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Looking for the perfect weekend getaway to let loose and consume lots of delicious calories? Quirky and vibrant New Orleans delivers an unrivaled celebratory atmosphere that will definitely meet the above criteria. Even if you only have limited time to spend down in NOLA, have no fear because a mere 2 days in New Orleans is more than enough!
While I always wish I could spend a full week in NOLA, I’ve learned that I’d probably struggle with more than a long weekend. Why, you ask? That would be because one of my favorite parts of a New Orleans trip is the awesome food and drinks that are consumed while fully experiencing this city. I’m not good at pacing myself, so after a short stay I’ve had more than my fill!
If you are looking to spend 2 days down in New Orleans soon, you are about to experience one of the most interesting places that America has to offer.
There is something for everyone, including amazing nightlife, rich history, and delectable cuisine. So, let’s not delay this any further and get into how to make the most of a short, but unforgettable trip to the Big Easy.
How to Spend 2 Days in New Orleans
Why Visit New Orleans
If you’ll be spending 2 days in New Orleans, you’re probably going for one of the following reasons:
- History: New Orleans has been around since the French first settled in today’s French Quarter in 1718. Combine that with Spanish rule from 1763 to 1803, the European and Caribbean influence is evident from the architecture to the food. There is no shortage of history to explore in this colorful city. Plus, it’s haunted, so ghost tours are very popular.
- Food: In New Orleans you’ll find unique cuisines ranging from Creole to Cajun, with even highly regarded Vietnamese restaurants entering the mix. Po-boy’s and beignets should obviously be at the top of your list if it’s your first time.
- Debauchery: New Orleans is the perfect place to blow off steam, especially due to the city’s laidback public container laws. You heard me right – you are more than welcome to stroll around the French Quarter with drink in hand. People flock here to celebrate anything from bachelorette parties to 40th birthdays, and there is plenty of good people watching.
Note: if you’re considering traveling closer to St. Patty’s Day than Mardi Gras, you might want to consider a trip to Savannah, GA instead. There will be a similar party atmosphere and equally loose public container laws within the city’s historic district.
2 Days in New Orleans Itinerary: Day 1
– Morning –
Breakfast at Elizabeth’s
In my New Orleans research, Elizabeth’s was the breakfast spot that kept coming up over and over again. Of course, we had to check it out. We took a Lyft from our hotel to head about 2 miles “downriver” (or east in NOLA terms) around the crescent shaped banks of the Mississippi to an area known as Bywater.
We arrived about 20 minutes before it opened at 8:00am, which was way too early. Although I had heard this popular restaurant often has a line out the door, it was completely empty while we awkwardly waited outside.
Thankfully, the delicious breakfast and excellent service were totally worth the wait, although we definitely ordered too much food. Fortunately, overeating is practically a requirement with just 2 days to try all the food of New Orleans.
I opted for the bananas foster French toast with a mimosa, while my husband ordered their enormous French toast wrap. We also split some heavenly praline bacon and hash browns.
Everything was delightful, including our friendly and helpful waitress, who gave us the perfect po-boy recommendation for later.
Louis Armstrong Park: If you have a little time after breakfast, stop at Louis Armstrong Park for some rest and shade. The park is very close to St. Louis Cemetery #1, and is the site of historically significant Congo Square.
Throughout the 1800’s, 500-600 freed and enslaved African Americans would gather in Congo Square on Sunday afternoons for traditional African music and dance. Some believe these were the seeds of the later birth of jazz in New Orleans.
Tour St. Louis Cemetery #1
To see something truly unique to New Orleans, you absolutely must take a cemetery tour. I take an odd interest in strolling old cemeteries in general, but the ones in NOLA are especially intriguing.
As New Orleans has a high water table, the first inhabitants struggled to bury their dead underground. Thankfully, the Spanish brought their tradition of burying the deceased in above ground vaults to New Orleans. The result is beautiful city-like cemeteries with ornate tombs that are fascinating to peruse.
St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the oldest in New Orleans, and can only be entered with a licensed guide (we used this one). Our guide was a true local and former history major, and we learned all kinds of fascinating NOLA history. Just don’t forget to bring water and a hat if you go in late spring or summer. It’ll be blazing out there with the lack of shade.
– Afternoon –
Eat a Po-Boy for Lunch
The po-boy was invented in New Orleans and remains a staple, so if you don’t eat one, did you even really visit? This was my favorite thing I ate during our 2 days in New Orleans, and I swear I’m still having dreams about it. Imagine golden French bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with the (often fried) meat of your choice. Okay, I’m hungry now…
Both online and through talking with New Orleanians, Parkway Bakery and Tavern was the consensus on where to go. After our visit, I have to say I agree. I ordered the fried oyster po-boy (only available Wed & Thurs), and was in absolute heaven as we consumed them at one of the many picnic tables outside the restaurant.
