Ultimate 4 Day Itinerary: Must Do in New Orleans
I cannot think of a better city to spend a long weekend than New Orleans (NOLA) when we are talking about major cities in the US. An absolute hub of culture and history, not to mention the hospitality of locals, it is also a very convenient location to extend the long weekend trip to a 10 day road trip (which is what we did) to other major cities of Louisiana. A terrific representation of the US’s unique composition of the “melting pot”, here is a 4 Day itinerary at this wonderful city!
Getting Around
By Car
We rented a car during our time in New Orleans, which made it very convenient for us to get around different neighborhoods within the city. Free parking is relatively easy to find and we never had trouble during the few days we were there.
Ubers
Ubers also seem readily available and not overly expensive. Most key neighborhoods are within 20 minutes from one another, hence making it easy to get around as well. The main downtown and French Quarter areas are also accessible by public transportation.
Day 1 - ST. ROCH’S HALL & FRENCH QUARTER
Morning - St. Roch’s Hall
Po Boy from Elysian Market at Roch Hall, a food court celebrating local businesses and cuisines in New Orleans
Begin the day by heading to St. Roch’s Hall, a food hall with interesting architecture of tall Greek columns in the interior, which features local businesses with coffee stands, creole and cajun food, as well as French food choices! Not a large selection of restaurants but enough to bring diversity to the table. On Sundays there are also live music and other activities!
We tried two different po boys from Elysian Foods. One was traditional shrimp and the other was local andouille sausage with mustard. The bread was very dry and I thought it was somewhat overpriced. But with the experience, ambiance, and supporting local minority businesses - why not!
Afternoon - French Quarter
After lunch, head towards the French Quarter and soak in all the history and culture within this wonderful neighborhood! Roam around and take in the beautiful historical houses - many of them with intricate iron railing balconies. While you explore, make sure to stop by the classic Café du Monde and French Market to try classic Cajun food and snacks for an afternoon snack!
Key Buildings with Unique Architecture and History
We followed this wonderful self-guided tour to hit all the key buildings. Below are a few highlights!
Iron balcony houses in the French Quarter, New Orleans
Another beautiful brick front house with iron frames and balcony railing in the French Quarter of New Orleans
Rows of colorful houses in the French Quarter, New Orleans
The most famous iron balcony house in the French Quarter complemented by a horse and a buggy in New Orleans!
Afternoon Snack and Dinner
Café du Monde
One of the most famous food institutions of New Orleans with worldwide reputation, this cafe with its famous coffee and beignets will most likely have an incredibly long line throughout any time of the day. Depending on your desire to wait (we opted not to since the line was even longer than usual when we were there), you can grab your morning or daytime snack and pick-me-up here!
French Market
A less crowded option is the large French Market that Cafe du Monde is adjacent to. Depending on the day of the week, the French Market is filled with vendors who sell produce, snacks and bites, as well as locally handcrafted items! We grabbed a club crepe and crawfish mac and cheese that were quite excellent! There are many other options such as fried alligator bites and such.
Fountain and courtyard views near the French Market in the French Quarter of New Orleans
Napoleon House
I highly recommend this sit-down restaurant with excellent ambiance and its affordability! Great for both lunch and dinner, this traditional Creole restaurant sits in the historical building and has a large area for indoor seating with oil paintings and portraits throughout as well as a courtyard.
Formerly the residence of New Orleans Mayor Girod’s residence from 1812 to 1815, the historical house got its name through Girod’s plot to have THE Napoleon Bonaparte to reside here in 1821 during his exile. Unfortunately, Napoleon past away in Saint Helena before the plan came into full fruition.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here with the accompaniment of classical music in the background. Servings of Jambalaya, Gumbo, and more!
Beautiful tile work from the Napoleon House, former residence of Mayor Girod in the 1800s, the house got its name from the mayor’s plot to have Napoleon Bonaparte come to New Orleans and live in this house during his exile. The historical house now functions as a Creole restaurant
Andouille Sausage from Napoleon House in the French Quarter, New Orleans
Additional Points of Interests
After brunch, head towards the iconic Jackson Square and walk through the park towards the St. Louis Cathedral. You can wrap up the French Quarter by heading towards St. Louis #1 Cemetery. The cemetery, I believe, is now closed to the public, but you can swing by before you head out and get a glimpse at the traditional crypts and where notable figures throughout New Orleans history are buried.
Jackson Square with St. Louis Cathedral in the backdrop in New Orleans, Louisiana
The bright interiors of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans
If timing allows, take a walk in Louis Armstrong Park, within walking distance from the French Quarter. The park has a very French feel to it with rows of Parisian street lamps and a pedestrian bridge over the manmade lake.
