5Day in New Orleans Itinerary & Tour (2024)

If you have only 5 days for the New Orleans itinerary & tour, then this article will help you to explore the must-visit places. You can spend five days exploring the French Quarter, Uptown, and Tremé/Marigny/Bywater neighborhoods and can enjoy Creole and Cajun cuisine, live jazz, and stunning architecture.

Discover the city’s extensive past as well, which includes its French and Afro-Creole influences. Top sites like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square should not be missed.Enjoy delicious food at restaurants like Sylvain and Galatoire’s.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or a return visit, New Orleans promises an enjoyable journey with delicious tastes. Read this article and make travel plans based on it.

When is the Perfect Time to Visit New Orleans?

• The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May because it provides comfortable weather and vibrant celebrations.
• You can choose December or January for a quieter experience without Mardi Gras crowds.
• If you have a lower budget, you must visit during Summer and fall, with August offering discounted hotel rates and flight prices.
• Visitors must consider that summers are hot and humid, with a risk of hurricanes so travel insurance is recommended.
• The must-visit events such as Mardi Gras are celebrated in (February to early March) and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is celebrated in (late April).
• You must avoid weekends from February to early May if you are not interested in large crowds and the city is also crowded during Allstate Sugar Bowl and Halloween.
• If weather considerations are taken into account, summers are hot and humid, and winters are cooler with a chance of cold snaps.

How to Get Around New Orleans?

Here are some convenient ways to get around New Orleans:

• By Foot: You can explore the city’s beautiful streets, history, and architecture on foot and it is highly recommended for first-timers to visit in the Autumn and Spring seasons.

• Bike: You can rent a bike or join a biking tour to easily navigate historic neighborhoods and scenic parks.

• Pedicab: You can get a pedicab for a quick and fun ride, and it is ideal for resting tired legs while taking in the sights.

• Taxi: Taxis operate primarily downtown and in popular neighborhoods, although rates can be high during busy times like Mardi Gras.

• Streetcar: Visitors can experience the charm of New Orleans’s historic streetcars which offer affordable rides along five lines to various areas of the city.

• Ferries: You can also enjoy a unique perspective of the city while exploring its waterways, which offer affordable transportation to attractions like Chalmette and Algiers.

• Car Rentals: For exploring outside the city, consider renting a car, but be mindful of narrow streets and one-way roads within New Orleans.

• Bus: Buses provide various routes throughout the city, with options like the Jazzy pass for unlimited rides and discounts.

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Where to Stay in New Orleans?

For a 5-day trip to New Orleans, consider staying in or near the French Quarter to save travel time:

For low budget: IHSP French Quarter House offers affordable private rooms and dorms and is just a 5-minute walk from Bourbon Street.

Mid range: Best Western Plus French Quarter Landmark Hotel provides a beautiful property with a tasty breakfast included, right on the edge of the French Quarter.

For luxury space: Omni Royal Orleans Hotel which is located in the heart of the French Quarter, offers a luxurious stay with excellent service and a touch of scary charm from its ghostly resident.

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What and Where to Eat in New Orleans?

• Coop’s Place: It is famous for sausage and rabbit jambalaya and is located on Decatur Street.
• Cafe du Monde: It is known for delicious beignets and is situated on Decatur Street.
• Central Grocery: This iconic spot for muffuletta sandwiches is found on Decatur Street.
• Red Dog Diner: Here you can enjoy smoked gouda mac’n’cheese and parmesan chicken and is located on Magazine Street.
• The French Market Restaurant: Here you can taste classic po’boys & hush puppies and is located on Decatur Street.
• Cafe Beignet: It is another spot for tasty beignets.
• Willie Mae’s Restaurant/Scotch House: Famous for fried chicken and is located on St. Ann Street.
• Clover Grill: Affordable 24-hour diner on Bourbon Street.
• Muriel’s Jackson Square: Here you can dine in a haunted setting with Creole cuisine, and it is situated on Chartres Street.
• Acme Oyster House: It is a must-visit for oyster lovers and is located on Iberville Street.
• The Gumbo Shop: At this shop, you can sample various types of gumbo, and is located on St. Peter Street.
• Cafe Amelie: Enjoy classic New Orleans cuisine in a romantic setting on Royal Street.
• Commander’s Palace: It is a place where you can fine dine with famous 25-cent martinis during lunch, and is located on Washington Avenue.
• Antoine’s Restaurant: Here you can enjoy French-Creole dishes in a historic setting on St. Louis Street.

