Your 4-Day New Orleans, United States Trip: Jackson Square & Beyond

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the French Quarter. Options include a taxi (approx. 30-40 min, $36), an airport shuttle (shared ride, longer, approx. $24/person), or public transit via the E2 bus to downtown, then connecting to a local bus or streetcar (approx. $1.50-$2.00, significantly longer travel time).

"Landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport while visiting for my birthday, and overall it was a pleasant experience. The airport was clean, and the signage was clear and easy to follow. We had no trouble locating the ground floor, and ride pickup was quick and hassle-free. The restrooms were clean when we arrived mid-morning, which is always appreciated after a flight. The departure waiting areas felt a bit small, and my only real complaint was the boarding process, line-up signs were confusing, and airline staff didn’t do a great job announcing or enforcing proper boarding order. Overall, it’s not the best airport I’ve ever been through, but definitely not the worst. Clean, organized, and functional, and it got us in and out of New Orleans without any major issues."— Saucy Traveler

Embark on a guided tour of New Orleans' oldest and most famous cemetery, known for its unique above-ground tombs and as the resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. A guided tour is required for entry and provides rich historical insight.

"Mary Brandon was my tour guide and she is a national treasure. Her family has been in New Orleans for nearly 300 years, and her grandparents were introduced by Marie Laveau. She babysat her father (he was 74 when she was born). You can tell she has a true love of the city and its people, traditions and rituals. This is absolutely worth a visit, especially with Mary. Notably, there are important figures here, not just Marie Laveau. I wished I’d brought paper and pencil/charcoal to trace the letters of some headstones/plaques."— Kallie ReAnn

Visit the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, a prominent landmark, and then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jackson Square, a historic park known for its artists, street performers, and views of the cathedral.

"Very pretty cathedral. You can light candles inside and they have a small gift shop. There are also paragraphs about the history of the church hung up when you walk in. I believe anyone is welcome to service but I got there just after. There may be more to the museum than what’s on the inside but we weren’t up to exploring."— Alexa Kent

Explore Marie Laveau's House Of Voodoo on Bourbon Street, a unique shop dedicated to the history and practice of Voodoo in New Orleans. It's an interesting cultural stop for souvenirs and insight into local beliefs.

"Awesome shop, every time I’m in town I’ll come by and pick something up from here. Definitely look up the history of Marie Laveau, she is the New Orleans voodoo queen. You can also visit her grave(for a fee), the cemetery where she rests in walking distance. As for respect for the store, I won’t show you any photos except for my favourite magnet from the store."— Peter Kardas

Experience a classic New Orleans tradition with freshly made beignets generously dusted with powdered sugar, paired with a cup of rich cafe au lait at the iconic Cafe Du Monde.

"A visit to Café du Monde is more than just a coffee stop — it’s an experience that captures the true spirit of New Orleans. From the moment you approach the open-air café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm beignets fills the air, instantly drawing you in. It’s lively, energetic, and full of character — just like the city itself. What makes Café du Monde truly special is its simplicity done perfectly. Their famous beignets, served hot and generously covered in powdered sugar, are absolutely irresistible. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they practically melt in your mouth. Pair them with their signature café au lait — a rich blend of coffee and chicory with steamed milk — and you have a combination that’s hard to beat. Every bite and sip feels comforting and indulgent at the same time. It’s a place where friends, families, tourists, and locals all gather together. There’s something beautiful about sitting at those iconic green-and-white tables, sharing plates of beignets while powdered sugar dusts your clothes and table. No one seems to mind — in fact, that’s part of the charm. Laughter, conversations, and the clinking of coffee cups create a vibrant atmosphere that feels welcoming to everyone. The portions are generous, and it’s easy to keep ordering more because the taste never disappoints. It’s one of those rare spots where the quality has remained consistent over the years. Despite being busy most of the time, the service moves efficiently, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy their treats without long waits. Café du Monde isn’t just about food and coffee — it’s about tradition, culture, and shared joy. Whether you visit with friends, family, or even on your own, you leave delighted, satisfied, and already planning your next visit."— Rajeev Jha

Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the early evening buzz of Bourbon Street as it begins to come alive.

"The French Quarter is full of life, color, and culture. The architecture is stunning, the music spills from every street, and the food is incredible. Walking around feels like stepping into a lively and historic storybook."— Debbie Guerrero

Engage in a hands-on class to learn how to prepare classic Creole and Cajun dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Pralines, then enjoy the meal you've prepared.

"Great experience! The chef was incredible - great attitude, explanation of the history of Louisiana cooking, and he was hilarious! Also, the food was outstanding. Best gumbo I’ve ever had! Being a Louisiana native and knowing a good bit of Louisiana history already, he hit on some facts I never knew about. I highly recommend this demonstration for tourists and even locals for a fun experience and incredible combination of Nola creole and Cajun cooking."— Bradley

Embark on a leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River aboard the historic Steamboat NATCHEZ, enjoying scenic views and a unique perspective of New Orleans' riverfront history.

