New Orleans in a Day: A Whirlwind Tour of the Big Easy

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by Sophia

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

New Orleans 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind adventure through the heart of New Orleans, where the spirit of the Big Easy comes alive in just one day. Begin your journey in the iconic French Quarter, immersing yourself for two hours in the neighborhood's rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the charming streets, and let the sounds of jazz guide you to Jackson Square, where another hour of exploration awaits amidst artists and performers set against the backdrop of St. Louis Cathedral. Next, delve into the past at The National WWII Museum for a three-hour journey through one of the most significant periods of the 20th century. Finally, unwind along the mighty Mississippi River, reflecting on a day well-spent as the water's flow mirrors the city's timeless rhythm. This compact itinerary is designed to give you a taste of New Orleans' most treasured experiences, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

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Top 6 Hotels in New Orleans
TOP 1
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
117 reviews
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TOP 2
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
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4/5
112 reviews
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InterContinental Hotels New Orleans
InterContinental Hotels New Orleans
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5/5
103 reviews
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SpringHill Suites New Orleans Warehouse Arts District
SpringHill Suites New Orleans Warehouse Arts District
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3/5
106 reviews
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The Westin New Orleans
The Westin New Orleans
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103 reviews
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The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
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5/5
106 reviews
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Day 1: Exploring the Heart and History of New Orleans

1

French Quarter

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Kickstart your New Orleans adventure with a stroll through the iconic French Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood, where the vibrant architecture and pulsating energy provide a perfect backdrop for your two-hour exploration. As you wander the cobblestone streets, let the scent of Creole cuisine and the sound of jazz set the tone for your day, immersing you in the rich cultural tapestry that makes this district a must-visit.

Attraction Info

  • New Orleans, LA, USA
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Root
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2

Jackson Square

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Continue your journey through New Orleans' soul by visiting Jackson Square, a historic park that's a stone's throw from the French Quarter. Spend an hour here, basking in the artistic ambiance, with street performers, local artists, and the majestic St. Louis Cathedral framing your visit. This landmark square is not just a feast for the eyes but also a gateway to the past, encapsulating the spirit of the city.

Attraction Info

  • New Orleans, LA 70116
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-6:00pm
9 min,2.44 km
3

The National WWII Museum

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Delve into the poignant history of the 20th century at The National WWII Museum, a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made during the war. Allocate three hours to fully engage with the immersive exhibits and powerful narratives that unfold across multiple buildings. This museum doesn't just recount history; it transports you back in time, offering a deeply moving experience that honors the legacy of the Greatest Generation.

Attraction Info

  • 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm
21 min,21.34 km
4

Mississippi River

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Conclude your day with a serene hour by the Mississippi River, the lifeblood of New Orleans. As the sun sets, the river's gentle flow offers a moment of reflection on the day's experiences. Whether you choose to take a leisurely walk along the riverfront or simply sit and watch the boats glide by, the Mississippi provides a tranquil end to a day filled with the vibrant culture and history of New Orleans.

Attraction Info

  • Mississippi River, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
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4/5Very Good94 Reviews
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|7.39km from Mississippi River

Top Things to Do in New Orleans-2024

TOP 1
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum
4.1/5 · 29 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 30,998 review
Highlights:
The National WWIIMuseum is a memorial in the United States that records the history of World War II. There are many actual combat equipment of the US military in the museum, including tanks, trucks, etc., as well as letters and recruitment posters at that time. The memorial hall adopts an exhibition mode that makes history truly reproduced. Visitors can experience the battlefield experience of that year in person, or experience submarine operations in the 4D small theater, and feel the bomber passing by from scratch. In this memorial hall, you can also see the materials of Japan's invasion of China.
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TOP 2
Steamboat NATCHEZ
Steamboat NATCHEZ
5/5 · 3 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8,593 review
Highlights:
Experience the slow pace and peace of life on a 2-hour cruise from the middle of the French Quarter along the Mississippi River. Standing on the deck before the voyage ends, you can get an up-close look at one of the world's most active ports.
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TOP 3
French Quarter
French Quarter
4.3/5 · 70 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 22,838 review
Highlights:
The French-speaking part of New Orleans is a historic old town, where the French settled in New Orleans. There are many French-style buildings in the area. During the day, go to French restaurants to taste food, then visit art galleries and specialty shops. At night, you can go to bars on Bourbon Street with friends and watch street band performances.
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TOP 4
Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail
