Two Days in New Orleans: An Itinerary
Thinking of Visiting New Orleans on a group trip?
New Orleans is a soulful city, full of rich history, blended cultures and especially delicious food. The city is famous not only for its incredible food and drink, but also its world-famous cocktails.
Easily accessible via the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, NOLA is in fact one of the most visited cities in the United States. It is certainly the best place discover Southern culture, to celebrate a special occasion, or to turn back time.
Last updated December 2024*.
Planes and Plans Map of New Orleans
Contents
Table of Contents
Two Days in New Orleans - Itinerary
New Orleans Day 1 - Garden District, Bayou & Southern Cuisine
Garden District
For those looking to explore the wealthy side of New Orleans, the Garden District is home to grand historic mansions with streets lined by hanging oak trees. Be sure to visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 where people are remembered with tombstones that sit above the ground due to the city’s high water levels.
What’s more is that the area is easily accessible via a short ride on one of the historic streetcars that travel along St. Charles Avenue.
Airboat Tour
Since New Orleans is located on the Mississippi Delta, much of its population finds home in the beautiful bayou landscape. Explore this side of the city on an airboat tour, where you will have the chance to spot hundreds of alligators lurking in the murky waters, whilst learning about bayou life. This area always reminds me of my favourite Disney movie, Princess and the Frog.
Airboat Adventures offers multiple tours throughout the day from USD$59*, as well as transportation to and from the bayou for an extra USD$30* per person.
Southern Food and Beverage Museum
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is such a fun and interactive way to learn about the history and culture of the South through the lens of food and drink. The temptation of New Orleans during the prohibition era of the 1920’s is especially fascinating. Tickets can be purchased online for USD$12*.
For foodies like myself, the museum is also home to a cooking school offering lessons in both creole and cajun styles. Having never before tried real Southern food, I booked the ‘Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Cajun Class and Lunch’ option for USD$115*. And trust me, the delicious mixture of meats and stews with a side of absinthe was certainly worth the hype.
New orleans Day 2 - Plantations, French Quarter & Bourbon Street
Plantation Tour
Head to the outskirts of New Orleans this morning for a glimpse into the city’s dark past. It is no secret that the Southern United States was home to widespread slavery, and New Orleans is certainly no exception. As a result, the city’s rich culture and history cannot be fully appreciated without a visit to one of the nearby plantations.
Oak Alley Plantation and Whitney Plantation are two of the largest in New Orleans, located just one hour outside of the city centre. The estates offer an immersive insight into the lives of the rich and poor who lived here during Louisiana’s antebellum era. Gray Line offers both an Oak Alley Plantation Tour and a Whitney Plantation Tour. Both tours include transport and an entrance ticket for USD$82* per person.
French Quarter
Back in the city centre, the most beautiful French colonial architecture is found in the appropriately named French Quarter. This area of New Orleans truly makes you feel as though you are in another country. Jackson Square is its hub, where you can find many local artists and musicians. Another place worth visiting is the French Market, filled with delicious Southern foods and crafts. Café du Monde is the best place to sit back, absorb the buzzing atmosphere and dust your face with beignets.
Ghost and Spirits Tour
If you are feeling brave, embark on a nighttime ghost and spirits walking tour through one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Hearing stories of the people who have lived and died in New Orleans across history is what makes the tour special. You will also learn about the Voodoo religion that has been practiced here for over 300 years. Gray Line offers an Interactive Ghost and Spirits Walking Tour every night for USD$27*.
Alternatively, the Steamboat Jazz Cruise is another great experience if you are not a fan of the supernatural.
Bourbon Street
New Orleans is undoubtedly famous for its crazy nightlife, and Bourbon Street provides the heart of this entertainment. Spend the night bar-hopping down the street, dancing to all kinds of music from jazz, to country and even karaoke. My favourite bars on Bourbon Street include:
Maison Bourbon – for classical jazz music;
Tropical Isle – the only place to try the world famous ‘hand grenade’ cocktail;
Boot Scootin Rodeo – for a traditional oak dance floor, wild country music and a ride on a mechanical bull; and
Cat’s Meow – for some group karaoke to end the night.
*Please note that all prices are current as of December 2024.
