New Orleans in 3 Days: Iconic Sights, Street Eats & Smart Tips

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Begin your solo adventure at Surrey's Café & Juice Bar is a quirky, colorful café beloved for its creative breakfast plates, fresh-squeezed juices, and Latin-inspired specials. The funky decor and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast before exploring the area.

Attraction: Mardi Gras World

Get behind the sequins at Mardi Gras World – see giant floats up close, meet mask-makers, and discover how Carnival comes to life year-round.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Convention Center (Stop #16)

Highlights:

• Tour the massive working warehouse where artists build the towering Mardi Gras floats used in New Orleans’ biggest parades.
• Try on real Mardi Gras costumes and snap photos among colorful props like oversized heads, glittery dragons, and dancing vegetables.
• Watch sculptors and painters at work – each float is handcrafted from foam, fiberglass, and an impressive amount of glitter and paint.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the short film at the beginning – it’s the best way to understand the traditions before walking the floor.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5-2 hours

Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to The National WWII Museum.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Dine at Cochon Butcher is a trendy, casual spot just a short walk from the museum, known for its inventive Cajun-inspired sandwiches, house-cured meats, and lively, modern vibe. 

Attraction: The National WWII Museum

This world-class museum dives deep into WWII through immersive exhibits, personal stories, and rare artifacts – an unforgettable journey through one of history’s most defining chapters.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: The National WWII Museum (Stop #10)

Highlights:

• Step into the “Road to Berlin” exhibit, with recreated bombed-out buildings, icy forests, and wartime footage that brings Europe’s frontlines alive.
• Board the restored C-47 plane in the US Freedom Pavilion to experience the aircraft that carried paratroopers on D-Day.
• Watch “Beyond All Boundaries,” a 4D film produced by Tom Hanks, with real explosions, moving seats, and firsthand soldier accounts.

Pro tip: Book the 4D “Beyond All Boundaries” film in advance – it sells out fast and sets the tone for the exhibits.

Suggested time to spend: 3 hours

Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride to the French Quarter.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: French Quarter

New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood blends Creole townhouses, live jazz, voodoo lore, and iconic eats – all wrapped in wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone charm.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Walk down Royal Street to find antique shops, galleries, and street musicians – all framed by historic iron-laced balconies overhead.
• Step inside Faulkner House Books, a literary landmark tucked in Pirate’s Alley where the author once lived and wrote.
• Visit the Pharmacy Museum to explore 19th-century medical cures, potions, and tools inside America’s first licensed apothecary shop.

Pro tip: Take a detour through the French Market for local crafts, fresh beignets, and quick bites under covered open-air stalls.

Suggested time to spend: 2-3 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Wrap up your solo time in NOLA with dinner at Muriel's. The place offers elegant Creole fare in a beautiful 19th-century building overlooking Jackson Square. The balcony dining, historic charm, and favorites like turtle soup and pecan-crusted fish create a quintessential New Orleans experience.

Bonus!

If you’re in for exploring jazz pubs and hopping around while dining, here are a few places you could hit!
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (733 Bourbon St.) offers intimate jazz sessions in a historic venue – arrive early for small-space charm.
The Bourbon Square Jazz Bar pairs award-winning gumbo with live music, hookah, and sports screens.
House of Blues (nearby on Decatur St.) features nightly local acts in a blues-themed setting.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at Joey K's is a classic Garden District joint beloved for its hearty New Orleans comfort food, casual vibe, and generous portions. It's a go-to for locals and visitors alike, with standout dishes like red beans and rice and fried catfish. 

Attraction: Garden District

The Garden District is where grand mansions, leafy streets, and cast-iron fences tell the story of 19th-century wealth and Southern charm.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: ST. CHARLES AVENUE - Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave. (Stop #14)

Highlights:

• Stroll along Prytania Street to admire antebellum mansions, wraparound porches, and lush gardens behind towering wrought-iron fences.
• Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, filled with above-ground tombs and weathered marble crypts.
• Stop by Commander’s Palace, the iconic bright-blue restaurant serving Creole fine dining under oak trees since the 1880s.

Pro tip: Pick up a self-guided walking tour map – each block holds historic homes with stories of writers, war heroes, and movie sets.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Enjoy a classic New Orleans meal at Daisy Dukes French Quarter, a local favorite for seafood and Cajun-Southern comfort fare in a warm, relaxed setting. Their po' boys, gumbo, and crawfish étouffée are crowd-pleasers, and the friendly, casual vibe is perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch after a cemetery tour.

