Three days in New Orleans
Whether you're a fan of jazz, great food or architecture, New Orleans is the perfect place for a few-day getaway. You will have time to stroll through its historic districts, discover its music scene and visit some plantations. Day or night, this city will fascinate you!
DAY 1
In the morning, a visit to the French Quarter is a must. The French Vieux Carré is the historic heart of New Orleans. Although the name doesn't indicate it, it features magnificent buildings with Spanish architecture. To soak up its atmosphere, there's nothing like strolling through its streets. You can also book a guided tour which will allow you to discover more hidden places.
Then go to Jackson Square to admire the Saint-Louis Cathedral. You will come across street artists, street vendors and even fortune tellers in the park. Along the river, taste the hot donuts at Café du Monde. Continue your walk to the French market, where a host of local products await you.
In the afternoon, you will have the choice between visiting the Voodoo, Slavery or Jazz museum. End the evening in style in one of the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny district. The Three Muses, Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are among the most famous. For traditional jazz, head to Preservation Hall. You can also eat in the area. Also, feel free to grab a drink to go, because New Orleans allows you to walk down the street with an alcoholic beverage!
We advise you to avoid Bourbon Street in the evening. This street has unfortunately become an extremely noisy and uninteresting place.
DAY 2
One of our favorite neighborhoods is the Garden District. Along its paths lined with century-old oak trees, it is home to majestic houses, where several celebrities have lived. When you get off the tram, take a stroll through Lafayette Cemetery. It is said to have hosted numerous voodoo ceremonies. Next, head into the quadrangle consisting of Prytania St. to the north, Camp St. to the south, First St. to the east, and 4th St. to the west. It is here that the most beautiful homes are located, including those of Anne Rice, the author of Interview with the Vampire, and the actress Sandra Bullock. The movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was also filmed in the area.
Take a break at one of Magazine Street's restaurants. We particularly recommend the Gris-Gris and its vast terrace, very pleasant on sunny days.
In the early afternoon, take a tourist bus or rent a car to visit one or two plantations. All are about an hour and fifteen minutes from New Orleans and close to each other. If your time is limited, Oak Alley and Laura Plantation are the ones to go for. The second is particularly interesting, because it highlights the history of the community of slaves who lived there. These are the stories of men, women and children told to you through a small, well-documented museum. The guided tour of the plantation is also worth the detour. You will learn more about Creole identity from yesterday to today, through the history of the Duparc family.
DAY 3
Explore the National World War II Museum, considered one of the best in the world on the subject. Allow two to three hours for the visit. Next, go to the Tremé district, located northwest of the French Quarter and popularized by the series of the same name by David Simon. Less frequented by tourists, this historic African-American district will show you a more authentic side of the city. It is also home to many jazz clubs.
If you prefer a day in the heart of nature, but in the city, take a trip to City Park. Larger than Central Park in New York, it has a botanical garden and a superb sculpture garden. It also houses the New Orleans Museum of Art. There you can rent bicycles, kayaks and pedal boats.
In the evening, embark on a cruise on the Mississippi aboard the steamboat Natchez. You will feel like you have gone back in time. You can have dinner on board and listen to a jazz concert.
Of course, at any time during your stay, try local culinary specialties like gumbo, jambalaya, po-boy sandwiches or crawfish.
Have a good stay!
