Weekend in New Orleans: An Insider’s Guide to The Big Easy

Your Perfect Weekend in New Orleans Itinerary 

A complete itinerary for the perfect weekend in New Orleans. Plus a helpful map with pins of the best restaurants, hotels, landmarks, and photo spots in New Orleans! 

• Day 1: Taste New Orleans 
  • Experience Creole Cuisine, Jazz, & Cocktail Bars 
• Day 2: Reflect on the History of New Orleans
  • Plantation Tour, Dinner at a Historic Restaurant 
• Day 3: Explore the Beauty of New Orleans
  • Carousel Bar, Jazz Brunch, Garden District & more!

Day 1 | Weekend in New Orleans

My first tip to kick-start your weekend in New Orleans is to arrive hungry! After checking into your hotel,   (we can’t say enough great things about the One11 Hotel) grab a drink and head out for your first memorable dinner in New Orleans! 

Happy Hour at Batture Bistro & Bar 

Start your weekend in New Orleans with a drink at the Batture Bistro and Bar located in the One11 Hotel. 

You won’t find better drinks with these prices in New Orleans! The bar is chic with an industrial feel that pays tribute to the building’s original roots as a sugar mill! You can also enjoy drinks on their climate-controlled porch, or outside by their fire pits. 

Their happy hour menu also includes a selection of small bites with a creole twist – like boudin egg rolls! 

Happy Hour at Batture Bistro & Bar is Monday through Friday 3-6pm. 

📍Location: 111 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Dinner | Dooky Chase 

Never underestimate how a bowl of gumbo can change the course of history. 

This is Dooky Chase, a New Orleans icon famous for its creole cuisine and its role in the civil rights movement. 

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Dooky Chase served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders and organizers. The restaurant became a safe and welcoming space where strategizing took place over a bowl of gumbo.

The success of Dooky Chase is thanks to the love and wisdom that the owners Leah and Edgar Chase poured into their restaurant. Chef Leah Chase created an exceptional menu of flavorful creole dishes that embodies the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. 

What to Order: The signature dish at Dooky Chase is gumbo! Order a cup of gumbo, red beans and rice, fried chicken, a po’boy, and macaroni and cheese. You can’t go wrong with any dish here! 

📍Location: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Get Cozy at a Cocktail Bar

After dinner, head out to the French Quarter for post-dinner drinks at Will & the Way.

I love the innovative cocktail menu at Will & the Way. The atmosphere is laid back with a beautiful courtyard.  It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends, cozy up on a date, or hang out solo! 

📍Location: 622 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Weekend in New Orleans | Day 2

 The second day of your weekend in New Orleans is about reflecting on the history of New Orleans. You’ll see its complex history on your visit to the plantations. End your day with dinner at a historic restaurant in the French Quarter that celebrates the culture of creole cooking. 

Brunch | Batture Bistro & Bar 

Enjoy an early brunch at Batture Bistro & Bar. Brunch is only served Saturday and Sunday. 

The brunch menu has a selection of savory benedicts made with locally sourced ingredients like Crystal-infused hollandaise and Lake Pontchartrain crab meat. Additionally, they have inventive twists on classic New Orleans dishes, like toasted pecan praline Belgian waffles!

Visit the Plantations in New Orleans 

A critical component of travel is understanding history. The plantations are a defining element of the history of New Orleans. Sure, visiting the plantations is nice to see the beautifully preserved antebellum mansions; however, more importantly, it’s an emotional journey that helps us to reflect on a challenging past. For that reason, visiting the plantations is something you need to experience during your weekend in New Orleans. 

Choosing Which Plantations to Visit in New Orleans 

Currently, there are 10 plantations open for tours. Because you can’t fit in all 10 in one weekend in New Orleans, I recommend visiting Oak Alley, Laura Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation in one day. All three of these plantations are within a few miles of each other and offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the South. 

Oak Alley Plantation 

Oak Alley is the most famous plantation in Louisiana, and I recommend you begin your day at Oak Alley to avoid crowds. 

It’s renowned for its stunning road lined with oak trees that leads you to the grand antebellum mansion.  This is without a doubt the most photogenic mansion in the country, and it’s a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and landscaping. 

 I personally skipped the guided tour at Oak Alley. However, I recommend roaming the grounds and visiting the Slavery Alley exhibit. The exhibit is located on the grounds separate from the main mansion and gardens. The exhibit includes restored slave quarters that offer a glimpse into the modest and often harsh living conditions faced by the enslaved people. 

💰Entrance Fees: $28.50 for adults without the guided tour. Discounts are available for youth, military, AAA members, and seniors.  

