New Orleans in 48 Hours: A Weekend Travel Guide

Planning a weekend getaway to New Orleans? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak up more of the City’s charm, this 48-hour New Orleans itinerary is packed with the best things to do, see, and eat in the city.

From iconic Bourbon Street to New Orleans City Park, this travel guide will help you make the most of your short stay.

Discover where to find the best beignets, dive into Mardi Gras culture, experience live jazz, and tuck into some Creole cuisine, all of which can be done in 48 hours.

If you’re wondering how to spend a weekend in New Orleans, this guide has you covered with top attractions, great spots to eat, and must-see experiences that capture the heart and soul of New Orleans.

This New Orleans trip was part of my bigger Louisiana road trip adventure across the state, and you can read about my road trip itinerary here.

Here is my 48-hour weekend travel guide to exploring New Orleans, Louisiana:

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Stay at the The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery delivers charm, character, and a touch of history that captures New Orleans style so well.

Housed in a former warehouse just steps from the French Quarter, this boutique hotel blends vintage industrial design with curated local art and a warm, welcoming vibe.

You simply can’t beat the location being close to the heart of the NOLA action.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets or unwinding in your stylish suite, The Old No. 77 offers a stay that’s as unforgettable as the city itself.

The Sazerac House – Whiskey Grid Tasting

Step into the heart of New Orleans’ spirited legacy with the Whiskey Grid Tasting at The Sazerac House.

The Whiskey Grid Tasting session is a small group (Must be booked in advance through The Sazerac House) hosted by an expert whiskey guide in a private tasting whisky room.

The session will walk you through a selection of rare whiskeys from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, allowing guests to explore the nuances of some of America’s most celebrated whiskeys side by side.

A refined experience that’s equal parts education and indulgence.

The tasting room is set within the elegant, multi-level museum dedicated to cocktail culture. The tasting offers a deep dive into craftsmanship, ageing, and flavour profiles that define the heritage of Sazerac.

My highlight has to be getting to try a 10-year Eagle Rare Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey; it was sensational.

Dine at the Palace Cafe and try the Bananas Foster

If you’re craving a quintessential New Orleans dining experience, make your way to the Palace Café, where Southern elegance meets bold Creole flavours.

Start with their signature crab cheesecake, a rich, savoury twist that sets the tone for the other dishes.

Followed by a bowl of classic turtle soup, steeped in tradition and layered with flavour and depth.

But the real experience comes with the signature dish: Bananas Foster.

Bananas Foster is flambéed tableside in a fiery spectacle that’s as theatrical as it is delicious.

Enjoy a nightcap at the Apothecary Restaurant & Bar

Nestled on the lively stretch of Bourbon Street, just across from the iconic Preservation Hall, the Apothecary Restaurant & Bar offers a deliciously dark twist on a New Orleans nightcap.

This vampire-themed haunt blends mysticism and mixology in a way that’s both theatrical and inviting.

Guests can sip on cleverly crafted cocktails while indulging in tea leaf readings or tarot card sessions that add a touch of the supernatural to the evening.

With its moody ambience, gothic charm, and a menu that’s as intriguing as its decor, Apothecary is a must-visit for anyone craving a night of enchantment and eccentricity in the heart of the French Quarter.

Highlight has to be the Blood Bag Fangria, perfect for vampires or mortals.

Grab a One Day Jazzy Pass

If you’re planning to explore New Orleans in 48 hours, the One Day Jazzy Pass is a great way to discover the city by the legendary streetcar.

A ride on the traditional and charming streetcar has to be done when visiting New Orleans.

This affordable transit pass gives you unlimited rides on all RTA buses and streetcars for 24 hours, making it the perfect companion for NOLA neighbourhood-hopping.

The Jazzy Pass keeps your journey smooth and wallet-friendly.

No need to worry about parking, just hop on, hop off, and let the rhythm of the city guide you along the tracks.

Cafe Du Monde Beignets & Coffee

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at the legendary Café Du Monde.

Where beignets and coffee reign supreme as a perfect local pick-me-up stop.

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, this iconic spot has been serving up powdered sugar-dusted perfection since 1862.

You can also find a Cafe Du Monde location within the New Orleans City Park, close to the streetcar stop.

The beignets—crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside—arrive fresh and hot, buried under a generous snowfall of sugar that inevitably ends up all over the place, you have been warned!

Beignets pair perfectly with a hot cup of rich coffee, served black or with steamed milk, and you’ve got a quintessential NOLA experience that’s equal parts sweet, nostalgic, and buzzing with local charm.

