The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in New Orleans for First-Time Visitors

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the world, and if you’re visiting for the first time, we’ve built the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you experience the best of it all—from iconic eats to unforgettable tours.

Day 1 – French Quarter & Riverfront

• Start with crab or sweet potato beignets at Loretta's Pralines.

• Stroll through Jackson Square and the French Market.

• Take a historical river cruise aboard the Creole Queen.

• Enjoy dinner at a classic French Quarter restaurant like Muriel’s Jackson Square.

• End the night with live jazz at Preservation Hall or on Bourbon Street

Day 2 – Garden District & Uptown Charm

• Hop on the St. Charles streetcar and explore the Garden District.

• Or use the Hop On Hop Off Bus as transportation and a tour

• Visit Lafayette Cemetery and Magazine Street shops.

• Lunch at Lula's Distillery (grab their Ginger Whiskey Sour frozen drink and Salmon Roasted Veggie Salad), Seawitch (Happy Hour Oysters from 3 pm - 6 pm), or Gris-Gris (Open Faced Pot Roast is delicious!)

• Relax with a walk through Audubon Park.

• Catch live music at Tipitina’s or The Maple Leaf Bar.

Day 3 – Swamp Adventure & Farewell Feast

• Take a Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour to see Louisiana’s wild side.

• Return to the city for shopping or a visit to The Presbytère.

• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local seafood favorite like GW Fins.

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