Planning a 3-day New Orleans itinerary? Whether you’re after iconic sights, vibrant nightlife, or hidden gems, this guide covers everything for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of New Orleans.
Spending three days in New Orleans is the perfect amount of time to dive into its vibrant culture, explore its rich history, and experience the top attractions that make this city unforgettable. Known as “The Big Easy,” New Orleans offers an array of sights and activities. With this ultimate itinerary, featuring a Sightseeing Pass, you can make the most of your time and see the city highlights that give it a charm like no other.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Spend 3 Days in New Orleans: The Ultimate Itinerary
New Orleans has easily become one of our absolute favorite cities in the U.S. We’ve already visited three times, and we know it won’t be our last! There’s truly no place like it—this city has a soul all its own. Whether it’s the incredible food, the infectious energy of the music, or the layers of history around every corner, New Orleans just pulls you in. It’s hard to put into words, but once you’ve felt the magic of The Big Easy, you’ll understand.
Are you ready for our epic 3-day New Orleans itinerary? Let’s dive in!
Where To Stay In New Orleans
How To Get Around New Orleans?
Navigating New Orleans is easiest when you know your options. Although Uber is available, it can get costly. Walking, public transportation, and the New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off bus (included with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass) are your best options.
Sightseeing Pass: Highly recommended, as it includes access to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and entry to various popular attractions. Get your Sightseeing Pass here.
RTA Jazz Pass: Riding a streetcar is essential for a true New Orleans experience. The Jazz Pass offers unlimited rides on public buses, streetcars, and ferries and can be purchased online, via the Le Pass app, or at ticket vending machines. For more details, visit their official website here.
Day 1: Exploring the French Quarter and Beyond
🍽️ Café Beignet (breakfast) | Jackson Square | St. Louis Cathedral | Voodoo Shops & Museum | New Orleans Jazz Museum | 🍽️ Port of Call (lunch) | French Market | St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 | Mardi Gras World | French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour | 🍽️ Acme Oyster House or Mona Lisa Restaurant (dinner) | Frenchmen Street
MORNING:
Breakfast at Café Beignet: Begin your first day with a quintessential New Orleans breakfast at Café Beignet (601 Decatur St). Their iconic beignets are a must have, and since it’s located just two blocks from Jackson Square, it’s the ideal starting point for your day. PS: They also have a variety of savory options (including traditional New Orleans specialties – you can check out their menu here).
The French Quarter:
After breakfast head to Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and get lost in the French Quarter, the oldest and most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans, renowned for its vibrant history, rich culture, and distinctive architecture.
Established by the French in 1718, this historic district is characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and colorful Creole townhouses. It’s a perfect spot for shopping, restaurants, street live music, strolling around, and photo ops, making it a must-visit for anyone spending 3 days in New Orleans.
Get familiar with the Mysterious World of New Orleans Voodoo:
• Voodoo Shops: While walking around the French Quarter, you will probably come across a few Voodoo shops. Visiting these establishments is a unique way to connect with the city’s rich and mysterious cultural heritage. Voodoo in New Orleans is a blend of African, Caribbean, and French spiritual traditions that have evolved over centuries, becoming deeply intertwined with the city’s history.
In a Voodoo shop, you can expect to find various items related to the practice, including voodoo dolls, candles, talismans, gris-gris bags (small charm bags for protection or luck), and herbs used in rituals. Many shops also offer spiritual readings, rituals, and altars dedicated to various spirits or Loas. Beyond the merchandise, visiting a Voodoo shop provides insight into the beliefs and practices that have shaped New Orleans’ unique cultural landscape.
There are several voodoo stores in New Orleans, but we recommend starting with Voodoo Authentica (Daniela’s favorite one!), known for its handmade local and imported voodoo dolls and knowledgeable staff. Other notable shops include Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (the owner and staff here have a reputation for being unfriendly and rude at times, but you can still find some nice merchandise at reasonable prices), and Reverend Zombie’s House Of Voodoo.
• New Orleans Voodoo Museum: If you’re intrigued, the New Orleans Voodoo Museum, which also doubles as a tiny shop, is just a short walk away. Though it’s quite small, it’s still worth a visit and won’t take more than 15 minutes to explore. Tickets are priced at $10.
AFTERNOON:
Learn about the history of Jazz at New Orleans Jazz Museum and try “The Best Burger In The City”:
After exploring the French Quarter, take a walk over to the New Orleans Jazz Museum to dive into the rich history of this iconic music genre. While our personal experience left us a bit underwhelmed—perhaps due to the high expectations of being in the birthplace of jazz—the museum has garnered many positive reviews. For just $8, it’s worth a visit to decide for yourself, especially if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or need a break from the heat.