5 Day Trip in New Orleans Itinerary

Day 1:

Start your day in Jackson Square which is home to the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and vibrant street performers. Don’t miss a visit to Cafe du Monde for their famous beignets and cafe au lait.

Take a leisurely walk along Decatur Street, where you’ll find popular restaurants and the French Market for souvenir shopping. After that, indulge yourself in a New Orleans food tour to enjoy the city’s unique cuisine.

Next, explore the beautiful French Quarter which is known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. You can also consider a walking tour to explore the city’s rich culture & history.

Lastly, enjoy the nightlife on Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street, where live jazz fills the air. Don’t miss a performance at Preservation Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Day 2:

On day 2 of your visit, you can experience the dark but important history of New Orleans by visiting a plantation. You can begin your day outside the city by exploring the Oak Alley Plantation or the Laura Plantation, both of which offer an insightful look into the harsh realities of slave labor alongside the beauty of the early South.

While some plantation museums may focus more on glamour than the harsh truths of slavery, others like the Laura Plantation provide a balanced and thorough narrative. You should also consider touring other nearby plantations such as Houmas House, Nottoway, or the newly renovated Whitney Plantation, which is known for its sad display of slave children.

Afterward, you can spend the afternoon in the bayou, where you can experience Louisiana’s unique wetlands and wildlife. Whether you opt for an airboat excursion or a guided tour with a local Cajun, the bayou offers a memorable adventure rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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Day 3:

If you’re spending a third day in NOLA, you can explore beyond the French Quarter in the Garden District and Uptown for tasty eats, stunning architecture, and beautiful nightlife.

Start your day with breakfast at Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar or Bearcat Café, or opt for brunch at Atchafalaya. Take a ride on the streetcar along St. Charles Avenue to admire the majestic mansions and unique architecture. Also, consider booking a tour of the Garden District to learn more about the area’s history.

For lunch, head to Magazine Street for a variety of dining options. Try banh mi sandwiches at Banh Mi Boys, salads at The Daily Beet, or crawfish empanadas at Empanola. Don’t miss out on local favorites like red beans and rice from Joey K’s. Grab a coffee from French Truck, a cupcake from The Cupcake Collection, or sno-balls from Imperial Woodpecker to keep you energized for shopping.

Day 4:

Start your day 4 in Treme, which is New Orleans’ oldest historically Black neighborhood. Firstly, grab breakfast at Backatown Coffee Parlour before exploring the Backstreet Cultural Museum which is filled with vibrant Mardi Gras Indian suits.

For lunch, you can enjoy authentic Creole dishes at Lil’ Dizzy’s or Dooky Chase’s, both of which offer a delicious array of fried chicken, fish, greens, gumbo, and bread pudding.

Next, take a leisurely walk or drive down tree-lined Esplanade Avenue into the Marigny Bywater area. Check out JAMNOLA, which is a fun, interactive museum that celebrates the joy, art, and music of New Orleans.

Then, visit Studio BE, a contemporary gallery that showcases the works of Black artists, including large-scale paintings and murals by Brandan “B-mike” Odums.

Don’t miss to catch a different view of the Mississippi River at Crescent Park. It is a scenic urban park perfect for an afternoon walk or bike ride at sunset. In the Bywater, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants like The Elysian Bar, N7, Saint-Germain, or Paladar 511. You can enjoy the diverse cuisine and lively atmosphere of this dynamic neighborhood in New Orleans.

Day 5:

On Day 5 of your trip to New Orleans, start your morning at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, where you can explore the culinary traditions of the American South and sample old-fashioned treats like burnt coffee and antique oystertongs. Spend 1-3 hours here by immersing yourself in Southern food culture.

In the afternoon, head to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which is the largest museum in the US dedicated to Southern history and art. Here you can view almost 4,000 paintings, ranging from Impressionist landscapes to folk art, and enjoy unique musical performances on Thursday nights. Plan to stay 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum’s offerings.

For a convenient evening, consider staying at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, which offers a relaxing retreat after a busy day of exploring. You can enjoy its excellent facilities and closeness to popular attractions like The Spa at Windsor Court and Creole Queen Mississippi River Cruises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this 5-day New Orleans itinerary & tour offers a delightful journey through the beautiful city of New Orleans. Here, you’ll explore the city’s rich culinary heritage, immerse yourself in its diverse art scene, and can enjoy luxurious accommodations. So, plan your visit and spend your time in this vibrant city.

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