Features Destinations How it works Pricing

5 days in New Orleans

5 days · 27 stops · USA

New Orleans is the kind of city that pulls you out late and feeds you well, with live jazz drifting from clubs, bars, and street corners, and Creole cooking that rewards every meal. Wander the French Quarter for its iron balconies and lively energy, then slow down in the Garden District, the Bywater, or along the riverfront when you want a more local pace. It shines when you have time to linger, especially in evenings that seem built for music, conversation, and another round of beignets or seafood.

€1,220estimated for two — on-the-ground estimate, flights not included.

AI-estimated prices · Day 1 starts on a Wednesday · Check opening hours and closing days before you go

The 5-day plan, day by day

Day 1 · Wednesday — French Quarter arrival and riverfront classics
Easy arrival day with historic streets, river views, and an atmospheric first evening
5 stops€86 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Arrive in the French Quarter and settle in
  Make your way into the French Quarter, drop bags, and get oriented on foot around your hotel.
  €10 per person
  TIPA taxi or rideshare is the simplest door-to-door option if you are carrying luggage.
2. 10:30
  Walk the lower French Quarter streets
  Start with a slow walk through the oldest part of the city, where cast-iron balconies, shaded courtyards, and narrow streets set the tone for the trip. This first loop is a good way to absorb the neighborhood’s layout and notice the mix of historic facades, music, and everyday local life.
  Free
  TIPThe quieter blocks closer to the river are best for photos before midday crowds build.
Afternoon
1. 12:15
  Lunch around Jackson Square
  Take a midday break around the square, where cafés and casual Creole spots are packed closely together. It is an easy place to try a classic local lunch while staying in the middle of the historic quarter.
  €18 per person
  TIPMenus near the square can be tourist-heavy, so glance one street over for better value.
2. 13:45
  Stroll the Mississippi riverfront
  Head to the riverfront promenade for broad views of the Mississippi, steamboats, and the busy working edge of the city. The open walkway gives a different sense of New Orleans, linking its historic core to the port and waterfront.
  Free
  TIPThere is little shade along the open riverfront, so carry water if the day is warm.
3. 15:15
  Browse the French Market area
  Wander through the market district at the edge of the Quarter, where food counters, souvenir stalls, and small local vendors create an easygoing afternoon stop. It works well as a light browse rather than a long shopping session, with plenty to snack on as you go.
  Free
  TIPGo earlier in the afternoon for the fullest range of open stalls.
Evening
1. 19:00
  Evening music walk on Frenchmen Street
  End the day in the Faubourg Marigny side of town, where Frenchmen Street brings together live music venues, late-evening energy, and a more local-feeling nightlife strip. Walking the block or two around the main cluster is often enough to hear several styles drifting out onto the street.
  €15 per person
  TIPSome clubs charge a small cover, so carry a little cash if something sounds good.
Day 2 · Thursday — Gardens, streetcar avenues, and Uptown
A graceful day of oak-lined streets, mansions, and neighborhood food stops
6 stops€86 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Ride the St. Charles Avenue corridor
  Spend the morning along St. Charles Avenue, one of the city’s most scenic grand boulevards. The avenue’s streetcar line, live oaks, and long runs of historic homes make it one of the easiest places to feel the city’s residential elegance.
  €1 per person
  TIPBring exact change if you plan to hop on a streetcar during the morning.
2. 10:15
  Walk the Garden District
  Take a slower walk through the Garden District, where deep porches, landscaped gardens, and broad blocks give this part of New Orleans a completely different rhythm from the Quarter. It is one of the city’s most rewarding neighborhoods for unhurried wandering and architecture watching.
  Free
  TIPSide streets are quieter than the main avenue and often have the most striking homes.
Afternoon
1. 12:15
  Lunch on Magazine Street
  Magazine Street is a good midday base for cafés, casual Southern cooking, and neighborhood restaurants spread across several walkable blocks. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, making it ideal for a long lunch and a short browse afterward.
  €20 per person
  TIPThe best options are spread out, so it helps to pick a stretch before you start walking.
2. 13:45
  Browse boutiques and galleries on Magazine Street
  Stay on Magazine Street for an easy afternoon of storefront browsing, small galleries, bookshops, and design stores. The appeal here is variety rather than one headline sight, and the street rewards wandering at your own pace.
  Free
  TIPComfortable shoes help here because the interesting stretches run for several blocks.
3. 16:00
  Pause in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 surroundings
  Spend some time around the cemetery district and nearby residential blocks, where above-ground tomb architecture and quiet streets add another layer to the city’s historic landscape. The area works best as a short atmospheric stop paired with the surrounding neighborhood walk.
  Free
  TIPCheck current access rules locally, as entry conditions to cemetery grounds can change.
Evening
1. 19:00
  Dinner and evening stroll on Oak Street
  Head farther Uptown for a neighborhood evening around Oak Street, where music spots, casual restaurants, and an easy local feel make a pleasant contrast to the busier center. It is a comfortable area for dinner followed by a relaxed post-meal walk.
  €22 per person
  TIPThis area is especially pleasant at dusk, when the street begins to fill but still feels unhurried.
Day 3 · Friday — Warehouse District, art, and downtown evening
A cultural day of museums, public spaces, and a polished downtown night out
6 stops€130 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:30
  Explore the Warehouse District streets
  Begin in the Warehouse District, where converted industrial buildings, broad sidewalks, and newer cultural spaces create one of the city’s most walkable modern-historic areas. It is a good district for seeing how New Orleans blends preservation with contemporary energy.
  Free
  TIPThe area is easiest to enjoy on foot because the main points of interest are clustered close together.
2. 10:45
  Museum time in the Arts District