Stumbled upon this private French Garden on the way to Louis Armstrong Park from the French Quarter in New Orleans
Reflections at Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans
Nightlife
Bourbon Street
Most of y’all probably have heard of the infamous Bourbon Street. If you are looking for a no frills, casual, dive-bar type vibe which can sometimes get a bit rowdy later at night. Bourbon Street is the spot! Bars after bars, there is bound to be one that fits your liking!
Obsessed with these tile street signs on sidewalks in New Orleans. Bourbon Street in the French Quarter lives up to its reputation as a party street in New Orleans!
Frenchmen Street
We opted for more of the live music scene and stopped by two places that are very different from each other but both equally fun and an incredible experience!
Preservation Hall
What an absolute delight! One of my favorite things about this trip. Preservation Hall is a historic music venue that has been around since 1961. If you are a jazz fan, then this is most definitely a place you must visit! Focusing on the traditional New Orleans Jazz, there are multiple shows each evening but tickets do tend to sell pretty fast. You can purchase them online ahead of time.
We got standing tickets, which were only $25 each. The room is very very intimate and each concert is usually about an hour, which is not too bad to stand for that long. It was absolutely incredible to see all the musicians, most of them in their 70s, who are truly masters at their art!
Since 1961, Preservation Hall, this intimate live music venue of New Orleans, has kept the legacy of New Orleans jazz music alive
2. Blue Nile
A popular live music venue, the Blue Nile is a dive-ish bar with a stage and dance floor that features multiple shows per night too. Most of the artists are younger and more up-and-coming compared to the traditional New Orleans Jazz at Preservation Hall. You can buy your tickets online or at the door. We got ours online and had a fantastically good time there as well!
Blurry nights of goodness at the Blue Nile, a prominent live music venue that features more of a modern twist on jazz and local New Orleans music
Day 2 - GARDEN DISTRICT, MAGAZINE STREET, & DOWNTOWN
Morning - Garden District & Magazine Street
Kick off your second day at New Orleans with the quaint and quiet neighborhood of the Garden District, where gorgeous 18th - early 20th style mansions that stand majestically in between rows of Spanish Oaks along the small streets.
We followed this helpful self-guided tour that gave a glimpse of history behind these mansions.
See below to see a few of my favorites!
Gorgeous peach colored house in the Garden District of New Orleans
House in the Garden District of New Orleans with beautiful iron fence and detailed railing
Breakfast & Coffee
Still Perkin (permanently closed! 🙁)
As the Guide suggests, stop by The Ring, which is a mall with local stores, including a bookstore! Grab a coffee to go at Still Perkin. I was not impressed by the ambiance of the cafe, it kind of looked like a non-hipster, generic college or hospital cafe, but the coffee itself was quite good! And the location is perfect to take a grab-n-go along with a pastry to sip and eat as you walk around and enjoy the views of the mansions!
Super cutely decorated with old Parisian Cafe style, this shop is excellent for sit down or take out! They have a great selection of beignets, both traditional bites with powdered and cinnamon sugar on top, as well as more inhouse modern interpretation with stuffed jelly! I got the traditional beignet bites. They came straight out of the (oven? skillet?). It was still hot and delicious! Other breakfast foods are also available and of course, coffee!
Powdered sugar beignet bites from The Vintage near Magazine Street, New Orleans
If you need a cleanse or simply want a healthier and vegetarian breakfast or snack option, checkout The Daily Beet with an array of smoothies, juices, breakfast bowls, and salads made with the freshest ingredients!
I got the Starbuxxx smoothie with coast roast cold brew, banana, raw cacao, vanilla, raw agave and it was absolutely fab!
Lunch
Joey K’s
A Creole restaurant and neighborhood classic, Joey K pretty much functions like a local diner with colorful decor by a local artist. Food was fantastic and really generously portioned!
Beef brisket with gravy with cabbage on top of a bed of rice from Joey K’s on Magazine Street, New Orleans
Pomelo NOLA
Great Thai restaurant in the neighborhood. We actually went for dinner instead of lunch when we stayed in the area but lunch is also a great option for this cute restaurant! It’s not the typical southern Thai food that most of us are used to (pad thai, pad see eew, etc.) but rather northern Thai food that is slightly similar to Singaporean or Malaysian food that has a great selection of stir fries and curries.
We tried the soup noodle, dry noodle with shrimp and pork, and dumplings. Very delicious!