Tour the French Quarter
A pub tour is essential, as many famous cocktails, including the Sazerac and Hurricane, were invented in New Orleans. Drink and Learn is a tour that provides four classic New Orleans cocktails, while you tour the French Quarter and learn about their history. This was one of our favorite activities, besides stuffing ourselves with po-boys.
Drink and Learn is unlike any other cocktail tour because the price of your ticket includes your drinks. The proprietor and tour guide, Elizabeth, hands you a bag of four cocktails at the beginning and has you gradually open them throughout the tour. It was quite entertaining, and her enthusiasm for NOLA, and *ahem* alcohol, really shows!
– Evening –
Eat Somewhere Super Local
Believe it or not, most locals do not spend much of their free time in the French Quarter. In fact, some of the best gems in the city can be found just a short distance away.
The first night of your 2 days in New Orleans is a great time to branch out and try something local. Liuzza’s by the Track is the perfect spot, being just an easy 10-minute Uber down Esplanade Avenue
Liuzza’s is a beloved staple in New Orleans that serves their own signature version of the po-boy with BBQ shrimp. It is completely different than Parkway’s po-boys, as the shrimp is not fried, but served in a richly-flavored sauce.
You can’t eat too many po-boys while in NOLA, but if you need something different, definitely try the gumbo. Visiting during Jazz Fest? If so, Liuzza’s will likely be hopping since it’s a short distance from the Fair Grounds.
Check Out Bourbon Street
After dinner, Uber back to the French Quarter to check out the craziness of Bourbon Street. This is where nightly shenanigans in New Orleans go down and also where you’ll find high-end restaurants side-by-side with strip clubs. However, this street can feel like a tourist trap and gets extremely crowded and rowdy throughout the night.
Some people write seedy Bourbon Street off before even visiting, but it’s cool to experience at least once. If you’ve never checked out Bourbon Street before, then you should explore it on your first night. I recommend finding a perch on one of the many balconies and watching the madness unfold from above.
As Bourbon Street is lined with tons of bars, you can pop in and out of them until finding one you like. My husband and I settled in at Fat Catz Music Club, which had a live band playing 70’s and 80’s rock. It was a great spot for dancing and people watching, and gave us our fill of Bourbon Street so we could be back to our hotel by midnight.
2 Days in New Orleans Itinerary: Day 2
– Morning –
Day 2 in New Orleans will be just as jam-packed as the day before. Try to get an early start and don’t forget coffee (and perhaps an ibuprofen) before heading out for more adventures.
Beignets at Cafe du Monde
You can’t leave New Orleans without grabbing some beignets. On the morning of your second day, head to Jackson Square and follow the powdered sugar trail to world famous Café du Monde.
Often times, there will be a line outside for seating, but it typically moves fast. Alternatively, you could order at the back window for beignets to go (hence, the powdered sugar trail on the ground). To dine in, I recommend returning at a less popular hour, such as late afternoon, for little or no wait.
If you’d like to get an early start while eating something more substantial, Stanley in Jackson Square is a great option that opens at 7am. Try the eggs benedict with fried oysters for pure bliss. The portion sizes are just right to avoid an early food coma.
Visit a Historic Plantation
Visiting a plantation in New Orleans means driving at least a half hour to 45 minutes outside the city. With only 2 days in New Orleans, it’s a tad ambitious to squeeze in, but is essential for understanding New Orleans history. We rented a car for our visit, but there are a couple bus tour options from downtown as well.
We visited Oak Alley Plantation, which is recognizable for the giant 200-year-old oak trees that line the path to the mansion. This grimly enchanting property was also used as a set in the movie Interview with the Vampire.
A 19th century French creole family once lived in the house, but it was the simple slave quarters struck me the most. Here, I learned about Antoine, a slave and expert gardener who successfully grafted the first pecan tree. His skills transformed the pecan industry in the South at that time, allowing it to turn into a huge money-maker.
The next time I visit New Orleans, The Whitney Plantation is at the top of my list. It is known for having one of the best presentations about slavery in the country.
– Afternoon –
Visit the Garden District
A visit to the Garden District is the perfect opportunity to take the iconic streetcar you’ll undoubtedly see along Canal Street. It’s a very easy process and you can pay when you go to board. It’s cheap too – only $3 for a one day pass – and gives you a much-needed break from walking. Just try to pay in exact change on the streetcar, as any leftover will be printed on a voucher to use later.
