5 Night New Orleans Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

You’ve dreamt about it for years: jazz floating through the air, powdered sugar on your fingertips, colors so vibrant they make your heart skip. And now, it’s finally happening: your first visit to New Orleans.

But alongside the excitement, maybe there’s a whisper of nerves. Where should you stay? Is it safe to explore alone? How do you make the most of every magical, music-soaked moment? Let me give you the scoop from my experience, including my recommendations, and what I learned so you don't have to!

First Impressions of New Orleans

On my first visit to New Orleans my first impressions were that it was very different than anyplace else I've been. Kind of a mix of Las Vegas, Disneyland, a 24/7 jazz club, and a poorly ventilated laundromat…in a good way!

We weren’t looking for the Mardi Gras madness, but we did want that full French Quarter vibe. So my two childhood best friends and I planned our trip for Good Friday through Wednesday, perfectly timed for lively streets without the overwhelming crowds. I am not sure if Good Friday is typically like this, but when we first stepped out of our Lyft we thought we might be in trouble!

Read on for the tale of a 5 night visit over Easter weekend, full of recommendations for you:

Where to Sleep in New Orleans (and Still Feel Safe and Spoiled)

The Royal Sonesta

Our Lyft could not get us right at our hotel because one street was blocked with fire engines (a frequent sight and sound for the rest of our trip) and the other (Bourbon Street) only open to pedestrian traffic. So we emerged from the air-conditioned Lyft into a wall of wet heat, pot smoke, and jazz music blaring from all directions!

As we feebly dragged out suitcases through the crowds, towards our hotel, down the cobbled streets and cracked sidewalks, I turned to my pale and worried looking friends and commented, “At least it's relaxing here!” (haha). We finally found the entrance to our hotel, “The Royal Sonesta”, and passed through the sliding doors into an elegant, immaculate, silent, white marble lobby! 180% difference from outside!

The Royal Sonesta ended up being a great home base for our Big Easy visit, right in the heart of the French Quarter. Clean, comfortable rooms; lovely lobby and courtyard. There is a coffee shop off the lobby for snacks, and drinks to go. A swimming pool is in the center courtyard of the large hotel. We didn't swim, but did sit by the pool one afternoon and got not great sandwiches from the pool snack bar. Nice atmosphere, even if the food wasn't great. Other than the comfort and elegance of the hotel, the location was awesome. Right on Bourbon Street! King interior facing room (I recommend that so you don't risk hearing the Bourbon St. noise) was around $300/night.

If it’s your first time, I highly recommend staying in or near the French Quarter. You’ll be close to all the charm and excitement without needing to Uber everywhere, and you’ll feel that magic from the moment you wake up to the moment you fall into bed, blissfully full of beignets.

Bonus tip: Be sure to choose a place with a 24-hour front desk, well-lit entrances, and loads of glowing reviews from other solo travelers. Peace of mind is part of the experience.

The Windsor Court Hotel

If you are looking for a more luxurious “special treat” hotel, I have another recommendation for you: The Windsor Court Hotel. My friend, Zsa Zsa, stayed there for a few days after Mozart and I left town. The food looks delicious and I'd love to stay here someday!

Zsa Zsa says, “Great location, I felt. Within walking distance to the Quarter, but outside of the general “chaos”. It was only a short stroll to the river as well. Excellent customer service. From the doorman to the front desk and down to the room service and housekeeping staff. All were very personable and friendly and generally very welcoming. The room (premium suite) was a splurge, but I thought it was worth it.” Standard King room was around $450/night; Premium Suite was around $600/night.

What to Do: Our Favorite First-Timer Moments in New Orleans

Steamboat Dinner Cruise

We heard “buffet,” “live jazz,” and “Steamboat Natchez” in the same sentence and immediately booked it, figuratively and literally.

It was just a 10-minute walk from our French Quarter hotel, though it felt longer in the humidity, which I believe was 80% air and 20% actual water. Once aboard, we explored the decks like curious raccoons, scoping out seats, snapping selfies, and pretending we knew port from starboard.

There are two dinner seatings, both buffet-style. The food was… fine! Not Michelin-starred, but solidly “I’ll go back for seconds” good. The real draw? The live jazz band playing on the upper deck while the paddlewheel gently churned the Mississippi. Picture sipping a drink, tapping your foot, and trying not to drop your jambalaya as the boat gently rocks (in a classy way, not a Titanic way).

Tip: You can do the cruise without dinner and save about $50: perfect if you’ve already eaten six beignets and a shrimp po’ boy that day (raises hand). Either way, it’s a very New Orleans way to spend the evening: slightly sweaty, surrounded by music, and very happy.

