48 Hours in New Orleans: A Two Day Itinerary
Looking for the perfect itinerary for your next excursion to New Orleans? In this article, travel journalist Stasha Healy shares some of her favorite activities and attractions you can squeeze into just 48 hours when visiting New Orelans, Louisiana!
Last updated: July 9, 2024
4 min read
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There are plenty of things to do in New Orleans that can keep you busy for weeks. However, not every traveler can spend that amount of time in the Big Easy. New Orleans is a completely unique city without match for its blend of cultures, music heritage, and fascinating history. And yes, it certainly warrants a stay of more than two days.
But if you’re on a tight schedule and this is your first time in the Crescent City, here’s how I would recommend spending 48 hours in New Orleans!
Day One: French Quarter
Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde
Peak Season
February
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Coffee Lovers, Food Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs, Family Visitors, Tourists
Leisurely eat and drink your way through the French Quarter on your first day. Wake up in your French Quarter hotel, wander towards the river, and grab an outdoor table at Café du Monde.
Jackson Square
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February
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Art Lovers, History Buffs, Music Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Foodies, Architecture Admirers
Fortified by café au lait and beignets, climb the stairs next to Café du Monde for a great perspective over Jackson Square and a perfect photo opp. The Mississippi River is on the other side of the streetcar tracks
Stroll down Chartres (pronounced char-TERS) Street to Esplanade and then up Royal Street, browsing for antiques, art, vintage clothes, jewelry, and Mardi Gras masks. Walk slowly to catch glimpses of courtyards with lush foliage and to admire the wrought-iron balconies of the most atmospheric neighborhood in America.
Lunch at Felix’s Restaurant
Peak Season
February
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Food Lovers, Seafood Enthusiasts, Oyster Aficionados, Culinary Explorers, Family Diners
Enter Felix’s at Iberville and take a seat at the raw bar. Talk to the shuckers as they serve you a dozen oysters and an ice-cold locally produced Faubourg (formerly named Dixie) beer.
There are hundreds of options for lunch, but to narrow it down, choose between a takeout specialty sandwich or a casual sit-down meal. If the weather is good, order a muffuletta (cured meats, cheese, and olive salad) at Central Grocery or a debris po-boy (roast beef with drippings) from Mother’s and eat on the promenade of Woldenberg Park overlooking the Mississippi River. If air-conditioning is in order, have the gumbo and jambalaya at the Gumbo Shop.
Voodoo Museum
Peak Season
October
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History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Occult Enthusiasts, Voodoo Aficionados, Art Admirers
Following lunch, take a turn through the Voodoo Museum for an introduction to a religion practiced by approximately 15 percent of city residents and the role it has played in the city’s cultural history. It’s not the most high-tech museum but it serves as a window into a world most people know little about. Their shop is a great place to pick up unusual gifts for friends back home.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Peak Season
October
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History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Bar Enthusiasts, Jazz Lovers, Architecture Admirers
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is nearby on the quiet end of Bourbon Street. This is one of the oldest bars in the world and it looks it, but that’s its charm. Named after pirate brothers who might have sold their goods here more than 300 years ago, Lafitte’s is an only-in-New Orleans spot full of character and characters.
Napoleon House
Peak Season
October
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History Buffs, Culinary Connoisseurs, Architecture Admirers, Cocktail Enthusiasts
Go from one inimitable New Orleans spot to another at the Napoleon House. Sit in the front room of this historic restaurant and bar—where Napoleon was invited but never came—and soak in the atmosphere while sipping the beverage of your choice. If you’re starting to feel a bit peckish, order the red beans and rice.
Dinner Option 1: Galatoire’s
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October
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Culinary Connoisseurs, Fine Dining Enthusiasts, Foodies, Wine Aficionados, History Buffs
Return to your hotel and change for dinner at Galatoire’s (advance reservations suggested). An iconic restaurant where waiters wear tuxedos, this bastion of Creole cuisine is known for dishes like shrimp étouffée and redfish.
Dinner Option 2: Port of Call
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October
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Burger Connoisseurs, Cocktail Aficionados, Foodies, Music Lovers, Waterfront Enthusiasts
Or, if you are always on the hunt for a great burger, walk to Port of Call, a casual restaurant with outstanding burgers and baked potatoes. Whether or not you eat here, stop in for a Monsoon (lighter in color and less sweet than a Hurricane).
Night Scene: Bars & Bourbon Street
Peak Season
October
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Music Aficionados, Jazz Enthusiasts, Nightlife Lovers, Dance Fans, Live Music Admirers
Cross Esplanade to Frenchmen Street and check out the music scene at various bars and clubs like the Spotted Cat and Blue Nile.
Head back to Bourbon Street, amusing yourself at the T-shirt slogans, colorful people, and music wafting out of open doors.
Nightcap: Pat O’Brien’s
Peak Season
February
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Nightlife Enthusiasts, Cocktail Connoisseurs, Live Music Admirers, History Buffs, Socializers
Finish the evening in the courtyard of Pat O’Brien’s with a Hurricane nightcap at the place it was invented. If you’re up for it, enter a music icon and take in the late set at Preservation Hall.
Day Two: Uptown
Breakfast at Brennan’s
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April
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Culinary Connoisseurs, Breakfast Enthusiasts, Fine Dining Lovers, History Buffs, Foodies
Wake up late and head to Brennan’s (advance reservations suggested) for brunch. A New Orleans institution for people who love breakfast (although it also serves lunch and dinner), Brennan’s is a beautiful, high-quality restaurant.
If the weather cooperates, sit in the courtyard; if not, request a table on the second floor overlooking its flickering gas lamps and lush tropical foliage. Try their version of eggs Benedict, eggs Hussarde, which was created here.
For dessert, order bananas Foster—another dish that was invented here—and get your camera ready for the tableside flambé.
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May
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Architecture Admirers, History Buffs, Garden Enthusiasts, Photography Lovers, Cultural Explorers,
Following brunch, join a Garden District walking tour to learn about the city’s intriguing history, the neighborhood’s graceful architecture, and the famous people who have lived here over the years.
Take the Streetcar Uptown
Peak Season
June
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History Buffs, Transportation Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, Urban Explorers
Then take the streetcar Uptown to admire the gorgeous mansions lining St. Charles Avenue. Get off at the stop with Tulane and Loyola universities on the right and Audubon Park on the left. The park is a relaxing place for a stroll under live oaks; or take the streetcar immediately back, looking out the window on the opposite side for variety.
Washington Avenue
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December
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Food Connoisseurs, Fine Dining Enthusiasts, Culinary Aficionados, Wine Lovers
Get off at the Washington Avenue stop and peruse the shelves of the Garden District Book Shop for a New Orleans recipe or history book on your way to Commander’s Palace (advance reservations suggested) for dinner. Request a window table in the Garden Room and order the trio of soups, veal chop Tchoupitoulas, and bread pudding soufflé.
Finish at Tipitina’s Music Venue
Peak Season
April
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Music Aficionados, Jazz Enthusiasts, Blues Lovers, Live Music Admirers, Dance Fans
You’ll be near the legendary music venue Tipitina’s, so stop in to catch a show or head back to the Quarter and roll into bed, five pounds heavier but a million times happier.