3-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Day 1: WWII Museum & Casual Eats Arrived in NOLA around noon and headed straight to the National WWII Museum—a must-visit for history buffs! Tips for the Museum: There are lockers for luggage, but they’re limited, so arrive early if you need one. Plan to spend 3–4 hours here; the 4D movie alone takes about 1 hour (super immersive!). The museum is open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, so don’t cut it too close. On-Site Dining: There’s a restaurant inside—great if you’re short on time, but it’s nothing fancy (just quick, filling food). 🍽️ Dinner: Mother's Located in the CBD, this spot is solid if there’s no line—wait too long, and it’s not worth it. It’s budget-friendly (no tips required!) and a good place to try NOLA classics: Gumbo: Hearty, savory stew with a rich roux base—classic Southern comfort food. Po’boy Sandwich: Stuffed with your choice of meat or seafood, served on crusty bread. Perfect for a casual, filling meal 🥪. Day 2: Swamp Tour + Oak Plantation & Seafood Feast Booked a combo tour for swamp exploration + Oak Alley Plantation in advance—such a time-saver! Tour Details: Shuttles start picking up from hotels around 11:00 AM—way easier than driving yourself 🚌. Swamp Tour: The captain pulls a baby alligator 🐊 from a cooler at the end, and everyone gets a turn to take photos with it (so cute, and softer than you’d think!). Oak Alley Plantation: I went in expecting it to be boring, but it was a nice surprise! The “oak tunnel” (rows of ancient oak trees) is stunning, and the peaceful setting is lovely. Good weather makes it even better—sunlight filtering through the leaves is perfect for photos 🌳. Return Time: We got back to the city around 5:30 PM—plenty of time to freshen up before dinner. 🍽️ Dinner: Hot N Cajun Boil House Highly recommended! Their Cajun-style seafood platter is affordable and delicious—packed with fresh crawfish, shrimp, and corn, all tossed in spicy, buttery sauce 🦞. It’s in the French Quarter, so it’s easy to walk to after the tour. Day 3: Sazerac House + French Quarter & Iconic Bites 🥃 Morning: Sazerac House Free tours! Just show your ID to book on-site (no advance reservation needed). It’s self-guided, with 3 checkpoints—each gives you a small cocktail tasting. If you just want to sample the drinks, you can breeze through the whole tour quickly. Note: It’s closed on weekends, so plan this for a weekday! 🚶 Afternoon: French Quarter Exploration Walk over to the French Quarter—some shops and bars are closed in the morning, but it’s quieter and safer. Wander the cobblestone streets, pop into souvenir shops (great for picking up jazz-themed merch or pralines 🎁), and follow the area to: Jackson Square: The heart of the French Quarter—street performers play jazz, fortune-tellers offer readings, and the St. Louis Cathedral looms in the background. Mississippi River Waterfront: Keep walking, and you’ll reach the river—relax by the water and take in the views of the “Mother River” of the US 🚤. 🍽️ Eats in the French Quarter Cafe Du Monde: Tried their beignets—covered in powdered sugar, but not as sweet as I feared (tastes like a fluffy fried doughnut). I went to the location across from Jackson Square—plenty of seats, and live music nearby. It’s a great spot to rest and people-watch 🍩. Ruby’s Slipper: Super average—skip it. Nothing stands out, and there are better brunch spots in the city. Drago’s: Their charbroiled oysters are amazing, but be prepared to wait in line (it’s popular!). The oysters are smoky, cheesy, and totally worth the wait 🦪. ✨ Final Tips Jazz: NOLA’s jazz is pretty old-school. If you want to listen: Random bands play on French Quarter streets—stop and enjoy for free. Most bars have live jazz, but Preservation Hall is the most famous. Seats are limited, so book tickets online 1 week in advance. Accommodation: Stay on Canal St. if you want to be in the thick of the action (great for soaking up the vibe). Choose the CBD if you prefer quieter nights (away from Bourbon Street’s noise) 🏨. #NewOrleans #NewOrleansFood #NewOrleansTravelGuide #USATravel