⏰ Tour Schedule: Tours begin at 9:00 am – 4:30 pm with groups of 35-45 depending on the number of visitors.

📍Location: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Laura Plantation 

The highlight of Laura Plantation was learning more about Creole Culture and a detailed look of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation. The brightly colorful facadé of the Big House is beautiful, but it’s the stories inside that make the Laura Plantation a must visit. 

The guides at Laura Plantation did an excellent job of telling engaging stories and anecdotes that brought history to life. Our guide was Creole and hearing his stories and perspective enhanced our tour experience. 

💰Entrance Fees: $28 for adults. Discounts available for teens and children.

⏰ Tour Schedule: A guided tour is required to visit Laura Plantation. They last around 75-80 minutes and tours depart every 40 minutes between 10am-3:20pm (last tour).

📍Location: 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Whitney Plantation 

The Whitney Plantation is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the lives of the enslaved people in the United States. This plantation is powerful.

 The stories here are presented completely from the perspective of the slaves, their lives on the plantation, and their experience. 

The memorials on the property are moving. The Wall of Honor pays tribute to all those who were enslaved here. Featuring 354 names—some accompanied by their country of origin, skills, and estimated birth dates—the names are engraved on granite slabs. 

The Whitney Plantation was restored in 2014 with a focus on educational outreach. I recommend saving Whitney for your last visit because it provides an environment for meaningful reflection and learning. 

💰Entrance Fees: A guided tour is $30 and a self-guided tour is $23. Discounts are available for seniors, students, children, and military. The Whitney Plantation is closed on Tuesday. 

⏰ Tour Schedule: Guided tours are offered at 10:45am, 12:45pm, and 2:15pm. A self-guided audio tour is available from 9:30am – 3:00pm. 

📍Location: 5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049

Lunch| B&C Seafood

Take a break between Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation for lunch. We loved the authentic Cajun dishes at B&C Seafood Market and Cajun Restaurant. 

Order the red beans and rice, gumbo, or crawfish (if it’s in season).  B&C Seafood Market and Cajun Restaurant is located between Laura and Whitney Plantation. 

📍Location: 2155 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Helpful Tips for Visiting the New Orleans Plantations 

• Can you drive to the plantations in New Orleans?

Yes, all three of these plantations are located just under an hour from New Orleans. It’s an easy drive! I recommend renting a car for the freedom and flexibility a rental car gives you to structure your day. 

Save on Car Rentals in New Orleans! 

• Can you take an Uber/Lyft to the plantations? 

Do not take a taxi, or Uber/Lyft to the plantations unless you have scheduled transportation back to New Orleans. All three of these plantations are located in a rural area. You won’t be able to find a rideshare or taxi in this area.

• Do you need to purchase entrance tickets in advance? 

If you are visiting during peak season (spring break, Mardi Gras, etc.) advance purchase is recommended for guided tours. We visited in mid-April and did not purchase advance tickets. We enjoyed the flexibility not booking tours in advance which allowed us not to be held to a tight schedule. 

• What’s the best guided plantation tour from New Orleans? 

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy arranged transportation from the French Quarter and skip renting a car, I recommend these plantation tours below! 

• Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
• Small-group Laura and Whitney Plantation Tours from New Orleans
• Oak Alley Plantation Tour w/ Transportation from New Orleans

Dinner | Arnaud’s

A weekend in New Orleans is only made better by a dinner at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter! This historic restaurant was established in 1918 and is one of the oldest in the French Quarter! 

Arnaud’s is famous for Creole cuisine. Their menu offers a taste of traditional New Orleans flavors and dishes that have been perfected over generations. 

Make a reservation at their jazz bistro to enjoy live performances from talented local musicians.

Popover Tip: Arnaud’s does have a business casual dress code. All guests are asked not to wear athletic wear, t-shirts, shorts or flip-flops. Collared shirts are required for gentlemen.

📍Location: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

What to Order: French 75 (cocktail), Shrimp Arnaud, Soufflé Potatoes, Arnaud’s Crab Cakes, Crème Brûlée.

Other Historic Restaurants in the French Quarter: 

Tujague’s – The second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Tujague’s is known for its traditional Creole dishes and classic New Orleans charm. Order the brisket and the famous Tujague’s shrimp remoulade.

Antoine’s – The oldest restaurant in New Orleans and the oldest family-run restaurants in the United States!  Antoine’s has all the classic Creole cuisine and historic charm that you’re looking for on a weekend in New Orleans. Order the Oysters Rockefeller – their signature dish which was first created at Antoine’s.

Brennan’s – The colorful pink exterior of Brennan’s is iconic!  Almost as iconic as the Bananas Foster … which Brennan’s is famous for creating!

