Making the Most of 3 Days in NOLA - A Guide to Exploring New Orleans
/If you’re looking for a unique, historic, and lively vacation spot, look no further than New Orleans, Louisiana. Also known as “NOLA”, this charming city offers a unique and vibrant culture, delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained for days. With the number of attractions and activities in the city, three days in NOLA is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of this magical city. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the best activities and attractions to check out during your three-day adventure in NOLA.
Spending 3 days in NOLA is an absolute must for any traveler looking to explore the city's unique culture and vibrant atmosphere. A great way to start your NOLA adventure is to admire the architecture of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, in the heart of the French Quarter in the famous Jackson Square. This 18th-century structure is a symbol of the city’s French and Spanish colonial roots and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This beautiful and historic church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Built-in the late 18th century, it is the oldest cathedral in the United States and the seat of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Inside the Cathedral, visitors will find a beautiful sanctuary, ornate chapels, and a museum dedicated to the history of the church. There is a free guided tour offered every day, as well as daily mass services. It's no wonder that the Saint Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square is a major tourist attraction!
Next, head to the Cabildo and Presbytere, two of the most famous buildings in the French Quarter. Both buildings were constructed in the late 1700s and are now home to the Louisiana State Museum and the Historic New Orleans Collection. As you wander around Jackson Square, take some time to enjoy the street performers, jazz artists, and many other artists who gather there. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the square for a truly unique guided and informative experience.
No trip to the French Quarter is complete without a visit to the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson and the equestrian statue of General P.G.T. Beauregard. Both statues are a reminder of the city’s rich history and a great photo opportunity. Finally, browse the unique souvenirs, gifts, and artwork at the Jackson Square Art Market. Here you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to local artwork, all of which make great souvenirs.
Bourbon Street
No visit to NOLA is complete without a visit to Bourbon Street, the iconic street that is alive with bars, live music, shops, and energy. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, check out the shops, and listen to all the amazing live music. Next, sample some of the region’s classic and unique cuisine. Enjoy some of the classic Cajun dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, and try some of the seafood options like crawfish and oysters. After dinner, visit a jazz club and experience some of the best jazz music in the country. We went to The Jazz Playhouse after dinner on our first night and enjoyed a show and a cocktail. It was so fun and a must-do! Don't forget to visit some of the other iconic streets, such as Canal Street and Royal Street, and take a riverboat cruise to view the skyline from the water.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar
A trip to New Orleans wouldn't be complete without hopping aboard the historic St. Charles Streetcar line. This century-old streetcar has been operating continuously since 1835 and is the oldest streetcar in the world. As you travel along the streetcar line, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and view stunning architecture, beautiful homes in all the neighborhoods, and popular sites such as the Audubon Zoo and the French Quarter.
Live jazz musicians often perform at the streetcar stops, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the ride. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the St. Charles Streetcar is a great way to explore the city and take in the sights. Make sure to take a break and grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at one of the many restaurants, cafes, and bars along the route. With three days in New Orleans, you can easily make the most of your time by hopping on the St. Charles Streetcar and experiencing the city in a unique and memorable way.
While on the street car stop off at the Garden District with one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, where you can marvel at the grandiose and historic homes from the 19th century. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the area and see some of the most beautiful Victorian mansions in the country.
Wander the French Quarter
Exploring the charming streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans is a must-do for any traveler. From the vibrant architecture to the quaint courtyards, there is so much to take in and admire. For an unforgettable experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the neighborhood and take in all of the sights and sounds. Spend some time shopping at the open-air French Market where you can find unique art, trinkets, and souvenirs to take home. My favorite shops were the antique shops with beautiful chandeliers and tons of unique pieces! You can also take a look at the many murals and sculptures that adorn the walls and alleys of the French Quarter.
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying some authentic Creole cuisine. There are many restaurants in the French Quarter that offer amazing food from po’boys to gumbo. You’re sure to find something delicious for your taste buds.The French Quarter is also where the Pharmacy Museum is located and it is a worthy 10$ to see the rich history of the start of the pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana; past and present
Magazine Street
One of the best places to spend an afternoon in New Orleans is Magazine Street. This iconic New Orleans neighborhood offers six miles of unique shopping, dining, and entertainment. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it on Magazine Street. From vintage boutiques and art galleries to cozy cafes and hip bars, the neighborhood has something for everyone. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the street, and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the Big Easy. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, great food, or a lively atmosphere, you’re sure to find it in this iconic neighborhood.