Shopping on Magazine Street
If time permits, walk around Magazine Street, where there are so many cute shops and art galleries along the way and pick up a souvenir or two!
Magazine Street of New Orleans is a great neighborhood to stay in during your time in New Orleans. Filled with shopping, great eats, cafes, and historical mansions!
Afternoon - Downtown NOLA
After a full morning at the Garden District and Magazine Street, head over to Downtown, which is very close by. Book a free tour at the Sazerac Museum! We were not planning to go there at first, but it was raining heavily on one of the days we were there so I booked it on its official website. I’m so glad we did because this place is definitely worth checking out rain or shine!
The museum is very interactive and well curated and I learned so much about not only New Orleans history but also the development of American spirits in general! Free samples are also provided throughout ;)
Gorgeous display wall of bourbon at the Sazerac House in Downtown New Orleans
Dinner - Cochon Butcher
Wrap up the day with a nice dinner at one of New Orleans’ hip restaurants - Cochon Butcher. (I had to go because I am obsessed with piggys and cochon means Pig in French!) New American with Creole, Cajun, and Southern focus, it was one of the most memorable meals we had in New Orleans.
We had catfish and compacted pulled pork topped with okra, sitting on top of a bed of collard greens and cheesy grits. Both were so flavorful and deliciously tender! Definitely book reservations as it tends to get very full and booked quickly.
Day 3 - SLIDELL & MANDEVILLE & SWAMP TOUR!
In addition to the city center itself, the suburbs within a one-hour driving radius from New Orleans have much to offer as well! Two of the must-dos when you come to New Orleans are swamp tours and plantation visits. Many tour operators offer both in a day trip package. But if you rented a car like us and have flexible timing, I strongly suggest splitting them into two days!
Head out in the northeast direction from NOLA to the town of Slidell. A suburb near one of the many swamps in the region, grab a bite of breakfast and coffee first before jumping in a boat to do a swamp tour!
Morning - Slidell & Swamp Tour
Breakfast & Brunch
Dong Phuong Bakery and Restaurant
Depending on where you are staying in New Orleans, most likely, you will pass Dong Phuong on your way to Slidell. It’s definitely worth it if you are on your way to make a pit stop and grab something from the bakery - all the selection from a traditional Cantonese/Vietnamese bakery of moon cakes, coconut breads, red bean breads, wife cakes, husband cakes, shortbread cookies and wide selection of Bahn Mis from the Deli! If you are around during Mardi Gras or on Three King’s Day (L'Épiphanie sometimes referred to as “La fête des Rois”), you can also get their special King’s Cake!
We grabbed all sorts of snacks from the bakery and two different kinds of bahn mis just before they closed. The bahn mis were so good and just them alone make it worth stopping by! The baked goods were good but I wasn’t as blown away. Because they were closing, they threw in two boxes of coconut cookies for free!
Very very unfortunately however, the restaurant was closed and I did not get a chance to try the pho that I really wanted. In fact we were so confused and thought we couldn’t locate the restaurant (even though logically it would make sense that the restaurant would be next to the bakery). And we ended up circling the block twice with no luck. Finally, the owner was hanging out in the parking lot and told us that the restaurant closed at 3pm for the day and we were too late! :(
This classic local diner was featured in Guy Ferrari’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on the Food Network. We could tell by people-watching and overhearing conversations that everyone here was a weekly regular!
Cannot resist taking a picture with the Guy Ferrari banner in front of La Pines Cafe in Slidell, Louisiana, a suburb northeast of New Orleans
Egg Hollandaise from La Pines Cafe in Slidell, LA, featured on Guy Ferrari’s “Drives, Dine-ins, Dives” on the Food Network!
In the same parking lot as La Pines Cafe, this local favorite boasts of making some of the best beignets in the region! Unfortunately, it was on my list but we didn’t have time to try.
Phil’s Marina Cafe at Oak Harbor
Like its name, Phil’s Marina Cafe is next to the Oak Harbor Marina. Food aside, this area of town is an enormous area that are filled with multiple marinas - intricate waterways in between manmade concrete canals, some filled with boats, some sitting empty. A sight to see just on its own.
This lovely cafe by the marina with great views serves excellent sea food and casual bites. Excellent taste and great portions. I had the fish of the day with spinach and mac and cheese that I absolutely loved! Incredible tender piece of fish with so much flavor and the creamiest mac and cheese!
Fresh fish with spinach and mac and cheese from Phil’s Marina Cafe Oak Harbor in Slidell, LA
Honey Island Swamp Tours
After breakfast, drive over to Honey Island Swamp Tours. Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time! I called them 2 weeks ahead of time to book my tickets ($29 pp). It is an absolute highlight of the entire trip!