Café Du Monde is a delicious slice of New Orleans tradition that simply can’t be missed. Be sure to make time within your 48-hour visit.

Don’t miss out on visiting New Orleans City Park

Normally, parks might get overlooked on city breaks, but not in New Orleans!

Make sure to set aside some time to visit New Orleans City Park. Spanning 1,300 acres, the park is massive! Making New Orleans City Park even larger than New York’s Central Park.

New Orleans City Park is a lush, sprawling oasis that blends natural beauty with cultural charm.

Home to the world’s largest grove of mature live oaks, some of which are over 600 years old!

The park offers a serene escape with moss-draped trees, tranquil lagoons, and winding walking trails.

But it’s not just about nature: visitors can explore the New Orleans Museum of Art, the enchanting Besthoff Sculpture Garden, or indulge in powdered beignets at the iconic Café du Monde.

From paddle boating and picnicking to Storyland’s whimsical sculptures and the thrill of Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Park is a vibrant destination that captures the soulful spirit of NOLA.

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art is located within the New Orleans City Park.

You will find more than 90 sculptures set among live oaks, rotating exhibits, lagoons, and walking paths.

Well worth grabbing a coffee from Cafe Du Monde and spending some time wandering around the grounds.

Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art

Close to the City Park, you will find the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Blending classic art elegance with contemporary art vibrancy.

NOMA houses over 40,000 works spanning centuries and continents—from ancient artefacts to cutting-edge modern pieces. Visitors can explore three floors of curated exhibitions.

And don’t forget to step outside and explore the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Mardi Gras World

Step behind the scenes of New Orleans’ most iconic celebration at Mardi Gras World, where the magic of Carnival comes to life year-round.

This vibrant warehouse is home to the artists and craftsmen who design and build the city’s legendary parade floats, offering visitors an up-close look at the creativity, colour, and sheer scale of Mardi Gras.

From towering figures to glittering costumes and props, every corner bursts with Mardi Gras.

I recommend taking the guided tour, which reveals the history of Mardi Gras, the float-making process, and even lets you try on a costume if you fancy it!

Doctor Gumbo Food & Cocktail Tour

One great way to explore a new city is through the local culinary flavours. For New Orleans, I can highly recommend The Doctor Gumbo Food & Cocktail Tour.

The tour consists of a local guide full of knowledge to guide the way through nine dishes and cocktails to try across 7 stops.

It’s a flavorful journey through New Orleans’ vibrant culinary scene, offering a delicious blend of iconic dishes, bold spices, and classic cocktails.

The tour kicks off at Red Fish Grill with a rich bowl of gumbo paired with a refreshing Hurricane, setting the tour off with a good step.

Next up is Pepper Palace, the heat rises with a fiery chilli con carne taster. Be sure to check out all the different hot sauces on sale here if you’re looking to elevate your spice game.

Leah’s Pralines is another classic establishment and a local favourite, which will bring balance with sweet, handcrafted treats that capture the essence of NOLA’s sugary soul.

A stop at Napoleon House introduces the legendary Italian Muffuletta—layered with ham, Genoa salami, pastrami, Swiss and provolone cheeses, and a housemade olive salad, all served warm on a fresh seeded loaf. I loved the decor of the building, with its historic Napoleon vibe.

The tour continues with a touch of elegance at Le Petit Theatre’s Tableau, where we enjoyed a French 75 cocktail by Dickie Brennan & Co.

And the final stop, Cane and Table, rounds out the experience with sweet plantains and a refreshing Pimm’s Verde, leaving taste buds satisfied.

And whilst you’re at Cane and Table, be sure to order a hurricane and table for one of the best hurricanes in New Orleans.

Hurricanes are not an easy cocktail to make, and many bars refuse to use the original glass because they’re too time-consuming to wash up and tend to opt for the easier syrup option to help ramp up the orders on time.

You won’t find any of the above at Cane and Table, as the name of the cocktail suggests “hurricane and table” – A New Orleans classic painstakingly recreated with all-natural house-made Fassionola, fresh citrus, and rum in an original glass. How it should be, and it’s good here! Don’t miss out on one of these!

Enjoy a live jazz performance at the Peacock Room

If you’re looking for late-night dining, fun cocktails, and Live Jazz, be sure to check out the Peacock Room.

Performing on our night was the local talent Da Lovebirds’ Robin Barnes and Pat Casey, who put on an excellent performance.

An optional way to end your time in Nola, if the night is still young and you’re still in the party mood, explore the wonderful sounds of Frenchmen Street.

One of my favourite bars is The Spotted Cat Music Club, with great live music and meow-themed cocktails. Perfect way to end your 48 hours in New Orleans.