  Spend the late morning in the Arts District, where major museum spaces and galleries anchor one of the city’s strongest cultural corridors. The area suits a focused visit, with enough surrounding cafés and public spaces to keep the pace comfortable.
  €18 per person
  TIPMany museum-goers start later in the morning, so arrival near opening is usually quieter.
Afternoon
1. 13:15
  Lunch near Julia Street
  Take lunch around Julia Street, a compact part of downtown known for galleries and a strong choice of casual to mid-range dining. It is a convenient midday break after museum time and keeps the afternoon walkable.
  €19 per person
  TIPFriday can be busier in this area, so a slightly early lunch helps.
2. 14:45
  Walk through Lafayette Square and nearby CBD blocks
  Use the afternoon for an urban walk through the Central Business District, where office towers, historic facades, and green squares reveal another face of New Orleans. Lafayette Square is the natural anchor, with enough nearby streets to turn the stop into a fuller downtown ramble.
  Free
  TIPWeekday afternoons are livelier here than weekends, when many office blocks quiet down.
3. 16:30
  Riverfront pause at Canal Street edge
  Continue toward the river at the Canal Street side, where ferries, broad sidewalks, and city views make a useful late-afternoon breather. This is a good spot to watch the pace of the waterfront before the evening begins.
  Free
  TIPBenches along the water can fill at sunset, so sit down when you find a good one.
Evening
1. 19:00
  Dinner and music around the Warehouse District
  Return to the Warehouse District for dinner and an evening out among its restaurants, bars, and event spaces. The area feels polished and energetic at night, with enough choice to keep the evening flexible.
  €28 per person
  TIPReservations are useful on Friday evening if you want a sit-down dinner at a popular spot.
Day 4 · Saturday — City Park and Mid-City flavors
A spacious day of parkland, neighborhood wandering, and classic local eating
6 stops€118 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Morning in City Park
  Start in City Park, a broad landscape of lagoons, walking paths, old oaks, and open green space that gives a refreshing sense of scale after the denser historic neighborhoods. It works well as a relaxed morning with room to choose your own pace.
  Free
  TIPThe park is large, so pick one section to focus on instead of trying to cover everything.
2. 11:00
  Explore the museum and garden district of the park
  Continue around the cultural edge of the park, where sculpture gardens, museum grounds, and landscaped paths create one of the city’s calmest art-and-nature combinations. It is an easy place to mix short indoor visits with time outdoors.
  €15 per person
  TIPSaturday late morning is popular here, so buy any museum ticket soon after you arrive.
Afternoon
1. 13:30
  Lunch in Mid-City
  Head into Mid-City for lunch in one of the neighborhoods between the park and the canal corridor. This part of town is known for approachable local restaurants and a less tourist-focused feel, making it a strong place for a satisfying midday meal.
  €18 per person
  TIPIf a place is full, keep walking a block or two; good options are spread through the area.
2. 15:00
  Walk the Bayou St. John corridor
  Spend the afternoon along Bayou St. John, where water views, footbridges, and residential streets offer one of the city’s gentlest walking environments. The bayou gives a quieter, more local perspective and is ideal for a slower stretch of the day.
  Free
  TIPPaths are more pleasant if you stay close to the water rather than cutting inland too often.
Evening
1. 17:15
  Streetcar ride back toward the center
  Use the late afternoon for an easy ride back toward the center, watching neighborhoods pass by and resting your feet before the evening. It is a simple connector that doubles as a scenic local experience.
  €1 per person
  TIPKeep a little extra time in hand on weekends, when waits can be longer.
2. 19:00
  Dinner and night stroll near Bourbon Street side streets
  End the day in the French Quarter again, focusing on the side streets near Bourbon where dining and nightlife spill out after dark. The area gives you the liveliness people associate with New Orleans while still leaving room to step onto quieter blocks when you want a breather.
  €25 per person
  TIPThe blocks just off the busiest strip are often better for a seated dinner.
Day 5 · Sunday — Sunday markets, Tremé, and departure
A final day of neighborhood history, easy browsing, and one last riverside walk
4 stops€80 in stops, for two
Morning
1. 09:00
  Check out and leave bags with the hotel
  Check out of your room and leave luggage with the front desk so you can use the day freely before departing later.
  Free
  TIPKeep valuables and anything needed for the journey in a small day bag.
2. 09:45
  Sunday walk through the Tremé area
  Begin the day in Tremé, one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods, where residential streets, community landmarks, and a strong sense of cultural continuity reward a respectful walk. The area offers a deeper feel for New Orleans beyond the busiest visitor districts.
  Free
  TIPA self-guided walk is best kept to the more main streets in the morning.
3. 11:30
  Browse the French Market for snacks and gifts
  Return to the French Market area for a final round of light shopping and local snacks. It is a practical last-day stop because it is easy to dip in and out, pick up small souvenirs, and keep the pace relaxed.
  €12 per person
  TIPSunday is lively here, so keep purchases compact if you are flying later.
Afternoon
1. 13:00
  Lunch around Decatur Street
  Take a last lunch around Decatur Street, where casual New Orleans staples and easy people-watching make a fitting final meal in the historic center. The area stays convenient for one more afternoon stroll afterward.
  €18 per person
  TIPThis stretch is busiest at midday on Sundays, so joining a short queue early can save time.
2. 14:45
  Final stroll from Jackson Square to the river
  Use the last afternoon for a gentle walk linking Jackson Square back to the waterfront, passing through some of the city’s most characteristic public spaces one more time. It is a simple, satisfying finish that leaves room to pause wherever the mood strikes.
  Free
  TIPThis is a good moment for any last photos of balconies, street performers, and river views.
Evening
1. 17:00
  Collect bags and transfer for departure
  Return to your hotel, collect your luggage, and make your way to your departure point with time to spare.
  €10 per person
  TIPLeave extra buffer on Sunday afternoons in case traffic builds near the center.