New Orleans Small Group City Tour

On our first full day in NOLA (after we scarfed beignets at Cafe Du Monde…we have our priorities!) we took this 3 hour tour. The large van with 4 rows of seats picked us up right from our hotel. There were about 10 people total on the tour.

Our guide was part historian, part comedian, and part Schnieder from the old tv show One Day at a Time. He took us all over town: through the French Quarter, Garden District, Lake Pontchartrain, and even the Ninth Ward, still bearing the scars of Hurricane Katrina. We stopped for coffee halfway through, which felt both civilized and medically necessary.

Bonus stops included one of New Orleans' famously over-the-top cemeteries (equal parts beautiful and spooky) and a few corners I never would’ve found on my own. Cost was around $50, and we were dropped off at our hotel like the precious cargo we are.

Tip: Do this on your first or second day. It’s a great way to get your bearings, ask all the weird questions, and learn just enough history to impress strangers at dinner.

The French Quarter: History, Jazz, and the Occasional Open Container

The French Quarter is the oldest and definitely most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans. Founded in 1718, it’s got cobblestone streets, iron-laced balconies, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you wonder if you’re in a movie.

We spent hours just wandering around and people-watching: brass bands on corners, fortune tellers in Jackson Square, and a muscle man type guy wandering Bourbon Street with two boa constrictors wrapped around him (not a joke). You’ll find high-end restaurants squished next to dive bars, all wrapped in centuries-old architecture that’s somehow charming, crumbling, and fabulous all at once.

Chain stores? Nope. Clean sidewalks? Also nope. But the character? Off the charts.

Sue’s Tips for the French Quarter:

• Don’t wear heels. The sidewalks will destroy you.
• Say yes to street performers, some are better than what you’ll pay for at clubs.
• Bring cash for spontaneous shopping (and tips).
• Accept that powdered sugar will be on your clothes at all times.

This place is messy, magical, musical, and absolutely unforgettably unique. Just how I like my vacations.

The Whitney Plantation Tour

If you are going to visit a plantation I recommend the Whitney. The Whitney focuses on the history of slavery from the perspective of the enslaved people who lived and labored there. It’s one of the only plantations in the country that does. And it’s heavy, rightfully so.

To get a deeper understanding of the history of New Orleans (and the US) it was important to me to make this visit a part of my visit. The Whitney is about an hours drive from New Orleans. We rented a car for the day, but there are many bus tours available.

You can do a self guided tour or guided. We took the guided tour and felt it was very much worth it. Our guide was knowledgeable, compassionate, and didn’t sugarcoat anything. It was great to be able to ask her questions and get a better understanding of the history.

She mentioned that movie and TV depictions of slavery are often “Hollywoodized”, making things appear better than they were. Even the tv mini-series “Roots” wasn't realistic in its portrayal. She said it showed families having dinner together in their little cabin with curtains on the windows. In fact, no regard was put into keeping families together, and the conditions were beyond bare minimum. When asked what the most realistic depiction was she recommended “7 Years a Slave”.

Our tour guide shows us a wall featuring all of the information that could be found about the enslaved people at this plantation. No official records were kept for them (birth/death/marriage etc) so it was hard to represent each individual. This side of the wall showed the info they have about the people taken from Africa. The other side shows American citizens who were born here (into enslavement). Very powerful and awful.

Good to know:

• You can choose a guided or self-guided tour.
• Wear comfy shoes. There’s walking involved, and the Louisiana sun does not mess around.
• There’s a gift shop, but this obv. isn’t a “buy a mug” kind of place…it’s a reflect-on-humanity kind of place.

This visit will stay with me. It grounded my trip in a way nothing else did. Highly recommended if you want your visit to New Orleans to be more than just po’boys and parades.

Live Music in New Orleans: Jazz Hands Optional, Head Bobs Guaranteed

If there’s one thing New Orleans does better than powdered sugar, it’s live music. And the best part? You don’t have to go searching for it, it finds you. You could be sipping coffee, ordering étouffée, or just trying to cross the street, and suddenly BAM!, a trumpet solo appears.

We went to one paid entry show, at our Royal Sonesta hotel, in its Jazz Playhouse. This is a small venue for about 50 people. Patrons sit at tables and can order drinks and bar food. We saw an amazing show featuring Nayo Jones. It was a fun, intimate show that I highly recommend!

Tips:

• Even street bands will blow your mind. Don’t rush past, stop and soak it in.
• Bring small bills for tipping (they deserve it).
• You don’t have to be a jazz aficionado. If you’ve ever tapped your foot in an elevator, you qualify.