When you arrive in the Garden District, take a quick stroll through Lafayette Cemetery #1. Unlike St. Louis Cemetery #1, you can enter this one for free without a guide.
Afterwards, spend some time strolling through the seemingly endless rows of marvelous homes. The stately architecture is distinct from that of the French Quarter, having been built throughout the 1800’s by wealthy Americans. I was so enchanted by every house I saw, I could not stop snapping pictures everywhere I turned.
If you need a snack, Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar does a terrific happy hour from 4pm to 6:30pm daily, featuring $1.25 raw oysters. We split a tray of these bad boys, and they tasted fresh from the sea.
– Evening –
Eat Cajun Food
For a classy, white-tablecloth dining experience serving rich Cajun favorites, check out Gabrielle Restaurant. My husband and I had an amazing experience here, eating our way down their menu for my special 30th birthday dinner.
While we enjoyed the gumbo, seared sea scallop, and traiteur fish, it was the veal chop that really knocked it out of the park for me. Of course, we also couldn’t resist taking some lemon chess pie to go.
Jazz Clubs on Frenchmen Street
Tonight, head to Frenchmen Street, the jazzier but tamer counterpart to rowdy Bourbon Street. Jazz clubs line both sides of this street and many of them charge a cover. You may also get lucky and happen upon an awesome street performance like we did!
The Spotted Cat is the most popular music club on Frenchmen Street, but I’ve found it almost always has a line out the door. If you prefer something less busy, your best bet is to take a walk up and down the street and pick the first bar with no crowd and available seats inside.
Here are two great jazz club options on Frenchmen Street, which I’ve personally enjoyed the most:
- d.b.a.: This small venue is split down the middle, with a stage and dance floor in one half and a quiet bar section in the other. The drink list features excellent crafts beers, like Founder’s KBS. During my visit, there was a retro 1920’s style jazz band playing, complete with flapper attire and scatting.
- Three Muses: Another small venue, Three Muses is my favorite place I went to on Frenchmen Street. It was low key, with a cheery trio of musicians playing. The vibe was really chill, and not nearly as loud and rambunctious as some of the other places we wandered into.
Have More Time?
If you are spending 3 or more days in New Orleans, there are so many more things you could add to your itinerary. Below is a sampling of some of my favorites:
- Brunch at Brennan’s: The location where bananas foster was supposedly invented. If you order this famous menu item, they’ll flambé it right in front of you.
- Do a Food Tour: If you are craving more insight into the French Quarter culinary scene, Destination Kitchen does an awesome food tour. It’s the best way to sample every traditional New Orleans dish, like Gumbo and Jambalaya, in one go.
- Visit a museum: The World War II Museum is impressively in-depth, but requires at least a half day to properly explore. The Pharmacy Museum is another quirky option, and good for those seeking a shorter visit.
- Eat more Cajun food: Cochon does a slightly upscale take on traditional Cajun favorites, such as fried alligator and boudin balls. It’s great for a casual date night or informal dinner with friends.
- Get on the water with a jazz river cruise or fishing charter.
If you have less than 2 days, here is a short and sweet itinerary for seeing New Orleans in just one day.
Getting There
If you are flying in, you’ll land at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Then it is just a 20-minute highway trip into downtown. You can grab your own rental car, join the line for a taxi, or order an Uber or Lyft.
Lyfts and Ubers are in abundance throughout New Orleans, and you can pretty much order one as soon as you’re ready to go. Hopefully you get super friendly Lyft drivers like we did, although I don’t think many rude people exist in NOLA.
Travel Savvy Tip
Unless you plan on leaving downtown New Orleans during your trip, you won’t need a car. The city is walkable, and anything more than a 20 minute walk can be reached via Uber/Lyft or the streetcar. Plus, parking your car overnight at a hotel can be very pricey.
When to Visit
Make sure you plan your visit during the right time of year! Below is generally what you can expect in each season:
- February through May: This is high season, where you’ll find comfortable weather, but more people and higher prices. The popularity is also driven by the fact that Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest happen during this time.
- June through October: Summer through early fall brings hot, sticky heat, not to mention hurricane season. However, if you can bear it, you’ll find lower prices and smaller crowds.
- November through January: The weather will cool down, but generally stays close to a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the best time to come for a calm atmosphere that lends itself to exploring the city and comfortably doing walking tours. I’ve visited in January twice now and loved the t-shirt and jeans weather.
If you choose to visit during the hot months, you will want to make sure you are armed with water, a hat, and sunscreen. If you visit in June through August, bring an umbrella, as this is statistically the rainiest time of year in New Orleans.
