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16 Mar 2025Updated last time
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New Orleans Weekend Itinerary

New Orleans: A Weekend Journey Through History, Culture, and Flavor

Embark on a captivating weekend trip to New Orleans, a city brimming with enchanting architecture, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. Begin your adventure in the vibrant French Quarter, the pulsating heart of New Orleans, where the music never stops, and the buildings tell stories of bygone eras. Wander through streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with cast-iron balconies, immerse yourself in the melodies of live jazz, and savor the local culinary delights that make this city famous.

Continue to the serene Garden District, where the opulence of the 19th century is on full display through its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and majestic tree-lined avenues. This area offers a peaceful contrast to the French Quarter and a chance to marvel at some of the finest examples of American residential architecture.

Pay a visit to The National WWII Museum, a treasure trove of historical insights and artifacts that shed light on World War II from an American perspective. This museum is not just an educational journey; it's an emotional experience that brings history to life through personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia.

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without stopping by Jackson Square, the historic heart of the city. This bustling square is surrounded by significant landmarks and is a hub for artists and musicians, offering a snapshot of the city's vibrant cultural scene. Finally, treat yourself to an iconic New Orleans experience at Café du Monde. Known for its delicious beignets and café au lait, this famous café provides the perfect setting to relax and reflect on your New Orleans adventure.

From the lively streets of the French Quarter to the quiet elegance of the Garden District, from the poignant halls of The National WWII Museum to the cultural melting pot of Jackson Square and the iconic flavors of Café du Monde, your weekend in New Orleans promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of America's most dynamic cities.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    French Quarter

    The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans, known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, and significant historical landmarks. It's the perfect place to experience the rich cultural mix, enjoy live jazz music, and indulge in the famous cuisine of New Orleans.
    French Quarter
    French Quarter
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    French Quarter
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    French Quarter
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    French Quarter
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    French Quarter
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Garden District

    The Garden District charms visitors with its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and tree-lined avenues. It's a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the 19th century. Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs will find strolling through this area a delightful experience.
    Garden District
    Garden District
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    Garden District
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    Garden District
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    Garden District
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    Garden District
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    The National WWII Museum

    The National WWII Museum is a must-visit for history lovers and those interested in learning more about World War II from an American perspective. It offers insightful exhibits, personal accounts, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the war's impact on the world and the role the United States played in it.
    The National WWII Museum
    The National WWII Museum
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    The National WWII Museum
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    The National WWII Museum
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    The National WWII Museum
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Jackson Square

    Jackson Square is a historic park in the heart of the French Quarter, famous for its beautiful landscapes, the iconic statue of Andrew Jackson, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. It's a pivotal gathering spot for artists, musicians, and street performers, offering a vibrant slice of New Orleans culture and history.
    Jackson Square
    Jackson Square
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    Jackson Square
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    Jackson Square
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    Jackson Square
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    Jackson Square
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Café du Monde

    Café du Monde is an iconic New Orleans coffee shop known around the world for its beignets, cafe au lait, and open-air ambiance. Visiting this legendary café offers a taste of New Orleans' French heritage and a chance to indulge in some of the city's most famous delicacies amidst the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.
    Café du Monde
    Café du Monde
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    Café du Monde
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    Café du Monde
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    Café du Monde
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    Café du Monde
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Restaurants

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    The Court of Two Sisters - New Orleans, Louisiana

    The Court of Two Sisters - New Orleans, Louisiana

    Known for its charming jazz brunch served in a beautiful courtyard, offering a unique blend of live music and Creole cuisine.
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    Commander's Palace

    4.5
    $$$$

    Commander's Palace

    A landmark restaurant with a whimsical turquoise and white striped exterior, famous for its haute Creole cuisine and the 25 cent martini lunch.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Galatoire's

    Galatoire's

    A step back in time to classic New Orleans dining, demanding a dress code, where patrons have been enjoying traditional French Creole cuisine since 1905.
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    Café Amelie

