Get ready for a fun and memorable weekend in the Big Easy! Here’s everything you need to know to explore the city of New Orleans, also known as NOLA, and check out the must-see sights, experiences, bites, and sips. With only two days to spare, we’ve got a jam-packed itinerary that’ll take you from the vibrant Mardi Gras parade to museum hopping, park wandering, and a scenic bayou tour. Let’s dive in and discover the best of NOLA!
My love affair with NOLA began the moment I started watching “The Originals.” This show captivated me with its compelling storyline centered around a vampire family who claims to be the first of their kind. Along with providing a fantastical explanation of the origin of vampires, the show also gave me a virtual tour of the French Quarter and the Bayous, where the wolf pack resides. If you’re a fan of the supernatural and the magic of New Orleans, “The Originals” is a must-watch!
Is it worth visiting New Orleans?
Absolutely! New Orleans is a stunning city located on the Mississippi River. It boasts a rich and diverse history and culture, blending elements of French, African, and American influences. Foodies will love the city’s delicious cajun-style cuisine, music lovers will be enthralled by its legendary jazz scene, and festival goers will be enchanted by events like Mardi Gras. With its abundance of historical landmarks, museums, beautiful parks, and bayous, New Orleans is an irresistible destination for anyone seeking an immersive experience in history, culture, and the great outdoors.
Are two days enough to explore NOLA?
Definitely! A quick excursion to New Orleans is the perfect way to experience its vibrant culture. If you’re planning to attend the Mardi Gras parade, we suggest arriving a few days before to avoid the massive crowds, exorbitant hotel rates, and long restaurant wait times that come with the festival. We took a trip to NOLA just before Mardi Gras and had an incredible time without breaking the bank.
How to spend your weekend in New Orleans
SATURDAY
Book a morning flight, bus, or train from your city to reach the Big Easy as early as possible. After checking into your hotel, start your weekend adventure at the heart of NOLA – the French Quarter. To truly immerse yourself in the city’s vibe, we suggest staying at a boutique hotel in the French Quarter. This way, you’ll be right in the heart of the action and can make the most of your time. You can also take this hop-on, hop-off bus tour to make the most of your time.
French Quarters
The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is a shining gem in the crown of New Orleans and an iconic historic neighborhood. It is famous for its energetic nightlife, eye-catching buildings with decorative cast iron balconies, quaint cobblestone streets, and delectable cuisine. This neighborhood boasts many renowned landmarks, such as Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the Presbytère Museum, as well as a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops. A visit to the French Quarter is a must for anyone exploring New Orleans.
Bourbon Street
Take a stroll down Bourbon Street, admire the charming architecture, and browse the intriguing antique shops and boutiques. For lunch, head to Felix’s, one of the most highly-regarded restaurants in NOLA, and enjoy their mouthwatering gumbo and freshly shucked oysters. As you continue wandering through the neighborhood, you’ll come across plenty of bakeries and cafes. Make sure to stop by Laura’s, the oldest candy store in New Orleans, for a sweet treat and sample their famous King cake and other confectionery delights. Check out my comprehensive guide to NOLA’s top restaurants and cafes for more dining options.
Jackson Square
As you walk further, you arrive at Jackson Square, a historic gem in the heart of New Orleans. With a history dating back over 300 years, this square has been a hub of activity and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. It’s no wonder, with its stunning backdrop of the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the US, and The Cabildo and The Presbytère on each end. These Spanish colonial-style buildings now serve as museums. For those interested in delving deeper into New Orleans’ history, we highly recommend visiting these museums to see the vast collection of Mardi Gras artifacts, war paintings, and other historical treasures.
Riverfront
Next, it’s time to head to Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a stunning waterfront oasis offering breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi River and charming red and white steamboats. This 16-acre green space is perfect for a leisurely stroll and soak in the stunning scenery. If you have extra time, we highly recommend visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy Giant Screen Theater, conveniently located next to the park. Alternatively, you can take a joy ride on a historic steamboat over the Mississippi River.
