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Things to do in New Orleans on the Weekend
Table of Contents
The Big Easy, NewâOrleans is the ultimate weekend getaway. From historic blocks lined with colorful boutiques to passionate live jazz tumbling fromâwarm dives, this town offers a fruitful blend of culture, history, and indulgence. From powdered sugar-dusted beignets to longing for a bit of late-night people-watching at the French Quarter, youâll never run out of things to do in thisâbustling town.
Hereâs how to experience New Orleans on a weekend, withâsuggestions, local secrets, and answers to burning questions!
Is New Orleans a Good Place to Visit on Weekends?
Absolutely! New Orleans has so much going on in a small vicinity it makes for great weekendâplans. Its compact design lets you see several highlightsâwithout hurrying. The weekends are especially magical as a city comes to life with live music, busy markets,âand special events. Floating through Jackson Square, tapping your toes at the Spotted Cat, eating Creole food â youâll never be bored inâNew Orleans.
Start Your Saturday with Beignets and Coffee
Start your weekend with a New Orleans breakfast classicââ beignets dusted with powdered sugar and served with chicory coffee at CafĂ© du Monde. Situated in the center of the French Quarter, this emblematic cafĂ© has been adored byâlocals and tourists alike since 1862. After breakfast, you can explore the streets with historic architecture,âstreet performers, and colorful art galleries.
Explore Jackson Square
A visit to New Orleans is never completeâwithout stopping by Jackson Square. This historic park bustles with activity, artists sketching portraits, musicians performing and horse-drawn carriages waiting to whisk youâaway into the French Quarter. Be sure to catch the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, a testamentâto the cityâs storied past.
Afternoon Stroll in the Garden District
Your Saturday evening should be devoted at some point to Frenchmen Street, home to muchâof New Orleansâ live jazz. For a more authentic taste of the music scene, check out Frenchmen Street instead of its rowdier neighbor, Bourbon Street. Drop into localâfaves like Spotted Cat for intimate shows that embody the cityâs spirit.
Sunday Mornings in City Park
Get an early start on Sunday morning and head to City Park, a sprawlingâ1,300-acre green oasis for nature lovers. You can do everything fromâa peaceful gondola ride to enjoying the New Orleans Museum of Art located within the park. If youâre traveling with children, visitâCarousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Brunch and People-Watching
In New Orleans, Sunday afternoons demand a leisurelyâbrunch. That being said, many restaurants serve live jazz at brunch â what couldâbe more perfect than combining music with food? Popular haunts like CommanderâsâPalace or Atchafalaya offer a blend of Southern classics and more modern dishes. Get it to goâbut eat outside if you can â youâll discover the added treat of excellent people-spotting.
Bourbon Street: Love it or Hate it
Someâavoid Bourbon Street as it is known for its wild parties, but it is a well-known part of the charm of the city. If you doâgo, the best time to visit is during the day or early evening when things are a bit more chill. Pick up a cocktail and wander this legendary street packed with bars, restaurantsâ, and lively crowds.
Embark on the Best of New Orleans Tour with Steamboat Cruise to explore the cityâs top spots!
Weekend Trip to New Orleans Cost
What will a weekend in NewâOrleans cost? Budget travelers will payâapproximately $500 for two days, which includes basic accommodation, meals, and activities. If you want aâlavish experience, budget $1,000 or more. Pro tip: Save cash by booking attractions, such as the small group tours with See Sight Tours, in advanceâand selecting boutique hotels in districts like the Garden District rather than the French Quarter.
Discover Hidden Gems in Bywater
If you want something a littleâless mainstream, spend some time in the Bywater neighborhood. A vibrant neighborhood known for its colorful houses and quirky vibes, Bywater is home to some of New Orleansââmost creative art studios, cozy cafes, and the popular Crescent Park. Itâs a wonderful spot for a tranquil afternoonâstroll or to browse for local crafts.
Donât Miss a Mississippi River Cruise
Close out your weekend on a high note aboard a steamboat cruise alongâthe Mississippi River. These cruises typically include live music from jazz musicians,âproviding you with a soothing way to take in the cityâs skyline. Dinner cruises are especially romantic, with a choice of Creole-inspired fare whileâgliding past the city lights.
