Fun Weekend In New Orleans Itinerary

In a city known for delicious food, jazz music, animated nightlife, and famous festivals, New Orleans is all about indulging in the good times.

This unique city, located at the mouth of the Mississippi, is a must see!

Whether this is your first time in The Big Easy or your fifth, there’s always something new and exciting worth exploring in New Orleans.

This itinerary closely follows a trip I took with a girlfriend of mine from Louisiana, many thanks to her for helping me put this guide together!

Read on for everything you need to know about spending a weekend in New Orleans including a 3 day itinerary. Towards the end of this post you’ll find information regarding where to eat, where to stay, and general tips for your weekend in NOLA! 

3 Day Weekend In New Orleans

Day 1 – Weekend In New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz Festival

On our first day in New Orleans we attended the New Orleans Jazz Festival which is an annual celebration of local music and culture. This is one of the city’s most popular events behind Mardi Gras! In addition to delicious food we enjoyed tons of live music, including a headlining concert by Katy Perry who performed unique renditions of her hits with a full choir and jazz band.

Unless your visit falls in late-April or early-May you unfortunately won’t be able to attend Jazz Fest. However, there are lots of festivals throughout the year so it’s worth checking out if anything of interest is going on while you’re in town!

If not, head to a jazz club for some live music after you’ve checked into your hotel and fueled up with a bite to eat!

Famous Music Venues In New Orleans

If there’s no event going on during the weekend of your visit, there are tons of famous jazz clubs and concert halls in New Orleans — this is the birthplace of jazz after all! Below are just a few of the most popular venues and bars:

• Preservation Hall
• Tipitina’s
• The Spotted Cat
• Saenger Theatre
• Fritzl’s European Jazz Club

Bourbon Street

For your first night in New Orleans, cruise the most talked about attraction, Bourbon Street.

Bourbon Street extends thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is known especially for having a rowdy, party atmosphere. It’s definitely one of the wildest streets in all of New Orleans and this is coming from a city with a strong passion for spirits and celebrations.

This stretch is full of strip clubs, dive bars, live music joints, and general debauchery, especially in the wee hours. 

Many love it, many hate it, but regardless you must see it for yourself at least once! 

Grab a quick beer (or a hurricane!) and walk the streets — yes, it’s legal to drink in public here — or bar hop all night. Whatever you do, just please don’t wear sandals. 

Famous Bars On Bourbon Street

• The Bourbon Pub Parade
• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
• The Beach on Bourbon
• Famous Door 
• Oz
• Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
• Cats Meow 

Day 2 – Weekend In New Orleans

On day two we’re going to see a bunch of New Orleans’ main tourist attractions in the morning. As for the afternoon, I’ve listed a couple of different options!

French Quarter

The French Quarter is the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans and where you’ll find the bulk of the tourist attractions.

Founded in the early 1700’s, it’s the oldest section of the city and often dubbed the “historic heart” of New Orleans.

If you visited Bourbon Street on night one you’re already acquainted with the most famous section of the French Quarter, but there’s much more to it than just Bourbon Street.

Jackson Square, historic St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling French Market are some of the neighborhood’s other highlights. Below I’ll go into each one!

Tip: Be sure to also walk Royal Street, which runs parallel to Bourbon and has lots of gorgeous buildings and interesting shops, especially of the antique variety.

St. Louis Cathedral 

One sight you (literally) can’t miss in the French Quarter is the grand St. Louis Cathedral! This Catholic Cathedral’s history dates well back to the early 1700’s, making it one of the oldest on record in the United States. The Cathedral’s impressive structure, with its prominent steeples, makes for an iconic New Orleans photo.

Did You Know? St. Louis Cathedral is named for King Louis IX of France who ruled from 1226 to 1270.

If you wish to see the interior, it’s open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Mass is every Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 9 and 11 am, observe the church from a distance around these hours unless you plan to attend. Visitor hours and mass times vary so be sure to check their website!

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Orleans and one of the best places to visit during your weekend stay.

