3 Days in New Orleans: Best Things to Do & See

3 Days in New Orleans – Top Things to Do

The city of New Orleans has enough to last three or four days, or even more. An orientation map of Vieux Carre or the French Quarter will assist one in exploring the central part of the town.

Explore the Garden District

The ride on a streetcar (to the Garden District, costs by every 1.25, precise payment necessary) allows taking a picturesque ride to pass by the historic houses and lots of columned mansions with green gardens in the area. 

1-day, 3-day, and 7-day Jazzy Passes are also closer to long-term sales. Taking a walking tour is a welcome relief to the busier tourist districts, and as a walk with a glimpse of the residential side of the city.

Discover the Voodoo Culture

Voodoo in New Orleans is an early establishment, and it was brought in by Haitian settlers and popularized by the well-known Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. One of the strangest things told by the Voodoo Tour is the sense of rituals, superstitions, local subculture of the city, etc.

Experience Bourbon Street Nightlife

Bourbon Street cannot be overlooked in a trip that comes to New Orleans. The street is famous with energetic bands, bars, and balconies located on the second floor that stretch 13 blocks between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue. 

To make the image less staged, Frenchmen Street can be recommended, which has live music and can be seen as a more relaxed location with cheaper drinks. For a more authentic scene, Frenchmen Street offers live music, a relaxed atmosphere, and slightly more affordable drinks.

Explore Art at Jackson Square

There is Jackson Square, which is a meeting point of tarot readers, street performers, and artists who are identified by the cathedral nearest to them. Local artists showcased their paintings along the iron railings of the square, which has been around for over fifty years.

Biases can indulge in portraits, buy original pieces of art, or merely kick back under the oak trees and absorb the electric atmosphere.

Mule and Carriage Ride

Before, horses and cars were the primary means of movement throughout town. On the present day, the carriages lined up on Jackson Square, drawn by Decatur Street, the mules. The ride provides a stress-free mode of exploring and becoming familiar with the city. The guides provide bits of New Orleans history, such as local tales and even ghost stories on the route.

French Quarter Architecture

The French Quarter echoes French Creole and Spanish influences, blended with the Caribbean and European influences. Shimmering cottages, fancy townhouses are decorated with exquisite balances and greenery around them. During the night, gas lamps are lit and Romeo catchers are brought on board to give the place historicity.

Cities of the Dead

The graveyards constructed on the surface got a new name, Cities of the Dead. The tomb of Marie Laveau, the rituals of jazz funerals, and even the future grave of Nicolas Cage can be found at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which was established in 1789.

Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone

Royal Street has the slow-rotating Carousel Bar, which is composed of 25 designed seats in the form of a carousel. It is known for a well-known cocktail made of sazerac, and it is a classy place to enjoy a night out in the city and which has made it one of the most distinct attractions in the city.

Frenchmen Street Entertainment

Frenchmen Street is full of jazz bars, casual bars, and artistic backgrounds. On typewriters, street poets produce verses, and in the night, live performances flow out of the street. Other top attractions are the Bamboula and The Spotted Cat.

Paddle Steamer Cruises on the Mississippi

The vintage paddle steamers offer panoramic views of New Orleans on the Mississippi River. The options comprise dinner cruises, Sunday brunch outings, and themed visits.

The particularly navigated folk is the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, which cruises to complete its mission of exploring the history of Chalmette Battlefield, the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, coupled with the romance of the river journey.

St. Louis Cathedral

The French Quarter is centred on St. Louis Cathedral, which is the oldest kind of cathedral that exists in North America and is a national historic landmark. Its unique architecture is one of the best-known icons in the city. The visiting hours operate on a daily basis as early as 7.30 am to 4 pm.

Game Day Atmosphere at the Superdome

The Superdome is turned into a refuge of black and gold jerseys during the home matches. The party atmosphere extends outside of the stadium, with the alcohol and other pubs and bars adding to the fun. Game da, in association with the city, makes it full of festivals even without attending.

Mardi Gras World Tour

Founded in 1984, Mardi Gras World displays the rich artistry in terms of the carnival all year round. More than 80 percent of parade floats are also created in the warehouse, allowing people to take a close look at stunning designs, Gallo, and the national cuisine, such as King Cake and coffee.

Music and Street Life

New Orleans is full of music, jazz and blues, Cajun music, and brass bands. The corner of Frenchmen Street is filled with brass bands playing and dancing, and walking tours are vibrant, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Sightseeing Pass for 25+ Attractions

The New Orleans Sightseeing Pass is a discount worth utilizing in case one is planning to visit many attractions and many museums in a trip, as it is a small at less than 50% of the overall price. 

The pass is offered on a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day option, which gives access to 25 attractions, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, as well as discounts on select restaurants and shops.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Estranged on the Old U.S. Mint on Esplanade Avenue, the New Orleans Jazz Museum honors the musical history of New Orleans. It has over 25,000 artifacts in its collection, such as the initial cornet used by Louis Armstrong, and the biggest instrument ensemble in the world, which was played by the legends of jazz. 

Accommodating more than 365 concerts in a year, the museum is a fusion of history and interactive exhibitions in which visitors are also allowed to produce their own jazz hits.

1. Phone number: 504 281 4414.
2. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.

French Market

The French Market originated in 1791 as a Native American trading connection; since then, it has developed into a multicultural centre which has been shaped by French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and European cultures. 

It covers five vibrant blocks with local produce, crafts, and art, and is known by everyone as having a lively food market that is the best place to go in the city at no charge.