Steamboat tour recommendation:
- New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
After all the exploring and walking, take a short break and treat yourself to some delicious dessert. Visit Jax Brewery for a scoop of creamy Kilwins ice cream. Then, head to the nearby French Market and enjoy the iconic beignets from Cafe Du Monde. Although there might be a line with a wait time of 30 minutes, the freshly made, powdered sugar-dusted beignets are definitely a must-try and worth every minute.
Mardi Gras Parade
Next, head to the French Quarter to immerse yourself in the excitement of the Mardi Gras parade. During this time, the Quarter transforms into a lively hub of revelry, attracting thousands of people to the streets to dance to live music, catch beads and trinkets thrown from the parade floats, and participate in the festivities. There are two ways to enjoy the parade: watch from a balcony and throw trinkets at the crowd (paid entry), or join the mass, dancing, shouting, and singing along. We’d definitely recommend joining in on the action! The parade is an hour long and features several theme-based floats. Before visiting New Orleans, don’t forget to check the parade schedule to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
End your day on a high note with a delicious meal and cocktail at Daisy Dukes, a perfect place to unwind and indulge in Southern-style comfort food and drinks.
SUNDAY
Bayous
Embark on a new adventure by exploring the Bayous. These slow-flowing waterways are surrounded by cypress trees and serve as habitats for a variety of wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, and birds. We highly recommend taking this tour, as we did, to experience the stunning wetlands ecosystem. This tour includes convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel and a boat tour through the Bayous. Check out our journey by reading more here.
National World War II Museum
Next, head to the National World War II Museum, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history. This world-class museum is committed to preserving and interpreting the experiences of those who served during the war. It is considered one of the finest museums of its kind. With a range of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and first-person narratives, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of the brave individuals who fought for our country. From the battlefield to the home front, the museum brings to life the sacrifices and achievements of the American people during World War II.
Due to its immense size, a complete tour of the museum could take up to two days. However, with limited time to explore the city, we prioritized the exhibits that piqued our interest the most and saved the rest for our future visit.
By now, you’ll be ready for a delicious meal to fuel up for the rest of your day’s adventures. Head to Cochon Butcher, located in the Warehouse District, for a truly unique dining experience. This restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to create artisanal, hand-crafted dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From freshly baked bread to mouth-watering sausages, the variety and quality of the food won’t dissapoint you at all!
Art District
Wind down your evening with a stroll at the Art District, taking in the eclectic street art and architecture. Make sure to visit Gallery 600 Julia, one of the top-notch art galleries in New Orleans. With a carefully curated selection of contemporary and modern pieces, this gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Next, head north to Lafayette Square, a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Lush greenery, stunning fountains, and historic monuments surround this beautiful public park, offering a serene and peaceful place to unwind.
Cocktail time!
Indulge in a signature cocktail while in the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its delectable drinks. For an unforgettable experience, visit Bar Marilou, next to Lafayette Square. This charming bar was once a library, offers a unique ambiance to go with its creative cocktails and delicious small plates.
French Quarter at night
Embark on an evening adventure in the French Quarter. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and check out the boutique shops you may have missed earlier. Pop into a Jazz bar and enjoy some fantastic tunes, then head to Riverfront Park for a breathtaking view of the city’s sparkling skyline. On the way back, make sure to stop by the award-winning The Gumbo Shop and treat yourself to a final helping of the delicious Gumbo – trust me, it’s the best!
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
The best time to visit New Orleans varies depending on what you want to experience in the city. Like, we chose February to witness the Mardi Gras celebration. Even though it was peak tourist season, we didn’t mind traveling anyway. However, if you want to avoid crowds, the best time would be September to November and March to May. These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and an abundance of festivals and events taking place throughout the city.
Elevate your NOLA experience with these one-of-a-kind tours in New Orleans and discover the city’s hidden gems and unforgettable sights.
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