Located between the St. Louis Cathedral and French Market, you’ll find local artists painting and drawing, street performers, and lots of live music.

French Market

The French Market is a six block, open-air marketplace complete with a farmers market and flea market in addition to a huge variety of artist stalls, local crafts, and yummy food stands. 

The historic marketplace is quintessential New Orleans and has been an official mainstay since the 1700’s making it one of the oldest in the United States. 

You could easily spend an entire day walking around here with everything the marketplace has to offer.

Did You Know? The French Market was an important trade hub well before it became the formal marketplace we know it as today. It was originally started by Native Americans who called the New Orleans region Bulbancha, meaning “place of many tongues.”

The market is open daily and is free to walk around. 

Café Du Monde 

Located in the French Market is the famed Café Du Monde! This is one of the market’s oldest residents and definitely the most-loved. They’ve been serving up beignets (fluffy, fried pastries smothered in powdered sugar) and coffee since 1862.

Café Du Monde is open 24/7 and is always open seating. No need to stand in line, just hop in an open table and wait for a server to come by.

Tip: We visited the cafe one night around 11:30 pm, after dinner and a few drinks. There was virtually no crowd at this hour and the beignets were as delicious as always.

Day 2 Afternoon Option 1: Algiers Point

There’s a few options for the afternoon of Day 2 in New Orleans! The first is to check out the views of New Orleans from the Mississippi River!

The Algiers Ferry is a commuter line running from Canal Street Ferry Terminal, right by the French Market, to Algiers Point.

The $2 ferry takes about 30 minutes to cross the Mississippi and is frequented by both locals and tourists.

Once in Algiers Point spend an hour or two exploring this beautiful, historic neighborhood with cute homes, oak-lined streets, and charming cafes. 

Tip: The Steamboat Natchez is another popular way to get out on the water in New Orleans. It’s a 2 hour paddlewheel cruise with live music and great views of New Orleans.

Day 2 Afternoon Option 2: Swamp Tour

Another option for the afternoon is to go for a swamp tour!

The swamps and bayous near New Orleans are full of abundant wildlife such as alligators, otters, wild pigs, and hundreds of birds in addition to countless unique plant species. The natural beauty surrounding New Orleans is definitely underrated and very much worth exploring!

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, the Pearl River area, and Bayou Segnette State Park are all popular areas near the city! Getting to each does require a car, so if that’s not an option, hire a tour company which provides transportation.

There are a number of boat or kayaking tours available near New Orleans.

If you join a tour please do not book companies that feed the animals. Unfortunately, feeding the gators is common practice for swamp tours around New Orleans, even those claiming to be “eco friendly.”

Swamps are a natural habitat, not a zoo. Not only is human food unnatural for wildlife but it dangerously teaches alligators to rely on and associate humans with food.

Fortunately, there are a handful of companies which do not feed the animals! I highly recommend using one of these tour guides. Check out Last Wilderness Tours, Beyond the Bayou Tours, New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, each offers a variety of different tour options!

Additional Things To Do:

Looking for more ideas for your afternoon in New Orleans? Consider the following:

• Tour the Whitney Plantation.
• Join a Voodoo Tour. 
• Explore Mardi Gras World.
• Browse the extensive shops throughout the French Quarter.
• Visit the WWII Museum.

Frenchmen Street

For your second night in New Orleans skip Bourbon and head to Frenchman Street instead! This is where you’ll find more of an authentic New Orleans experience.

Frenchmen is a more polished version of Bourbon Street with all the allure like excellent live music and fun nightlife, just with less… chaos. 

The most well-known stretch of Frenchmen is the southern portion roughly between Washington Square and the intersection of Esplanade Avenue. This is where you’ll find a huge variety of live performances, both in the street and the bars, ranging from jazz and blues to rock and reggae. 

Tip: Bourbon and Frenchmen are near each other so it’s easy to visit both in one night if that works best with your weekend itinerary!

