soup to pecan-crusted fish, every bite here feels like a special occasion. Just be sure to make a reservation here in advance and dress accordingly, as there’s a business casual dress code.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Directly across the street from Commander’s Palace, you’ll find Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the oldest and most photographed cemeteries in New Orleans. Although it’s closed for renovations until the end of 2025, you can still peer through the gates and catch a glimpse of the elaborate, above-ground tombs that make these historic cemeteries so unique.
If you’re visiting in 2026 or later, it’s well worth stepping inside for a short self-guided walk. Many visitors say this spot gives a haunting yet peaceful perspective on the city’s past, and it’s a classic Garden District experience.
Walk along historic streets
No visit to the Garden District is complete without taking some time to wander the streets and admire the architecture. The real highlight of this neighborhood is the collection of grand homes—Greek Revival mansions, wrought-iron balconies, and oak-shaded sidewalks that feel like a movie set. (In fact, you might even recognize a few homes from films or celebrity sightings.)
The most picturesque area runs between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, from Jackson to Washington Streets—right around where you’ll already be for lunch. There’s no need to rush it. Just stroll, snap a few photos, and take in the slower rhythm of this part of town. It’s a peaceful way to balance out your day and experience the charm beyond the French Quarter.
Evening/dinner – Take a Louisiana-style cooking class
After a laid-back afternoon in the Garden District, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive back into one of the best parts of New Orleans culture—the food. We took a short 10-minute Uber ride from the Garden District to join this hands-on Louisiana cooking class, and it ended up being one of our absolute favorite meals of the entire trip.
The class starts between 4 and 6 pm, depending on the day you go, and runs for about three hours, so plan your afternoon activities accordingly. We went on a weekday at 6 pm, and the timing worked out perfectly after exploring the Garden District.
Under the guidance of Chef Rene, we cooked up a full spread of Louisiana favorites: gumbo, yam-crab bisque, remoulade, and BBQ shrimp and grits that made us feel like we’d leveled up to local status. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we flambéed bananas foster for dessert. It was equal parts fun and delicious!
After all the cooking, we gathered around the table with our fellow classmates for a family-style dinner and plenty of drinks. It was the perfect way to wind down the day—sharing incredible food, laughs, and stories in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Check availability and reserve your spot in this popular cooking class here!
Related Read: Heading east next? Don’t miss our 3-day Charleston itinerary here—packed with historic charm, amazing eats, and unforgettable coastal vibes to round out your Southern adventure.
Day 3
Breakfast – Café Fleur De Lis – French Quarter
Start your final day in New Orleans with a hearty breakfast at Café Fleur De Lis, a casual French Quarter spot that opens bright and early at 7 am. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from this morning’s tour meeting point, so it’s super convenient.
We loved the relaxed, no-frills vibe here—perfect for easing into the day. The menu has all the Southern breakfast staples: fluffy biscuits, cheesy grits, and oversized omelets that are more than enough to fuel your morning. The service was fast and friendly, and even though it’s right in the heart of the French Quarter, it still feels like a local favorite rather than a tourist trap.
Morning – Visit the Oak Alley Plantation
By the third day in New Orleans, we were craving something more than just good food and music—we wanted to connect with the deeper, more complex history of the region. That’s exactly why we booked this Oak Alley Plantation tour, and it was one of the most meaningful parts of our trip.
Choosing the 10 am departure gave us plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed and still left the rest of the afternoon open. One of the best parts? The tour includes round-trip transportation and will get you back to the city around 3:30 pm, with plenty of time for more adventures after.
On the way out, our guide Alton shared the history of Oak Alley and its role in the antebellum South. The mansion and its oak-lined entrance were undeniably beautiful, but that contrast made the plantation’s past feel even more jarring as we toured the grounds and stepped inside the remarkably preserved main house.
After the guided portion, we had time to explore on our own and grabbed lunch at the on-site restaurant (totally worth it!). The crawfish étouffée was a standout, but there were lots of Louisiana favorites on the menu.
What made this tour stand out was the way it balanced beauty and history, offering a powerful look at the region’s past without glossing over its darker truths. It was an experience that left us thinking long after we left, and added real depth to our time in New Orleans.
This top-rated plantation tour often sells out—book it early here!
Late Afternoon – Stroll along Crescent Park
After returning from Oak Alley and recharging a bit, we headed over to Crescent Park for a relaxing late afternoon stroll, and it was the perfect way to start winding down the day. Tucked just outside the main downtown area, this waterfront park offers incredible views of the New Orleans skyline and a peaceful break from the busy streets of the French Quarter.
