When you hear New Orleans, you may think of Mardi Gras, the food, or wild partying, but there’s so much more to this amazing city! I learned so much in the short five years I lived in the Big Easy. Here is my recommendation for how to spend 96 hours in New Orleans!
Visiting New Orleans? Check out my Essential Guide to New Orleans!
Getting There
If you fly into New Orleans, you will land at Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY), a 20-minute drive from downtown.
The cheapest way from the airport to downtown would be to take the Airport shuttle which will cost you $1.50. Taxis offer a fixed rate of $36 and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft will cost an average of $44.
I suggest NOT renting a car while visiting New Orleans, especially if you stay downtown. If you rent a car, you may have trouble finding reasonable parking, and there isn’t much use for it because the downtown area itself is small.
There isn’t much to do outside of the city unless you plan on going on tours, but those generally provide transportation.
Where To Stay
French Quarter
I highly recommend staying in the French Quarter when visiting New Orleans. Staying in the French Quarter will put you right in the middle of all the action and will put you within walking distance of many attractions and public transportation. It’s very lively and perfect for first-timers! Keep in mind, though, it can be very crowded and filled with tourists.
My Recommendation: Hotel Monteleone
The Central Business District
The CBD is right across Canal Street from the French Quarter. It’s still close enough to all the action but is a little more budget-friendly compared to the French Quarter. There are still plenty of great bars and restaurants but with a more relaxed, quiet vibe.
My Recommendation: Le Pavillon New Orleans
Art & Warehouse District
The art and warehouse districts of New Orleans are perfect for anyone wanting something artsy and romantic. It’s near many museums- including the National World War II Museum- and filled with art galleries.
My Recommendation: Le Méridien New Orleans
Uptown & Garden District
This area is a bit further from the city center but still has many attractions. It has a unique charm and a hippy vibe different from what you’ll see in the French Quarter. You’ll find a ton of amazing restaurants here and it’s probably the most family-friendly part of the city.
My Recommendation: Hotel Tonnelle
Getting Around
New Orleans has more to explore outside of the French Quarter, and if you follow this itinerary, you’ll be bouncing through several districts.
So, how will you get around?
First and foremost, I don’t recommend renting a car. The public transportation throughout the city will serve its purpose.
The Street Car is the best and my favorite way to see the city! There are four lines that take you through the downtown area. The fare is $1.25 and it’s important to note that exact cash is required. You can also purchase a “Jazzy Pass” that gives you unlimited rides for 1, 3, and 31 days.
Try This While You’re THere: If you want to add some excitement to your trip, pull a card from my Play Where You Land deck and let it decide your next move. It’s 45 prompts designed to get you exploring! no planning required.
Get the deck here →
96 Hours in New Orleans
Day 1: Arrival
Take it slow the day you arrive. Get to your hotel, drop off your bags, and begin venturing into the city at your own pace.
Depending on the time of day, you will get different vibes. In the morning and afternoon, you will experience a charming city. At night, on the other hand, you will see the lively party scene of the city!
Day 2: Explore the French Quarter
Eat Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde
Start your day with breakfast at the iconic Cafe Du Monde! Order some beignets and a cafe au lait (trust me, their coffee is amazing).
Early mornings are the best time to visit- lesser crowds and cooler weather!
Jackson Square
Visit Jackson Square to see the St. Louis Cathedral and the surrounding gardens. If you want, you can even go inside!
Right in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, you will see a line of tables with psychics and fortune tellers. If you’re into that kind of stuff, see what your future holds!
French Market
The French Market is a market that spans 6 blocks filled with many souvenir and food vendors. This is where I tried alligator nuggets!
Fun Fact: The French Market was a Native American trading post that predates European colonization, making it the oldest market in the U.S. today!
Explore Royal Street and Beyond
Royal Street is by far my favorite street in the French Quarter. There are tons of galleries and antique shops; it’s just a great vibe.
Explore the rest of the French Quarter, going from street to street.
My friend and I would play a game where at every intersection, we would call out “left, right, or straight” and take turns deciding what path we’d go on. It was a fun way get lost in the city!
If you’re lucky, you may even come across a New Orleans Parade!
Eat Dinner at Antoine’s Restaurant
Enjoy dinner at New Orleans’ oldest restaurant and eat delicious food.
Enjoy the Nightlife
End your day by partying the night away on Bourbon Street!
Other Activities You Can Do This Day:
- French Quarter walking and Storytelling Tour
- Eat at Cafe Beignet on Royal Street or Bourbon Street
- Go to the Historic Voodoo Museum
- New Orleans Jazz Museum
- Learn to cook New Orleans’ cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking
Day 3 : Garden District
Magazine Street
You may or may not feel sluggish in the morning. Either way, I suggest you have a nice big breakfast on Magazine Street.
Stretching 6 miles long, Magazine Street is known for its local boutiques, amazing restaurants, and its architecture.
Dat Dog
Dat dog is not your typical hot dog restaurant. This place serves gourmet hot dogs with toppings with unique New Orleanian twists like crawfish etouffee or creole mustard.
You have the freedom to build your own hot dog with classic options, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the alligator sausage!
Creole Creamery
A couple blocks down from Magazine Street, you can find Creole Creamery, my favorite ice cream spot in New Orleans!
My go-tos are their homemade, seasonal ice cream, and their affogatos are a must-try. My personal favorite? The Peppermint Mocha Affogato.
Ride the Street Car Down St. Charles Ave
Hop on the streetcar and take a scenic ride down St. Charles Avenue, lined with gorgeous historic mansions.
Night Tour
End the night with a ghost tour of the French Quarter for a spooky yet entertaining experience. You’ll hear stories of ghosts, vampires, and voodoo while you see the city’s haunted landmarks.
Other Activities You Can Do This Day:
- Mardi Gras World for a behind the scene look at what Mardi Gras is all about!
- Audubon Zoo especially if you have little ones!
- Eat at La Boulangerie for some delicious, handcrafted French pastries
- Eat at Shaya (This is not a New Orleans restaurant, but it is one of my favorites. It serves amazing Middle Eastern food!)
Day 4: History, Culture and Music
Breakfast at Bearcat Cafe
Start your day at Bearcat Cafe, a local favorite!
National World War II Museum
Visit the National WWII Museum to learn the history of World War II.
This museum is incredibly informative with interactive segments that give you a deep understanding of the war’s impact on the world.
Read my post, 10 Must-Visit Museums in New Orleans!
Steamboat Natchez
On your last night in New Orleans, take a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. You’ll get to eat delicious Creole cuisine while you see the skyline.
The Steamboat Natchez also offers both daytime and evening jazz cruises, so it’s a perfect way to end your trip.
Other Activities You Can Do This Day:
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Vue Orleans Observation Deck
- Shop at the Riverwalk Outlet for discount shopping
- Take the ferry to Algiers Point for more stunning architecture
- Eat a po’boy at Mother’s Restaurant
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Lauryn Dunning
Hello! I'm Lauryn. While serving in the U.S Navy, I spent nearly every four-day weekend traveling somewhere new. Those quick trips inspired 96 Hours, a blog dedicated to turning short getaways into big adventures.
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