New Orleans 🎺 No-Brainer Travel Guide

1. Oak Alley Plantation + Swamp Tour (Full Day) 🌳🐊 I booked with Gray Line tours and was pretty satisfied—though there are many similar options. If you rent a car, you can do it yourself and save about $60 per person! The tour takes around 7 hours; self-guided would be faster. Besides its historical significance, the plantation is super photogenic—very Gone with the Wind vibes. 📸 2. Aquarium & Insectarium 🐠 (1–1.5 hours) Not huge, but modern and well-organized. Next door is Riverwalk Outlets—good for quick shopping, especially for sneakers 👟. Then head to the Garden District for a relaxed stroll. In the afternoon, explore the French Market and Jackson Square (right by St. Louis Cathedral). At night, catch live jazz on Bourbon Street 🎷. I made a mistake choosing Preservation Hall (see previous post—not recommended!), so do your own research on bars! Nearby Must-Try Restaurants 🦞: Deanie’s Seafood: Best crawfish bisque I’ve had in the US! 🤤 Hot N Cajun Boil House: Great for Cajun-style seafood boils. Acme Oyster House: Famous for fresh oysters. All these spots are within walking distance (or take the iconic streetcar!). 3. WWII Museum 🪖 Excellent for those who love deep historical context (2+ hours). But if you prefer a quick look (e.g., just weapons/exhibits), it might feel less engaging (~1 hour). New Orleans Museum of Art 🖼️ + City Park Try to go on a sunny day ☀️—you can enjoy outdoor sculptures and even go boating in City Park! The museum itself takes 1.5–2 hours. Last but not least—Jacques-Imo's! A bit far from other attractions, but absolutely delicious and full of local flavor. One of my favs, along with Deanie’s! #NewOrleans #StudyInUSA #TravelUSA #WorldTravel