Perfect 3-day Weekend Trip to New Orleans

Sometimes we all need a short break from reality and what better place to visit when you’re in need of some good food and lots of fun than New Orleans? From boozy brunch spots to rooftop bars with craft cocktails, New Orleans has it all! Although it would be difficult to see everything the city has to offer in a weekend, we've come up with suggestions to make the most out of your three-day trip to New Orleans.

Day One: French Quarter

After arriving and checking into your hotel, start your weekend with a 45-minute French Quarter Walking Tour. From hundreds of diverse restaurants and bars to the grand architectural treasures, the French Quarter has plenty of fun to offer to everyone. Let local expert guides bring the story of this 300-year-old city to life with their passion and knowledge of its history and culture.

For lunch, visit New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, Antoine's, for their 2018 summer lunch special. Indulge in a delicious 3-course meal for $20.18 (taxes and gratuities not included) and 25 cent cocktails with the purchase of an entrée. Ask your server for a tour, where you’ll learn the history behind the dining rooms and the amazing 165ft long and 7ft wide Wine Cellar. See for yourself why celebrities like Brad Pitt, Whoopi Goldberg, Bing Crosby, George Bush, Kate Hudson, and many more love dining at Antoine’s!

It’s no secret that New Orleans is home to a great variety of adult beverages and entertainment. After lunch, head a block over to Bourbon Street for some entertainment and a Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle or a Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's. They’re known as “New Orleans most powerful drinks” for a reason y’all, so please drink responsibly! You're free to walk around New Orleans with alcohol, so don't be afraid to walk around the French Quarter after you've got your drinks.

After your day of drinking and walking (and a nap), you’ll need to get recharged with another meal. At Landry’s Seafood House, you’ll get the true southern experience with Gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, oysters, fried seafood platters, and much more! Make sure you save some room for desserts such as the melt-in-your-mouth Bread Pudding or the classic flavor of New Orleans Bananas Foster in a 4-layer cake topped with brûléed bananas.

Music is New Orleans’ beating heart, but don’t make the mistake of only looking for music on Bourbon Street. For a nightcap, head over to Frenchmen Street (where the locals go) for live music with some of the city’s best bands. A stroll down Frenchmen Street will present you with the sweet tunes of Jazz, Blues, Reggae, and much more! The most popular venue, Snug Harbor features live music 7 nights a week, with a focus on New Orleans modern Jazz.

Day Two: Garden District

Start your day off right by fueling up with one of the most exceptional brunch spots serving up modern Louisiana cuisine, live music, and hand-crafted cocktails at Atchafalaya in the Irish Channel. From the Biscuits Etouffee to the Turtle and Alligator sausage gumbo, this menu is everything you could want and more in a brunch spot. The best part? There’s a fully stocked Bloody Mary bar where diners are invited to create their own Bloody Mary’s. Count us in!

Now it’s time to sweat off all that delicious food you've eaten. Get the most knowledge of this beautiful area with a Garden District Walking Tour. From coffee shops and vibrant restaurants to the rich history and architecture that surrounds you, this area is a must-see for anyone who visits New Orleans. Although it’s not far from the French Quarter, the Garden District feels like a whole different city with its lavish mansions and natural scenery. This area is one of the best-preserved collections of historic mansions in the South.

Continue your journey through the Garden District by walking down the historic six-mile long Magazine Street filled with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and craft shops owned and operated by locals. 

If you’re feeling hungry after all that walking and shopping, head to Pizza Domenica for a quick bite to eat. This isn’t your traditional pizza, but a wood-fire pizza made in a custom-made oven shipped from Italy. The atmosphere is casual and features an open kitchen where guests can connect with chefs as they prepare their meal. 

Finish your day at the Hot Tin Rooftop Bar, located in the Pontchartrain Hotel. Rumor has it, this hotel is where Tennessee Williams wrote bits of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The hotel is home to a reproduction of a page from the play written in 1946. The Hot Tin Bar, a tribute to Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, features a breathtaking 270-degree view of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans.

Day Three: Central Business District

Brunch is kind of a big deal in New Orleans and the Ruby Slipper Café in the Central Business District is nothing short of amazing. Chances are there will be a line, but trust us, it’s worth it. We recommend getting there early or download the “No Wait” app to get your place in line before you arrive. The Ruby Slipper gives its dishes a traditional New Orleans flare, so you can’t go wrong with anything you decide to get here. Our mouths are watering thinking about it!

Before departing the city, hop on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen for a relaxing daytime cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River. The Creole Queen takes its passengers on a trip to the past and visits the famous Jean Lafitte National Historic Park for a tour of where the 1812 Battle of New Orleans was fought. Get a taste of New Orleans before heading back to reality with a traditional Creole buffet, available on both daytime cruises.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

August 31, 2018 | Author: Rachel Tumminello