Experience the Best of 3 Days in New Orleans
Can you discover the heart of The Big Easy in just 3 days in New Orleans? Absolutely! This city, alive with music, exquisite cuisine, and rich history, offers so much to experience even in a brief visit. Over 3 days in New Orleans, you can dive into the vibrant life of the historic French Quarter, savor the local cuisine, and explore the World War II Museum.
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My first visit to New Orleans, initially just a quick stop before a cruise, quickly became a deep affection for the city. This guide aims to help you make the most of your 3 days, exploring well-known sights and hidden treasures. Prepare to experience everything from ghostly tales and stunning architecture to taking delicious bites of local eats.
How to Spend 3 Days in New Orleans
Are you wondering what to do for three days in New Orleans, especially if it’s your first visit? You’ll likely want to spend most of your time in the heart of the city—the French Quarter. This charming district, part of the city’s oldest neighborhood, is best explored on foot.
Day 1 in New Orleans
Explore The French Quarter
Start your visit by checking your hotel and dropping off your luggage, then head out to explore the French Quarter. This historic district has cobblestone streets, boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Visit Jackson Square, named after Major General Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The area is bustling with local artists, musicians, dancers, and psychics. Behind the square, you’ll find the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States.
Take some time to stroll around Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Esplanade Avenue, but be aware that the atmosphere can change dramatically from day to night, especially on Bourbon Street.
Don’t miss the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, the oldest pharmacy in the US, which offers a peek into the city’s medical past.
Fun Fact: In the French Quarter, lookout for street names tiles found at the corners of each block.
Book a Ghost Tour
Experience the eerie side of the French Quarter on a ghost tour. On our first night, we chose a tour with Free Tours By Foot, and it was a thrilling way to learn about the area’s history and hauntings. Discover why Nicolas Cage has a tombstone in the city’s oldest cemetery and hear about the paranormal activities haunting the local establishments. Tours are available in both private and group settings, though group tours tend to add to the fun, especially for ghost stories.
Enjoy a Late Night Snack of Beignets
End your day with a traditional New Orleans treat—beignets and coffee. Café Du Monde is the most iconic spot, known for its late hours. While it’s not our favorite, it’s a must-visit for first-timers. We also recommend Cafe Beignet and Morning Call for Beignets for late-night stops. They are popular at any time of day, especially for breakfast at a cafe au lait, so feel free to indulge whenever your craving hits.
Read more: Top Spots for New Orleans Beignets
Day 2 in New Orleans
Take a French Quarter Walking Tour
Exploring independently can be delightful, but nothing beats the insights and stories a local guide can offer. Opt for a guided French Quarter tour with Free Tours by Foot. You’ll learn about Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street, the origins of Mardi Gras, and more, wandering through less-traveled alleys and streets along the way. If you’ve already experienced a ghost tour, this tour will enrich your understanding of the city’s culture and history.
Visit the French Market
Established in the late 1700s as a Native American trading post, the French Market spans five blocks from the French Quarter to the Mississippi River. It’s the perfect place for lunch after your morning tour. Sample local eats like muffuletta at Alberto’s Wine and Cheese, beignets at Loretta’s, and even Gator on a stick. Don’t miss out on the unique handcrafted souvenirs available here. The market operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District
Board the dark green St. Charles Streetcar at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street and head to the Garden District. This $1.25 ride (exact change required) takes you through a picturesque part of the city dotted with historic mansions, lush gardens, and quaint cafes. You can hop on and off to explore or even take a guided walking tour of the Garden District to dive deeper into the area’s history.
Visit Frenchman Street
Finish your day at Frenchman Street, a hotspot for locals seeking music, food, and drinks. This three-block radius comes alive at night with live jazz clubs featuring local musicians. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the sounds of New Orleans jazz as you walk the street; just be prepared for potential lines at popular spots.
Day 3 in New Orleans
Plan Your Day at the National World War II Museum
Dedicate your final day in New Orleans to the National World War II Museum. Recognized as one of the most comprehensive museums on the topic, it offers a blend of interactive exhibits, poignant documentaries, firsthand recounts, and authentic artifacts that vividly bring the era to life.
Initially, we planned to spend only half a day here, but we quickly realized that a full day was necessary to appreciate the exhibitions fully. Take the time to explore everything at your own pace.
The audio tour, in particular, provides an engaging and informative way to explore the complex history of World War II. This museum isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience to immerse yourself in—one of our best experiences.
New Orleans Tours to Book
Free Tours By Foot
I booked with Free Tours by Foot for the first time during this trip and was thoroughly impressed. They offer tours in various cities across the US, mostly free, though some require a small booking surcharge. The guides work for tips, so tips are customary based on what you feel the tour is worth. We enjoyed both the New Orleans Ghost Tour and the French Quarter Tour. The quality of your experience can greatly depend on your guide, and ours was excellent. Visit their site for more tour options.
Take a 2-hour Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi River [Book NOW]
A relaxing way to spend an afternoon is on an authentic steamboat cruising the lower Mississippi River. Enjoy the scenic views, visit the engine room, and enjoy a jazz brunch onboard.
New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour [Book Now]
As the dining capital of the US, New Orleans offers a rich culinary experience. This tour allows you to sample four full-size drinks and eight dishes typical of the region. It is perfect as a late lunch or early dinner option.
Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus [Book Now]
If your time in New Orleans is limited, consider the Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus to explore beyond the French Quarter efficiently. It provides stress-free transportation and drops you off at major points of interest while offering city information. Passes are available for 1 or 2 days.
Where to Eat In New Orleans
We enjoyed a few places during our few days in New Orleans.
- Alberto’s Cheese and Wine Bistro: Delicious muffalettas in the French Market.
- The Original Pierre Maspero: Order a hurricane and the crab cakes.
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe: The best brunch. Order the biscuits.
- Red Fish Grill: BBQed Oysters for the win.
Where to Stay in the French Quarter
Choosing the right place to stay can significantly enhance your New Orleans experience, especially if it’s your first visit. We opted for locations within walking distance of all the French Quarter’s attractions but away from the nightly bustle of Bourbon Street.
Marriott Courtyard New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville
During our initial visit, we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville. Perfectly positioned just a short distance from Bourbon Street, the hotel offers central access to everything the French Quarter has to offer. The staff were incredibly helpful, the rooms spacious, and the beds comfortable. My only critique would be that the cleanliness could have been slightly better.
The Place d’Armes Hotel
On our return trip for Halloween, we chose The Place d’Armes Hotel near Jackson Square. This hotel boasts a fantastic location, excellent facilities, and newly renovated rooms. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s festive spirit.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.