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Louisiana, US, United States · Trip plan

4 days in New Orleans

Jazz, gumbo and the French Quarter's iron balconies.

Best time
Oct – Apr
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$240 per person
Trip for two
about $1,920

Planning a 4-day trip to New Orleans? Here's a day-by-day New Orleans itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn to spring is comfortable and full of festivals; Mardi Gras season builds from January to Fat Tuesday in February or March.

New Orleans is America's most distinctive city: a blend of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures, the birthplace of jazz and home of Creole and Cajun cooking.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

November to March: 10–22°C, mild.

Create my New Orleans trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in New Orleans

  • 01

    French Quarter

    Jackson Square, iron balconies and Bourbon Street.

  • 02

    Frenchmen Street

    Live jazz clubs every night.

  • 03

    Garden District

    Grand mansions and Lafayette Cemetery.

  • 04

    Swamp tour

    Alligators in the bayou.

Day by day

New Orleans itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: French Quarter

    Morning
    Beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde, then Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral.
    Afternoon
    Walk Royal Street's antiques shops and galleries, and the French Market.
    Evening
    Live jazz on Frenchmen Street, the locals' alternative to Bourbon Street.

    Bourbon Street is loud and touristy; Frenchmen has better music.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Garden District

    Morning
    Ride the historic St Charles streetcar to the Garden District's antebellum mansions.
    Afternoon
    Walk Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and browse Magazine Street's shops.
    Evening
    Creole dinner at Commander's Palace.

    Cemetery tours run with licensed guides.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Bayou and history

    Morning
    Swamp tour to see alligators, herons and cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.
    Afternoon
    Spend the afternoon at the National WWII Museum.
    Evening
    Traditional jazz at Preservation Hall.

    Book Preservation Hall tickets in advance.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Jazz brunch with a live band.
    Afternoon
    Last shopping for hot sauce and pralines.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The airport is about 25 minutes away.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

New Orleans in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in New Orleans

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in New Orleans

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

New Orleans trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$120$960
Mid-range$240$1,920
Luxury$550+$4,400

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to New Orleans is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in New Orleans for every budget

  • Budget

    India House Hostel

    Mid-City

    A social hostel with a pool.

    from $50 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotel Monteleone

    French Quarter

    Famous for its revolving Carousel Bar.

    from $280 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

    French Quarter edge

    Grand Beaux-Arts building.

    from $550 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in New Orleans

  • Beignets

    Powdered-sugar doughnuts at Café du Monde.

  • Gumbo

    A rich stew with okra and andouille.

  • Po' boy

    A fried-shrimp sandwich on French bread.

Getting there

How to reach New Orleans

Travel
Louis Armstrong airport, 25 minutes from the city.
Getting around
Walk the Quarter; streetcars and rideshare elsewhere.
  • Book Mardi Gras stays months ahead.
  • Ride the St Charles streetcar for the Garden District.

Before you go

What to pack for New Orleans

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

New Orleans trip FAQs

How many days are enough for New Orleans?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, Garden District. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day New Orleans trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $240 mid-range and $550+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,920 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit New Orleans?

Oct – Apr. Autumn to spring is comfortable and full of festivals; Mardi Gras season builds from January to Fat Tuesday in February or March.

Where should I stay in New Orleans?

Budget: India House Hostel (Mid-City), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Monteleone (French Quarter), from about $280 a night. Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (French Quarter edge), from about $550 a night.

How do I reach New Orleans?

Louis Armstrong airport, 25 minutes from the city.

Is 3 days enough for New Orleans?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in New Orleans?

November to March: 10–22°C, mild.

What food should I try in New Orleans?

Beignets: Powdered-sugar doughnuts at Café du Monde. Gumbo: A rich stew with okra and andouille. Po' boy: A fried-shrimp sandwich on French bread.

How do I get around New Orleans?

Walk the Quarter; streetcars and rideshare elsewhere.

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