New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, brimming with culture, history, and a spirit all its own. Known for its live music, unique cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions, New Orleans seamlessly blends its French, Spanish, and Creole influences into an unforgettable experience. From historic landmarks to its haunted history, from jazz to world-class dining, the Crescent City offers an exciting adventure at every turn. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
For those looking to pack as much as possible into a weekend trip, here’s my 3-day guide to New Orleans—a perfect mix of iconic spots and hidden gems, ensuring you soak in the best this city has to offer.
Where to Stay: French Market Inn
Nestled next to Jackson Square, and across the Mississippi River, the historic French Market Inn offers a home-away-from-home experience in the heart of New Orleans. Not only is it in a prime location—just minutes from your favorite shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment in the French Quarter—but it’s also part of a set of historic hotels in the Big Easy.
Established in 1833, the French Market Inn’s property dates back to 1722, originally owned by the Dreux family, who ran a bakery. Later, in the 1800s, Baroness Pontalba y Almonaster acquired the property with a vision to create an inn for her friends and business associates. Thanks to her, the French Market Inn exists as we know it today, blending rich history with New Orleans' vibrant culture.
The hotel has all the charm and architecture New Orleans is famous for. You'll find spacious, luxurious rooms, enchanting courtyards and balconies that transport you to an older era, and a serene pool perfect for relaxing in modern-day comfort.
But above all, what truly sets the French Market Inn apart is its outstanding service. The staff are some of the most attentive you’ll find in New Orleans, always ready to assist or recommend the best spots to explore, ensuring your stay is unforgettable.
We loved every moment of our stay at the French Market Inn. It’s not only filled with history, charm, and maybe even a ghost or two, but it allowed us to fully explore the city while offering convenient breaks during our adventures, thanks to its perfect location. And also if you are looking to celebrate Mardi Gras, in the city, this is the perfect location!
The French Market Inn
Book at: www.frenchmarketinn.com
Location: 509 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Day 1: French Quarter Magic
Breakfast at Café du Monde
Start your day with a classic New Orleans breakfast at Café du Monde, the iconic spot for coffee and beignets. Sitting right next to the Mississippi River, this café has been serving its delicious powdered-sugar-covered beignets and chicory coffee since 1862. It’s a must for any first-time visitor (or even repeat visitors), and there's no better way to dive into the city’s culinary tradition than with this simple, sweet treat.
Explore Jackson Square
After breakfast, take a stroll around Jackson Square and soak in the local artists, musicians, and street performers. Pop into the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S.
Lunch at Brennan's
For lunch, head to the legendary Brennan’s, a New Orleans institution known for its classic Creole dishes. This is the birthplace of Bananas Foster! Brennan’s offers an elegant atmosphere and a menu filled with delights. Try their famous Turtle Soup or the Eggs Hussarde—a delicious twist on traditional Eggs Benedict. And don’t forget to save room for the dramatic tableside preparation of Bananas Foster for dessert!
Shopping on Royal Street
After lunch, take a leisurely walk down Royal Street, one of the most picturesque streets in the French Quarter. Lined with galleries, antique shops, and boutiques, Royal Street is perfect for window shopping or picking up a unique piece of local art.
Freshen Up at French Market Inn
Once you’ve explored Royal Street, head back to the French Market Inn to freshen up and relax before heading out for the evening. The hotel’s cozy courtyard is the perfect spot to unwind before diving back into the night’s activities.
Dinner at Felix’s Oyster Bar
Felix's Oyster Bar has been a staple of the French Quarter since 1940, and it’s a must-visit for oyster lovers. Start with their famous chargrilled oysters, or go for their fried seafood platter for an all-around experience. It’s a casual spot, perfect for easing into New Orleans' dining scene.
Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone
After dinner, walk over to the Monteleone Hotel to grab a drink at the Carousel Bar, which has been a French Quarter icon since 1949. The bar itself slowly rotates like a carousel while you sip on their signature cocktail, the Vieux Carré, which was first crafted here. Fun fact: the carousel’s artwork was originally painted by a Disney artist.
Erin Rose Bar
Head next to Erin Rose Bar, where the vibe is laid-back, and the drink to order is the Frozen Irish Coffee. It’s creamy, boozy, and perfect for cooling off after a warm New Orleans evening. Pro tip: Add a shot of Fernet-Branca to give it an extra punch!
Old Absinthe House
End your night at one of the oldest bars in the city, Old Absinthe House, which has been around since 1807. Known for its absinthe cocktails, which were banned in the U.S. until 2007 due to its high alcohol levels and “side effects”, you can now enjoy the mysterious green drink the way it was intended.
Day 2: Exploring the Spooky and the Unique
Lunch at Verti Marte
Kick off day two with a sandwich at Verti Marte, a local-favorite bodega known for its massive, flavor-packed sandwiches. Their signature "All That Jazz" is a must-try, stuffed with shrimp, ham, turkey, mushrooms, and their secret “Wow Sauce”. It’s grab-and-go, but you’ll find plenty of spots nearby to sit and enjoy.