Attraction: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

New Orleans' most famous cemetery, St. Louis No. 1, is a haunting maze of above-ground tombs, voodoo legends, and 18th-century Creole history.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: BASIN ST. STATION (Stop #5) 

Highlights:

• See the tomb of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, still visited by believers who leave offerings for her spirit.
• Explore tightly packed crypts and family vaults built in the 1700s, showcasing New Orleans’ unique burial customs and Catholic heritage.
• Spot actor Nicolas Cage’s strange white pyramid-shaped tomb, built in advance for his eventual resting place in the city.

Pro tip: Visits require a licensed guide. Book ahead to ensure access and get deeper stories about the people buried here.

Suggested time to spend: 1 hour

Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to Steamboat Natchez. 

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Steamboat Natchez

The last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi, the Natchez, offers skyline views, live jazz, and creaky charm on a classic paddlewheel cruise.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Head to the top deck for sweeping river views and a look at the working paddlewheel as it churns below.
• Tour the engine room mid-cruise to see century-old steam mechanics in motion, complete with puffs, clanks, and operator banter.
• Enjoy live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland during the dinner cruise – tables are close-up, and the tunes are timeless.

Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the boat’s vintage charm and snag the best seating along the upper rail.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Cafe Maspero serves up hearty New Orleans-style sandwiches, seafood platters, and Creole bites in a casual, brick-lined space with an old-world vibe. It's a great pick for those seeking generous portions, fast service, and a laid-back dinner just steps from the riverfront.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Ruby Slipper brings a cheerful, trendy energy with generous plates of Southern-inspired breakfast favorites. Popular dishes include egg Benedict variations and house-made biscuits. The homey, vibrant setting is LGBTQ+ friendly and perfect for groups or solo diners looking for a lively start to their day.

Attraction: St Louis Cathedral

Towering over Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the U.S. – a striking mix of history, faith, and French Colonial architecture.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Admire the triple spires and white facade. This Gothic Revival landmark anchors the skyline and frames countless New Orleans photos.
• Step inside to see the painted ceiling, stained glass windows, and a centuries-old organ still used during daily services.
• Visit the small museum tucked beside the altar to learn about the cathedral’s many rebuilds since its founding in 1789.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the side chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary – it’s quieter, with beautiful candles and carved wooden detailing.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: 12-minute walk to Louis Armstrong Park. 

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Head to Cafe Pontalba, a classic Cajun-Creole joint with prime people-watching views of Jackson Square. The menu features traditional local fare like jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans & rice, making it a great stop for those wanting to soak up both the flavors and the vibrant street life of the French Quarter.

Attraction: Louis Armstrong Park 

Just north of the French Quarter, Louis Armstrong Park honors New Orleans’ jazz legacy with shady paths, sculptures, and the iconic Congo Square.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Visit Congo Square, where enslaved Africans gathered on Sundays – now a paved plaza with plaques, drums, and cultural significance.
• Snap a photo with the larger-than-life Louis Armstrong statue, trumpet raised high above a lily-filled lagoon bridge.
• Wander past the Mahalia Jackson Theater and small sculpture gardens, with nods to jazz legends, Creole culture, and local history.

Pro tip: Bring a picnic and sit near the lagoon – great views, peaceful setting, and a chance to hear street musicians practice.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to Jackson Square.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Jackson Square

Jackson Square, with its stunning views of St. Louis Cathedral, vibrant gardens, and street artists, is the heart of New Orleans' historic district.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Admire the St. Louis Cathedral from the park’s center – its towering spires offer the best photos with Jackson Square’s greenery.
• Browse the many artists and musicians who line the square, offering original works and lively performances throughout the day.
• Visit the Cabildo and Presbytère museums at the square’s edge, two landmarks showcasing New Orleans’ history and cultural evolution.

Pro tip: Catch a street performance or visit one of the many open-air art galleries – there’s always something new to discover.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro offers a quintessential New Orleans dinner experience, blending live jazz with Creole cuisine in a historic 1800s building on Frenchmen Street. The menu features classic dishes like seafood gumbo, BBQ shrimp, and étouffée, alongside signature cocktails (try the Goombay Punch or Vieux Carré).

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your family day at Riccobono's Panola Street Cafe, a beloved neighborhood staple that’s a bright, casual space perfect for families. With outdoor seating and a menu featuring everything from fluffy pancakes to savory omelets, it’s sure to become your kids' favorite.

