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What to do, where to stay in New Orleans: 48 Hours in NOLA

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, New Orleans, Louisiana is a destination that has much to offer. Got 48 hours? Here’s what you can do, and where to eat and stay in New Orleans.

 

You can pack in a lot in 48 hours (2 nights/3 days) in the The Big Easy, a nickname originating from the laid-back attitude of the jazz scene, as I discovered on a recent visit. New Orleans has a whole lot going on, from its live jazz music scene, to chic bistros, sandwich shops, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, historical architecture, and other cultural delights.

The key to doing a lot in a short period of time is good planning and a solid itinerary; let me offer you mine. I am sharing with you my itinerary for my long weekend in New Orleans, which you can follow, or pick and choose whatever suits you. This itinerary basically highlights the attractions, activities and dining, just be sure you adjust for time and distance to get from place-to-place.

My Journey and Itinerary

My journey to New Orleans began travelling by van from Lafayette, Louisiana, where I was a keynote speaker at a conference for travel creators, TBEX conference for travel creators. I travelled with a group of travel creators/bloggers. My itinerary begins when our van landed in New Orleans at our hotel in time for lunch.

One thing to note upfront is, since I am a vegetarian, in my travel guides I include or mention vegetarian/vegan options.

DAY 1

  • What to do in New Orleans During the Day

Early Lunch

Start with an early lunch at Joey K’s, a family-run restaurant offering homestyle Creole Louisiana soul food in an historic building located on Magazine Street in the heart of the Garden District. Joey K’s offers a range of dishes from the classic Po’ Boys to red beans and rice, to seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, bread pudding dessert and more. Vegetarian/vegan options: they have a large salad you can order without meat or cheese.

I ordered a garden salad

Some of the items my colleagues ordered

 

Go Exploring: Magazine St. and Garden District, Then Take the Charles Streetcar

 

Explore Magazine Street by foot and check out some of the quaint shops, antique stores, restaurants and bars.

Take a Garden District guided walking tour (Historic Orleans Tours) and discover historic mansions, lovely gardens and important architectural sites and history. The Garden District is a wealthy area and home of many celebrities, such as author, Anne Rice, who was born and lived in the ‘hood for many years, and based her books on the area. You can see the house where she lived (now different owners). Others include actors Sandra Bullock and John Goodman, as well as others. Plan for 2 hours.

 

The late Anne Rice’s former house that now belongs to someone else.

 

Our trusty tour guide, Rob Florence, taking us through the Garden District

Other mansions in the Garden District:

 

 

 

One of the area’s highlights is the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where more than 7,000 people are buried, including Rice’s fictional characters, the Mayfair Witches. The name of the cemetery is derived from the original name of the district which was called Lafayette. Fun fact: the Interview with a Vampire author, who recently passed away, got up to many shenanigans in New Orleans in real life, including staging her own funeral jazz parade while still alive and well.

Jump on the Charles streetcar to the downtown core. Along this scenic route are mansions, parks, large oak trees, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and more. As this is the Mardi Gras parade route, you’ll notice many strings of colourful beads hanging from oak trees. Streetcars are a convenient and affordable way to explore New Orleans. There are 4 streetcar lines, originating from the downtown. One-way ticket cost: $1.25.

  • What to do in New Orleans at Night

Dinner at Bombay Club, which offers live jazz music every night. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the restaurant specializes in fine Creole cuisine, and some dishes are infused with Indian fare. It is also known for its speciality cocktails and they have a selection of sharables. I ordered the tikka masala, paired with Oynos pinot grigio, and for dessert shared a sticky toffee bread pudding. Absolutely delicious. Vegetarian/vegan options: if you eat cheese, I recommend the masala, but if you don’t, ask your server for recommendations.

Delightful live jazz performance

Tikka masala

 

 

If you are lucky, you might see an exciting wedding jazz parade at night in the city, especially on a weekend, as we did. The police stop traffic and escort the brass band and partygoers through the streets.

Later, an evening stroll along the world-famous Bourbon Street. It will surely ignite all your senses. Catch live jazz music on every corner. The street is wall-to-wall bars, strip clubs and souvenir shops, and revellers. Have a drink on one of its famous balconies. Just off Bourbon Street, visit hotspot Pat O’Brien’s, renowned for its Hurricane Cocktail (for me, a glass of wine). Located on Peter Street, just off Bourbon St., it has a large open-air patio, a famous flaming fountain, live music (duelling pianos) and lively atmosphere.

Bourbon Street

Drinks with colleagues at Pat O’Brien’s

Note: On Bourbon Street, if you are snake-phobic (like me), be on the alert for people with snakes offering pedestrians to have photos taken with them. And overall, keep your wits about you.

DAY 2

  • What to do in New Orleans During the Day

Breakfast

Start the day off with breakfast of the New Orleans classic, beignets, a small square-shaped donut-like fritter served with powered sugar, at Café du Monde. Located in the historic French Market, the oldest public market in the U.S., in New Orlean’s French Quarter district. Pair the beignets with a café au lait. Fun fact: the beignets were brought to Louisiana by the Acadians.

Beignets

Walking Food Tour, Historic French Quarter

Take a walking food tour in the French Quarter with Destination Kitchen. Our food tour featured a 3-hour walking food tour “venue hopping” with tastings at famous eateries, while learning about the fascinating history of New Orleans. Tastings included Louisiana favourites: gumbo, jambalaya, Po’ Boys, gator bites, charbroiled oysters, bread pudding, and more.