Hidden Gems in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is known for itsâparty atmosphere, but this neighborhood has more to offer than meets the eye. Get away from the crowds on Bourbon Street and seek out hidden courtyards filled with green foliage, tucked-awayâjazz bars, and appealing antique stores. For a moreâsubdued experience, head to Pirateâs Alley or check out the lesser-known Ursuline Convent. These little-known treasures embody the spirit of NewâOrleans and provide a lens into the cityâs storied past.
The Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans
With everything from the iconic CafĂ© du Monde to trendy locations in the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods,âNew Orleansâ coffee scene is as varied as the city itself. Try the local specialty, chicory coffee,âor go for a classic espresso. Many of these coffee shops also function as art spaces,âso theyâre ideal for absorbing the artistic energy of the Big Easy. Whether you want a quiet morning or a lively cafĂ©, thereâis something for everyone.
Family-Friendly Weekend Activities
Families with kids andâadults who want to have fun will find plenty of things to do in New Orleans. Spend a day in City Park, home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the whimsical Storylandâplayground. Another bonusâis the Audubon Zoo, home to exotic animals and beautiful landscapes. Forâa fun and educational spin, visit the Louisiana Childrenâs Museum, where interactive displays engage the littlest ones while also familiarizing them with the culture and environment of New Orleans.
Exploring New Orleansâ Famous Cemeteries
Ornate, above-ground tombs, and interesting backstories make New Orleansâ historicâcemeteries unique. The most renownedâcemetery, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, is home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveauâs tomb. Aâguided tour offers closer looks at the cityâs burial traditions and influences on culture. As you walk through these cemeteries it is as if you were transported back in time, leavingâan indelible memory.
Discover New Orlean on our Food Walking Tour, perfect for sampling powdered sugar-dusted beignets and Creole delight!
Shopping in the Garden District
The Garden District is not just historic mansions and picturesqueâstreets â itâs a shopperâs paradise. Boutique shops,âantique stores, and artisan markets punctuate Magazine Street. If youâre looking for handmade jewelry, vintageâclothing, or unique art pieces â itâs all available in this area. After a day of shopping, you can unwind at one of the Garden Districtâs intimate cafes orâfashionable restaurants.
Delicious Desserts You Must Try in New Orleans
Whileâbeignets dusted with powdered sugar are a traditional sugar fix, New Orleansâ dessert scene has a lot more to offer. Sample pralines, a creamy, nutty sweet, or slice into some kingâcake, if youâre there during the season. Another local classic to seek out is bananas foster, an invented-in-the-cityâflambĂ©ed dessert. Each bite is a chapterâin New Orleansâ rich culinary tradition.
Free Things to Do in New Orleans Over the Weekend
VisitingâNew Orleans wonât have to cost a fortune. You can visit Jackson Square toâsee live street performances and local art displays. Stroll down the picturesque MississippiâRiver or hit the trails of City Park. Walk the streets of the French Quarterâto see some of its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. These free activities and sights give you aâtaste of New Orleans without spending any money.
Evening Strolls Along the Mississippi River
TheâMississippi River comes alive, especially at sunset. The riverfront is a quieter and safer alternative to explore where you can find nice pathways to walk on to enjoyâthe evening. Watching steamboats pass as the city lights twinkle on theâwater. This peaceful experience is a perfectâway to unwind after a busy day of exploring New Orleans.
Discovering the Art Scene in New Orleans
A hub of creativity and artistic expression, New Orleansâ art scene is just as alive and vibrantâas the city itself. Tour galleries in the Warehouse District, seek out street art in Bywater or visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for a curated view of regionalâwork. The cityâs artistic soul is stitched intoâevery neighborhood, a boon for art lovers.
Unique Souvenirs to Bring Home from New Orleans
Bring a taste of New Orleansâhome with you by shopping. The city is home to many souvenirs, from locally made pralines and hot sauces to voodoo dolls and handmadeâjewelry. Explore markets likeâthe French Market or independent stores along Magazine Street to find treasures that embody the spirit of the Big Easy.