If you’re feeling hungry afterward, head over to Port of Call, a local favorite known for its mushroom burgers and baked potatoes. Although they have consistently been voted THE BEST BURGER IN THE CITY, we found the burgers, while tasty, not particularly memorable. That said, they’re still a solid choice.
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Shop at the French Market:
The French Market in New Orleans is a historic open-air market that dates back to 1791, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. Located in the French Quarter along the Mississippi River, it spans six blocks and offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Visitors can explore stalls filled with some locally made crafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and art. The market is also known for its food vendors, where you can enjoy classic New Orleans dishes like beignets, po’boys, alligator sausage, and more. Beyond shopping and dining, the French Market hosts festivals and live music performances, creating a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of New Orleans.
Take a full city tour on the New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off CitySightseeing Bus:
To close out your day, jump back on the New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off CitySightseeing Bus (Stop 2 – French Market) for a complete tour of the city. This 1.5-hour loop will give you a great overview of New Orleans and help you plan your stops for the next two days.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Mardi Gras World: If you have time, we recommend, getting off at Stop 11 for a quick visit at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 (open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and at Stop 16 for Mardi Gras World to see the floats in various stages of production, learn about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras, and view the intricate work that goes into creating the over-the-top designs. Mardi Gras World is open daily from 9:00am to 5:30pm (last admission at 4:30pm). Tour is currently self-guided and a visit lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.
Sightseeing Pass grants you free admission to Mardi Gras World.
EVENING:
French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour: Included in your Sightseeing Pass, this tour provides a spooky look into New Orleans’ haunted history. Make sure to sign up in advance by calling 1.800.366.8882/504.293.2951. Tour begins at Rev. Zombie’s Voodoo Shop, 723 St. Peter Street. You may take advantage of 2 for 1 hurricanes at Finnegan’s Irish Pub, located at 717 St. Peter Street (just show your pass to the bartender). You can join the tour at 6:00pm or 8:00pm.
Dinner at Acme: After your tour, enjoy some of the best oysters in town at Acme Oyster House –the chargrill oysters are to die for!! If oysters aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options (including the super tasty friend alligator, po-boys, and other Louisiana specialties.)
Another great dinner option is Mona Lisa Restaurant, an Italian-American restaurant offering a unique ambiance and good food.
Enjoy live music in Frenchmen Street: Known for its vibrant music scene, this area is perfect for nighttime entertainment. Don’t miss live jazz, reggae, and alternative music in places like The Spotted Cat Music Club, Marigny Brasserie, Blue Nile, or Café Negril.
Day 2: Garden District and Beyond
🍽️ Ruby Slipper or Daisy Dukes (breakfast) | National WWII Museum | Magazine Street and Garden District | 🍽️ Joey K’s, Boil Seafood House, The Rum House (lunch) | Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour | Jazz Boat Cruise (with dinner)
MORNING:
Breakfast at Ruby Slipper Café or Daisy Dukes Café: Both offer delicious breakfast options. At Ruby Slipper, try the Southern BLT with Fried Green Tomatoes, the Chicken St. Charles, or indulge in the classic Shrimp and Grits. At Daisy Dukes, the early bird special (before 9 a.m.) is a steal, and their Gator Omelets are worth a try.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to WWII Museum: After breakfast, take the sightseeing bus from Canal Street to the National WWII Museum (Stop 10). Spend 2-3 hours here exploring the exhibits. Highly recommended!
Sightseeing Pass grants you free admission to National WWII Museum.
AFTERNOON:
Magazine Street and Garden District: Continue your tour with a stop at Magazine Street and the Garden District (Stops 11-13). If you’ve scheduled a walking tour (included with your pass), get off at Stop 12. The tour is first-come-first-serve and it is daily: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm.) Otherwise, enjoy window shopping and grab a bite at one of the many eateries. Recommended spots include Joey K’s, Boil Seafood House, or The Rum House.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour: For a unique experience, take a Uber to the Jean Lafitte Swap Tour location for an airboat ride through the swamps. It will take approximately 40 minutes from the Garden District but the experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to see alligators in their natural habitat. Tours run daily for approximately 1 hour (10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm – This last tour time is seasonal, and does not run during winter.)
Sightseeing Pass grants you free admission to Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.