Lalaurie Mansion
Just across the street from Verti Marte is the Lalaurie Mansion, infamous for its haunted history. Known as one of the most haunted locations in New Orleans, it’s tied to the tragic story of Madame Delphine Lalaurie and her treatment of enslaved people. It’s a grim yet fascinating piece of the city’s past.
Voodoo Authentica
For a deeper dive into the mystical, stop by Voodoo Authentica to learn more about New Orleans' voodoo culture. They offer handcrafted voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, and even spiritual cleansings. Whether you're curious about the history or want to pick up a unique souvenir, this place is a fascinating stop.
Vampire Café
Midway through the day, swing by the Vampire Café for some fun themed drinks like the “Blood Bag” cocktail. The café caters to its vampire-themed clientele and offers a chance to “befriend” one of the vampires on staff. If you’re lucky, you might score an invite to their secret lounge!
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
A short walk away, visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, the site of America’s first licensed pharmacy, opened in 1823 by Louis Dufilho Jr. The museum houses artifacts from the 19th century and provides a fascinating glimpse into old-world medicine and the evolution of healthcare. A peculiar but fascinating stop!
Cocktails at Jewel of the South
Before dinner, freshen up back at the French Market Inn, then head to Jewel of the South. Named the No. 1 bar in the South, No.6 bar in the US, and ranked No. 49 in the world, this place is a cocktail lover’s dream. Their signature drink, the Brandy Crusta, is a must-try. First created in New Orleans in the 19th century, it’s the perfect example of the city’s influence on modern mixology.
Dinner at Muriel’s
End your night with dinner at Muriel’s in Jackson Square. Known for its haunted history, Muriel’s is as famous for its resident ghost as it is for its rich Creole cuisine. The Red Fish, The Pecan-Crusted Drum fish and bread pudding are especially fantastic. After dinner, make sure to check out their ghostly reserved table and upstairs lounge.
Day 3: Uptown & Beyond
Breakfast at Loretta’s
Start your day with a one-of-a-kind breakfast at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines in the French Market. Loretta’s has been around for over 35 years and is known for their delicious pralines. However, Loretta’s also offers a praline-stuffed beignet that is an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. But if you prefer savory, their crab-stuffed beignets are a game-changer—fluffy and filled with rich crab meat —it’s the perfect way to kick off your last day.
French Market
After breakfast, take your time exploring the French Market, a bustling marketplace filled with local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and art to unique food items. The market’s vibrant atmosphere has been a staple of New Orleans culture for over 200 years, and it’s the perfect spot to pick up some local goods or enjoy some people-watching.
Lunch at Casamento’s
For lunch, venture out to Uptown to Casamento’s Restaurant on Magazine Street, a beloved spot that has been serving oysters since 1919. They only open during oyster season, so if you’re lucky enough to visit when they are, you’ll want to order the fried oyster loaf—a local favorite.
Magazine Street
After lunch, take a stroll down Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch packed with local favorite restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and antique shops. Peek into Peaches Records, an iconic record shop open since 1975, for some vinyl treasures or stop by The Bulldog for a refreshing beer.
The Garden District & St. Charles Streetcar:
Afterward, walk through the Garden District, where you’ll see stunning historic homes and landmarks like Commander’s Palace (one of my favorite restaurants) and Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery, one of the city's iconic above-ground cemeteries. Then, hop on the St. Charles Streetcar to enjoy a scenic ride back to the French Quarter.
Dinner at Irene’s Cuisine
After a day of exploring, head back to the French Quarter for dinner at Irene’s Cuisine, a beloved restaurant founded in 1993 by Irene DiPietro. Known for its cozy atmosphere and Sicilian-inspired dishes like lamb chops and cioppino, Irene’s has earned a reputation for warm hospitality and top-notch Italian fare with a New Orleans twist.
Don’t miss their St. Joseph Altar if you visit during the annual celebration—it's a spectacular local tradition.
Live Music: Frenchmen Street & French Quarter
The city’s music scene is legendary, so to wrap up your New Orleans adventure, here are 3 spots we suggest to visit for live music.
First hit Frenchmen Street, pop into BMC for incredible live jazz and blues. Then headover to Maison Bourbon on Bourbon St, the perfect place to catch a jazz performance. And If you're not ready to call it a night, swing by Pat O'Brien's for a classic Hurricane cocktail and a sing-along at their famous dueling piano bar.
New Orleans is a city with so much to offer, and while it’s impossible to experience it all in three days, this itinerary will give you a taste of its rich history, amazing food, and lively atmosphere. Be sure to save this guide and share it with a friend planning their next NOLA adventure! Follow for more travel ideas!
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