New Orleans is a melting pot of vibrant cultures, historic charm, and electrifying nightlife. Whether you’re here to dive into the city’s rich history and culture or immerse yourself in its legendary music scene, here are two unforgettable ways to experience The Big Easy.
Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration
Morning
When in New Orleans, eat as the New Orleaneans do! That means starting your day with beignets and café au lait at the iconic Café du Monde. Open since 1862, this open-air coffee stand serves up pillowy, sugar-drenched beignets and rich chicory coffee. Its bustling location in Jackson Square makes it ideal for people-watching, but stop by early if you want to snag a seat.
Next, head to the National WWII Museum, consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the country. Learn the story of America’s role in World War II through immersive exhibits like The Road to Berlin, The Road to Tokyo, and the D-Day Invasion Experience. Don’t miss the Beyond All Boundaries 4D film, narrated by Tom Hanks. The museum is massive, so you could easily spend 3-4 hours here if you want to see it all.
Set off on a guided walking tour of the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Stroll past ornate 19th-century mansions in Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles. Look out for Buckner Mansion (famous for American Horror Story) and homes once owned by Anne Rice and Sandra Bullock. Marvel at the above-ground tombs inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and discover the storied past of this famous cemetery (entry is limited due to restorations – check status before visiting).
Afternoon
Step beyond the touristy spots of New Orleans with a visit to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Get a deeper look at the traditions that shaped the city through jazz funeral traditions, second-line memorabilia, and hand-sewn Mardi Gras Indian suits that take a whole year to create. The museum is small, but it’s teeming with artifacts that offer a deep dive into the city.
Grab lunch at Napoleon House, a 200-year-old landmark steeped in old-world charm. Built in the late 1700s as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, the restaurant takes you back in time with its weathered walls, classical music, and European bistro vibes. Try their famous muffuletta, a hot sandwich filled with Italian meats and olive salad. Pair your meal with the signature Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing cocktail with deep New Orleans roots. The beloved eatery is conveniently located in the French Quarter, making it a perfect launch point for some after-lunch exploration.
Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the historic French Quarter, starting at Jackson Square to check out the street artists and performers. Admire the blend of Spanish, French, and Creole architecture throughout the neighborhood. Browse the art galleries and antique shops lining Royal Street. Stop by the LaLaurie Mansion—one of the city’s most haunted spots.
Evening
Enjoy French-Creole cuisine at Antoine’s Restaurant, the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Join the ranks of presidents, celebrities, and royalty who have dined here over the years. This hotspot is the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, so start your meal with the legendary dish. Then, dig into the seafood gumbo or crab-crusted redfish. If you’re a wine lover, ask for a peek inside their impressive wine cellar—it’s stocked with more than 25,000 bottles.
After dinner, catch a live jazz show at Preservation Hall for the most authentic jazz experience in the city. Embrace the intimate, no-frills atmosphere of this family-friendly music club. You won’t find a bar or food menu, but you’ll be treated to performances by some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Seats are first-come, first-served, so arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime.
Alternatively, cap off your night with a 90-minute voodoo tour through New Orleans. Your guide will share stories about the cultural and faith-based traditions of voodoo and take you to historic sites steeped in mystery. Separate fact from Hollywood fiction as you dive into the true spiritual roots of voodoo on an after-dark walking tour that’s both eerie and enlightening.
Day 2: Music and Nightlife
Morning
Kickstart your day with a relaxing walk through Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square. Once the only place where enslaved people could gather to play music and dance, Congo Square is famously known as the birthplace of jazz and blues. Check out the statue of Louis Armstrong and stroll past scenic bridges, lagoons, and sculptures of jazz icons. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a free morning concert or second-line parade.
Indulge in a hearty brunch at the Ruby Slipper Café, a local gem born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Go for the Chicken St. Charles Eggs Benedict—a decadent combo of fried chicken, a biscuit, poached eggs, and Tasso cream sauce. Wash it down with a Mimosa flight or a Bacon Bloody Mary. Craving something sweet? Order the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, a fluffy French toast dish drenched in rum caramel sauce. It gets busy, so arrive early or use the Waitlist app.
Immerse yourself in jazz history at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, housed in the Old U.S. Mint. Discover unique artifacts like Louis Armstrong’s first cornet, rare jazz recordings, and memorabilia from jazz legends like Fats Domino and Dizzy Gillespie. Explore hands-on exhibits to listen to old records and watch memorable jazz performances. The museum regularly hosts live performances, so you might even get to watch the magic in action.
Afternoon
Grab a bite at Dat Dog on Frenchmen Street for a casual yet uniquely NOLA lunch. Soak up the laid-back vibes, open-air seating, and vibrant murals lining the walls. Choose from more than 30 toppings to build your own hot dog, or order off the menu. Up for something new? Embrace local culture with the Crawfish Étouffée Dog or an alligator sausage dog. Pair your hot dog with an Abita Amber or NOLA Blonde Ale.
Hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez for a jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live music performances, Creole cuisine, and stunning views of the skyline and Crescent City Connection Bridge. During your journey on one of the area’s last authentic steamboats, learn more about the city’s maritime heritage. This is a popular New Orleans tourist attraction, so book in advance.
Head back to Tremé for a guided walking tour through the neighborhood that doubles as a cultural landmark. Stroll down streets that tell stories of Mardi Gras history, Skull & Bone Gang traditions, and New Orleans’ resilience. Visit St. Augustine Church to marvel at one of the oldest African-American Catholic churches in the country. See where famed musicians like Sidney Bechet got their start. For an authentic glimpse into NOLA, there’s no better place to go.
Evening
Savor a lively, Cajun-style meal at Cochon Restaurant in the Warehouse District. The hotspot blends rustic-industrial charm and a social dining atmosphere with modern flavors. Order the smoked pork ribs, fried alligator with chili garlic aioli, and boudin balls for a true taste of Louisiana. With James Beard award-winning chef Donald Link at the helm, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Next, it’s time to hit nearby Frenchmen Street for a music-fueled night on the town. Stop by legendary spots like The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Blue Nile for live jazz, blues, and brass bands. Dance, sip on Sazerac, and bask in the infectious energy—it’s less rowdy than the tourist-heavy Bourbon Street but just as fun for music lovers.
If dancing all night works up an appetite, head to Coop’s Place for a late-night bite. The cash-only, no-frills spot may be a hidden gem among tourists, but the locals know it’s got some of the best Creole food in the city. Order a plate of fried chicken or rabbit and sausage jambalaya. Be warned: this joint is always packed, but the wait is worth every bite.