EVENING:
Jazz Boat Cruise: After returning from the tour, spend your evening on a Creole Queen Jazz Cruise. The boat departs at 7:00pm (boarding 6:15pm-6:45pm), so plan accordingly and enjoy a relaxing night on the Mississippi River (Creole buffet dinner and live jazz music included). Reservations required. Click here to book your space.
Sightseeing Pass grants you free admission to Creole Queen Jazz Cruise.
Day 3: City Park and the Arts
🍽️ Café du Monde (breakfast) | New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Botanical Garden | Sydney and Wanda Besthoff Sculpture Garden | The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum | Southern Candymakers and/or Laura’s Candies | 🍽️ Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar | Bourbon Street | Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar or Muriel’s
Jazzy Pass for Streetcars: Since your Sightseeing Pass has expired, purchase a Jazzy Pass ($3.00) for unlimited RTA buses, streetcars and ferries rides. Head to City Park using the Canal Street Streetcar (Line 48) towards “City Park/Museum.”
MORNING:
Café du Monde in City Park: Enjoy your breakfast (or lunch before leaving the area) at the Café du Monde in City Park. Pro tip: Use the takeaway line for faster service and that iconic powdered sugar photo op.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Botanical Garden: Spend the morning exploring NOMA and the nearby Botanical Garden, both are located within City Park. Be sure to visit Sydney and Wanda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (free entry), a stunning outdoor art space located within City Park, adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art. The garden spans 11 acres and features over 90 contemporary sculptures set among beautiful live oaks, magnolias, and lagoons. It’s a peaceful, immersive experience where nature and art come together in perfect harmony. With its winding paths and tranquil water features, the Sculpture Garden offers visitors a chance to appreciate world-class art in one of New Orleans’ most serene settings. 3-day New Orleans itinerary
AFTERNOON:
Head back to the French Quarter for lunch, more exploration and last-minute shopping.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: while in the French Quarter, pay a visit to this small, but very unique museum. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy in the 19th century. Housed in the former apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., the museum features an extensive collection of antique medical instruments, potions, and remedies, as well as exhibits on early medical practices, voodoo potions, and medicinal herbs. The museum closes at 4:00pm, and tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the cost of $10. For more information, click here.
Don’t leave New Orleans without taking home some of its delicious treats! For those with a sweet tooth, here are two candy stores you won’t want to miss:
Southern Candymakers: This family-owned shop has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1992 with its handmade, small-batch candies made using traditional Southern recipes and high-quality ingredients. One of the must-try items at Southern Candymakers is their pralines, a classic New Orleans confection. These sweet, creamy candies are made with sugar, butter, cream, and pecans and come in a variety of flavors, including traditional, chocolate, and rum. The shop is also famous for its fudge, with rich flavors like chocolate pecan and amaretto, as well as its buttery toffees and brittle.
Laura’s Candies: Another candy store we recommend visiting is Laura’s Candies. Established in 1913, it is the oldest candy shop in New Orleans and a cherished institution in the French Quarter. Known for its traditional recipes and charming atmosphere, this historic shop offers a delightful array of handmade confections that capture the essence of New Orleans’ sweet traditions. At Laura’s Candies, pralines are the star attraction, made fresh daily in the classic Creole style.
EVENING:
Have dinner at Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: It is a New Orleans institution renowned for serving some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city. The star attraction at Felix’s is, without a doubt, the oysters. The restaurant is famous for its raw oysters, shucked fresh at the bar and served on the half shell with lemon, cocktail sauce, and crackers. Another popular choice is the charbroiled oysters, which are grilled to perfection with a flavorful mix of garlic, butter, and herbs, topped with Parmesan cheese. Beyond oysters, Felix’s offers a variety of classic New Orleans dishes. The seafood gumbo, rich and hearty, is a favorite, as is the crawfish étouffée, a traditional dish made with tender crawfish tails in a flavorful, spicy roux. The shrimp po’boy, a French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise, is another popular choice, embodying the essence of New Orleans comfort food.