New Orleans doesn’t just play music, it breathes it. You’ll leave town humming tunes you didn’t know you knew.

The National WW2 Museum: History, Heartstrings, and Tom Hanks

First, the obvious question: Why is the World War II Museum in New Orleans? I asked that too. Turns out, those iconic Higgins boats with the big flappy front (technical term) that landed Allied troops on beaches were invented and manufactured right here in NOLA. Eisenhower even said the guy who made them “won the war for us.” No pressure!

It takes about 2 hours to go through, depending how long you study the exhibits of course. The tour starts off in a Disney-esque way with a “train ride” back through time. Then the group (whoever is ready) is ushered into a theater to watch a very good 20 minute movie (narrated by Tom Hanks, who seems like a nice guy) giving a WW2 overview.

After that you wander through the exhibits on your own. There are European Front and Pacific Front exhibits, full of artifacts, photos and personal stories. Fascinating and sobering. There is also a cool gift shop at the museum, full of 1940s era merchandise. The museum is easily reached from the French Quarter via a streetcar ride.

This museum is powerful, beautifully curated, and totally worth your time – even if history class made you sleepy.

Spa Atlantis

After walking endlessly and pretending cobblestones are cute and not hazardous, we were ready for some pampering! We found this highly rated spa, Spa Atlantis, right in the middle of the French Quarter.

The vibe is peaceful, professional, and refreshingly unpretentious. Exactly what you want after days of overstimulation from jazz bands, ghost tours, and cocktails with glowing plastic animals in them.

Two of us had massages, and one had a facial. We were all very pleased and it was a perfect, revitalizing break from all the eating, drinking and walking! Highly recommend making space in your itinerary (and your soul) for a little mid-trip reset.

New Orleans Musical Legends Park: Beignets, Brass, and Free Vibes

This (free entry) park is right across Bourbon Street from The Royal Sonesta Hotel. There are statues of musicians, a fountain, tables and chairs, a bar, a Cafe Beignets, and a live band playing Thursday-Monday 10AM to closing! Great, family friendly place to stop for some great music and a drink and/ or beignet!

There are also statues of jazz legends like Fats Domino and Louis Armstrong standing around like they’re watching you eat too many beignets, but in a supportive way.

Why you’ll love it:

• No tickets, no pressure, no dress code
• Live music with your snack? Yes, please
• Great place to rest your feet, recharge, and maybe spot a few characters from Bourbon Street drifting by

Come for the beignets, stay for the soundtrack. You’ll be tapping your toes and wondering how it’s still only 11am.

Watch a Parade! (Or Accidentally Join One)

New Orleans and parades go together like powdered sugar and black clothing. Even if you're not visiting during Mardi Gras, don’t worry, this city finds any excuse to throw a parade. We were there for Easter and saw three, including one where everyone was wearing hats so fabulous they could’ve had their own zip codes.

And it’s not just holidays! You might stumble upon a wedding second line, a funeral procession with dancing, or a full brass band escorting someone celebrating their retirement, divorce, or really good sandwich. You just never know.

Tip: If you hear music and see a crowd coming toward you… just step to the side, smile, and catch some beads. Or join in!

Madame Aucoin Perfume Shop: Scents, Secrets & Feather Wands

Madame Aucoin Perfume was started in 1910 by the first female perfumer in New Orleans. Madame Aucoin is said to have dubbed the French Quarter area around her shop “The Paris of America”. This shop and its past was an inspiration for the epic novel “Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins. You can find Madame's original perfumes, as well as other niche perfumes from independent French brands in the shop.

Here is an actual direct quote about visiting the shop from my friend, Mozart: “The woman there was pleasant. I told her I was short on time and she asked me what sort of scents I like, and she recommended a few. She keeps a feather with each perfume, if I recall right, and she sprays the feather for you to sniff the perfume. Being able to buy the variety box was perfect. It is a pretty teeny place and I was mostly very jazzed to visit the original inspiration for “Madame Duvalier’s” in the book. She even had a copy of the book.”

A lovely, low-key stop for those looking to take home a piece of New Orleans that isn’t edible or shaped like a saxophone.

Where We Ate (and What I’d Go Back For)

Café Du Monde: Powdered Sugar & Tourist Glory

Cafe Du Monde is a must visit when you go to New Orleans! This has been a NOLA staple since 1862. The menu is simple, coffee and beignets. Beignets are square French-style donuts, magically doused in powdered sugar. Absolutely delicious! Remember not to move, laugh or breathe while you are eating one or you will end up also magically doused in powdered sugar (see video example below).