Still have energy for a few more drinks?! Of course, you’re in New Orleans after all! 

 21st Amendment Jazz Club

Wrap up day two of your weekend in New Orleans at the 21st Amendment Jazz Club! Six nights a week, New Orleans jazz fills the air at this French Quarter bar on Iberville Street.

This bar celebrates the repeal of Prohibition in 1933! Local musicians play live jazz, and the craft cocktail menu is themed around cocktails from the Prohibition era. 

Jazz typically begins around 7:30 p.m. on most days, with weekend performances starting as early as 3 p.m., until closing time.

📍Location: 725 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Weekend in New Orleans | Day 3

Close out your weekend in New Orleans with a memorable day of good food, music, and beignets! 

Start your Day in Jackson Square 

Jackson Square is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting New Orleans. I recommend arriving here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Jackson Square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, a shaded garden, and of course the St. Louis Cathedral. It’s common for local artists to sell their paintings or handmade crafts at the open-air market here. 

Indulge in Beignets 

Right across the street from Jackson Square is Café du Monde! The best place to taste the fluffy golden brown powdered sugar goodness that are beignets! 

Helpful Tips for Visiting Café du Monde! 

• Bring Cash – have cash ready as credit cards are not accepted! It has been cash-only since it opened in 1862
• Try a Frozen Café au Lait – while the hot café au lait (coffee with milk) is the signature drink, the frozen café au lait is just as delicious (and is all over social media)! 
• A free souvenir! Ask for one of their paper hats the waiters are wearing! It’s free and fun for photos! Kids love them too! 
• The Decatur Street Café du Monde location is open 24/7
• Beignets are the only food item on the menu! 

📍Location: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Take a Spin at the Carousel Bar

Is there anything more whimsical than a carousel?! What about if you take a carousel and then make it a bar for the most charming cocktail spot in New Orleans! 

One of the many highlights of your weekend in New Orleans will be the elegant carousel bar inside the Hotel Monteleone. This one-of-a-kind bar has been revolving guests around since 1949! 

Don’t worry about getting dizzy, as it takes 15 minutes for the carousel to complete a full rotation. 

Tips for Visiting The Carousel Bar 

• Time your visit: Arrive 15-20 minutes before they open. The Carousel Bar opens every day at 11:00 a.m. and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is key to securing a spot on the carousel!  
• Order their Signature Drinks: A Pimm’s Cup, Sazerac, or French 75 are some of the signature cocktails at the Carousel Bar. 

📍Location: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Jazz Brunch at Broussard’s

After your cocktail at the Carousel Bar, you’re ready for a jazz brunch! A jazz brunch in New Orleans combines two of the city’s greatest treasures: exceptional food and live jazz music!

The best place for a jazz brunch is Broussard’s! 

Broussard’s has been a French Quarter favorite since 1920! Their beautifully restored interior has classic New Orleans architecture. For me, it doesn’t get better than their picturesque courtyard! 

Their brunch dishes use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create a menu that highlights New Orleans’ culinary traditions. 

The stars of the show during a brunch at Broussard’s are the jazz performers! These talented local musicians add so much to your brunch experience. Although not required, I recommend keeping extra cash for a tip if you enjoyed the music. 

📍Location: 819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112

What to Order: Risky Business (cocktail), Oysters Broussard, Gulf Shrimp Remoulade, Eggs Josephine, Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chocolate Sin Cake.

Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture 

After jazz brunch, keep the party going and try on authentic Mardi Gras parade costumes at the Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture! 

This unique museum is just around the corner from Broussard’s and is a true hidden gem! The museum features an extensive collection of Mardi Gras costumes, showcasing the elaborate and colorful attire worn during the Mardi Gras parades. 

My favorite part about this museum is the chance to try on costumes and take pictures in them! You’ll be amazed at how heavy the headpieces are! 

📍Location: 318 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112

💰Entrance Fees: $15

Streetcar to the Garden District 

The Garden District is best explored aboard a classic New Orleans streetcar! The Garden District is known as the most picturesque and elegant neighborhood in New Orleans.

To get to the Garden District, you can board the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. From the French Quarter, you’ll ride the streetcar all the way to Louisiana Avenue or Washington Avenue where you’ll hop off and explore the Garden District neighborhood. 

Tips for Taking the Streetcar in New Orleans:

• Download the “Le Pass” app in advance for mobile payment and real-time schedule information
• Book your digital tickets on the Le Pass app. If not, you’ll need exact cash ($1.25) when you board the street car. 
• Buy the “Jazzy Pass” on the Le Pass app for unlimited rides on buses, ferries, and streetcars! The Jazzy Pass is $3 per person. 