Vue Orleans
At Vue Orleans, you can also experience the city from a whole new colorful, high-tech perspective. Enjoy spectacular 360° indoor and outdoor observation decks to get a bird's-eye view of the city. From 34 floors above the most storied city in America, you can get a deep dive into the history, music, and culture of New Orleans. Visit the 360° Outdoor Observation Deck, and get one of the best outdoor views of the city, with panoramic views of the Superdome, French Quarter and the Mississippi River. Vue Orleans is the perfect place to experience New Orleans like never before. With its interactive, extremely high-tech cultural experiences, you'll get a comprehensive view of the city and never forget your three days in NOLA.
Where to Stay In New Orleans
If you’re looking to explore the vibrant city of New Orleans, there are plenty of great places to stay and things to do. The French Quarter is the original neighborhood of the city and is filled with historic buildings, quaint cafes, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife. For a more relaxed experience, the Marigny neighborhood provides a residential area with plenty of activities to keep you busy. The Garden District is known for its stately mansions and lush gardens, making it a great area for an upscale experience. Lastly, the Warehouse District is the city’s arts and entertainment hub and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action.
We stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, which was a chic retreat in NOLA's Central Business District. Just like all Kimpton hotels we have stayed at it was adorable, with the perfect modern decor representative of the city's history. The staff was exceptionally tentative and the restaurants on site had delicious food! Highly recommend this area when in NOLA to stay far enough away from the noise of Bourbon street, but still an easy 15-minute walk to it and the French Quarter. Everything was walkable and you didn't deal with the noise when trying to get a goodnights rest.
Where we ate
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying some of the most iconic dishes in the city. When we visited NOLA, we made sure to visit Cafe du Monde to try their iconic beignets and a cup of cafe au lait. The atmosphere was great and a perfect way to start the day.
We stayed at The Kimpton Hotel Fontenot and it had a delicious quick-service coffee shop Gospel coffee and boozy treats and sit-down restaurant The PeacockRoom. We ate at both and loved the food, service and convenience of being in our hotel. At The PeacockRoom we ordered the pimento cheese dip and croque madame.
For dinner, we decided to try Meril, which was located on Girod Street. It was highly recommended by my friend for delicious desserts, especially the bread pudding. We were not disappointed! The food was very good, as were the desserts. Portions were a little smaller than most places, so be advised when ordering. We ordered the pinapple upside down cornbread, mexican street corn, korean beef short ribs, and cinnamon toast bread pudding.
After dinner, make a stop at the Carousel Bar for a drink or two. This is a must-experience when down in the French Quarter frequenting Bourbon Street and the French Market. It's a small bar, in an amazing hotel, but just wait for an open seat and sit down for a cocktail before or after dinner! We had the FRENCH 007 and Knob Creek bourbon.
One of our favorite meals was probably at Chemin a la Mer. Located inside the Four Seasons New Orleans. This location gave a beautiful view of the Mississippi river and had the most delicious French-inspired food. They are open all day and next to the Vue Orleans so lunch was a perfect time to visit and then pop over to see the Vue. We ordered the seasonal beet salad, the grackle burger and lamb shoulder roulade.
Have a taste-off between Beignet's at Café Du Monde and Café Beignet
When visiting New Orleans, no trip is complete without experiencing the classic local treat, the beignet (with extra powdered sugar)! Two iconic locations make it easy to satisfy that craving: Café Du Monde and Café Beignet.
At Café Du Monde, visitors can experience the classic beignet with a cup of their world-famous chicory coffee. This café has been around since 1862 and is a local favorite. Plus, the outdoor seating is the ideal spot for people-watching and soaking up the culture of the city. Café Beignet also offers a wide variety of beignets in flavors such as blueberry, strawberry, and more. Plus, visitors can enjoy their beignets with a hot mug of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade. No matter where you go, beignets are the perfect accompaniment to your New Orleans experience. It was fun to try them both and compare them while also experiencing the classic flavor and culture of the city in a bite with beignets in both of these two iconic locations!
Hope this blog post helps you plan the best 3 days in NOLA. We truly enjoyed our trip and I know you will too! Here are a few other Travel Guides I know you will love as well:
