Two Days in New Orleans

In your 48 hours stay in the city, there is so much to see and do, and it is literally a fight against time. Eat, drink and be merry – these are some things they take quite seriously. Arriving in NOLA can seem like being transported to the 19th century. The city’s rich culture and history are so vividly apparent in every nook and corner of the city. That said, New Orleans is not at all tied down to the past, it has absolutely moved forward, transforming once gritty neighborhoods into modern happening attractions - Trendy bars, contemporary innovative eateries and cool live music spots. Pony up for an enthralling 2 days tour of the enchanting City of New Orleans.

Day 1 New Orleans Itinerary!

Breakfast at 8:00 AM

Ease into the day with a great breakfast at Cafe Du Monde (813 Decatur St) and must try their world famous fried goodness - beignets. Enjoy amazing Cajun and Creole breakfast delights at Vacherie (827 Toulouse St). You must try their delicious bread pudding and boudin benedict.

Walking Tour of French Quarter at 9:00 AM

After the breakfast time, start your city tour from French Quarter - NOLA's beating heart and soul. This ought to be a walking tour, so wear the most comfortable pair of shoes. As your tour begins, the authentic feeling overwhelms you among the stunning architecture well fused with the Old World spirit. Continue your walk down Bourbon Street and you're sure to be greeted with the pleasing sounds of jazz, magnolia perfumed air, lush courtyards and delicious smells from the kitchens of fine eateries around - French Quarter will leave an indelible memory to cherish forever.

Address: New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: www.frenchquarter.com

Mardi Gras World at 10:30 AM

Next up is Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Honestly, for a firsthand experience of the city, there is no place better than Mardi Gras World. It is always advisable to avail a tour guide so as to gain valuable insight. What you can expect here? You can explore warehouses where the whole set up for the grand parade floats happen. Your tour guide will let you know about the technology and artistry employed to realize magnificent floats, such as Bacchasaurus and the King Kong. You will be delighted to dig into behind the scenes creation that makes Mardi Gras a huge hit.

Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, LA 70130
Phone: 504-361-7821
Website: www.mardigrasworld.com
Tour Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm (Every half hour)

Nola's Rich History - The Cabildo at 12:00 PM

After a fun tour of the Mardi Gras World, head to The Cabildo, where New Orleans rich history is narrated in an impressive style via exquisite displays, artifacts and texts. This Spanish colonial historical landmark, once served as the Supreme Court and City Hall. Even if you’re not a history buff, this trip down here will not disappoint you at all. From architecture to Native American object collections, to Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask, to Colonial-era paintings and other notable artifacts – there are so many wonderful things to amuse you.

Address: 701 Chartres Street | New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: www.louisianastatemuseum.org

While you’re in the vicinity, stop by the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral - the oldest catherdral in North America. You will be awestruck by its splendid architecture. If you want to, you can look up online ahead for the religious services, free concerts and several cultural events. Admission to the cathedral is free for all. After the cathedral tour, meander around St. Anthony's Garden that features a memorial and the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley | New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: http://www.stlouiscathedral.org
Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m

Lunch at 1:30 PM

Before you venture into zoo adventure, you must fuel up. You can stop at Reginelli’s Pizzeria (5961 Magazine St) and relish delicious pizza and pitchers of Abita Amber. Or for traditional American fare, you can sit down at Frankie & Johnny’s Restaurant (321 Arabella St). The joint offers awesome seafood and wide options of delicious desserts.

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Discover some of New Orleans' Top Restaurants!

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Zoo Adventure - Audubon Zoo at 3:00 PM

Take your adventure to the Audubon Zoo for some quality family time. Arriving here, you will come across over 2000 exotic animals and also get to learn about many cool things about the animals. Not to miss here is the 'Dinosaur Adventure'- an exhibit of giant replicas of Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric's finest. To beat the heat, hit to the zoo's adjoining water park, outfitted with many cool slides. You can wrap up the zoo adventure by relaxing in the nearby Audubon Park or The Fly.

Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: 504-581-4629
Website: www.ani.convio.net
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm

Magazine Street Shopping at 5:00 PM

Take your shopping experience to new heights at Magazine Street - a 6 mile long stretch from Canal Street to Audubon Park. This shopping paradise has everything you ever imagined - art galleries, funky boutiques, gift shops, wine stores and restaurants. A great place to socialize and make merry with the extremely friendly locals.

Address: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
Phone: 866-679-4764
Website: www.magazinestreet.com

Live Music Fun - Frenchmen Street at 7:00 PM

For an evening fun, you must head to Frenchmen Street - one of the town's ultimate places to listen to live music. Just aimlessly wander around and entertainment is full on everywhere. From a brass band performance to swing dance, to reggae groove act- music overflows from all doorways. You can also visit the late night art market to admire the works of fresh talents.

Address: Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Dinner with music at 8:00 PM

Dinner at Three Muses (536 Frenchmen St) will totally uplift you after a long day. The place offers delectable meal and also a great spot to enjoy Jazz and blues. From yummy lamp sliders to steak and cake - Three Muses is a great place to dine.

Burlesque Show at 9:30 PM

To see one of New Orleans’ best burlesque show, swing by Bustout. From shows by the House troupe to renowned national burlesque artists - The Bustout hosts many entertaining shows. These dramatic shows are well choreographed and produced, and the charm of the act is even magnified by the jazz band who backs up the team. You must definitely stop by here to enjoy a NOLA’s authentic parody.