 

Vegetarian Po Boy made with French Fries

Simple yet delicious, classic beans and rice dish (vegentarian)

Platter with sandwiches for our group

The venues on our food tour: The historic French Market has a variety of food stalls where you can try many items, and it is affordable and ideal for the budget-traveller; The Market Café, which has live jazz on an open-air patio where you can sit and take your time; and ended at the New Orleans School of Cooking where we tasted sweet pralines. With Destination Kitchen, there is an option to combine a walking tour with a cooking class at New Orleans School of Cooking. Vegetarian/vegan options: they can accommodate; ask when booking.

City Festivals

Check out a city festival. New Orleans has more than 130 festivals every year, including Mardi Gras. For a brief part of the afternoon (30 minutes), I parked my butt on some grass at a park and enjoyed some live music at the 15th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival that featured blues and jazz performances, an art market, BBQ vendors (with vegetarian options). Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the festival took place at Lafayette Square. I caught the performance of the amazing Joy Clark (it was brief, though, because it rained). Check the entertainment listings for current festival events.

Tour Sazerac House

Late afternoon tour of Sazerac House, a relatively new fun and interactive venue where you will learn about the famous New Orleans Sazerac cocktail created in the 1850s, and experience a variety of tastings. Located at Canal and Magazine streets.

Sazerac House lobby

Sazerac House, sampling the famous drink

Sazerac House lobby

  • What to do in New Orleans at Night

Dinner

Dinner at Meril, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s latest concept and his fourth restaurant in New Orleans (Meril is named after his daughter). Located in the Arts Warehouse District, Meril is casual and contemporary with a lively atmosphere. There is something for everyone on the menu and the staff will happily adapt for food restrictions. Lots of sharable items on the menu, as well as a decent wine and cocktails selection.

Since I was with a group of travel bloggers, so we ordered a large variety of items to share, which ranged from fried turkey necks to devilled eggs, gnudi, ribs, eggplant, crisp cauliflower, chocolate mousse, yellowfin tuna bundle, and more. I had a beet and arugula salad, as well as vegetarian flatbread. The meal ended with candy floss for the table. For wine, I paired my meal with K Vintners Golden West Columbia Valley Pinot Noir 2019 (Washington). Vegetarian/vegan options: there are plenty of options.

Shannon Skinner shares her travel guide on things to do, where to stay and eat in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Shannon Skinner shares her travel guide on things to do, where to stay and eat in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Shannon Skinner shares her travel guide on things to do, where to stay and eat in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The meal ended with candy floss with sparkles

If you desire a nightcap, consider the bar or lounge at the hotel as it is a packed day and you won’t have far to flop into your cozy bed.

DAY 3

  • What to do in New Orleans During the Day

Brunch, French Quarter

Brunch at the historic The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter (Royal Street), known for its live jazz brunch, creole cuisine and romantic outdoor courtyard. Enjoy some soulful entertainment while you feast on items from their extensive buffet, or order dishes such as omelets from the menu. Vegetarian/vegan options: the buffet has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and yogurt.

Two Sisters outdoor patio

Live jazz musicians play outdoors on the patio

Explore Royal Street, French Quarter

To work off that food, take a stroll along Royal Street and through the neighbourhood. heck out the Voodoo shops and cool architecture.

 

One of the French Quarter’s famous buildings

Voodoo shops are popular here

Moi 

Visit Vue Orleans

Afternoon, visit Vue Orleans, an interactive experience to learn about the history of New Orleans and view the city – a breathtaking view – from the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel.

 

The Four Seasons Hotel. Vue Orleans is on the 34th floor.

Interactive exhibition, video story of the founder of jazz.

Interactive exhibition

View of New Orleans from the rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel

IF YOU GO…

Where to Stay:

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District, located across from the Convention Centre on Convention Center Boulevard. Redesigned, comfortable and convenient. Rates range from about $230+ (U.S.), depending on when you go (check with the hotel directly for rates). The warehouse arts district was once an industrial area that evolved into an artsy and trendy area with art galleries, museums, boutiques, chic bistros and wine bars.

Hotel near French Quarter | New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District

Photo courtesty Marriott

Getting There:

If you are travelling by air, taxi from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to downtown or French Quarter cost is approximately $40.00 (U.S.), with Uber being only a slightly less (by a few dollars). It takes roughly 20-30 minutes.

Getting Around:

A good option are the streetcars, convenient and affordable. Uber and taxis were reliable.

Safe for Women Travelling Solo?:

Stick to tourist or familiar areas, be aware of your surroundings at all time when in crowds and, of course, mind the alcohol.

Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly?:

Louisiana cuisine is traditionally heavily meat-based and/or fried, though New Orleans has fabulous restaurants that offer healthy options for vegetarians/vegans.

 

What are your favourite things to do in New Orleans? I would love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.

I was a guest of New Orleans Tourism. Special thanks to Lafayette Travel and TBEX for making arrangements. Opinions are mine.

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, international speaker, author, and travel and wine writer. She is based in Toronto. Watch her interviews at www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements, contact her at Shannon (at) ShannonSkinner.com.

 

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I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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