When we arrived mid morning there was a line of about 100 people! Happily, the line moved fast and there was an entertaining jazz band performing right next to the restaurant! Once you get to the front of the line you wait to be seated. You then place your order with the waiter and your food is brought to you. There is also a window where you could order beignets and chicory coffee to go. That also had a long line but seemed to move quickly. We tried beignets at a couple of other local spots but our verdict was that Cafe Du Monde's were the best!

There are now 10 Cafe Du Monde locations in NOLA, but the original one is right across from Jackson Square on the Ol' Missisip.

Atchafalaya

Atchafalaya was the best and our favorite of the restaurants we tried in NOLA (well, maybe except Cafe Du Monde!). We found it on Yelp as a top rated place. It's in the beyond charming Garden District; a cottage on the corner of a street in a very residential neighborhood.

There are tables outside, dogs welcome. It seemed to be a bit of a neighborhood hang-out where people would walk down for a sunset cocktail and appetizers. Inside is a full bar, rather rustic. The dining rooms are in two rooms past the bar. Charming decor, artwork, and the kind of warm lighting that makes everyone look like they moisturize. Not to mention delicious and interesting food!

The menu leans Cajun/Creole, with elevated takes on classic Southern dishes. Dinner entrées averaged $30.

Olde Nola Cookery: The “Checklist” Restaurant That Gets the Job Done

This place is right on Bourbon Street. It is in the Yelp top 15 restaurants for the French Quarter. We waited about 15 minutes on a Friday night, which in Bourbon Street time is basically nothing.

It was convenient, and a good place to “knock off” all the foods we'd read about that we “had to have” in New Orleans. Prices not bad. The food was pretty good, not spectacular, in my opinion.

Palace Café: Where Brunch Comes with Jazz

For Easter Brunch we went to the Palace Cafe on Canal Street, just at the edge of the French Quarter. It was a 2 story upscale restaurant with a band serenading us from the stairway.

The jazz band is there for every Saturday and Sunday brunch. There are interesting NOLA-centric options to choose from (like Turtle soup, Shrimp Remoulade, Gumbo and Grits) as well as standard fare. Bananas Foster prepared table-side was a festive treat. Good food and fun atmosphere!

Tip: Make a reservation if you’re going on a holiday, or if you just want to feel like the kind of person who says, “We have a brunch reservation.”

Palace Café feels fancy without being fussy. Come for the music, stay for the grits, and don’t skip dessert. (Bananas Foster: 10/10 would flambé again.)

Royal House Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar: Come for the Balcony, Stay for the Beige

We visited this place on the afternoon of Easter Sunday, mainly to get a great view of the “Gay Easter Parade” which passed right by. Not a fan of oysters, we did valiantly try them out. In keeping with my “not a fan of oyster-ness”, I was not much of a fan, though these were topped with a parmesan-butter-cheese filling, so how bad could they be!?

My entree was the Shrimp Po-Boy sandwich. It was very beige in all ways. The Royal House had a good sized menu and is a good place for a basic meal. The seating on the second floor was perfect for watching a parade pass by, and I imagine it would be fun to dine on the balcony at night to people watch also.

What I Learned (So You Don’t Have To)

After five nights in New Orleans, here’s what stood out, and what I’d want my past self (and you!) to know before going:

1. The French Quarter is magical, messy, and LOUD. If you’re sensitive to noise, crowds, or the smell of bourbon at 10 a.m., book a hotel nearby—but maybe not on Bourbon Street. (Interior-facing rooms are your friend.)
2. Easter is an underrated time to visit. The weather was perfect, the parades were charmingly unhinged, and the city was full of pastel outfits, oversized hats, and people who looked like they stepped out of a Southern Gothic novel.
3. Four days and five nights felt just right. Long enough to eat everything twice, see the top sights, and still have time to sit in a courtyard wondering if you could just move there and become a jazz-loving perfume shop regular.
4. Don’t overplan, leave room for surprises. Some of our favorite moments weren’t on any itinerary: running into a second line parade, chatting with a street musician, or discovering a spa right when our feet were filing HR complaints.
5. Pack stretchy clothes. Beignets are not messing around. Neither are shrimp po’ boys. Your waistband shouldn’t have to either.

Final Thoughts on My New Orleans Adventure

New Orleans is a city of contrasts, joyful, gritty, soulful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re dancing in the street or quietly reflecting at a historic site, it leaves its mark. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your own NOLA adventure: powdered sugar, jazz solos, and all.

Map of Mentioned Places

You may also be interested in my post about another insanely charming city, Savannah!

Pin Me for Later