3 Days in New Orleans: 2023 Itinerary

Start by heading to your hotel to check-in, drop off your bags, and freshen up. It can be hard to find parking, so have your travel advisor pre-arrange parking with your hotel if you're driving yourself. I recommend staying at the Four Seasons as we can provide VIP perks and the view of the Mississippi River from the river-facing rooms is captivating.

Once you are suitably refreshed, head down to the gorgeous Chandelier bar for a taste of New Orleans cocktail culture. Try a Worlds Fair Fizz or traditional Hurricane made up of rum, citrus and passionfruit cordial. Or opt for champagne and caviar if you feel like celebrating.

Afterwards, head over to Antonie's Restaurant for all things oysters. The oldest restaurant in New Orleans, Antionie's claims the invention of oysters Rockefeller. You can also get them raw, fried or stuffed in a po'boy. The menu is brimming with all things French-Creole.

After having breakfast at your hotel, head down to the Riverfront. From there you can see the large ships passing by and there's a great opportunity for photos in front of the Crescent City Connection, a bridge crossing the river between the east and west banks. Climb the steps at Artillery Park for the best view of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, as well as the crescent shaped bend in the river that gave New Orleans one of its nicknames, the Crescent City. There's often street performers showing off magic or musical talents, telling fortunes, or selling local artwork.

Once you've had your fill of culture, pay a visit to Cafe Du Monde for an unmissable experience: Beignets! (Insider Tip: bring cash) These light puffs of French pastry covered in powdered sugar are a signature treat in New Orleans and they pair perfectly with a cafe au lait. Cafe du Monde also has delicious coffee and beignet mix you can buy to take home. Enjoy your mid-morning snack in the adorable open air cafe or make your way into the French Quarter.

The French Quarter, or just "the Quarter" to locals is the oldest part of the city and is full of unique architecture and darling houses. It is also home to Mardi Gras and a year-round nightly debatuary on Bourbon Street. I find it best to explore this area during the day while the streets are still relatively quiet and clean. (New Orleans streets are cleaned almost every morning with truck loads of soapy water to gather up the remains of the party from the night before.)

In the afternoon, opt for a food tour to really get a taste of the local culture. Some must try items include Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalaya and Muffuletta. Gumbo and Etouffee are especially sacred in New Orleans because they start with the "Holy Trinity"- celery, peppers and onions. Another exciting dish to try is crawfish, boiled and spiced; these "mud bugs" are a delicious way to truly experience the soul of the city. Try them with a local Abita beer for the full effect.

After your food tour, head back to your hotel and get ready for a night of music! Preservation Hall is the quintessential place to experience Jazz in New Orleans. (Tip: Get tickets online in advance and BYOB.) If you get there early, check out Pat O'Brien's next door for dueling pianos and to get a drink to-go.

Sunday Brunch at Commander's Palace is a must, especially if you didn't get enough Jazz last night. Then hop on the St. Charles Street Car for a ride to the Garden District. These antique cars are a fun way to experience the city's historic side. There's a few different tours you could opt for this afternoon: Voodoo, Cemetery, Cocktails or Historical Walking. These tours all offer their own unique versions of the story of New Orleans. A walking tour of the garden district might point out the house where John Goodman lives and the various plants indigenous to the area, while a Voodoo tour will be more focused on culture and historical significance. (Tip: for most cemeteries you need a certified guide to escort you.)

Stop for some Pralines if you feel a craving for something sweet. This local treat is basically just pecans covered in a melted sugar, corn syrup, milk and butter mixture.

For a late afternoon spot; I love Bacchanal. This wine and cheese store is a bit off the beaten path, but the vibes are lovely on the lush back patio. They often have live music and you can sit down to enjoy it with your purchases.

End the day with dinner at Peche Seafood Grill for raw oysters shucked in front of you and delicious fish. The ambiance is lux meets rustic with the weathered wood bar taking up prime real estate in the front. Opt for a bottle of champagne and or a classic New Orleans cocktail and melt into the Big Easy.

After a slow morning breakfast at the hotel, get ready to head home. If you are visiting during late winter 2024, be on the lookout for a King Cake to take on your journey. These are usually made during Mardi Gras season and is decorated in purple, green and yellow. Be careful when you bite into your treat as it may contain a plastic baby, which is good luck, but also means you have to buy the next cake!