Where to Stay
2 days in New Orleans is not very long. To squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, stay in one of these central locations:
- French Quarter: For ultimate convenience, stay near the action in the French Quarter. The downside is this is where all the partying happens, so it may be noisy and crowded. Splurge on the Hotel Monteleone with its famous Carousel Bar, or book the popular and more affordable New Orleans Marriott.
- Central Business District: Just outside the French Quarter, the CBD features a calmer environment that is still walkable to the main sights. We love the Q & C Hotel Bar, a former train station that has been converted into a chic boutique hotel. It has sleek and stylish decor, as well as a cool, somewhat under-visited bar and restaurant.
- Tremé: The oldest African American neighborhood in the United States, the Tremé is also located right outside of the French Quarter. It features landmarks like Louis Armstrong Park and famous local eateries like Dooky Chase and Willie Mae’s Scotch House. We based here once to stay at the beautiful La Belle Esplanade. All we had to do was hop on a bus right outside the door, and five minutes later we were in the French Quarter.
• • •
That was a short, intense 2 days in New Orleans, and totally worth every minute. Many calories were consumed, but you definitely got your steps in along the way.
Quick as this trip was, NOLA is easy to fall in love with over a short weekend; the food alone will draw you back again. However, there is more than a weekend’s worth of places to explore in New Orleans, so don’t try to do it all in one trip. You’ll be back to this gem of a city for new adventures in no time!
Are you visiting New Orleans for food, history or debauchery?
Was this during corona? Wanting to go but not sure if it’s “open”.
Hi Leah. It was not during corona, just updated recently for when I went last winter (yes, I know I am late).
However, I did a Google Search of some popular spots we went to. It looks like it’s pretty split with some bars/restaurants being open, and some shown as temporarily closed. However, museums like the Pharmacy Museum and WWII museum are open, and the walking tours I mentioned appear to be running.
Therefore, it seems at this time that New Orleans is partially opened. I think with some careful planning, it could still be possible to have an enjoyable trip.
I’m making my first trip to New Orleans and only have two-nights. Thank you for the short itinerary ideas! That shrimp po’boy is at the top of my list! 🙂
You’re welcome! The po’boys are definitely a must!! We did not go hungry in NOLA, that’s for sure 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience! Going as a graduation present for 4 days, so I’m hoping to see everything I can possibly see!
Ahh what a great graduation gift – enjoy!!
As of mid June 2021 you could not get into Lafayette No. 1 or No. 2 with or without a tour. I’m not sure if they have opened back up yet. I go to NOLA often and this was my first visit since COVID. It was sad to see how much this effected the French Quarter but I know this beautiful city will overcome this too.
Great article, thank you!
I’m going in January with my husband, what would you recommend packing?
Clothes/jacket/shoes wise?
Thank you! I have been a couple times in January, and the weather was mild both times. I would say jeans weather and a mix of long and short sleeve tops. I had a faux leather jacket I wore at night, which isn’t the warmest, but was just right for my trip. I also recommend bringing comfortable shoes for walking around.
Great article!
I’m going in January, what would you recommend for packing (clothing wise)
Thank you
I have my bachelorette trip to NOLA this mid- Sept. I love Ghosts, do you recommend a good ghost tour to take? We have 3 days here. What do you think the weather will be like?
Hey Lisa! September will still be pretty hot and humid, and there is a chance of rain/tropical storms since its technically still hurricane season. Just keep an eye on the weather leading up to the trip so you can plan accordingly!
Here is the link for the most popular New Orleans ghost tour. Have fun!!
Go to the Whitney Plantation instead!!! Instead of worshipping the pretty house it gives a true account of Plantation life of a slave.
I saw on one of your posts that you rented a car just to get to the plantation, for like $35? Hiw did you do that?? Thanks!!
Hello! Yes, we did that once. We simply found a rental car company in downtown NOLA that was walkable from our hotel, which at the time was the Q&C Hotel and Bar. Looking back, it appears the exact company was Enterprise Rent-A-Car on Baronne Street. Hope that helps!
Will be visiting next April for the first time. 2 days, the Float Museum, cemetery, bourbon and French Quarter. It’s alot for 2 days. May possibly have 2.5.
Where is the best place to stay?
That is a lot, but it sounds like the pace of our New Orleans trips too. There’s just so much to see, do, and eat in this energetic city, so it doesn’t usually end up being the most relaxing destination (it’s super fun though!). For the main tourist sites, the French Quarter is the most convenient place to stay, but you have to be able to tolerate street noise and partiers hanging about. For a calmer respite, a good alternative is the Central Business District, which is just ten or so minutes walking distance from the French Quarter. There are many hotel options, as well as some restaurants and bars too.