3 Days In New Orleans

Are you wondering how to spend 3 days in New Orleans?  

Then you’re in the right place!

Take it from us; this is the perfect amount of time to visit this great city.

We visit New Orleans several times a year, and I promise you that no two visits to NOLA are ever alike.  

New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures and attitudes, and one of the many reasons we had to include New Orleans on our couple’s bucket list and is why we visit the city so often!

Whether you are here to enjoy Mardi Gras, sip cocktails all day, dance to jazz bands, or enjoy the local Cajun cuisine, New Orleans never disappoints. 

I mean, it was named one of the best places to travel! 

So please sit back, grab a drink, and dive into all of the great New Orleans attractions you can experience in 3 days!

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3 Days in New Orleans

Where to Stay in New Orleans

When Marty and I visit New Orleans, we always stay in the French Quarter, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood.  

We usually choose a hotel near Canal Street because we love the convenience.

You can easily walk all over the French Quarter or conveniently catch the streetcar to explore other parts of the city.

Here are some of our favorite New Orleans Hotels:

The Sheraton New Orleans is located right in the heart of the Quarter.  You can easily walk to the French Quarter attractions and catch the streetcar to explore other areas like Uptown and the Garden District.

We love the JW Marriott because it always offers excellent accommodations and superior service.  Located near the French Quarter, the JW Marriott in New Orleans allows you to have all the conveniences of a centrally located hotel with a touch of class.

One of our favorite hotels in the French Quarter is the Royal Sonesta. Located right on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta boasts balconies overlooking Bourbon Street, allowing guests the ultimate New Orleans experience.

Another fabulous choice is the Hotel Monteleone. The Hotel Monteleone has a beautiful courtyard area that makes it feel like you are in a tranquil environment in the heart of the French Quarter. 

Combine that with their fantastic guest rooms, and you have the perfect home away from home in New Orleans.  The Hotel Monteleone is also one of the haunted hotels in New Orleans!

After you check Tripadvisor’s hotel reviews, head to Booking.com to check out their special New Orleans hotel deals.

If you want to be in a quieter area full of New Orleans charm, consider staying in the Garden District.  There are some great New Orleans vacation rentals in the Garden District. 

This area is full of great New Orleans foods, excellent shops, and loads of history, yet it is still close enough to get back into the French Quarter easily when you want!

Things to Add to Your New Orleans Itinerary

Cafe du Monde

The legendary Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street in the French Quarter.

As one of the top things to do in New Orleans, Cafe du Monde is a must for all visitors to New Orleans.

Cafe du Monde is powder sugar-dusted heaven!

Grab an order of beignets and a cafe au lait and start your day carb-loaded.  

Don’t worry; you will walk it off!   Cafe du Monde is always busy, so don’t be intimidated by the line.  

Pro Tip: If the line deters you, consider the Cafe du Monde location inside the Canal Place Mall, just a short walk away.

 Jackson Square

After getting your fill of beignets, head up the stairs by Cafe du Monde to find the perfect spot to snap a selfie in front of the iconic Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.  

After taking your picture, go across the street for a closer look at the park and St. Louis Cathedral.

Jackson Square was initially called “Place d’Armes”, but was later named Jackson Square in honor of the Battle of New Orlean’s famous leader, Andrew Jackson.

It is surrounded by history and beautiful architecture, making it a great introduction to the city.  

The oldest apartments in the United States, The Pontalba Apartments, surround the square.  

The Pontalba Apartments have been continually rented since their inception in 1850.  Read more about their fascinating history here.

I love life around the square and highly recommend walking around to see all the artwork lining the fence and experience some street performances or get your palm read.

To experience an authentic piece of New Orleans history, you can go inside the St. Louis Cathedral for a $1 donation; just be sure to pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the entrance.  

The original structure was completed in 1727 but was destroyed in a fire in 1788.  The town rallied and rebuilt the church about five years later.  

If you want, you can take a guided tour of this area, like this walking tour. A walking tour allows you to learn more about the history and culture of the area from an expert guide.

Here are some tours to consider adding to your New Orleans itinerary:

French Market

The French Market is one of my favorite places in New Orleans and should be on your to-do list during your time there.  

The open-air French Market was once a Native American trading post, thanks to its proximity to the Mississippi River.  

Now granted, the market has come a long way since then, but it is still a vibrant market.

Upon entering the French Market, you might have sensory overload.  

There are so many sights, smells, and sounds that it’s easy to become overwhelmed.  

Take your time and take in all the market has to offer.

The Market is a great place to grab a casual meal.  

Step up to J’s Seafood Dock and let them shuck a fresh oyster or two for you.  

If oysters aren’t your thing, try N’Awlins Cafe and Spice Emporium for authentic Cajun cuisine, including gumbo, etouffee, and bread pudding.

