4 Days New Orleans, USA Itinerary
This 4-day itinerary explores the best of New Orleans, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences. From the historic French Quarter to the soulful music scene and flavorful Creole cuisine, get ready for an immersive adventure.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring (February to May) or fall (October to November)
Activities
23
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Fast
New Orleans is a city brimming with unique culture, vibrant music, and delicious food. Its rich history and lively atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable destination.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 9 must-have experiences
A Historic Quarter Stroll
Day 1: French Quarter Walking Tour
A Quintessential NOLA Meal
Day 1: Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde
A Live Jazz & Blues Dive
Day 3: Preservation Hall Jazz Show
A Spooky Cemetery & Voodoo Tour
Day 2: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Tour
A Backwater Swamp Adventure
Day 3: Swamp Tour
A Grand Plantation Visit
e.g., Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation
A Bustling Local Market
Day 4: Souvenir Shopping in the French Market
An Iconic Cocktail Experience
e.g., Carousel Bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
A World-Class Museum Exploration
Day 4: New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans cuisine is a vibrant melting pot of Creole, Cajun, and Southern influences. Expect bold flavors, fresh seafood, and a festive atmosphere in the city's diverse restaurants and eateries. Don't be afraid to try something new and embrace the unique culinary landscape!
Must-Try Dishes
A rich and flavorful stew with a base of roux, featuring seafood, meat (often chicken or sausage), and vegetables like okra and bell peppers. It's a staple of New Orleans cuisine and comes in many variations.
๐ Any traditional Creole or Cajun restaurant
A rice dish similar to paella, cooked with meat (chicken, sausage, and/or shrimp), vegetables, and Creole seasonings. It's hearty and flavorful.
๐ Casual eateries, food stalls, and restaurants specializing in Creole cuisine
A New Orleans-style sandwich served on French bread, filled with fried seafood (shrimp, oysters, catfish), roast beef, or other fillings. Dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.
๐ Po'boy shops and sandwich counters all over the city
Square-shaped doughnuts, deep-fried and covered with powdered sugar. Best enjoyed hot with a cup of coffee.
๐ Cafe Du Monde is the most famous, but many other cafes offer them
Food Neighborhoods
Classic Creole cuisine, beignets, and fine dining
Upscale restaurants, brunch spots, and Southern cuisine
Diverse range of restaurants, including Vietnamese, seafood, and po'boys
Local favorites, po-boys, and university-area eats
Vegetarian options are available, but may be limited in some traditional restaurants. Vegan options are less common, so it's best to check menus in advance or ask about modifications. Seafood allergies are common, so be sure to inform your server. Halal options are limited; search for specific restaurants online.
Tipping is customary in New Orleans (15-20% of the bill). Dress codes are generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may require more formal attire. Be prepared for lively atmospheres, especially in the French Quarter. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak season.
Mardi Gras
February/MarchExpect massive crowds, high prices, and street closures.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest)
April/MayLarge crowds, increased prices, and a vibrant atmosphere.
French Quarter Festival
AprilFree music festival with large crowds in the French Quarter.
๐ฃ๏ธInteresting Detours & Side Trips
- ๐ถFrom your hotel in the French Quarter, walk to Cafe Du Monde.$5-10
9:00 AM - Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde
Start your day with the iconic beignets and cafe au lait. Expect a line, especially on weekends, but it's worth the wait. Take your order to go and enjoy it in Jackson Square.
- ๐ถCafe Du Monde is located directly across from Jackson Square.Free (Carriage ride: $40-60)
10:00 AM - Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
Explore Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter, and admire the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Street performers and artists add to the lively atmosphere. Consider a horse-drawn carriage ride for a classic experience.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalk a few blocks to Johnny's Po-Boys.$10-15
12:00 PM - Lunch at Johnny's Po-Boys
Grab a classic New Orleans po-boy sandwich for lunch. Johnny's is a local favorite with a wide variety of options. Try the roast beef or shrimp po-boy.
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- ๐ถThe French Quarter Walking Tour starts at various points within the French Quarter, easily accessible by foot.$20-30
2:00 PM - French Quarter Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour to learn about the history and architecture of the French Quarter. Many tours focus on ghost stories and voodoo legends. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalk a few blocks to Coop's Place.$15-25
6:00 PM - Dinner at Coop's Place
Enjoy a casual dinner at Coop's Place, known for its authentic Cajun and Creole dishes at reasonable prices. Try the jambalaya or rabbit jambalaya.
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- ๐ถWalk a few blocks or take a short taxi ride to Frenchmen Street.$10-20 (cover charges may apply)
8:00 PM - Live Music on Frenchmen Street
Experience the vibrant music scene on Frenchmen Street. Choose from numerous bars and clubs offering jazz, blues, and funk music. Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are popular choices.