Botanical Gardens in City Park

New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park was inaugurated in 1936, and today, it displays more than 2000 plant species. Some attractions are the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden, the Historic Train Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Butterfly Walk. The garden has been well restored despite its historical destruction through negligence and Hurricane Katrina.

1. Location: 5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.
2. Hours: Tues.-Sun, 10 a.m.*4:40 pm.; Cluted Mondays.

Creole Cuisine

Creole takes a combination of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean dishes, combining their flavors in hearty and deep recipes. This has shaped the current culinary culture of the city, where the popular dishes still include gumbo and jambalaya.

Beignets at Café du Monde

Since 1862, Cafe du Monde has been well known in the manner of serving square, profoundly fried, beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar, which was commonly combined with chicory coffee. The cafe is on the opposite side of Jackson Square, and it is available 24/7 throughout the year except on Christmas Day or during hurricanes.

New Orleans Museum of Art

The New Orleans Museum of Art, which was founded in 1911, included only nine works but now contains almost 50,000 works of Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Pollock, and O’Keeffe. The museum also showcases the works by Degas that came up in the course of time he spent in the city.

It is followed by the adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which exhibits over 90 sculptures around reflecting pools and hundreds of years-old oaks.

1. Address: 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124.
2. Museum Hours: 
   1. Tuesday-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
   2. Wednesdays until 7 p.m.
3. Sculpture Garden: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum was opened in 2000 in the Central Business District, and it showcases the role of America in the Victory of Allied victory. It has exhibits of WWII artifacts, immersive galleries, oral histories, and classic aircraft, including the B-17E Flying Fortress. 

The Home Front, planning of the D-Day, and the Normandy invasion are examined in the sections, making the whole experience compelling and enlightening.

1. Address: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
2. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Excursions from New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation is reflected with the spectacular avenue of 28 oak trees overgrown with Spanish moss, that are combined with the history of the Antebellum South. Reconstructed quarters introduce us to the existence of the enslaved servants, and a house tour of the grand house introduces us to families that have worked on the estate in the past.

Swamp Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

Swamp tours reveal the wild nature of Manchac Swamp, where there are raccoons, turtles, crawfish, and hundreds and thousands of alligators. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours has larger boats or kayaking browsers, and the narration is interesting with bringing the ecosystem to life. 

Most tourists pair the Oak Alley with a trip to the swamp in one day, with their preferred return time being in the evening in New Orleans.

Accommodation in New Orleans

Where to Stay

The French Quarter has become the perfect base because it is both charming and it is close to all the activities of attractions, food, and fun. It is a resilient area that allows people to drink in the street, where plastic cups have replaced the glass to avoid injuries, and all the places are within walking distance. Bourbon Street should be avoided in case one wants peace of mind.

Hotel Options

Hotel Monteleone is supposedly haunted, and within Royal Street, which is a historic block, it has Hotel Monteleone that is economically convenient and has a rooftop pool as well as the famous Carousel Bar. 

As a slightly cheaper choice, one can stay at Holiday Inn Hotel French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne, which offers a comfortable place to stay, a pool, and, at the same time, has a central location close to major landmarks.

Transport from Louis Armstrong Airport

The distance between the airport and the French Quarter is 22 kilometers, which requires 37 minutes of travel time, depending on the traffic by car. The cost per person, for round-trip or one-way, for the airport shuttle costs approximately $44 and $24, respectively, stops at several points, and can therefore be slow. 

Better value will be to have a taxi of about 38 with two passengers. Parties of three and above will pay approximately 16 dollars per head together with tip, and this is all the more cost-saving than the shuttle.

Best Seasons for Visiting New Orleans

1. The busiest season of the year is between February and May, and the weather is mild, and there are major events like Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras. 
2. September is also warm and pleasant and easy enough to manage with good crowds, even during football season. 
3. Hurricane seasons last between the beginning of June and the end of November, with active time being late in August and September. As a remark, Hurricane Katrina hit during the latter half of August 2005.

Local Advice and Common Mistakes

1. The pronunciation of New Orleans is quite confusing, and the locals do not welcome the term Nawlins. 
2. Wearing beads during Mardi Gras is always correct, but one should never pick them up on the ground; this is considered bad luck and unclean. 
3. Etiquette in standard tipping is also used in the city.

In Summary

New Orleans is one of the cities that cannot be compared and is full of culture, history, and unending energy. Three days will be enough to discover its music, food, and traditions, and reveal something unique in each corner. The Big Easy is an experience not to forget, whether one is walking in the French Quarter or having a taste of live jazz.

FAQs

Can you walk around New Orleans at night?

Yes, Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street are busy at night, but it is better to be in an open and crowded place and watch around.

Is 3 days in New Orleans enough?

Three days are sufficient to see attractions such as the French Quarter, the Garden District, jazz bars, and Creole cuisine, yet there is a lot more to see in the city over a protracted period.

What is the main attraction street in New Orleans?

The most well-known attraction street in the city is Bourbon Street, which is famous for nightlife, music, and parades, and Frenchmen Street is the place where one can experience the authentic local culture and live jazz.

What to do for the first time in New Orleans?

The first time visitors are expected to visit the French Quarter, have the beignets at Cafe du Monde, go on a river cruise, listen to live jazz, and visit Jackson Square and the Garden District.

What should I see in New Orleans?

The places of must-see are the French Quarter, the St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District, Bourbon Street, the French Market, the National WWII Museum, and a river cruise around the Mississippi to experience the history, music, and the original culture.