Day 1: Wednesday Evening - French Quarter
Immersion
Evening:
- Arrival and Check-in: Arrive in New Orleans and check into your accommodation in or near the French Quarter.
- Dinner at The Court of Two Sisters: Start your New Orleans experience with a classic Creole dinner at The Court of Two Sisters, known for its historic courtyard and traditional dishes. Nightlife:
- French Quarter Exploration: Take a leisurely stroll through the iconic French Quarter. Explore Bourbon Street for its vibrant nightlife, jazz clubs, and street performers. Grab a famous Hurricane cocktail at Pat O'Brien's.
- Start your day in Jackson Square.
- Head into Cafe du Monde.
- Stroll along Decatur Street & the French Market.
- Wander the French Quarter.
- Take your pick for nightlife: Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street.
Day 2: Thursday - Historic Sites and Cajun
Cuisine
Morning:
4. Breakfast at Cafe du Monde: Begin your day with beignets and café au lait at the iconic Café du Monde in Jackson Square. St. Louis Cathedral: Visit the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and explore the square's historic architecture.Late Morning:
6. French Market: Wander through the French Market, where you can shop for local crafts and try some Creole and Cajun snacks.Lunch:
7. Napoleon House: Enjoy a muffuletta sandwich and a Pimm's Cup cocktail at Napoleon House, a historic French Quarter bar and restaurant.Afternoon:
8. Preservation Hall: Attend an early evening jazz performance at Preservation Hall, an intimate venue where you can experience traditional New Orleans jazz.Dinner:
Plantations & Bayou Day Trip
- * Explore New Orleans plantations ( recommended - Oak Alley Plantation among others).
- * Spend the afternoon in the bayou (highest point in Louisiana - so-called Driskill “Mountain” & home to cypress swamps, interesting wildlife, and a fragile ecosystem)
Day 3: Friday - Art and Music Exploration
Morning:
- Breakfast at Surrey's Café & Juice Bar: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Surrey's Café & Juice Bar in the Garden District.
- Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Explore the Ogden Museum of Southern Art , which showcases a diverse collection of Southern art, including contemporary and folk art.
Lunch:
Lunch at Mother's Restaurant: Enjoy a classic New Orleans po' boy or a plate of red beans and rice here, a local institution.Afternoon:
13. Frenchmen Street: Spend your afternoon exploring Frenchmen Street, known for its live music venues and vibrant atmosphere. Check out local bands and enjoy the lively scene.Dinner:
14. Commander's Palace: Have dinner at Commander's Palace in the Garden District, known for its jazz-infused Creole cuisine and elegant ambiance.Garden District + Ghosts
- Begin in the Garden District (celebrities homes)
Explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.- Head to Magazine Street (Funky shops & tasty restaurants)
- Spend the evening on a ghost tour.
Day 4: Saturday Morning - Farewell Brunch and
Departure
- Brunch at Elizabeth’s : Before departing, have a farewell brunch at Elizabeth's in Bywater, known for its creative Southern-inspired brunch menu.
- After brunch, you can explore any last-minute sights or do some souvenir shopping in the French Quarter
- before checking out and departing from New Orleans. This itinerary will immerse you in the vibrant culture, music, and cuisine of the city, giving you a true taste of what makes New Orleans unique.
- Enjoy your stay!
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Wednesday Evening:
- Dinner: Start at Cochon for a taste of Southern, Cajun-inspired dishes.
- Nightlife: Head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz. Clubs like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. offer great music without the cover charge of some of the more touristy places.
Thursday:
- Breakfast: Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter. It's a must-visit for their famous beignets and chicory coffee.
- Morning:
- Stroll the French Quarter - Don't miss:
- JJackson Square
- St. Louis Cathedral
- The Historic New Orleans Collection
- Lunch: Central Grocery on Decatur Street. Home of the original muffuletta.
- Afternoon:
- Garden District Tour - Marvel at the antebellum mansions and famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
- Magazine Street for shopping and browsing.
- Dinner: Dine at Commander's Palace in the Garden District. It's an iconic NOLA dining experience. Remember to dress smartly!
- Night: Preservation Hall in the French Quarter for a classic jazz experience.
Friday:
- Breakfast: Willa Jean in the Warehouse District.
- Morning:
- The National WWII Museum - A deeply immersive experience.
- Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Showcasing the artistry of the American South.
- Lunch: Parkway Bakery & Tavern for an authentic po' boy sandwich.
- Afternoon:
- Swamp Tour - Experience Louisiana’s bayou and its wildlife.
- If swamps aren’t your thing, consider the New Orleans Museum of Art and the adjacent Sculpture Garden in City Park.
- Dinner: Try Shaya on Magazine Street for modern Israeli cuisine with a New Orleans twist.
- Night: Cruise down Bourbon Street. Even if the raucous nightlife isn't your scene, it's worth experiencing once.
Saturday Morning:
- Breakfast: Elizabeth’s in the Bywater. Known for their praline bacon and eclectic vibe.
- Morning:
- Crescent Park for a relaxed stroll and views of the Mississippi.
- Grab any last-minute souvenirs, or explore any part of the city you might have missed.
General Tips:
- When dining at popular restaurants, always make reservations in advance.
- New Orleans weather can be unpredictable. Bring an umbrella and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Be cautious with your belongings. Like any major tourist destination, New Orleans can have issues with pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.
- Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! It's a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and joie de vivre that's hard to match.