New Orleans | 5-Day Free & Easy Itinerary

I decided to go on this trip alone on a whim, and in the end, I only stayed for 3 days—half of which was spent on tours 🥹. But I loved this place so much, and I’d definitely come back if I get the chance! Tips 💡 Try to avoid staying inside the French Quarter—it’s really noisy at night! I stayed south of the French Quarter and could still hear the commotion occasionally. Dining in the French Quarter is pricey, almost as expensive as in New York 💰. Recommended Experiences & Tours 1. Oak Alley & Laura Plantation Tour Booked through Cajun Encounters, cost $96. Essentially, this fee covers transportation + tickets to both plantations. So if you’re traveling with 2+ people, renting a car would be more convenient. The two plantations are only a 5-minute drive apart: Laura Plantation: Feels like listening to a family’s story (focused on history and narratives). Oak Alley Plantation: More about scenic views—the trail behind the house, with its oak trees and the mansion, is absolutely stunning 📸. 2. Preservation Hall (Jazz Performance) General Admission (GA) seated tickets cost $47. Pro tip: Book tickets at least a week in advance! The space is small, so standing tickets might feel cramped. Rules: No photos or videos during the performance. The building is over 200 years old—there’s audience interaction, and the atmosphere is incredible. It’s a must-do! ✨ 3. Swamp Tour (Wildlife Watching in the Swamp) Regular tour cost: $60. Process: When you arrive, go to the shop to check in and get a wristband—group assignments are based on wristband colors. Wildlife spotted: American alligators, raccoons 🦝, snakes 🐍, and various birds. Bonus: If you book a VIP tour, you can hold a baby alligator (so I heard)! 🐊 4. National World War II Museum Time estimate: The first two exhibition halls each take about 1 hour; the remaining halls have less content and can be finished in 1 hour total. Highlight: There’s a WWII veteran sitting in the Boeing Gallery sharing stories—don’t miss it! 4D Movie: Reserve your movie time when buying tickets. Showtimes are every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s not just a video on a big screen—it’s awesome, and you have to see it for yourself. Highly recommended! 🎬 5. Museum of Death Rules: No photos or videos allowed. Note: The exhibition space is small—each section is separated by curtains… It’s not scary, and the lights are bright. Exhibits: First part: Animal specimens and human skulls. Middle part: Content on murders, introductions to serial killers, photos, personal items, documents, and letters. Last part: A screening room showing videos of crime scene photos (very gory, with graphic content—viewer discretion advised). 🚫 6. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise Booked the tour with dinner at 6 PM, cost $100. Schedule: Boarding at 5:45 PM, departs at 7 PM, returns to the dock at 9 PM. Tips: It can get cold outside once the boat sets sail, so bring a jacket. The night views themselves aren’t anything special, but there’s jazz during dinner and for an hour afterward (with a 1-hour gap in between, though). 🚢 7. The Spotted Cat Music Club A famous local jazz bar. Cover charge: $5 (drinks are optional purchases). Note: The venue is small, so most people stand. Different bands perform each day of the week—how good it is depends on the band itself. 🎷 #NewOrleans #NewOrleansTravel#Travel#NewOrleans #NewOrleansTravel #USATravel #Travel