Where to stay

French Quarter · about €180 a night Find a hotel here →

How many days do you need in New Orleans?

4 days is the right length for a first trip to New Orleans. That covers the French Quarter and Jackson Square, the Garden District, live jazz on Frenchmen Street and plenty of beignets. With fewer days you see the highlights at a brisk pace; with more, add a day trip to the bayou or the River Road plantations.

See the 4-day New Orleans itinerary →

New Orleans, in a few questions

Is 5 days enough for New Orleans?

5 days in New Orleans gets you the headline sights without rushing, plus a neighbourhood most visitors skip. The plan below spends every one of them, morning to evening, with what each stop costs.

When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable times, with milder weather for walking and being outside. The city is lively year-round, but summer can be hot and humid, and major festival periods can be especially busy.

Is New Orleans expensive to visit?

It can be flexible depending on where you stay and how much you eat and drink out. You can keep costs down by choosing simpler lodging, exploring on foot, and focusing on casual spots as well as the headline restaurants and music venues.

Do I need a car in New Orleans?

Not for the central neighborhoods, where walking, rideshares, streetcars, and buses can cover a lot. A car can be useful if you plan to go farther out, but for a classic first visit, it’s often easier without one.

More New Orleans

Ready when you are

Make this New Orleans plan yours.

Give Runtrip your dates, your crew and your budget — it rewrites this itinerary around them, with flights and a stay, in about 30 seconds.

Plan my 5 days in New Orleans →New Orleans guide

runtrip

The AI travel planner that talks like a friend, books like a pro, and saves you a Saturday.

Product

Features How it works Pricing Compare planners

Destinations

Europe Asia Americas Browse all Itineraries

Company

About AI app Contact

Privacy Terms Cookies Cookie settings

The 5-day plan, day by day

Day 1 · Wednesday — French Quarter arrival and riverfront classics

Arrive in the French Quarter and settle in

Walk the lower French Quarter streets

Lunch around Jackson Square

Stroll the Mississippi riverfront

Browse the French Market area

Evening music walk on Frenchmen Street

Day 2 · Thursday — Gardens, streetcar avenues, and Uptown

Ride the St. Charles Avenue corridor

Walk the Garden District

Lunch on Magazine Street

Browse boutiques and galleries on Magazine Street

Pause in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 surroundings

Dinner and evening stroll on Oak Street

Day 3 · Friday — Warehouse District, art, and downtown evening

Explore the Warehouse District streets

Museum time in the Arts District

Lunch near Julia Street

Walk through Lafayette Square and nearby CBD blocks

Riverfront pause at Canal Street edge

Dinner and music around the Warehouse District

Day 4 · Saturday — City Park and Mid-City flavors

Morning in City Park

Explore the museum and garden district of the park

Lunch in Mid-City

Walk the Bayou St. John corridor

Streetcar ride back toward the center

Dinner and night stroll near Bourbon Street side streets

Day 5 · Sunday — Sunday markets, Tremé, and departure

Check out and leave bags with the hotel

Sunday walk through the Tremé area

Browse the French Market for snacks and gifts

Lunch around Decatur Street

Final stroll from Jackson Square to the river

Collect bags and transfer for departure

Where to stay

How many days do you need in New Orleans?

New Orleans, in a few questions

More New Orleans

Make this New Orleans plan yours.