Another popular spot is the Crepe Cart, which serves their namesake, delightful French crepes. This French treat can be made sweet or savory and is perfect for munching as you explore the market.

If you are vegan, have no fear.  There are several vegan options in New Orleans as well.

After filling your stomach, take time to browse the market. You never know; you might find the perfect New Orleans souvenir.

New Orleans Food Tour

One of the things New Orleans is famous for is its amazing food.

One of our favorite ways to learn about a city’s food culture is to participate in a food tour.

Food tours allow you to learn about the food culture while exposing you to places you might not usually visit.

This is a must-do because New Orleans is famous for having delicious food!

Bourbon Street

I know it’s touristy, but you must visit Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  

Start your evening at Pat O’Brien’s great courtyard for some New Orleans cuisine and their famous Hurricane before spending the rest of the evening bar-hopping while enjoying great live music and the party atmosphere of this famous street.

Visit historical places like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar and enjoy a Purple Drank while taking in the history of this building, which is believed to have once served as the base for the smuggling operation of the Lafitte brothers.

Head to The Old Absinthe House to try one of their famous cocktails, the Ramos Gin Fizz or “The Absinthe House Frappe.”

One of our favorite things to do on Bourbon Street is people-watch.  

Grab a hand grenade from Tropical Isle, and continue your journey down Bourbon Street.  Please note that these drinks are cheap, sweet, and strong, so beware!

Pop into any of the clubs, like the Old Opera House, to check out the live music and dance a little, or people-watch some more.

Stop at Fritzel’s European Jazz Club for some excellent jazz music.  

While there, be sure to get into their new speakeasy located upstairs.  

Just tell the hostess, “The vampire sent me.” After paying a $5 cover, she will escort you to the second floor, where you are transported to France in the 1920s.  

Lounge around sipping cocktails, and enjoy their Bourbon Street balcony!

New Orleans Cocktail Tour

Instead of drinking the day away alone, let an expert guide take you to all the best drink spots in New Orleans.

We have taken several cocktail tours in New Orleans.

We love learning all about the history of cocktails in the city while sipping samples of the various cocktails.

Of course, you can purchase a full-size cocktail if you find something you like.

Breakfast or Brunch at the Ruby Slipper

The Ruby Slipper in New Orleans is famous for its breakfast and brunch offerings.

The Ruby Slipper puts its own NOLA spin on traditional southern breakfast favorites.  

Munch on some applewood smoked bacon, buttermilk biscuits, and fried green tomatoes.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, consider trying one of their quirky egg benedicts like the Shrimp Boogaloo Benedict, gulf coast shrimp over fried green tomatoes and a buttermilk biscuit, all topped with a poached egg and a creole tomato bouillon sauce!

New Orleans Cemetery Tour

Taking a tour of a New Orleans cemetery is a must during your time in New Orleans.

We recommend finding a tour that includes visiting St. Louise Cemetery No. 1.  

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Voodoo religion and the famous Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.

You will see the gravesite of Marie in St. Louise Cemetery No. 1 and have a chance to view the monument built by Nicholas Cage.  

Seriously, a visit to St. Louise Cemetery is a must, as it is one of the most famous cemeteries in the United States!

When taking a tour, I would recommend asking how large the group will be before you book your tour.

We prefer groups of 15 or smaller. This allows you to stay together quickly and to hear your guide through the bustling streets of NOLA.

Royal Street

Royal Street is one of my favorite streets in the French Quarter.

Not only is Royal Street super photogenic, but it is also home to some fun boutique shops and loads of unique art galleries and antique shops.

Stroll Royal Street and enjoy all it offers, including the street performers, during your New Orleans vacation.

Shopping in The French Quarter

If you want to shop in New Orleans, head to Royal Street and Chartres Streets.

You will find amazing artists, timeless antiques, and quirky little boutiques here.

I drag Marty here to treasure hunt every time we visit New Orleans.  

Recently, we found ourselves in one store surrounded by old records and musical instruments.  It was such a fun little find!

No matter your style, this area will surely have the perfect souvenir for your New Orleans vacation.

Be sure to have your camera ready (not in the stores, though); endless photo opportunities await you in the streets.  

We constantly stop in this area to snap photos of balconies, doorways, and people.

Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is the perfect addition to your New Orleans itinerary if you want to learn more about the history of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras World highlights the history of the Mardi Gras traditions and allows you to see artists create the floats that don the streets of New Orleans’ most famous celebration.

Take pictures with the photos and learn about the Mardi Gras traditions when visiting Mardi Gras World in New Orleans!

Located just outside the French Quarter, they will even pick you up for free at one of their many stops throughout the French Quarter.

Frenchmen Street

For the ultimate night out, head to where the locals hang out, Frenchmen Street.  