Attraction: Audubon Zoo

Home to white alligators, lazy leopards, and a Louisiana swamp, Audubon Zoo mixes lush scenery with close-up wildlife encounters for a day that’s wild in the best way.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: ST. CHARLES AVENUE (Stop #14)

Highlights:

• Walk through the Asian Domain to see elephants, sun bears, and towering tigers basking in leafy, shaded enclosures.
• Explore the Louisiana Swamp exhibit to spot white alligators and bayou critters in a setting that mirrors real Cajun wetlands.
• Visit Jaguar Jungle, a lush Mayan-inspired zone with howler monkeys, toucans, and an ancient temple playground for kids.

Pro tip: Hop aboard the Swamp Train for a breezy ride through the zoo’s scenic back trails and a fun break from walking.

Suggested time to spend: 3 hours

Time to next stop: 1 hour of public bus transport to the Louisiana Children's Museum.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Stop by Mandina's, a classic New Orleans institution, serving up a mix of Italian and Cajun-Creole favorites in a relaxed, family-friendly space. Generous portions, a varied menu, and quick service make it a reliable choice for a hearty lunch, close to the museum.

Attraction: Louisiana Children's Museum

With hands-on exhibits, a giant bubble station, and an edible garden, this museum makes learning irresistible for curious kids (and secretly, adults too).

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: TREME (Stop #4) 

Highlights:

• Let kids build, splash, and roleplay in the Play Power gallery, filled with waterworks, gears, and interactive energy exhibits.
• Visit the giant bubble station and challenge yourself to create a bubble big enough to stand inside!
• Explore the Edible Garden to touch, smell, and learn about herbs, veggies, and pollinators in a vibrant outdoor classroom.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the second-floor toddler zone – it's calm, padded, and perfect for little ones needing a quieter place.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to City Park. 

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: City Park

City Park is New Orleans’ green heart – home to centuries-old oaks, gondola rides, sculpture gardens, and space to roam, play, and breathe.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: TREME (Stop #4) 

Highlights:

• Stroll through the Besthoff Sculpture Garden and discover over 90 modern works set against mossy oaks, lagoons, and footbridges.
• Visit Carousel Gardens for classic amusement rides, including a century-old hand-carved wooden carousel with brass poles and painted animals.
• Paddle a swan boat across Big Lake or float under ancient trees on a peaceful rented gondola ride.

Pro tip: Bring a blanket and head to Couturie Forest, the park’s “wild” side, with shady trails and a hidden hilltop view.

Suggested time to spend: 3 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Wrap up your day at Katie's, a lively, homey spot famous for its Creole-Italian fusion – think pizza, po' boys, and seafood pastas. The welcoming vibe, generous portions, and creative cocktails make it a hit for families, groups, and anyone craving a taste of local comfort food with a twist.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Start your day with a family breakfast at The Camellia Grill, a beloved New Orleans landmark since 1946. Enjoy friendly counter service and hearty classics like fluffy omelets, pancakes, grits, and bacon in a lively, welcoming atmosphere

Attraction: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

From Gulf Coast creatures to Amazonian wonders, this riverside aquarium blends aquatic spectacle with conservation smarts – perfect for families, fish fans, and ocean nerds.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: RIVERFRONT | CREOLE QUEEN (Stop #18) 

Highlights:

• Walk beneath sharks and stingrays in the 30-foot tunnel tank – stand still and watch the underwater world swirl around you.
• Marvel at the Amazon Rainforest dome, where parrots, piranhas, and poison dart frogs thrive in lush, steamy tropical surroundings.
• Visit the penguin colony during feeding time for a close-up look at their waddles, dives, and snack-time squabbles.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the stingray touch pool – roll up your sleeves and gently glide your fingers over their velvety wings.

Suggested time to spend: 2 to 2.5 hours

Time to next stop: 5-minute walk to Audubon Insectarium.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: The Rum House is a vibrant, family-friendly spot on Magazine Street, perfect for a relaxed lunch with Caribbean flair. Families love the mix-and-match tacos like jerk chicken, BBQ brisket, and chili-glazed shrimp, served on warm tortillas.

Attraction: Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Step into a world of bugs, butterflies, and beetles at the Insectarium, where creepy-crawlies become fascinating through immersive exhibits and flutter-filled garden walks.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: RIVERFRONT | CREOLE QUEEN (Stop #18) 

Highlights:

• Walk through the Butterfly Garden where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter freely – stand still and one might land on you!
• Visit the underground bug tunnel exhibit to see termites, beetles, and ants from a bug’s-eye view – crouch, crawl, and explore.
• Check out the Insect Kitchen where brave visitors can try snacks made with real bugs – if you're bold, give it a crunch.

Pro tip: Wear bright colors to the Butterfly Garden! Vivid patterns often attract curious butterflies for a picture-perfect landing.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours

Time to next stop: 50-minute bus ride to Storyland.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: Storyland

Storyland is a fairy-tale-themed playground in City Park where classic storybook characters come to life through climbable sculptures and whimsical sets.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: TREME - Rampart & Ursulines Ave. (Stop #4)

Highlights:

• Slide down Jack’s beanstalk and climb aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship – storybook characters become giant-sized, interactive play spaces.
• Enter Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage and pose for photos that’ll make your toddler feel like royalty for the day.
• Visit the Three Little Pigs' houses and let kids explore each scene, from straw to brick, hands-on and happily squealing.

Pro tip: Pair with a stop at the nearby Carousel Gardens for rides after story-time adventures. It’s just a short stroll away.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Call it a day with dinner at Rosedale Restaurant. This place stands out for its rustic-chic charm, contemporary Southern menu, and unique setting in a former police station. The menu features comfort food classics with creative twists, and has vegan and vegetarian options.

Morning (7am - 11am)

Breakfast: Begin your day at Two Chicks Café, a local favorite just a short walk from Mardi Gras World, offering a bright, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh, approachable breakfast classics. Their creative omelets, pancakes, and health-conscious options make it a hit for families and anyone looking for a hearty yet wholesome start to the day.

Attraction: Mardi Gras World

Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World, where the magic begins – watch artists build massive parade floats and meet the characters before they hit the streets.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: CONVENTION CENTER (Stop #16)

Highlights:

• Walk through float dens where towering papier-mâché heads and colorful dragons come alive – snap photos right beside parade-sized creations.
• Watch artists sculpt and paint next year’s floats in real-time – ask questions and see sketches turn into showstoppers.
• Try on flamboyant costumes and pose with props for a photo op that’ll make your friends think you joined the parade.

Pro tip: Go in the morning for smaller tour groups – more time to chat with artists and enjoy the floats without crowds.

Suggested time to spend: 1.5-2 hours

Time to next stop: 35-minute bus ride to Garden District.

Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)

Lunch: Make a pitstop at Gris-Gris, for lunch. The place stands out for its refined Southern cuisine in a stylish, two-level bistro setting. Chef Eric Cook’s menu features creative takes on classics like shrimp and grits and chicken and dumplings, all served with a modern twist.

Attraction: Garden District

Wander through the Garden District, where oak-lined streets frame grand antebellum mansions, each telling stories of old New Orleans' elegance and charm.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: ST. CHARLES AVENUE - Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave. (Stop #14)

Highlights:

• Stroll along Magazine Street to browse indie boutiques, local cafés, and galleries housed in historic 19th-century storefronts.
• Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to explore above-ground tombs with fascinating ties to NOLA's voodoo, war, and literary legends.
• Spot the “Benjamin Button” house on Coliseum Street, one of many film-famous homes dotting this dreamy neighborhood!

Pro tip: Download a self-guided walking tour to learn the history behind homes without rushing.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Time to next stop: 30-minute bus ride to French Quarter.

Evening (4pm - 7pm)

Attraction: French Quarter
The heart of New Orleans beats loudest in the French Quarter – think jazz echoing from balconies, beignets by the dozen, and centuries of living history.

Nearest stops: 

• City Sightseeing: Jackson Square (Stop #1)

Highlights:

• Walk down Royal Street to admire cast-iron balconies, street performers, and galleries inside centuries-old Creole townhouses.
• Visit the Pharmacy Museum for odd 19th-century cures, voodoo ties, and a look into early medical practices.
• Catch live jazz at Preservation Hall. It’s just pure acoustic magic in an intimate 18th-century venue.

Pro tip: Pop into the historic Hotel Monteleone lobby – even if you're not staying, the revolving Carousel Bar is worth a spin.

Suggested time to spend: 2 hours

Late Night (8pm – 12am)

Dinner: Wrap up your 3-day trip with dinner at Olde Nola Cookery, a colorful, comfortable spot on Bourbon Street serving an array of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes. It's perfect for those wanting authentic local flavors like jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and po' boys.