Bourbon Street: As your 3-day New Orleans itinerary comes to an end, make sure to embrace the city’s lively nightlife. A visit to New Orleans cannot be considered complete without a stroll down Bourbon Street! As the sun sets, this iconic area transforms into a bustling strip lined with neon lights, bars, clubs, and restaurants. Live music pours out from every corner, with jazz, blues, and zydeco performances filling the air. Visitors can hop from one venue to another, enjoying everything from intimate jazz clubs to lively dance spots. Iconic venues like the Preservation Hall offer an authentic New Orleans jazz experience, while other bars feature everything from rock and pop to country music. For those looking to experience the city’s legendary cocktails, Bourbon Street is the place to try famous drinks like the Hurricane, Hand Grenade, or a classic Sazerac. Many bars offer balcony seating, where you can enjoy your drink while people-watching from above. 3-day New Orleans itinerary
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: We highly reccommened checking this out! Located on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip in New Orleans, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest bars in the United States and is steeped in history and mystery. Built in the early 1700s, it is said to have been owned by the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, who may have used it as a front for his smuggling operations. The building itself is a rare example of French colonial architecture and has survived wars, fires, and hurricanes. Today, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for its dimly lit, candlelit ambiance, lack of modern amenities like electric lighting, and a rich atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Legend has it the bar is haunted, with many claiming to have seen apparitions of Lafitte himself. Visitors love the bar’s famous frozen Voodoo Daiquiris and the immersive, historical experience it offers.
Muriel’s: Another bar we highly recommend checking out is the one inside Muriel’s Restaurant. This establishment is not located in Bourbon Street, but it is still in the French Quarter and easy to reach.
Grab a drink at the Bar, and then walk up to their “hidden” Séance Lounges. These rooms capture the darker side of New Orleans, where decadence reigns. It’s a mix of Moulin Rouge and a bordello, featuring Parisian furnishings, leopard prints, tassels, and a Toulouse-Lautrec. The ceilings are a deep red, complemented by exposed brick walls and one striking wall of diamond-tufted red silk. The perfect place to relax, and take great pictures!
PS: Muriel’s is also known as one of the many places rumored to be haunted. You can read more information about their ghost, Jean Baptiste Destrehan, here.
Another couple of breakfast spots we recommend for your 3-day New Orleans itinerary:
Willa Jean (their biscuits are to die for!) – this place is very close to the Virgin Hotels New Orleans.
Mother’s – Founded in 1938, it is an iconic eatery known for its authentic Southern comfort food and no-frills atmosphere. Located on Poydras Street, Mother’s is famous for its po’boys, particularly the “Ferdi Special,” which combines roast beef debris (the flavorful drippings from slow-cooked roast beef) and ham.
This 3-day New Orleans itinerary blends vibrant sights, unforgettable flavors, and unique local experiences to help you make the most of your trip. Time explore the Big Easy and make beautiful memories!
FAQ: 3 Days in New Orleans
Is 3 days enough to see New Orleans?
Three days is just enough to get a good taste of what New Orleans has to offer. With a well-planned itinerary and the use of a Sightseeing Pass, you can experience many of the city’s highlights.
What is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?
The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May, when the weather is mild and the city comes alive with iconic events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Spring is perfect for enjoying outdoor attractions, festivals, and vibrant street life.
For a spookier vibe, October is a fantastic time to visit, especially if you love Halloween. New Orleans fully embraces the season with haunted tours, elaborate costumes, themed parties, and events like the Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade. The city’s rich history and voodoo culture add an extra layer of mystique to the Halloween experience.
If you prefer fewer crowds and better hotel deals, consider visiting in the fall (September to November). The weather is cooler, and there are plenty of festivals like Tales of the Cocktail or Oktoberfest to enjoy.
Summers (June to August) are hot and humid but ideal for budget travelers, as hotel prices drop. Winters (December to January) are quieter and cozy, with festive decorations and celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras season.
How do I get around New Orleans in 3 days?
The Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus is a great way to cover a lot of ground quickly. For areas not covered by the bus, consider using the streetcar system and walking.
What should I not miss in New Orleans in 3 days?
Don’t miss the French Quarter, a live jazz performance on Frenchman Street, the WWII Museum, and a swamp tour. These experiences capture the essence of New Orleans.
Is it worth getting a Sightseeing Pass in New Orleans?
Yes, the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass offers great value if you plan to visit several attractions. It includes the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, and entry to popular spots like the WWII Museum and a Jazz Boat Cruise.
Can I explore New Orleans on foot?
Yes, many of New Orleans’ attractions are within walking distance, especially in the French Quarter and Garden District. However, the sightseeing bus and streetcars are great options for longer distances. 3-day New Orleans itinerary
Is New Orleans safe for tourists?
From our experience visiting New Orleans three times, we’ve never encountered any issues, whether during the day or late at night. The city’s popular areas felt safe and welcoming. That said, like any major city, it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense. You might see a few homeless individuals or run into some overly enthusiastic party-goers, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. Stick to busier streets, especially if you’re exploring at night, and don’t hesitate to ask locals or hotel staff for guidance if you’re feeling unsure about a specific area.
