On a recent road trip through the Deep South, we made a detour and paid New Orleans a visit for the night. New Orleans finds a way to surprise me every time I visit, which is why it is one of my favorite cities in the United States. With only a day of exploring to spare, I came up with this guide on how to spend 24 hours in New Orleans.
This was my third visit to the Crescent City and the food, night-life, and people did not disappoint. I always end up leaving with a happy belly, a smile on my face, and fun memories I cherish forever.
Make sure to wear breathable clothing and wear tennis shoes because you are going to do a LOT of walking! Read on below to find out how to spend the perfect 24 Hours in New Orleans:
24 Hours in New Orleans
8AM: A Classic NOLA Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde
Enjoy a mouth-watering, powdery beignet (deep-fried french pastry) and down it with a creamy cup of cafe au lait (coffee with milk) to start your perfect day in New Orleans. Nestled between Jackson Square and the Mississippi river, the legendary Cafe Du Monde has been a New Orleans staple since 1862. Watch the city come to life as carriage drivers line up across the street and steamboats travel down the river. If the line for a table is too long, go around back, get your beignets to go, and walk across to Jackson Square to enjoy them from a park bench.
Tip 1: Dark clothes and powdered sugar don’t mix.
Tip 2: It’s cash-only here!
9AM: Admire Jackson’s Square
After fueling up on coffee and beignets, head on over to Jackson Square and start your walking tour at the St. Louis Cathedral. The centrally located St. Louis Cathedral reminds us of the strong spiritual presence in New Orleans – a city that is surprisingly devout Catholic. Take in the beauty of the Louisiana architecture with its mix of French Colonial and Spanish influenced buildings lined with cast-iron balconies and flowers. Keep in mind that some of these buildings have been there for almost 200 years.
10AM: Shop down Royal Street
Walk one block over from Jackson Square and check out the art galleries and antique shops on Royal Street. You can stop by the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, a former apothecary from 1823 that now displays ancient cures, surgical instruments, journals and alternative medicines. Another small museum worth visiting is the New Orleans Voodoo Museum showcasing the culture and history of voodoo in the French Quarter. Self-guided tours are $8 – expect to spend at least 20 minutes here.
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12PM: Enjoy a Creole-style Lunch
Come mid-day, your belly will be growling and ready to dine NOLA style. During your visit you MUST try one of the signature dishes here in New Orleans. These include but are not limited to:
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Red Beans and Rice
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Dirty Rice
- Shrimp Creole
- Oysters Rockefeller
My top recommendations for creole lunch spots in the French Quarter are Brennan’s, Market Cafe, and Robert’s Gumbo Shop.
2PM: Stroll Through Louis Armstrong Park
Time to burn off your scrumptious lunch and take an afternoon stroll through Louis Armstrong Park. Although this park is a beautiful memorial to jazz legend Louis Armstrong, it serves as a looking glass to New Orleans’ darker past. The former Congo Square is where slaves used to gather on Sundays (their day off) to celebrate African cultures through singing and dancing. Relax underneath the trees and take a minute to honor those groups who gathered here and inspired the music styles of New Orleans today.
3PM: Bourbon Street
Late afternoon is the perfect time to get your drinks on Bourbon Street, when it’s starting to pick up but not too rowdy yet. Sure it can get loud, crowded, and even stinky, but everyone should experience it once. My favorite place to stop for drinks is Tropical Isle. Order their signature Hand Grenades and their Shark Attacks.
Another bucket-list drink to try on Bourbon Street are the legendary Hurricanes at Pat O’Briens! They have a great courtyard to sit in while you enjoy your drinks. Come back at night for some form of live music like dueling pianos.
6PM: Dinner in the Quarter
Given that you only have one night, you might as well treat yourself to fine-dining “the ‘nawlins” way. For your iconic French Quarter dinner experience, I recommend Muriel’s Jackson Square, Broussard’s, and Antoine’s Restaurant. For a more mid-range, casual dinner option still in the quarter I recommend Oceana Grill.
Tip: Always call ahead or make your reservations online. Dinner spots fill up quickly in the quarter, especially during peak travel seasons.
9PM: Live Music
It’s time to finish off your perfect day in New Orleans with some live music. During your visit to the quarter, there are bound to be street musicians playing any and every instrument you can think of. From saxophones, trumpets, violins – you name it. I have even seen people playing drums on paint buckets! (and they sounded amazing, might I add) If you are lucky you might catch a local marching band parading down Bourbon.
At the end of the day, if you still haven’t satisfied your hankering for live music, then walk over The Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchman Street for some authentic jazz and blues.
See also: the perfect 3-day itinerary to new orleans
Where to Stay
With only 24 hours in New Orleans to spare, you definitely want to stay inside of or within walking distance of the French Quarter. Good news for you – you have plenty of options to choose from! During my visits, I have only stayed at the Marriott on Canal Street, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, and an Airbnb located in the St. Roch area. If you are looking for a boutique hotel outside (but still within walking distance) of the quarter and a little closer to the Garden District, then I recommend the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot.
24 Hours in New Orleans: Final Words
This vibrant city never ceases to amaze me. I could truly live here for the food alone! When you have the opportunity to make a pit-stop in The Big Easy, be sure to utilize this guide as a checklist to cover all of your bases. Take care and I hope you have a fun and exciting 24 hours in New Orleans!
