96 Hours in New Orleans

LT Globetrotter

November 17, 2017
96 Hours in New Orleans

Whether you're looking to boogie to some blues, dig into authentic gumbo, tour the swampy backcountry bayous, or stroll along Bourbon Street, the Big Easy is one big brassy ballad to laid-back living – and non-stop fun.

New Orleans is known as a big party town, and no wonder: Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Essence Festival, Southern Decadence, and the French Quarter Festival draw millions of visitors. And with no blue laws or mandatory closing times for bars, the party never ends. Just pour your Sazerac into a plastic "go-cup" and take the celebration to the streets.

New Orleans is THE Mardi Gras  party city
New Orleans is THE Mardi Gras party city

Discover some of the exciting experiences you can have in New Orleans with this immersive guide!

Day One

3:00 p.m. – You've arrived at your New Orleans hotel, unpacked your bags, and settled into your room. Now it's time to meet your City Insider at your hotel or a local bar. He or she will help you create the perfect itinerary for your stay as well as provide local insider tips.

The ironwork accents are iconic in the French Quarter
The ironwork accents are iconic in the French Quarter

8:00 p.m. – Stroll over to the French Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood, to that trendy restaurant your City Insider recommended – maybe The Joint, on Mazant Street, acclaimed as the best all-around BBQ restaurant in New Orleans, or perhaps the century-old Acme Oyster House, for fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters, served ice-cold on the half shell, char-grilled and sizzling in garlic butter, or fried to golden perfection.

Oyster

Day Two

9:00 a.m. – No visit to New Orleans is complete without eating beignets at Café du Monde at the French Market on Decatur Street. Wash it down with a café au lait.

Beignets: powdered sugar covered fried dough greatness
Beignets: powdered sugar covered fried dough greatness

11:00 a.m. – Explore New Orleans with a Super City Tour, which was booked by your travel consultant. This tour takes you to one of the historic cemeteries, Bayou St. John, as well as City Park, the French Quarter, Jackson Square, the Treme and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods, Lake Pontchartrain, and St. Charles Avenue to the Garden District.

A traditional street car cruises through the Garden District
A traditional street car cruises through the Garden District

2:00 p.m. – Join a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, one of the South's most beautiful plantations, set at the end of a quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each over 250 years old. Known from such movies as Interview with a Vampire and Primary Colors, it's one of the most photographed locales in the US.

The stunning Oak Alley Plantation
The stunning Oak Alley Plantation

Evening – Get ready for one of the most decadent meals you've ever sat for – the Table d'Hote Creole Dinner at The Court of Two Sisters restaurant, an iconic New Orleans culinary institution. Savor traditional southern dishes such as Fresh Shrimp in Spicy Etouffee, Duck a l'orange, Crawfish Louise, and Creole Jambalaya. Sip a complimentary glass of house wine or Champagne while you admire the picturesque courtyard.

Spicy delicious Jambalaya
Spicy delicious Jambalaya

Day Three

11:00 a.m. – In late morning, head off on your pre-booked Swamp & Bayou Tour, a thrilling boat trip with a Cajun guide to experience the timeless beauty of south Louisiana's wetlands and its denizens, including alligators, egrets, and nutria. Afterwards, wander the French Quarter or another of the city's historic neighborhoods, and sample local dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, po-boys, and muffulettas!

The Bayou

9:00 p.m. – Head to Frenchman Street in Faubourg Marigny, lined with intimate, long-established jazz clubs. Maison is a go-to venue for jazz, brass, and funk seven nights a week. Check out The Spotted Cat for jazz, blues, funk, and klezmer. Groove to local, national, and international acts at the legendary Blue Nile. On Frenchman Street, the drinks and admission are cheap and sometimes free, so tip the bands generously – it's usually the only money they make.

Musician on Frenchmen Street

Day Four

9:00 a.m. – One beignet is never enough, so make a return visit to Café du Monde (there are nine outposts of this legendary bakery/café all around the city). Embrace the final beats to your trip, and depart New Orleans with a new rhythm on life.

Cafe du Monde

There's no better way to experience the seductive allure and romance of New Orleans than on an exclusive USAbreak from Liberty Travel. Along with your City Insider, CITYbreaks also include Insider Benefit Coupons, personalized keepsake documents and document holder, $150 future travel credit, personal concierge access & smart phone app, and unlimited emergency travel center priority assistance. Call your travel consultant today to start planning an exciting adventure to this iconic American city now!

Sponsored Content

LT Globetrotter

As fellow travelers, our people are always on the move discovering new destinations. On the occasions they take a break from exploring, they love to write up a few stories about their adventures before they leave for the next one, so you can enjoy expert tips, news, and recommendations to use for your own travels.

Need more inspiration?

The Liberty Travel Experience

At Liberty Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.

Connect by Phone

Connect By
Phone

Connect in Store

Connect In
Store

Consultant Search icon

Connect With
An Expert

Sponsored Vacations