    4.5
    $$$$

    Café Amelie

    Offers a romantic dining experience in the French Quarter with one of the most beautiful courtyards in the city, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    The Voodoo Lounge

    4.5
    $$$$

    The Voodoo Lounge

    Not a traditional restaurant but a unique bar and music venue offering an authentic dive bar experience with a New Orleans twist, including occult-themed cocktails.
    4.5
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Hotel Monteleone

    4.4

    Hotel Monteleone

    Famous for its Carousel Bar, Hotel Monteleone offers a historic and luxurious stay in the French Quarter, blending rich history with modern luxury.
    4.4
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    The Cornstalk Hotel

    The Cornstalk Hotel

    This hotel features a beautiful Victorian facade and is famous for its iconic fence. It offers a glimpse into the elegant past of the French Quarter.
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    Le Pavillon Hotel

    4.1

    Le Pavillon Hotel

    Known as the 'Belle of New Orleans', Le Pavillon Hotel is an historic hotel that exudes old-world charm and elegance, complete with rooftop pool and nightly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
    4.1
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    The Haunted Hotel at 623 Ursulines

    4.8

    The Haunted Hotel at 623 Ursulines

    For those who seek the thrill of the paranormal, this haunted hotel offers a unique stay with storied ghost tours, capturing the mysterious spirit of New Orleans.
    4.8
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    Audubon Cottages

    4.5

    Audubon Cottages

    Offering a secluded, luxury experience with private cottages set in a beautiful French Quarter garden, the Audubon Cottages come with a personal butler service, embodying exclusivity and tranquility.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    LiL MC, Meganoke, Concept, Baum, Big V with DJ Vonte

    LiL MC, Meganoke, Concept, Baum, Big V with DJ Vonte

    The MEGA X MEGA Tour with LiL MC and Meganoke is going across the country this summer and making a very special stop in New Orleans on The 4th of July to ignite this beautiful with a fusion of Hip Hop, Bass, Experimental house music, and sounds from ...
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Jul 2024
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    Adam "Dewey" Duhe

    Adam "Dewey" Duhe

    Adam Dewey Duhe is a Solo Singer/ Acoustic Guitarist/Multi-Instrumentalist from South Louisiana. He has played at local venues in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and will soon be heading to Nashville to pursue his music further. Performs covers including...
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
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    Slangston Hughes & The Rimeless Bentley, Mr. MadLove

    Slangston Hughes & The Rimeless Bentley, Mr. MadLove

    The event will take place at The Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans.
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Jul 2024
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    JUCO

    JUCO

    This is JUCO! Were a local garage band out of New Orleans/St. Bernard. In simple words, all four of us are old souls. Were teens who grew up with old hippie rock music and heavy metal, so we want to continue on that legacy and bring to everyone what ...
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Jul 2024
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    New Creations Brass Band

    New Creations Brass Band

    The event will take place at The Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans.
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Jul 2024
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    Kirkland Green, BreAnna, w/ Special Guest Thesmoothcat

    Kirkland Green, BreAnna, w/ Special Guest Thesmoothcat

    Kirkland Green album release celebration!!New Orleans-based singer/songwriter, Kirkland Green makes his Howlin Wolf debut with his Unrequited EP release. This project features an accumulation of love songs from his perspective. Unrequited is a collab...
    Map IconThe Den at Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Aug 2024
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    Sundaze At Fillmore NOLA *Ages 21+ Only*

    Sundaze At Fillmore NOLA *Ages 21+ Only*

    NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Once you pass through the security checkpoint, proceed directly to the ticket scanning line with your ticket ready. Fillmore New Orleans is a cashless venue. Once inside, Only credit cards, debit cards, ...
    Map IconFillmore New Orleans in New Orleans (0.25 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Jul 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Recommendations Looking for weekend trips for me and my partner (2-3 days) drivable from New Orleans. We like hiking, creepy history / history and/ or the beach or water. Pref...

