If you’re planning to spend a weekend in New Orleans, then we can help you! New Orleans is one of the most popular cities in the south to visit. Known as the ‘Big Easy’, it has a unique culture that beckons millions of visitors from around the world every year. That unique culture is a combination of French, Creole, and African traditions.
Planning your trip to New Orleans last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in New Orleans in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!
Top Experiences And Tours In New Orleans:
- Evening Jazz Cruise On Steamboat (Likely to sell out!)
- Ghosts, Vampires + Voodoo Tour (Unique French Quarter tour!)
- High-Speed Airboat Ride (Super fun for the whole group)
- Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark (Very popular tour with 4.5/5 stars)
Top recommendations for accommodation In New Orleans:
- Sonesta New Orleans ES Suites (Downtown with views)
- Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter (Chic Bourbon Street location)
- The Brandywine Sextant (Rooftop pool!)
- NOPSI Hotel New Orleans (5-star luxury hotel!)
The city is also home to one of the most influential music scenes in the country. It’s where you’ll find 24-hour jazz clubs, musicians playing on every street, and tons of music history. In NOLA, you’ll also find an incredible foodie scene, unique historical sites, and even supernatural destinations.
There are so many things to do in New Orleans. Which is why it’s so popular with travelers! Because there is so much to do and see, a lot of people have a hard time choosing what to do with 48 hours in New Orleans. That’s where we come in! We’ve created the perfect itinerary for New Orleans in a weekend.
It hits all of the major highlights and there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in New Orleans or your tenth, you’ll find tons of fun and unique things to do in New Orleans on this list. We’ll help you figure out how to plan a trip to New Orleans that includes a little bit of everything.
On this weekend guide to New Orleans, we’ve also made sure to include our favorite hotels and restaurants in the city. So you don’t have to worry about finding a great hotel in New Orleans or a delicious restaurant. We’ve got you covered!
If you have an extra day in NOLA, we’ve also given some suggestions for things to do. This really is your one-stop-shop for New Orleans tips. So, let’s take a look at this weekend itinerary for New Orleans!
Getting To New Orleans
It’s super easy to get to New Orleans from anywhere in the US or internationally. Because NOLA is one of the most popular cities to visit in Louisiana, it has a major airport. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is on the outskirts of the city. You can get into the heart of the city using the airport shuttle or you can rent a car.
If you’re driving into New Orleans, that’s easy too. NOLA has several exits off of Interstate 10. Interstate 10 goes through much of the south and southwest. It connects California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. So if you’re coming from any of the surrounding states, you’ll just come in to NOLA via Interstate 10.
Getting Around During Your New Orleans Weekend Getaway
Like getting to New Orleans, getting around New Orleans is also super easy. If you’re looking for a fun weekend trip to New Orleans without a car, there are tons of options. That’s because the city has tons of options for public transportation. There are pedicabs, city buses, street cars, and of course rideshare apps. You can also rent a car at the airport if you’re flying in.
Because people are coming to the city from all over, the city is very car friendly. There are plenty of parking lots near major attractions as well as street parking. New Orleans also has a bike share program if you’re interested in biking around the city. So no matter how you choose to get around the city, you’ll find that its really easy and tourist-friendly.
The Ultimate 2 Day Weekend In New Orleans Itinerary
Day 1: Can’t-Miss NOLA
For the first day of your New Orleans weekend trip, we suggest hitting all the can’t miss spots. You’ll see all of the most famous things to do in New Orleans on this day. From the French Quarter to ghost tours, this first part of our weekend New Orleans itinerary ensures that you don’t leave feeling like you missed something.
Stop 1: The French Quarter
One of the most popular things to do in New Orleans is the French Quarter. Within the French Quarter, there are tons of unique and interesting attractions. You can stroll around the Historic French Market, sample some iconic NOLA cuisine, or check out the world-famous antique stores. Within the French Quarter, there are also a number of unique museums.
There is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, or go balcony hunting. If you’re interested in learning the history of the French Quarter, there are a few ways you can do that. There are companies that offer walking history tours, an afternoon food history tour, and more. We suggest setting aside a few hours to explore everything the French Quarter has to offer.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 2: Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is also technically a part of the French Quarter. But we made it a specific itinerary stop because you don’t want to miss it. Bourbon Street is easily the most famous street in the French Quarter and all of New Orleans. It’s the infamous party street everyone thinks of when they think of NOLA.
If you only have 2 days in New Orleans, you definitely need to take a tour of Bourbon Street. No matter when you go, it’s wide awake. You’ll find bars and restaurants open all night, jazz music spilling out onto the street at any time of day, and so much more. Even if partying all night isn’t your thing, you can’t skip Bourbon Street during your weekend in New Orleans!
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 3: Jackson Square
Jackson Square is technically a part of the French Quarter. But, like Bourbon Street, we made it a separate itinerary stop. During your weekend getaway in New Orleans, it’s a must-see stop. Jackson Square is the central part of the French Quarter, so it’s pretty hard to miss. The square is always a popular stop on a walking tour of the French Quarter. That’s because it’s always a lively place full of street performers.
When you’re there, please tip them! It’s how you can continue to support the musicians of New Orleans and ensure the city will always be full of talented street performers. Jackson Square is a National Historic Landmark and it’s a great place to sit and take a break. Especially after exploring all the other areas of the French Quarter.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 4: The St. Louis Cathedral
One of the most iconic landmarks in New Orleans is the St. Louis Cathedral. You’ll find the St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square. Since you’ll already be in Jackson Square, we suggest checking out this historic church. The exterior is stunning with three towering spires, oxidized copper trimmings, and a bright white façade.
You can also go inside the church and tour it. If you do this, consider leaving a donation. The church uses donations to maintain it. Donations also help the church stay open all day for visitors and self-guided tours. The expenses for the upkeep of this iconic historic landmark are astronomical, so every little bit helps!
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 5: Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
If you’re spending a weekend in New Orleans, you definitely need to experience a jazz club with authentic New Orleans Jazz. Just a short five-minute walk away from the St. Louis Cathedral you’ll find Fritzel’s European Jazz Club. Fritzel’s has been an iconic jazz club in NOLA since it first opened in 1969.
It’s one of the most unique things to do in New Orleans and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. Fritzel’s opens every day at 10 am and stays open late. So you can stop by at pretty much any time during your New Orleans weekend trip.
It’s a bar, so you have to be over 21 to visit. They also have a large selection of drinks that you can enjoy while you watch a live jazz performance.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 6: Garden District Tour
One of our favorite parts of New Orleans is the Garden District. To get there, you’ll need to take a quick drive or ride to the beautiful NOLA neighborhood. In the Garden District you’ll find some of the prettiest historic homes in New Orleans. There are several companies that offer walking tours of the Garden District. Or you can create your own self-guided tour.
To get there, you can ride on the St. Charles Street streetcar. It’s an iconic piece of New Orleans history and it takes you right into the Garden District. You’ll start your tour on St. Charles Street and then you can explore the neighborhood from there. You can also hop on and off of the streetcar to different parts of the neighborhood if you don’t want to walk the whole time.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 7: Longue Vue House And Gardens
New Orleans is full of beautiful homes. Many of them were once the homes of famous people or were used in iconic films and television. In fact, there’s an entire tour on famous homes in and around the Garden District. Your next stop is in the nearby Lakewood neighborhood of New Orleans.
If you love historic homes, then you’ll want to add the Longue Vue House and Gardens to your 2-day itinerary for New Orleans. The historic home was built in 1939 by the Sterns, a wealthy couple who were philanthropists and civic leaders in NOLA. Today, you can tour their historic home and the connected gardens.
You’ll learn about the impact of the Sterns on New Orleans. They were also art collectors and the home is full of their private collection. On the grounds, you can explore the beautiful gardens. The layout is still very similar to how it looked when the Sterns lived there. It’s a beautiful home and a perfect New Orleans itinerary stop for history buffs.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 8: New Orleans City Park And The Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
The next stop on your fun weekend trip to New Orleans is the New Orleans City Park. Inside the park, you’ll find the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. The small amusement park originally opened in 1928 and features a few rides. There is a Ferris wheel, a miniature train that tours the park, and one of the oldest carousels in the US.
