How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
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🇺🇸 United States travel guide
North America · North America
New Orleans Travel Guide
Things to do in New Orleans — Jazz, Creole and French Quarter iron
Photo: George Bannister · CC BY 2.0
Why visit New Orleans
New Orleans is a living gumbo of French Quarter balconies, brass-band second lines, Creole cuisine and Mississippi riverfront — unlike anywhere else in America.
New Orleans is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise French Quarter, Bourbon Street (evening), Garden District streetcars instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–280 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: February–May and October–November; Mardi Gras is late winter. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
February–May and October–November; Mardi Gras is late winter
Weather
Humid subtropical — hot summers; hurricane season Jun–Nov
Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
Getting around
Streetcar on St. Charles; walk French Quarter; rideshare at night
Experiences
Things to do in New Orleans
1
French Quarter
2
Bourbon Street (evening)
3
Garden District streetcars
4
Jackson Square
5
St. Louis Cathedral
6
National WWII Museum
7
Mississippi riverfront
8
City Park / Oak Alley day trip
Budget travel
Free things to do in New Orleans
French Quarter
Garden District streetcars
Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral
City Park / Oak Alley day trip
Garden District streetcar ride
Cemetery tours (St. Louis No. 1)
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
New Orleans itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit French Quarter
- Visit Bourbon Street (evening)
- Visit Garden District streetcars
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Jackson Square
- Visit St. Louis Cathedral
- Visit National WWII Museum
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Mississippi riverfront
- Visit City Park / Oak Alley day trip
Budget
New Orleans trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–280
per person / day
Luxury
USD 320–530+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in New Orleans, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for New Orleans
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match New Orleans mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–280 · luxury 320–530+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$$$
Commander's Palace
Creole · Garden District institution since 1880
- $
Café du Monde
Café · Beignet and chicory coffee icon
- $$$
Cochon
Cajun · Donald Link Cajun favourite
- $$$
Galatoire's
Creole · French Quarter Friday lunch tradition
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Central Business District · Waldorf Astoria grand hotel
- $$$$
Hotel Monteleone
French Quarter · Carousel Bar literary landmark
- $$$
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
French Quarter · Bourbon Street area favourite
Shopping
- French Market
- Magazine Street
- Royal Street antiques
- Decatur Street
Nightlife
- Frenchmen Street live music
- Bourbon Street (touristy)
- Preservation Hall jazz
- Maple Leaf Bar
Museums & culture
- National WWII Museum
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Backstreet Cultural Museum
Local foods to try
- Beignets at Café du Monde
- Gumbo
- Po'boys
- Crawfish étouffée
Hidden gems
- Garden District streetcar ride
- Cemetery tours (St. Louis No. 1)
- Bayou swamp tour
Travel tips
- Book restaurants during Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras months ahead
- Frenchmen Street beats Bourbon for live music
- Heat and humidity — pace yourself with AC breaks
In pictures
New Orleans gallery
Photos: George Bannister, NASA, Infrogmation, Adrien de Pauger, Infrogmation of New Orleans — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
New Orleans travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in New Orleans?
Top picks in New Orleans include French Quarter, Bourbon Street (evening), Garden District streetcars, Jackson Square. See the full list and itinerary on this New Orleans travel guide.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
February–May and October–November; Mardi Gras is late winter.
How many days do I need in New Orleans?
Plan at least 3 days in New Orleans for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in New Orleans?
Popular stays in New Orleans include The Roosevelt New Orleans, Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to New Orleans cost?
On the ground in New Orleans (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–280, and luxury about 320–530+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in New Orleans, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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