The guides are very knowledgeable and entertaining. On this day we were able to see multiple alligators, turtles, birds, and an entire camp of 20+ raccoons! You will also get to witness the incredible landscape as well as the floating houses along the bayou, that is only accessible by boat.
Meeting spot and front office of Honey Island Swamp Tours in Slidell, LA near New Orleans
Floating houses in the bayous of New Orleans from Honey Island Swamp Tours
Floating Houses that are only accessible by boats in the bayous near New Orleans
Animals spotted on a swamp tour near New Orleans: Row of 20 turtles on a log, sunbathing in the bayous!
Spotted: alligator in the swamp during our Honey Island Swamp Tours near New Orleans!
A school of raccoons in the bayous, fighting for marshmallows thrown out by our guide during our swamp tour near New Orleans!
Afternoon - Mandeville
After spending the morning in Slidell, drive west for about 30 minutes to another suburb of New Orleans, Mandeville. Park your car somewhere in downtown Mandeville and take a nice 10 minute walk towards the lakefront. You will walk past beautiful neighborhood houses intermixed with cafes, restaurants, and a few bars along the way.
Adorable storefronts, a hipster and cute lakefront suburb north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain
Lakefront Park
Enjoy the beautiful lakefront park with such good vibes - kids flying kites, people taking jogs or walking their dogs.
Lakefront park in Mandeville, LA, a suburb north of New Orleans
Gorgeous lakefront views in Mandeville, LA a lakefront suburb north of New Orleans. Reminds me of Lake Michigan in Chicago!
Fontainebleau Beach and Park
Next, drive 10 minutes to Fontainebleau Beach and State Park. The park’s name piqued my interest as it shares the name with one of the famous castles in the suburbs of Paris, France. It’s $3 to get in but totally worth it! The beautiful park is decked with oak trees with Spanish mosses. There is a small beach front to lay out and take a dip. A long deck is also available to chill and fish.
I noticed that the main building, which was closed when we visited due to construction, appeared to be a traditional bath house from the 19th century. The entire park exudes beautiful ambiance and relaxing environment. It’s perfect for a picnic, stroll, day out with your loved ones and watch the sunset. We also ran into a few wedding photoshoots out there!
Hauntingly beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss at Fontainebleau Park in Mandeville, LA
Lake beach views at Fontainebleau Beach and Park in Mandeville, LA near New Orleans
Drive Back to New Orleans
If it is not too out of the way to where you are staying in New Orleans, I strongly recommend driving back to the main parts of NOLA across Lake Pontchartrain on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The longest bridge overwater in the world according to Guinness World Records, this 23.83 mile long engineering masterpiece provides magnificent views and continuous open water views throughout the entire ~30 minute drive!
Day 4 - PLANTATION DAY
Enjoy your last day at New Orleans by driving out to the western suburbs along the Mississippi River towards the town of Vacherie to see the plantations. Dubbed “plantation row” as there are many of them, albeit miles apart, along both banks of the River, the plantations share a very dark but key part of US history and agrarian society in the 18th and 19th century, slavery.
Oak Alley Plantation
The majestic long driveway with grand oak trees that has Spanish moss hanging down along both sides of the main road leading up to the main house is absolutely breathtaking. The visit includes a guided tour throughout the main house along with the history of its owners (The last one lived there until the 1970s!), the gardens, and a curated exhibit about slavery on the property, displayed throughout the remaining cabins. Tickets are $35 per person and can be bought onsite.
The road leading up to the main house at Oak Alley Plantation near New Orleans
The oaks of Oak Alley Plantation near New Orleans
More oak trees and stream on the property of Oak Alley Mansion on southwest suburbs of New Orleans
Rose garden and front of the Main House of Oak Alley Plantation near New Orleans
Whitney Plantation
Although we did not visit this particular one, the Whitney Plantation is just a 12 minute drive from Oak Alley. The plantation solely focuses on telling the history and legacies of slavery in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Compared to many other places in the United States, New Orleans truly is a wonderful gem, filled with history and culture that truly exudes a spirit and passion for life. I absolutely loved the few days we spent there and it is one of places I genuinely highly recommend to visit!
I know that oftentimes in the news we read about gun violence and safety concerns - which I am sure happens. However, I have not felt threatened or endangered at any point during this trip. But of course, as you should take precaution anywhere you go, especially metropolitan cities, use caution and be aware of your surroundings!
NOLA is a wonderful place to discover and like their saying goes Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)