You can visit the amusement park on weekends, but it’s closed on holidays. There is a $4 admission fee. Since it’s located within New Orleans City Park, we suggest spending some time there too. It’s a beautiful city park with a botanical garden, a putt-putt course, and even a ropes course. They also host a City Park exploration game!
The city park is also home to a few other popular New Orleans attractions. It’s where you’ll find the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Syndey and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. New Orleans City Park is one of the best places to visit during a New Orleans weekend getaway.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 9: Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo French Quarter Tour
If you only have 2 days in New Orleans, LA, then there are a few things you don’t want to miss. New Orleans is notorious for being haunted. This is thanks to its unique history, which includes vampires and even Voodoo. So, on your first night in NOLA, we suggest taking a ghosts, vampires, and Voodoo French Quarter Tour.
This is one of the most popular ghost tours in New Orleans. In fact, its often featured on the weekend guide to New Orleans from places like the Travel Channel. Because the tour is so popular, it often sells out. So make sure to book your tickets in advance.
On the tour, you’ll learn all about the city’s occult history as you walk the streets of the French Quarter. You’ll stop by historic sites like the Pharmacy Museum, the LaLaurie Mansion, the Old Ursuline Convent, and the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. During your New Orleans weekend trip, you definitely want to experience this iconic ghost tour.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Day 2: Historic New Orleans
The second day of your weekend getaway to New Orleans, LA focuses on the historic parts of the city. While you explore, you’ll learn about all of the different significant time periods in NOLA’s history. Everything from the city’s early days as a Spanish and French colony to modern-day New Orleans is on this 2 day itinerary for New Orleans.
Stop 1: The Cabildo
Start your second day in New Orleans at the Cabildo. You’ll find the Cabildo in Jackson Square, adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral. The building was originally the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall. But today, it’s the Louisiana History Museum. Because of it’s significant history, it’s almost always included as a stop in tours of the city.
Inside the museum, there are a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits. The permanent exhibits include a look at life in New Orleans during the 1800s, the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina, and the battle of New Orleans in American culture. The museum’s temporary exhibits change, but they are often centered around Louisiana natives. Those exhibits range from artwork and photography to sports and music.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 2: Louis Armstrong Park
The next stop on your New Orleans weekend trip is the Louis Armstrong Park. Louis Armstrong was a famous jazz trumpeter. He was also born and raised in New Orleans, LA. To honor him and his massive mark on American jazz, the city created a public park. You’ll find it just steps away from the French Quarter.
Louis Armstrong Park is known for it’s iconic arched entrance. So it’s pretty easy to find. Inside the park, you can visit Congo Square. Congo Square is where the enslaved and free Black people of NOLA would meet. They would have meetings, open markets, and even play traditional African drums together as a community. It’s an important part of the history of Black people in New Orleans and worth a visit.
While you’re in the park, you’ll also find sculptures, a duck pond, and plenty of green space to relax. It’s a great way to learn about the Black, African, and Creole history of the city. Plus, its a beautiful park to explore. It’s also a stop on the Urban Cultural and Historical City Tour, which highlights the history of people of color in NOLA.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 3: New Orleans Jazz Museum
Most people who visit New Orleans have at least a little bit of an interest in jazz. New Orleans is where American jazz originated and it’s a huge part of the city’s identity. But, not everyone knows a lot about jazz music.
That’s why we suggest adding the New Orleans Jazz Museum to your list of places to see during your 2 days in New Orleans. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is about a 20-minute walk away from the Louis Armstrong Park.
It’s currently located in the old New Orleans Mint building. If you’re taking a jazz tour through the city, you definitely want to stop here. Inside the museum, you’ll find interactive and permanent exhibits that celebrate the colorful history of jazz. We don’t think you can visit the city where jazz was born and not visit the NOLA Jazz Museum!