Book on Klook
French Quarter
Central location, historic charm, and walking distance to many attractions.
๐ Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring (February to May) or fall (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and lower humidity, perfect for exploring on foot. This is also when many major festivals occur, like Mardi Gras (late winter/early spring) and Jazz Fest (late April/early May), though crowds are largest and prices highest then. Summers (June to September) are extremely hot and humid with a higher risk of hurricanes, leading to fewer crowds and lower prices. Winters (December to January) are mild and drier, with holiday events but generally calmer crowds, except around New Year's Eve.
Expect comfortable temperatures with sunshine. Humidity can still be present, especially in the spring. Rainfall is moderate.
Spring and Fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak Mardi Gras, and a variety of festivals.
Major holidays like Mardi Gras, Christmas, and New Year's Eve will significantly impact prices and crowds.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$200-400 (flights vary greatly)Accommodation
$400-600 (moderate hotel or Airbnb)Food
$200-300Activities
$100-200Enjoy free live music on Frenchmen Street: Many clubs have no cover charge, just buy a drink and tip the musicians.
Take advantage of happy hour deals: Many restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers, often including upscale options.
Walk or use streetcars: New Orleans is very walkable, and streetcars are a cheap and scenic way to get around (single ride $1.25).
Indulge in a fine dining experience: Treat yourself to a meal at one of New Orleans' iconic restaurants like Commander's Palace or Galatoire's for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Take a unique historical or culinary tour: Invest in a well-regarded ghost tour, voodoo tour, or a food tasting tour for deeper insights.
Don't skip the local eats: Grab a hearty po'boy, a fluffy beignet, or a delicious muffuletta from a local deli โ they're authentic, filling, and often more budget-friendly than sit-down meals.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic, often uneven, sidewalks.
- Stay hydrated: New Orleans can be very hot and humid, especially from late spring through early fall. Drink plenty of water.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Like any major city, exercise caution, especially at night or in less crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, populated streets.
- Embrace the open container law in the French Quarter: It's legal to drink alcohol on the street in specific areas, but always drink responsibly.
- Tipping is customary: Budget for 15-20% tips for restaurant service, bartenders, tour guides, and taxi/ride-share drivers.
- Utilize streetcars for scenic rides: The St. Charles, Canal Street, and Riverfront streetcar lines offer affordable transportation and sightseeing.
- Book popular restaurants and tours in advance: Highly-rated eateries and unique tours (swamp, plantation, ghost) can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Explore beyond Bourbon Street: While iconic, Frenchmen Street offers a more authentic live music experience, and neighborhoods like the Garden District provide architectural beauty and history.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes (essential for cobblestone streets and long walks)
- 2Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for hot and humid weather
- 3Rain jacket or compact umbrella (sudden downpours are common)
- 4Bug spray (especially for evenings or swamp tours)
- 5Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- 6A small, secure crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack for valuables
- 7A dressier outfit for nice dinners or jazz clubs
- 8Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- 9Portable charger for your phone
- 10Hand sanitizer
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest), 1-3 months for off-peak to get the best prices.
Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs)
Book 6-12 months ahead for major festivals; 3-6 months for high season; 1-3 months for low season, as popular spots fill up quickly.
Popular Restaurant Reservations
For fine dining (e.g., Commander's Palace, Antoine's), book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Swamp or Plantation Tours
Book 1-2 weeks ahead, as these popular excursions can sell out, particularly during busy travel periods.
Ghost/Voodoo Walking Tours
Book at least a few days to a week in advance, especially for evening slots, as group sizes can be limited.
Travel Insurance
Purchase shortly after booking flights/accommodation to cover unforeseen circumstances like cancellations or medical emergencies.
Visa/ESTA (for international travelers)
Apply at least 72 hours before departure (ESTA) or several months in advance (Visa) to ensure entry into the USA.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details โ such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options โ closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
๐ Airalo app or website
๐ Holafly website
๐ T-Mobile stores, Best Buy, Target
๐ GlocalMe website or Amazon
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Many public areas, such as parks and libraries, also offer free WiFi. However, speeds may vary.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenience. Download offline maps in Google Maps to avoid data charges when navigating. Check the WiFi speed before relying on it for important tasks. Power banks are useful for keeping your devices charged on the go.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18โ20% (before tax)
15โ20%
$2โ5 per bag; $2โ5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18โ20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Be aware of petty crime, especially in tourist areas. Stay vigilant and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring (February to May) or fall (October to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak seasons. These seasons also host many festivals. However, be prepared for higher prices during major events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
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