NOLA is Perfect for Every Soul Who Loves Jazz & Food

Conclusion: You can get a great feel for NOLA in 3 days. If you love jazz, history, and food — New Orleans is a must-visit. Note: Some restaurants and bars are open even on Christmas Day. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Convento — affordable, safe, and well-located 🏨✅ Day 1: French Quarter French Market – Local vibes & shopping Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Historic bar with atmosphere Steamboat NATCHEZ – Classic riverboat experience 🚢 Cafe Du Monde – Beignets + café au lait — iconic! 🍩☕ St. Louis Cathedral + Jackson Square – Heart of the Quarter Cross the street to snap a pic of the riverfront streetcar 🚎 Dinner: Hot N Cajun Boil House We tried fried oysters (okay) and a hot king crab combo (tasty but salty toward the end). Two of us spent just over $100 — there are cheaper combos around $30–40. Night: Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub 🎵❤️ Our favorite spot! Order a drink, tip after the set. Several sessions nightly — if no seats, stand and wait for one to end. Check online for live show times. Bring ID! Day 2 Brunch: Bearcat Uptown Arrive by 9 AM to avoid lines. Rose latte was lovely 🌹☕. We ordered the full brisket and a sandwich — solid after a seafood-heavy Day 1. Oak Alley Plantation 🌳📸 Learn the history + gorgeous oak tree photos. About 2 hours, $31/person (includes mansion tour). The Sazerac House Tour 🥃 Learn the history of America’s first cocktail. Free entry (book online), includes 3 complimentary cocktails — bring ID! Dinner: Gus’s Fried Chicken 🍗 Tasty but a bit salty — still worth it! Night: Mahogany Jazz Hall Great vibe, though we still loved Fritzel’s more. Day 3: Swamp Tour + Lake Charles Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour – 90 mins, booked on Groupon: ~$43 for two after tax. Saw about 10 alligators, birds, turtles 🐊🦉🐢 Lake Charles – Lakeside stroll, then dinner at Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake. Must-try: Gumbo — absolutely delicious! 🥘✨ #NewOrleans #USATravel #Christmas #Louisiana #TravelGuide 🎄🎺🗺️