Here is a guide that will cover A LOT of ground if you have 24 hours in New Orleans. It will give you a great overview of the city and it’s little pockets and neighborhoods. This tour will also take you through a plantation and the Louisiana Bayou so you’ll learn about New Orlean’s history and enjoy nature at the same time.
Day 1: Morning
Take a half day trip out to Oak Alley Plantation – a historic landmark that tells of life in the deep south before the Civil War. Make sure to have a Mint Julep and sit under the gorgeous Oak trees where the plantation got it’s name.
Oak Alley Plantation house
Keep driving towards New Orleans along the Mississippi River until you hit the Jean Lafitte National Park. Take about an hour and walk the boardwalk through the Louisiana Bayou. Watch out for alligators! You may just spot some :)
Exploring the Louisiana Bayou in Jean Lafitte National Park
Now it’s time to start heading into New Orleans for a sunset drink, dinner and then drinks out.
Day 1: Evening
Enjoy sunset and a gorgeous view of the city at a rooftop bar. We went to Monkey Board which is at the top of the Troubadour. It has a great view of the CBD and the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
View of the city at Sunset from Monkey Board bar at the top of Troubodour Hotel
Next, head over to Magazine Street and stroll along the street and enjoy the shops and bars. Try to have dinner at this delicious mediterranean placed called Shaya (it’s won 2 James Beard Awards in the past two years). The hummus is AMAZING! And that pita bread… Cocktails are great too. Call and make a reservation EARLY or go sit at the bar (if there is a spot) and eat there.
Dinner at Shaya Restaurant on Magazine Street
Head over to Frenchman Street later around 11pm and enjoy the live Jazz, drinks and crowds of people pouring out on the streets. We found this to be much cleaner and a bit classier than Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans – lively during the day!
Day 2: Morning
Wake up and have coffee and a Bignet at either Cafe du Monde or Cafe Bignet on Decatur Street (they are both very close to each other). We chose to go to Cafe Bignet on Royal Street – it’s a bit smaller with less of a wait.
Walk along the Mississippi riverfront from Harrah’s Casino all the way to Jackson square. You’ll see a classic Steamboat cruise.
Hanging with my brother after grabbing our coffee fix at Cafe Bignet!
If you are there on Sunday, wrap up your day with a Jazz Brunch at Muriel’s on Jackson Square. Grab a mimosa and walk upstairs to visit the Seance room and sit on the balcony overlooking Jackson Square while you enjoy your drink.
Overlooking Jackson Square from the balcony at Muriel’s
Now it’s time to head back to the airport, hotel or car to your next destination :)
Lindsey is the author of A Life Well-Balanced, a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping people live a more balanced life – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
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