"It was a fun little cruise. The guide was very informative and the weather was perfect. We were on the top deck, but halfway through moved around different areas. The live jazz was also a great. The band members were very talented. We did not have any food, so can't speak to that. Although we did visit the snack bar and got a bag of chips. The blond woman there was the only unfriendly person we encountered. All of the other staff members were a delight. Surprisingly enough, Jeremy, the bartender on the top deck, made fantastic cocktails - better than both bars and restaurants we tried yesterday. The Mississippi River Brees tastes like a jolly rancher and Natchee Jazz Punch was also really good. They both had a kick, but wasn't all just sugar. I learned a lot, and have a new appreciation of Dominos sugar! Lol. Thanks for an excellent experience :)"— Sabrina

Immerse yourself in the vibrant live jazz scene of New Orleans at a legendary club in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. Enjoy authentic local music.

"What a fantastic place. It was quite busy and there was a cover charge of 5 dollars for the band. We didn’t have any food. The band were brilliant. Jazz, double bass and it was one of the highlights of my trip. I highly recommend going here. Drinks were cheaper than Bourbon street. A can of lager was 7/8 dollars. Staff were brilliant. Very quick to serve you. The guy on the front door was so polite and friendly. A brilliant must see place with a fantastic atmosphere."— Heather Hepplewhite

Embark on an exciting journey into the Louisiana bayou with an expert guide, spotting alligators and other local wildlife in their natural habitat. This tour provides a unique glimpse into the region's ecology and history.

"Our tour guide Karen was hilarious and knowledgeable. The city tour was so much fun, wish we had more time at the cemetery but they also take you to a local brewery to try some whiskey/vodka. The history and seeing the beautiful architecture was my favorite part. It's Par-Lines not Pray-leans. 🤣"— Viktory

Explore the historic Garden District on a walking tour, admiring its grand 19th-century mansions, lush gardens, and unique architectural styles while learning about the neighborhood's past.

"We did the walking tour with Bonnie and she was fun, energetic and a wealth of knowledge. An easy walk for all ages though wheelchairs may be a challenge because of the pavements. Lots of beautiful homes and history and a great chance to explore this area."— Cathi and Jackie

Enjoy a leisurely ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, passing under majestic oak trees and offering picturesque views of antebellum homes and historic landmarks.

"Historic Streetcar Inn — 1/5 stars The only positives were the location, and the property being gated. Check in was simple. Unfortunately, cleanliness was a serious issue. I understand the property is old and has historic charm, but age and charm are not excuses for poor hygiene. The room did not appear to be cleaned at all—it honestly felt like someone came in, changed the sheets, and then walked out. That’s it. The floors were so dirty that we had to wear shoes from the beginning and the toilet was not cleaned at all. There were actual particles still present, to the point that we had to ask staff for a cleaner so we could spray and clean it ourselves, which is completely unacceptable for a hotel stay. The AC unit smelled strongly of mildew and was very dusty, and the fan had a visible dust, which likely explains why my eyes and skin were reacting during the stay. Cleanliness should be the bare minimum for any hotel, regardless of age or character. Because of this, I would not stay here again or recommend it. How can you enjoy a stay when you’re not even comfortable in the room?"— Sophia Oliveira

Step into history at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of America's oldest bars, rumored to have been a haunt for Jean Lafitte. Enjoy the atmospheric, dimly lit setting and a classic cocktail.

"Small bar but great atmosphere! Historic oldest bar in america! So you have to stop by for a drink. Often will see horse and buggy going by. At night the piano bar is alive!"— Sandra Bradley

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Explore its diverse exhibits spanning art, photography, and historical documents housed in beautifully preserved buildings within the French Quarter.

"This is a must visit in New Orleans. You should come, at least, once to learn all about the people, places, and traditions of New Orleans and the Gulf South. This is an amazing free museum with plenty of knowledge staff ready and willing to share their knowledge. I especially loved the exhibit on the Civil Rights Movement: “The Trail they Blazed.” Additionally, they gave a lovely little courtyard with a cafe and gift shop."— Soap

Visit The Cabildo, an impressive Spanish colonial building in Jackson Square that witnessed the Louisiana Purchase. Explore its exhibits on Louisiana history and culture, offering insights into the city's diverse heritage.

"The Cabildo is the sister museum to the Presbytere on the opposite side of the cathedral at Jackson Square. It tells the history of Louisiana and prominent people associated. I was most excited for the Michalopoulos exhibit on the 3rd floor. 40-50 of his wonderfully stylized paintings of NOLA houses. There was a display of his palette and brushes and a little documentary of him and references to his father, a famous architect."— David Fielding

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic French Market, an open-air market spanning several blocks. Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and savor some New Orleans Pralines, a sweet, creamy confection made with pecans.

"Loved visiting the French Market! Such a lively atmosphere with a great mix of local vendors, food stalls, and unique finds. It’s the perfect place to walk around, grab a bite, and soak in the New Orleans vibe. So many options for food and souvenirs, and the overall experience was fun and enjoyable. A must-visit spot when you’re in the city!"— Shahina Saberin

Experience the intimate and historic Preservation Hall, a renowned venue dedicated to authentic New Orleans jazz. Learn about its legacy and enjoy a live traditional jazz performance.

"This place has real soul! The show I saw was a few days away from "Deep Gras" (the days leading up to Fat Tuesday) on a Tuesday night. The performance was extraordinary! The music was exactly what one would imagine when thinking of New Orleans jazz and is jet fuel for ones imagination. The show had my smiling ear to ear until my cheeks hurt. It is a MUST when visiting the French Quarter!"— jessie johnson