Address: 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70054
Phone: 504-975-7425
Website: www.frenchquarterburlesque.com
Hours: Shows begin from 8pm and ends at 10.30 pm

Nightcap at 11:00 PM

Finding a place to drink is never a problem in New Orleans. There are a multitude of bars everywhere. Or, if you want to, you can drink on the street, which is as cool as drinking coffee there. Saturn Bar (3067 St. Claude Ave)- a hub for live music, drinks and dance. If possible, attend their Saturday night mod Dance Party for a real deal. Another place to let loose is French 75 Bar (813 Bienville St) - a haven for cigar aficionados, who come here to enjoy a puff of finest cigar followed by a sip of bourbon, cognac or port.

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Check out the top nightlife spots in New Orleans!

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Day 1 Nola Tour Map Guide!

Day 2 New Orleans Itinerary!

Breakfast at 8:00 AM

District Donuts Sliders Brew (2209 Magazine St) is highly recommended breakfast joint. Their breakfast menu is simply amazing, ranging from Buttermilk Biscuit, Miso Praline Bacon Biscuit, Kolaches and variety of Croquenuts. Another great place for breakfast is Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine St) and you can relish their sweet potato pancake, omelet and more.

Streetcar ride to Garden District at 9:00 AM

Kick start your city jaunt by hopping onto the New Orleans Streetcar. Transportation around the city cannot get cheaper and more fun than this mode. The streetcar will take you across major streets, like St. Charles, Carrollton and Canal. You can get down at Garden District, where the city's original aristocratic class flourished. Take a walking tour of the district, which is engulfed by lush antebellum homes, stunning gardens, ivys and tress, and impressive architecture. Enjoy the tranquility and replenish your energy here before further taking your adventure to the bustling tourist attraction.

Address: New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: www.neworleanscvb.com

Explore the World War II Artifacts - National World War II Museum at 11:00 AM

The streetcar will also lead you to St. Charles Avenue. From there, head to The National World War II Museum, that displays artifacts, texts and testimonials. You can also watch a 4D movie, 'Beyond all Boundaries, narrated by Tom Hanks. There are lots of other events and programs organized by the museum that are entertaining as well as educational. Also a great place for children to explore.

Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-528-1944
Website: www.nationalww2museum.org

Or,

New Orleans Museum of Art will absolutely charm art aficionados. The museum holds around 46 galleries that showcases over 400 years of art history collections, ranging from early Asian works to European masterpieces.

Address: One Collins C. Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
Website: www.noma.org

Lunch at 1:30

There are a plenty of great eateries around Magazine Street. One notable place to sit yourself down is at Cochon Butcher (930 Tchoupitoulas St). The menu features a varied sandwich options, small plated & sides, house made meats & sausages and amazing desserts. Try Dolce Vita Pizzeria (1205 Saint Charles Ave) for authentic Italian fare. Or, you can relish fantastic barbecue at Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ (401 Andrew Higgins Dr)

Rejuvenate at City Park at 4:00 PM

After a good lunch break, hop on streetcar that will take you to City Park. If New York has Central Park, New Orleans has City Park, which is bigger. The park is beautifully adorned with oak trees and offers an array of activities. Simply take a stroll around; bike through the paths; enjoy horseback riding, kayaking; play tennis or golf. The fun doesn’t end there for kids. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland will absolutely keep them occupied and entertained.

Address: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: 504-482-4888
Website: www.neworleanscitypark.com
Hours: Sunrise to 11 pm daily

Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 2:30 PM

Mercedes-Benz Superdome is what make the skyline of New Orleans stand out. Accommodating over 70,000 seats, the architecture of the building (resembling spaceship) is a another thing to admire. The Superdome is home of New Orleans Saints (football team) and Tulane Green Wave. Aside from sports, it also hosts NOLA's largest music concerts, festivals and expositions. You can hob in a streetcar to get here.

Address: 1 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-587-3810

Yummiest Beignet at Nola - Cafe du Monde at 5:30 PM

You cannot leave New Orleans without eating their Beignet. So step in New Orleans' beignet haven - Cafe du Monde. Savor every bit of the dough, fried goodness, generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. Pair it up with its classic black coffee or Au Lait. This place is magnetic and you will want to come back again for more.

Address: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: 504-525-4544
Phone: 800-772-2927
Website: www.cafedumonde.com

Wine Lovers Treat at 7:00 PM

Next up? Swirl Wine Bar & Market (3143 Ponce de Leon St.). You're in for a treat here with varied selection of properly aged wines and also delicious small plates. From wine tasting activities to nibbling delicious bar snacks, to shopping for a fine bottle to take home - there are lots of fun time in stored here. You can also opt to drop by Faubourg Wine (2805 St Claude Avenue) - A wine shop and lounge. The well informed staffs are there to help you select a bottle of high quality wine.

Dinner at Freret Street at 8:30 PM

To enjoy a delightful dinner, head to Freret Street, the bustling eight-block strip in Uptown. From barbecue to American cuisine to Southern delights - the food served at Boucherie (1506 S Carrolton Ave) is simply authentic and seriously delicious. Patrons love their boudin balls, briskets, shrimp and grit cakes, and bread pudding. If seafood is what you're craving for, stop by Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar (4338 St. Charles Ave). You can try their fried green tomatoes, char grilled oyster, stuffed prawns and wash them down with a refreshing glass of frozen Mimosa.

Fetch Big Bucks - Casinos at 10:00 PM

Take a chance at fetching big bucks in one of New Orleans' casinos. At Treasure Chest Casino (5050 Williams Blvd) you can bet and play blackjacks, poker, roulette and more until the dawn break. Or, you can also roll the dice at Harrah's New Orleans Hotel and Casino (228 Poydras St). With over 2100 slots and more than 100 table games, Harrah's is an ultimate place to play the odds.

Day 2 Nola Tour Map Guide