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 4: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
After you’ve learned all about the history of jazz, you’ll head to your next stop. Take a 20-minute walk to visit one of the most recognizable cemeteries in Louisiana. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is actually the oldest extant cemetery in NOLA. It was established in 1789 and is the last resting place to a number of prominent Louisiana natives.
Those include the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, Homer Plessy who planted the seeds for the Civil Rights Movement, and Nicholas Cage. Well, it’s the future final resting place of Nicholas Cage. But you can already admire the vault he has built, just in case.
The only caveat to visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is that you can only do so on the official guided and licensed tour. That’s because, over the years, the cemetery has been subject to a number of serious vandalism attempts. Plus, it’s still an ‘active’ cemetery, which means people are still being buried there.
So, to make sure those who enter are being respectful, you have to book the official tour to visit.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 5: The Free People Of Color Museum
As you continue to learn about New Orleans’s unique history, you’ll head to the Free People of Color Museum. It’s one of the best things to do in New Orleans in a weekend. The historic house museum is one of the few museums of it’s kind in the country. That’s because it is dedicated to the culture and story of the Free People of Color.
Free People of Color are those of African descent who lived in the Colonial and Antebellum south. They were either born free or escaped enslavement before slavery was abolished in 1865. The Free People of Color made significant contributions to the economy, culture, and communities they were a part of. Yet, in history, they are often overlooked.
The Free People of Color Museum aims to tell their story. To tour the historic house museum, you’ll need to book a tour ahead of time. They also offer public tours throughout the year at different times. You can’t learn about the full history of New Orleans without learning about all of the people who have called the city home. This is why we think everyone should try to visit the Free People of Color Museum.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 6: The Degas House
Right by the Free People of Color Museum, you’ll find the Degas House. The Degas House is now a Bed & Breakfast in New Orleans and a historic house museum. Now, it’s a popular place to stay during a romantic couples trip to New Orleans. But, at one point, it was the home of French Impressionist painter, Edgar Degas. In fact, it’s the only home or studio of Degas in the world. So it’s a pretty significant cultural landmark.
Edgar Degas is best known for his artwork depicting dancers and ballerinas. While living in the home he created 18 paintings and 4 drawings. It’s also where he changed his art style and became one of the founders of the Impressionist Movement. He lived in the home in 1872 and 1873 before moving back to Paris.
Today, you can explore the historic house museum in a number of ways. You can stay the night there, enjoy a meal there, or take a guided tour. They also offer unique events like drawing and painting classes in the style of Degas.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 7: Mardi Gras World
From the Degas House, you’ll head to another piece of New Orleans’ history. Mardi Gras World is dedicated to the history of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. It’s a perfect stop for a fun weekend trip to New Orleans.
Mardi Gras World is a 300,000-square-foot working warehouse and museum along the Mississippi River. Inside, you’ll see Mardi Gras floats being made for the upcoming celebration. You’ll also see a number of historic Mardi Gras floats.
While you’re there, you’ll also learn about the history of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Festival. From the early days when floats were pulled by mules to today where the floats get more elaborate every year. If you’ve ever been curious about Mardi Gras in NOLA, but don’t necessarily want to visit during it, then this museum is perfect for you!
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 8: Steamboat Natchez
The last stop during your New Orleans weekend getaway is the Steamboat Natchez. Steamboat Natchez is the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. It’s a must-do attraction during any weekend in New Orleans Louisiana. You can book a variety of tours on the Steamboat Natchez, depending on your interests.
They offer a jazz brunch cruise, harbor cruises throughout the day, and a romantic evening dinner jazz cruise. The romantic evening dinner jazz cruise is actually one of the most popular attractions for those wondering what to do in New Orleans for a weekend. You’ll get to see the city from the water and enjoy authentic jazz while you have a delicious dinner and drinks.
Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
What To Do With 3 Days In New Orleans Or More
If your New Orleans weekend trip includes a third day, we’ve got you covered. There are tons of things to do in New Orleans Louisiana if you have some extra time. You can head out of the city and take an air boat ride around the Bayou. Or you can visit the World War II Museum.