The walking path stretches along the Mississippi River, with plenty of space to sit, take photos, or just enjoy the breeze. We arrived just in time for golden hour, and watching the sunlight fade over the city from here was a quiet highlight of the trip.
Dinner – French Quarter
For your final evening in New Orleans, head back to the French Quarter and treat yourself to one last delicious meal. Since this area is packed with great restaurants and also the meeting point for our evening tour, it’s the perfect place to grab dinner.
If you’re in the mood for something upscale, Antoine’s offers classic French-Creole dishes in an elegant, historic setting. It’s been around since 1840 and still feels like an event.
Prefer something more relaxed? Evangeline Restaurant is a great casual pick with hearty Louisiana favorites, signature drinks, and a cozy courtyard if the weather’s right. Either way, it’s a satisfying way to fuel up before the night takes another turn.
Evening – Go on a ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour
After dinner, we leaned into the eerie side of New Orleans with a spine-tingling journey through its supernatural history. This city has deep roots in mysticism, Voodoo, and folklore, and booking this haunted walking tour gave us the perfect mix of eerie storytelling and cool nighttime vibes. Aim for the 7 pm option to amp up the spooky factor.
Our guide, Chris, was an incredible storyteller who brought centuries of legends to life. We learned about Marie Laveau, the Voodoo queen of New Orleans, and stopped outside the LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for its chilling past. Standing there in the dark, listening to what happened behind those walls, gave me legit goosebumps.
One of the most memorable stories involved the Casquette Girls, mysterious young women sent from France whose bloodshot eyes and tragic fates gave rise to local vampire lore.
It was just the right mix of historical context and goosebump-worthy tales. I found myself glancing over my shoulder more than once—half spooked, half hoping we’d catch a glimpse of something unexplainable.
Exploring the haunted corners of the French Quarter at night was easily one of our favorite experiences of the trip. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this tour brings a whole new dimension to the city’s rich and shadowy past!
Read glowing reviews and reserve this ghost tour here!
Night – Hit Bourbon or Frenchman Street
To end your time in New Orleans on a high note, head out for one last stroll down either Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street, each offering a totally different flavor of the city’s nightlife. You likely passed through these during your jazz tour on Day 1, but now’s your chance to dive deeper—pop into a few clubs, grab a table, and let the music carry you into the night.
Bourbon is loud, bold, and absolutely iconic, with neon lights, balconies, and to-go drinks everywhere you look. Even if you’re not big on the party scene, it’s worth walking through just to say you’ve done it. Frenchmen, on the other hand, is more laid-back and music-focused, with jazz pouring out of every doorway.
Either way, raise a glass to an unforgettable trip. After all the food, music, history, and stories, there’s no better way to savor your final night in the Big Easy!
Related Read: Want even more ideas to fill your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in New Orleans here for can’t-miss experiences beyond this itinerary.
Where to Stay in New Orleans, Louisiana
When looking for the perfect place to stay in New Orleans, location is everything! Do you want to be close to all the action on Bourbon Street, close to the historic charm of the French Quarter, or tucked away in a quiet luxury stay?
To help you narrow it down, I’ve listed my favorite hotel options for a range of budgets below. Just make sure you reserve in advance, these places are popular!
Luxury – $$$
The Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious 5-star hotel located right on the edge of the French Quarter. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with high-end amenities and designer toiletries. You can relax at their 25,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, grab a bite at the onsite restaurant, or chill by the pool. It’s a great spot to escape the busy city while still being close to the action!
Prices fluctuate throughout the year, but usually start around $300 USD. Check availability and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel de la Monnaie has a historic charm and that New Orleans hospitality you hope to find! Located in the French Quarter, you’re within walking distance of the best part of the city. Rooms are basic but comfortable and clean, and they are all suite-style rooms, meaning they come with private kitchenettes. There’s even an outdoor pool, perfect for those hot nights!
Prices range from $150 – $350 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
HI New Orleans Hostel is a top-rated hostel, located in downtown New Orleans. There are budget dorms available for around $25 USD per night, or you can book a private room starting at $100 USD. This hostel is super clean and modern, with friendly staff, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s great for budget travelers or those looking to meet people while in NOLA!
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Check out all the hotels in New Orleans here for even more options!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
New Orleans is an amazing travel destination filled with culture, history, music, food, and fun! We hope this itinerary helps you make the most out of your limited time in this vibrant city. From cooking classes to ghost tours, there is truly so much to do here—I guarantee you’ll never be bored!
If you’re continuing your USA travels or need some inspiration for your next trip, make sure you check out all of our USA blogs here. I’ve also posted some of our favorite guides below to get you started:
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