Explore the Garden District 

Spend an afternoon strolling in the Garden District! The Garden District is known for its stunning antebellum mansions and lush gardens. Every corner you turn looks like a cover of Southern Living Magazine! 

On Magazine Street, you’ll find boutiques, antique shops, and cafes to visit. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this historic neighborhood and the architecture from a local guide book this Garden District walking tour! This specific tour has late afternoon options, and the guides are excellent storytellers! 

Dinner | Traditional Israeli Cuisine at Shaya 

Drop that po’boy – we’re shaking it up at Shaya! 

Located in the Garden District, Shaya is one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans with a menu of fresh and flavor Israeli dishes. They have numerous awards to their name, including a James Beard Award. 

The menu at Shaya has an innovative take on classic Israeli dishes with a modern twist.

The presentation of the dishes at Shaya taste just as exquisite as they look. Their homemade pita bread is cooked inside a wood-fired oven right inside the restaurant! One bite of their fluffy pita bread and you’ll see why foodies are raving about Shaya! 

What to Order: The hummus at Shaya is exceptional! This is the perfect place to mix and match small plates and try a little bit of everything! Don’t miss their flavorful homemade iced teas, the best way to cool off in the New Orleans heat. 

📍Location: 4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Where to Stay for a Weekend New Orleans

If you only have a weekend in New Orleans, you need to stay in the French Quarter.

 The French Quarter is in the heart of the city, and you’ll be within walking distance of all the best restaurants and activities in New Orleans. 

The only downside to staying in the French Quarter is the noise…but lucky for you I found the best hotel in the French Quarter away from the crowds and noise.

ONE11 Hotel 

The ONE11 Hotel is the newest hotel in the French Quarter in over 50 years! The ONE11 Hotel is located just at the edge of the French Quarter with gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. Their location at the edge of the French Quarter means you’ll sleep well without the street noise! 

Amenities at the ONE11 Hotel

The ONE11 Hotel is all about the details that make the guest experience one-of-a-kind! 

The building was previously an old sugar mill! The exposed brick, high ceilings, and original beams tie back to the building’s industrial roots. 

Guests can enjoy the pool courtyard located on the ground floor and complimentary continental breakfast Monday through Friday. 

The luxurious beds promise you a good night’s sleep! The spacious bathrooms with glass walk-in showers, back-lit mirrors, and Malin+Goetz toiletries will keep you refreshed and looking your best for your weekend in New Orleans! 

Special Offers for the ONE11 Hotel

The ONE11 Hotel offers guests a 20% discount off their stay by booking directly through their website! Visit their website to checkout what discounts and packages they are currently promoting!

📍Location: 111 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Best Tours in New Orleans – A Recap

Below are the tours I recommend for this weekend in New Orleans itinerary, plus the links to make your planning a little bit easier.

Bonus! Best Photo Spots in New Orleans 

The best memory to take home from your weekend in New Orleans is a camera roll full of photos! These are my favorite photos spots in New Orleans: 

French Quarter Balconies

• Address: Cross street of Royal Street and St. Peter Street

Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

• Address: Jackson Square, New Orleans 

Greetings from New Orleans Mural

• Address: 2014 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Exchange Alley

• Address: Exchange Alley, New Orleans

Commander’s Palace

• Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130  

Weekend in New Orleans – A Map

To help you easily navigate New Orleans, I created a map with all the best things to do, eat, and where to stay during your weekend in New Orleans. 

You can use this map during your trip – you only need internet access. Alternatively, to save your battery, I recommend downloading an offline Google map.

Weekend in New Orleans – A Recap

Here’s a quick summary of our weekend in New Orleans Itinerary!

First Day

• Check-in at Hotel (I recommend ONE11 Hotel) 
• Happy Hour at Batture Bistro + Bar
• Dinner at Dooky Chase 
• Cocktails at Will & the Way 

Second Day  

• Brunch at Batture Bistro + Bar
• Tour the Plantations
• Lunch at B&C Seafood
• Dinner at Arnaud’s 
• Cocktails and Jazz at 21st Amendment Jazz Club

Last day

• Visit Jackson Square
• Beignets at Café du Monde 
• Cocktails at the Carousel Bar
• Jazz Brunch at Broussard’s 
• Visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture
• Take the Streetcar to the Garden District 
• Explore the Garden District
• Dinner at Shaya  

Weekend in New Orleans Wrap-Up

its energetic jazz scenes and historic streets to the irresistible Creole dishes and friendly locals, it’s evident that life in the Big Easy is lived to the fullest.

What are you most looking forward to for your trip to New Orleans? Drop a comment below!

🎶Laissez les bons temps rouler! 🎶 (Let the good times roll!)

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