Day 3 – Weekend In New Orleans

Day 3 of our weekend in New Orleans was one of my favorites since we got to see a side of the city I hadn’t heard much about! Yes, most places listed below are popular tourist attractions, however, they don’t get as much love as those in the French Quarter!

City Park

City Park holds the world’s largest collection of mature oak trees, some over 700 years old! This is a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, and people watch after visiting the sculpture garden.

Tip: You may also like Audubon Park, another impressive green space in the Uptown area. 

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is located within City Park and is an 11 acre exhibit owned by the New Orleans Museum of Art.

The beautiful, modern park displays 90 unique sculptures framed by beautiful live oak trees. Best of all, it’s free to walk around! This is definitely one of the best free things to do during your weekend in New Orleans!

If you enjoy art, be sure to also check out the New Orleans Museum of Art.

You May Also Like: The Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans

Lafayette Cemetery No 1. 

Visiting a graveyard in New Orleans is not only common, it’s actually quite popular! This is another one of New Orleans’ many unique features in that most tombs here are above ground.

In Louisiana the ground becomes soggy and fills with water just a few feet below the surface – not at all ideal for a tomb.

The above-ground graveyards are very practical for the region’s conditions and ultimately result in an unusual and eerie, but beautiful burial site.

We chose to visit Lafayette Cemetery No 1. located in the Garden District and I couldn’t recommend it more! The cemetery is free to walk around on your own or you can join a tour group for a fee.

Cemetery Tours

Cemetery tours are popular for those interested in learning about the strange and spooky sides of New Orleans history!

Check out this popular walking tour which covers both Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the stunning Garden District, which is what we’re going to explore next!

Tip: If you’d prefer a nighttime bus tour check out this 2 hour tour with New Orleans Ghost Adventures showcasing both cemeteries and other haunted happenings around NOLA.

Explore The Garden District 

If you’re looking for the most beautiful place in New Orleans look no further than the Garden District!

This is one of New Orleans’ most stunning neighborhoods thanks to dreamy mansions with picture-perfect gardens and old-growth live oaks. The area feels like a movie set and is definitely worth your time while visiting New Orleans!

The neighborhood sits about 3 miles west of the French Quarter, on the eastern edge of Uptown. The easiest way to get here is by utilizing the historic St. Charles Streetcar which costs just $1.25 to ride.

Things To Do In The Garden District

• Take lots of photos of the grand, antebellum homes. Do remember most are private residences so be respectful!
• Shop or indulge at popular bars and restaurants on Magazine Street.
• Enjoy a New Orleans classic at the famous Commander’s Palace – don’t forget reservations!
• Explore the American Horror Story filming sites – or sites of other popular shows, movies, and books – Hollywood and novelists adore the Garden District.

If you’re curious to learn more about the Garden District, I recommend joining a walking or biking tour!

Watch The Sunset From The Pontchartrain Hotel 

This historic 1927 hotel is one of many architectural gems found in the Garden District! The hotel does a beautiful job of offering modern and luxurious amenities which carefully lace in authentic aspects of their past.

At the Pontchartrain Hotel you’ll find both visitors and locals rubbing elbows between their four restaurants and bars.

To close out our weekend in New Orleans we enjoyed drinks and few light bites from their rooftop bar and lounge, Hot Tin, which offers excellent views of the New Orleans skyline and Mississippi River.

Below I’ve included some additional information regarding where to eat, where to stay, and some general tips for your weekend in New Orleans! 

Where To Eat In New Orleans

There are so many good places to eat in New Orleans. Not only is this a top-tier foodie destination but it also has some of the most unique food you’ll find in the entire United States. Below are some much-loved restaurants but know there are many, many more in addition to this list:

• Dooky Chase Restaurant
• Coop’s Place
• Acme Oyster House
• Commander’s Palace
• Willie Mae’s Scotch House
• MoPho
• Parkway Bakery & Tavern
• Bourbon House
• Liuzza’s By The Track
• Willa Jean
• Antoine’s Restaurant
• Cochon
• Jacques-Imo’s

Vegan or vegetarian?