On Frenchmen, you will hear every type of music streaming out of the bars and into the street.  Just listen to what you like, and then pop in.

We suggest starting at The Spotted Cat for some great live jazz; note that this is a cash-only bar, so bring your green.

For a fantastic music club, try the Blue Nile.  The Blue Nile is broken into two clubs, one downstairs and one upstairs.  

The downstairs club is big, probably one of the largest in the area, but the upstairs has a balcony overlooking the street, and I am all about New Orleans balconies!

Consider this dinner and live jazz package for your visit to Frenchmen Street.

Safety note:  Although the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are safe areas, the area between them can be sketchy after dark.  We suggest taking a cheap cab or Uber for this outing.  If you choose to walk, take a group and stay together.

Carousel Bar

A top New Orleans attraction is the famous Carousel Bar located in Hotel Monteleone.

As the name suggests, the Carousel Bar is centered around a full-size carousel in the center of the bar.

If you want a seat at the carousel, I suggest getting there about 15 minutes before the bar opens, as seats are hard to come by!

Brunch at Court of Two Sisters

For the ultimate food experience, treat yourself to the best jazz brunch in New Orleans at the famous Court of Two Sisters.  

Nothing is better than sitting in the most beautiful courtyard in New Orleans, listening to live Jazz music, and eating mouth-watering food! 

Did I mention that the Jazz brunch is a buffet?  You can eat enough to hold you over until dinner!

New Orleans Garden District

Visiting the beautiful Garden District has to be on your New Orleans itinerary!

Head over to Canal Street to catch the streetcar for the Garden District.  

Go to the corner of Canal and Carondelet (Carondelet is the same street as Bourbon; it changes names when you cross over Canal) to wait for the streetcar.

You will probably see other people just standing around waiting as well.  

The next stop on the line is St. Charles and Common.  If the Canal St. stop is too crowded, you can venture down to St. Charles and Common.

The ride costs $1.25 each way.  We prefer to buy the Jazzy Pass (day pass) for $3 to hop on and off as much as we would like, be sure, and have cash.

There are several online self-guided tours of the Garden District, but I recommend a guided tour.  You get more insight into the history and the local area.

Whether you choose a self-guided or guided tour, you must check out the Sandra Bullock House in New Orleans!  It is so beautiful!

Click here for some great Garden District tours.

Creole Creamery

After your tour (or during if it’s on your route), you MUST visit The Creole Creamery.  

This Garden District ice cream shop is like no other and must be included in your New Orleans itinerary!

Be sure to bring cash because they don’t take cards.

You will find the craziest combination of ingredients in their ice cream, which is so delicious!  

Of course, Creole Creamery has your primary flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies and cream, but who wants that when you could have lavender honey, Thai basil coconut, or champagne violet (my personal choice)?

Marty was feeling adventurous and went for this amazing sundae.  I’m sorry, I don’t remember the name.

I know they drizzled the glass with hot fudge sauce, put in big scoops of chocolate fudge ice cream, added more, and topped it off with whipped cream and chocolate chunks!  DIVINE!

Magazine Street

Located in New Orleans’ Garden District, Magazine Street is the perfect place to visit if you love shopping.

Home to numerous boutique shops, restaurants, and bars, Magazine Street is the perfect addition to your New Orleans itinerary.

Take pictures with the fun murals, including the “Greetings from New Orleans” mural, while you’re in the area!

Steamboat Natchez

A river cruise on the Steamboat Natchez along the Mississippi River is a great addition to your New Orleans itinerary.

The Steamboat Natchez offers several cruise options ranging from history tours to meals with live jazz performances.

Consider taking a boat tour or a jazz dinner on the steamboat instead.

City Park

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to New Orleans’ City Park.

New Orleans City Park is a 1,300-acre park with great outdoor activities.

You can enjoy the New Orleans Botanical Garden or the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park here.

City Park is also home to an 18-hole golf course, a splash pad, a miniature golf course, and so much more!

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

For a unique museum visit in New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter.

This museum highlights the world of pharmacies of the old days. You can see numerous artifacts from the medical profession and historic pharmacies here.

Ghost Tour

If you love hearing ghost stories and the dark history associated with a city, then you must book a ghost tour while visiting New Orleans.

There are many NOLA ghost tours to choose from, so be sure to do your research first to find the one that fits your style!

Day Tours

Day trips from New Orleans allow you to explore outside of New Orleans proper.

You can tour a New Orleans Plantation, like visiting Oak Alley Plantation, Whitney Plantation, or Laura Plantation.

Other day tours include swamp tours or tours to nearby cities like Lafayette, LA.

Final Thought On Your 3 Day New Orleans Itinerary

We could go on and on about all the awesome things to do in New Orleans. 

Hopefully, this post has inspired you to see all the awesome New Orleans attractions. 

We have made countless trips here and keep returning for more!

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