New Orleans also has a number of walking tours, pub crawls, and unique shops to explore during your extra day. When we spent 3 days in New Orleans, we loved walking around and trying all the different Black-owned restaurants in the city. Another favorite place for us is the Bywater District and its super colorful houses.
Where To Stay For A Weekend In New Orleans
The Mercantile Hotel
The Mercantile Hotel is in the middle of New Orleans in what is known as the Warehouse District. Thanks to its location, it’s close to just about everything there is to do and see in the city. It’s a 3-star hotel full of great amenities. Each suite comes with its own sitting area, exposed brick walls, and a luxurious bathroom.
Many of the rooms also have incredible views of the city. The hotel also has a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk and lobby lounge, and free WIFI throughout the hotel. If you want to be close to everything in a chic and modern hotel, then you’ll want to stay at The Mercantile Hotel.
Check The Rates Here: Booking.com
NOPSI Hotel New Orleans
The NOPSI Hotel New Orleans is a hip and modern hotel in the heart of New Orleans. It’s also one of the best pet-friendly hotels in NOLA! The hotel is within walking distance of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Which makes it perfect for travelers that want to take part in the New Orleans nightlife. It also has incredible amenities.
Those amenities include a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. Each room comes with a TV, a luxurious private bathroom, and some also include a sitting area. If you want to be right in the center of the New Orleans nightlife, and bring your furry friend, then check out the NOPSI Hotel New Orleans.
Check The Rates Here: Booking.com
The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans
If you’re planning a romantic couples trip to New Orleans and you can splurge a bit on your budget, then you’ll love The Roosevelt Hotel. The Roosevelt Hotel is a 5-star hotel that is just a 15-minute walk away from Jackson Square. This historic hotel has been open since 1893 and features stunning turn-of-the-century architecture and décor.
Each suite is luxurious and features blush bathrobes, a luxury bathroom, and a mini-bar. On-site, the hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and an Italian restaurant. You can also stop by The Blue Room, where you’ll find jazz musicians performing throughout the week. It doesn’t get much more luxurious than a stay at The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans.
Check The Rates Here: Booking.com
Where to Eat During Your 2 Days In New Orleans
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. It’s also had a number of famous patrons like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Barack Obama, and Ray Charles. The restaurant originally opened in 1941 and over the years it became a staple in the New Orleans food scene.
You can visit for lunch and enjoy their spectacular lunch buffet. It’s full of Louisiana Creole classics like red beans and rice and jambalaya. They are also open on Friday and Saturday for dinner. Their dinner service is spectacular and includes an expanded menu.
Café Sbisa
Café Sbisa is a Black-owned restaurant in New Orleans. Since it originally opened in 1899, it’s also the third-oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Café Sbisa specializes in French-Creole cuisine. You’ll want to make a reservation if you want to visit Café Sbisa as it’s a bit more upscale and super popular. They are open for brunch and dinner.
On their menu, you’ll find a variety of French-Creole classics. They serve turtle soup, duck a l’orange, Creole eggs benedict, and even bananas foster chicken and waffles. If you want to experience authentic French-Creole cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter, then head to Café Sbisa.
Bywater Bakery
For the best breakfast in NOLA you’ve got to go to Bywater Bakery. The Bywater Bakery is open Thursday through Monday for breakfast and lunch. You can choose to stop in and grab a pastry and coffee to go, or you can stay and sit down and eat. It’s up to you!
Bywater Bakery has some of the best pastries in New Orleans. They also sell cakes, have a quiche of the day, and host Bagel Fridays. If you’re looking for a quick meal on the go before you start exploring during your 2 days in New Orleans Louisiana, then head to the Bywater Bakery.
This is also a great place for Brunch In New Orleans!
We hope you’ve found this weekend itinerary for New Orleans helpful! There are so many great things to do in New Orleans. But you can easily hit all the highlights with just 48 hours in New Orleans. And we think this New Orleans itinerary will definitely help you plan your perfect weekend in New Orleans.
12 Best Small Towns in West Virginia You Must Visit