The Role of Food in New Orleans Culture
Food is at the heart ofâlife in New Orleans, its unique mix of Creole and Cajun influences. Dining on gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish Ă©touffĂ©e isâmore than lunch: Itâs experiencing the cultural fabric of the city. Donât neglect the sweet side, as in powdered sugar-dusted beignets or kingâcake, both of which have cultural significance.
Exploring Beyond the City: Day Trips from New Orleans
If you have some moreâtime, you may also take a trip out of the city, for a day trip. The River Road plantation homes are absolute must-sees, and swamp tours give an up-closeâlook at Louisianaâs natural beauty. Theseâjaunts provide a fresh view of the region and give you an unforgettable New Orleans experience.
Best Spots for Night Owls in New Orleans
Theâcity of New Orleans really comes to life at nighttime and there are plenty of options for nocturnal adventurers. From its famous jazz clubs onâFrenchmen Street to raucous bars on Bourbon Street, its nightlife is second to none. Explore secret speakeasies or groove the night away at localâmusic venues. The Big Easyâs nocturnal zest is trĂšs contagieuse and trĂšs mĂ©morable.
Stroll through the Garden District and uncover architectural wonders on the Best of New Orleans Walking Tour with Steamboat Cruise!
Evening Ghost Tours and Spooky Stories
New Orleans has a haunted history, and thereâs no better way to end a weekend than by takingâa ghost tour. Stroll downâthe eerie streets of the French Quarter and hear about the cityâs most notorious legends. Itâs a chilling but fun way to seeâanother side of the Big Easy.
Explore More with See Sight Tours
Whetherâyou want a long entail yourself in an unforgettable adventure consider booking a guided tour with See Sight Tours. Our New Orleans tours offer an intimate way toâsee the cityâs major landmarks, from the bustling French Quarter to tranquil City Park. Knowledgeable guides, customizable options, and much more allow you toâmaximize your weekend trip!A Few Final Tips for Your Weekend in New Orleans
1-Plan If You Can: Accommodations, and tours on food, music, and history can be booked quickly in New Orleans, especially on weekends,âso making reservations (when possible) is a good idea.
2-Stay Hydrated: The cityâs muggy, warm climate can be draining â carryâa water bottle with you.
3-Eat Local: From gumboâto jambalaya, donât leave without trying the cityâs renowned cuisine
4-Embrace the Music: Whetherâit is a street performer or a jazz band in a bar, absorb as much music as you can â itâs the heartbeat of New Orleans.
Thereâs a tempest of sights,âsounds, and flavors in New Orleans on the weekend. Whetherâyouâre exploring historic streets, listening to live jazz at Spotted Cat, or eating powdered sugar-laden beignets, the Big Easy makes for an unforgettable getaway.
FAQs
What Are the Must-Visit Attractions in New Orleans?
Must-sees are Jackson Square, City Park,âthe French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Frenchmen Street. And donât overlook iconic sitesâlike the St. Louis Cathedral and the Garden District.
Is New Orleans Expensive for a Weekend Trip?
It can be as inexpensive or as decadentâas you can make it. Itâs possible to keep to aâbudget â there are many free attractions, from street performances to public parks. Eating where the locals eat instead of atâupscale restaurants also helps economize.

Best of New Orleans with Steamboat Cruise
4.5 Hours
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of New Orleans on a tour that marries history with the soulful sounds of jazz. Embark on a steamboat jazz cruise, wander the historic French Quarter, and feel the unique rhythm of the Big Easy's heart and soul.

Best of New Orleans Walking Tour with Steamboat Cruise
4.5 Hours
Walk through the heart of New Orleans on a tour that captures its essence. From the historic French Quarter to lively jazz spots and mystical voodoo lore, discover the soul, sounds, and flavors that make the Big Easy unforgettable.

New Orleans Food Walking Tour
3 Hours
Embark on a flavorful adventure through New Orleans with our exclusive food tour. Dive into the rich tapestry of the city's cuisine, from savory gumbo to sweet beignets and hearty po'boys. Experience the soul of New Orleans, one delicious bite at a time.
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4.8 rating |Â 5,753Â reviews
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