    Weekend trip destinations?

    Recommendations Looking for weekend trips for me and my partner (2-3 days) drivable from New Orleans. We like hiking, creepy history / history and/ or the beach or water. Pref...

    /r/NewOrleans
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    (New Orleans being New Orleans, early morning lasts until about 11:00 a.m. - and morning itself lasts until cocktail hour; its really common for people in the French Quarter t...

    3-Day Itinerary Post Trip Detailed Notes

    (New Orleans being New Orleans, early morning lasts until about 11:00 a.m. - and morning itself lasts until cocktail hour; its really common for people in the French Quarter t...

    /r/AskNOLA
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    Hey y&#x27;all! My best friend moved to Houston last year and I&#x27;m flying out to visit her for her birthday next month. We&#x27;re planning on doing a road <strong>trip</s...

    r/femaletravels on Reddit: Girls' Weekend Trip to New Orleans recommendations?

    Hey y&#x27;all! My best friend moved to Houston last year and I&#x27;m flying out to visit her for her birthday next month. We&#x27;re planning on doing a road <strong>trip</s...

    /r/femaletravels
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    110 votes, 104 comments. Hello! I am going to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong> in a couple of weeks and was wondering if those who visited can share some cool pla...

    r/travel on Reddit: Trip to New Orleans

    110 votes, 104 comments. Hello! I am going to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong> in a couple of weeks and was wondering if those who visited can share some cool pla...

    /r/travel
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    My boyfriend and I did a similar long <strong>weekend</strong> <strong>trip</strong> recently in NOLA. It was our first time and we had a lot of fun. Were also not into the pa...

    r/AskNOLA on Reddit: NOLA experiences that are a must

    My boyfriend and I did a similar long <strong>weekend</strong> <strong>trip</strong> recently in NOLA. It was our first time and we had a lot of fun. Were also not into the pa...

    /r/AskNOLA
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Music for Your Journey

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    Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In

    Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In

    An iconic song that embodies the spirit of New Orleans; its jazz roots make it a perfect match for the city's vibrant music scene.
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    Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five - Basin Street Blues - rec. 1928

    Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five - Basin Street Blues - rec. 1928

    Captures the essence of the jazz clubs on Basin Street, the birthplace of jazz, inviting you into the soulful heart of New Orleans.
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    The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun

    The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun

    Though its origins are a bit mysterious, this song evokes the storied past of New Orleans, with its tales of loss and redemption.
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    Hank Williams - Jambalaya (On The Bayou)

    Hank Williams - Jambalaya (On The Bayou)

    A fun and lively song that celebrates the Creole and Cajun cuisine New Orleans is famous for, perfect for a culinary exploration.
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    Freddy Cannon - Way Down Yonder in New Orleans

    Freddy Cannon - Way Down Yonder in New Orleans

    An upbeat tune that transports listeners straight to the heart of New Orleans, highlighting its charm and vivacity.
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    Ellis Marsalis - DO You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans

    Ellis Marsalis - DO You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans

    A nostalgic melody that captures the longing for the unique beauty and atmosphere of New Orleans, reflecting the city's enchanting allure.
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    Fats Domino - Walking To New Orleans

    Fats Domino - Walking To New Orleans

    This song’s rhythmic journey symbolizes the trek to this enchanting city, merging blues and country for a trip full of anticipation.
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    The Meters - Mardi Gras Mambo

    The Meters - Mardi Gras Mambo

    Reflects the festive spirit of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with rhythms that make you want to join the parade and dance along.
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    Glen Campbell - Southern Nights

    Glen Campbell - Southern Nights

    Offers a sense of the serene and magical Southern nights, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring New Orleans.
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    Snooks Eaglin - Saint James Infirmary

    Snooks Eaglin - Saint James Infirmary

    A traditional New Orleans blues song that tells a tale of loss and sorrow, capturing the depth and emotion of the city's musical heritage.
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