Even those with meat-based diets will be pleasantly surprised by New Orleans’ rapidly growing plant-based food scene. Check out these restaurants which have mouthwatering re-creations of New Orleans classics such as po’ boys, jambalaya, and beignets along with well-known comforts like mac n’ cheese and fried chicken!

• I-tal Garden
• Sweet Soulfood
• Kindred
• Small Mart
• Meals From The Heart Cafe
• Breads On Oak

Go For A Foodie Tour

Going for a food tour is a great way to experience New Orleans! Learn all about the history of their famous cuisine which pulls from French, Cajun, and Creole influences.

This is a popular food tasting tour that also covers New Orleans history.

If you’re more hands on try a cooking class instead! This 3-hour class with New Orleans School of Cooking has incredible reviews or there’s a cooking demonstration, if you just want to watch.

Where To Stay In New Orleans 

During various visits I’ve stayed on Bourbon Street at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter and the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street — roughly between the French Quarter and Garden District. 

Both were great hotels but I preferred the latter simply due to the location. The Marriott was at the intersection of Canal where Decatur and Magazine Street collide, so it was really easy to get into the French Quarter but also walkable to the Warehouse District/ Central Business District and the Garden District. 

Popular Hotels In New Orleans: 

• Hotel Monteleone
• Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Peter & Paul
• Le Pavillon Hotel
• Audubon Cottages
• Henry Howard Hotel 
• Pontchartrain Hotel 
• The Old No. 77 Hotel (this is a popular option near the Marriott we stayed at on Canal Street.)

Getting To New Orleans

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport – 25 minutes (15 miles) from downtown New Orleans 

Looking for cheap flights? Be sure to sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get cheap flight alerts delivered right to your inbox. It’s a free service I’ve used for years and couldn’t recommend more. 

Getting To New Orleans From The Airport

From the airport arrange a taxi/Uber/Lyft or private ride service or check with your hotel to see if they offer an airport shuttle. 

The New Orleans International Airport also has an official shuttle service, check out their rates and schedule here. The shuttle allows you to reserve spots in advance or buy in person. 

Last, if you prefer public transportation take the RTA’s 202 Airport Express, which travels from the airport terminals to Elk Place at Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans for just $1.50.

Driving To New Orleans

You definitely don’t need a rental car here but for those driving in here are a few things to know…

New Orleans is located right off I-10 about 1.5 hours (80 miles) southeast of Baton Rouge and roughly 2 – 2.5 hours (145 miles) southwest of Mobile, AL.

New Orleans is an old city, so driving here is a little interesting. Think narrow parkways, one-way roads, odd angles, and unspoken rules among locals. Oh, and don’t underestimate the potholes.

Lastly, and most importantly, be cautious about where you park your car, especially overnight. In New Orleans, it’s definitely worth paying extra for a secure lot.

Getting Around New Orleans

Much of the French Quarter can be traveled by foot, but otherwise NOLA is pretty big and we found it necessary to use ride share apps and the streetcar to get around. 

Parking can be very difficult to find so I don’t recommend driving on your own.

My Final Tips For A Weekend In New Orleans

• While most tourist areas are safe, there are parts of New Orleans which should be avoided. Our hotel provided guidance on which streets to avoid. At no point did we ever feel unsafe, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings here.
• Most locals would prefer not to talk about Katrina, so don’t bring it up.
• Scams are real, don’t engage with people who randomly approach you on the street or try to “gift” you things.
• Avoid Airbnb/ VRBO and guesthouses in New Orleans, which have had a particularly negative impact on the local housing market.
• Use the same common sense you would in any major city around the world and as always, have fun!

As you can see, there are so many great things to do during a weekend stay in New Orleans! This is really one of the United States’ most unique destinations and one which should be on everyones bucket list!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional New Orleans guides below or head on over to Visit New Orleans!

More Ideas For Your New Orleans Vacation:

• Top Things You Must Do In New Orleans
• The Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans
• What To Wear In New Orleans