NOLA｜3 Days & 2 Nights Itinerary: The J-Person No-Miss Version 🗓️

I squeezed in a trip to New Orleans over the weekend right before Thanksgiving—and it was such a nice surprise! Somehow, I didn’t hit a single dud this time 😆 🏨 Accommodation I prefer quiet spots, so I stayed at the Virgin Hotel near downtown. It’s a more niche choice, but super convenient for getting around everywhere. The room was adorable—there were three mirrors and a huge vanity table, which was a big plus! The value for money was great, and the only minor downside was that the ventilation made a bit of noise 🚪 🥣 Daily Itinerary Day 1: I wandered around French Trunk Cafe near the hotel for a bit, then headed back early to rest and recharge (no rush, just chill ✨). Day 2: Bright and early, I joined a day tour I’d booked in advance on Viator—we visited plantations and saw alligators 🐊! We met up around 9 AM near the French Quarter and got back around 5 PM. I even checked out the filming location of my all-time favorite The Originals (who else is obsessed with Klaus? 🙋‍♀️—my inner fan was screaming!). Day 3: After breakfast, I went to Riverwalk Outlets. The Ralph Lauren store had tons of stock, and I lucked out—Black Friday sales were already on, with 50% off everything! Plus, there were barely any crowds, so it was such a pleasant shop. After that, I headed to the airport to head home ✈️ 🍽️ Food Highlights Luke: As soon as I arrived in the afternoon, I made a beeline here! Their happy hour (3-6 PM) has oysters for just $1.5 each—total steal � oyster! I even got lucky and found a pearl in one—what a fun surprise. The chicken liver is highly recommended too! Felix’s: This spot was suggested by our day tour guide, and the grilled oysters were amazing—tasted just like the grilled seafood back home in China 🔥! The Cajun shrimp rice was also super flavorful. I tried alligator meat for the first time, and it tasted similar to chicken nuggets… but it was a bit salty, so you can skip that if you want 🥩. Willa Jean: A brunch spot near downtown with beautiful decor, serving classic Southern fare. Honestly, though, I thought the food was just so-so—nothing to write home about 🥞. Cafe Beignet (Bourbon Street Location): This one closes later than most other branches, and they have live jazz performances 🎷! Perfect for people who don’t want to squeeze into crowded bars but still want a taste of NOLA’s nightlife. Cafe Du Monde: I grabbed a bite here at the airport, near Gate AB. I ordered their classic latte and an iced mocha—both were delicious! The latte had a really unique, smooth flavor ☕. 🎵 Final Takeaway New Orleans is perfect for a short trip—two nights are more than enough to hit all the key spots and eat your fill! That said, the city can look a bit sketchy at night, so it’s best to go out with friends (safety first! 🤝). #Travel #NewOrleans #NorthAmericaTravelGuide #Thanksgiving#Travel #NOLA #NorthAmericaTravelGuide #Thanksgiving