7 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do in New Orleans

Looking for a lively, fun-packed getaway? New Orleans, Louisiana will certainly not disappoint. A diverse destination, a New Orleans vacation is perfect for families, couples, and friend groups alike. After spending a year in isolation, a trip to the upbeat city of New Orleans is just what you need.

We’ve crafted a 7 day itinerary with the best things to do in New Orleans to help you create your own unforgettable New Orleans vacation!

New Orleans Vacation Day 1: Go Exploring

Once your plane has landed and you’ve checked into your swanky New Orleans timeshare resort, you’ll want to take some time to explore and find your bearings for your stay. We recommend doing some sightseeing in the historic French Quarter. Discover numerous modern boutiques, antique stores, new and old restaurants, and the famed French Market. Be sure to sample some of the creole cuisine and fresh seafood available at many top dining establishments.

New Orleans Vacation Day 2: Swamp Safari

After spending a low-key day exploring, it’s time for some adventure. Take to the waters and go on a swamp tour in the Louisiana bayou where you can spot alligators, snakes, and a wide variety of birdlife. You can take a swamp tour at numerous locations, but we recommend checking out Honey Island Swamp Tours or New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours.

New Orleans Vacation Day 3: A Trip to the Past

New Orleans is home to lots of rich history, with plenty of opportunities to tour various old sights and check out museums. You can easily spend at least a day learning the history of the area. Some of the top sights we recommend include:

• Plantation Tours – Oak Valley Plantation, Whitney Plantation, and Laura Plantation
• Architecture Walk – Explore historic mansions, cottages, and other upscale houses
• Historic Forts and Museums – Fort Macomb, Fort Pike State, Old Spanish Fort, Chalmette Battlefield, National WWII Museum, and the Robert E. Lee Monument

New Orleans Vacation Day 4: Take in All the Art

Outside of historical museums, you will find an impressive selection of local art galleries with paintings, sculptures, and other exciting exhibits. One of the most notable in the area is the New Orleans Museum of Art, the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans. Other galleries worth checking out include the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and Newcomb Art Museum.

New Orleans Vacation Day 5: Haunted Happenings

Looking to get spooked? New Orleans offers numerous ghost tours of well-known haunted spots and buildings. Take one of these tours after the sun sets to learn about ghosts, vampires and even voodoo on a chilling walking tour. Some of the top area tours are New Orleans Ghost and Vampire Tour and Haunted History Tours. Not only are these tours unique and fun, but they offer a great way to see the local city hotspots in a new light.

New Orleans Vacation Day 6: Night Out on the Town

No New Orleans vacation is complete without a wild night out exploring the many bars, jazz clubs, and nightclubs. There are plenty of unique drinks to try and live music to enjoy. Bourbon Street is a great place to start with an impressive lineup of options. One of the most iconic bars on Bourbon Street is Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Visitors and locals love this hot spot for its live music and the fact that it’s one of the oldest bars in the United States. Be sure to try the purple drink, better known as a Frozen VooDoo Daiquiri.

If you plan your New Orleans vacation right, you’ll visit during one of the city’s many festivals with parties that last for a week. Enjoy nonstop music, entertainment, cocktails on balconies, and even karaoke.

New Orleans Vacation Day 7: Get Out and Enjoy Nature

On your final day of your trip, get outside and take in the beautiful weather and some of the stunning natural sights. The New Orleans City Park is a great, free place to hang out with a 12-acre botanical garden. The Audubon Nature Institute is another beautiful spot with a zoo, an aquarium, butterfly garden and insectarium, and a golf course. This is a great way to relax and unwind before you catch your flight home.

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