help with my itinerary
Hi, Me and my wife (age 40) are coming to new Orleans for 3 nights on April 16th, flight arrives around 8pm. We are staying at the Wyndham on Royal street. We love live music.
The plan is to go straight out for drinks in and around Bourbon street and grab a Po boy from NOLA's.
Day 2 i am thinking breakfast at Ruby slipper then walk down to the Natchet river cruise for the 11am sail ( is this boat trip recommended or would you suggest doing something else?).
Boat trip arrives back at 1pm so was thinking of grabbing some food (suggestions) and just walking around the french quarter until our show at the allways lounge at 7pm. Show finishes at 9:30 so then we will stay around Frenchman street for the nightlife.
Day 3 breakfast at Daisy dukes then a plantation trip to Destrehan, chose here just because it is closest but cant find any tours with transport, any ideas? Arrive back from this tour and just get on the trolleys to discover city park and the garden district. How long should i plan for this.
Then we are going to the Maison for dinner and show at rather 5pm or 7pm and then try more bars and live music.
Would like to do a swamp tour but I dont want to waste too much time travelling about over discovering New Orlean districts.
What are thoughts and any recommendations reaaly appreciated.
Your itinerary for New Orleans sounds fantastic, and you've got some great ideas already! Here are my thoughts on your planned activities and a few recommendations for an even more enjoyable time:
Day 1 (Arrival & Bourbon Street):
Your plan to head straight to Bourbon Street for drinks and grab a Po’ boy is a classic way to dive into the New Orleans nightlife. The NOLA’s Po' boy is a great choice, but I’d also recommend checking out Johnny’s Po-Boys or Parkway Bakery & Tavern if you get the chance, as both are iconic in the area.
Since you're starting your trip around 8 pm, there will be plenty of time for a casual stroll, soaking in the lively atmosphere, and maybe stopping at a few bars. If you love live music, The Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmen Street is a must for a more intimate setting, or head to Fritzel's European Jazz Club for some old-school New Orleans jazz vibes.
Day 2 (Natchez River Cruise & French Quarter Exploration):
The Natchez River Cruise is a great choice if you enjoy scenic views and learning about New Orleans' history from the river perspective. It’s a nice, relaxed way to start your day and gives you a good overview of the area. It’s not a high-speed thrill ride, but it’s relaxing, and the historical narration is informative. If you're looking for something more active, you could also consider a walking tour of the French Quarter or a visit to the French Market.
For lunch after the cruise, I recommend either Stanley for a great sit-down meal (especially their omelets and shrimp & grits) or Café Du Monde for a more casual bite with the famous beignets and café au lait.
Exploring the French Quarter is a must—take your time walking around, checking out the beautiful architecture, and stopping into shops or art galleries. A good spot for live music in the afternoon is Vaughan’s or Maison (which you’ll later return to for your show). Just keep an eye on time so you're ready for your 7 pm show at the Allways Lounge.
Day 3 (Plantation Tour & Garden District):
For the plantation tour, I understand the convenience of Destrehan, but it’s definitely a bit of a drive. If you’re set on Destrehan, you’ll need to rent a car or take a private tour, as public transport options aren’t ideal for that route. Another option, if you’re flexible on the plantation choice, is Oak Alley Plantation, which is about an hour from the city, or Laura Plantation for a more unique, lesser-known experience.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free tour with transport, there are companies like Gray Line Tours that offer guided plantation tours with transportation. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to several plantations with informative stops along the way.
After the plantation, you’ll likely be back by early afternoon, and from there, you can hop on the St. Charles Streetcar to explore the Garden District and City Park. I’d recommend allocating about 2-3 hours for the Garden District walk, especially if you plan to visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (which is beautiful but might have some limited access). If you’ve got time, City Park is lovely, but if you're short on time, you could skip it and focus on the Garden District instead.
Evening Plans:
Your dinner at The Maison sounds great—it's got a fantastic vibe and great live music, so it’ll set the perfect mood for the evening. You’ll have the option to catch more live music either on Frenchmen Street or elsewhere in the Quarter. Some other great spots for after-dinner music are Snug Harbor for jazz or The Maple Leaf Bar for more laid-back tunes.
Swamp Tour Option:
If you're eager to experience a swamp tour but don’t want to take up too much time, I’d recommend booking a half-day tour, which typically takes about 3-4 hours including transportation. Louisiana Tour Company and Airboat Adventures are both highly rated and offer convenient pick-up from the city. You’ll get a taste of the swamps and wildlife without spending an entire day traveling.
General Tips:
- Consider grabbing an Authentic New Orleans Experience Pass for discounts on several attractions if you’re planning to visit museums or other tours.
- For lunch on Day 3, if you’re in the Garden District, you might want to stop at Commander's Palace for some classic Creole fare (reservations recommended). Or check out District Donuts for a quick, delicious snack.
- If you're into unique experiences, you could also consider a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in City Park, which is a short walk from the park itself.
Overall, it looks like you’ve got a fantastic itinerary, and New Orleans has plenty to offer! The balance of music, food, history, and relaxation should make for an unforgettable trip.
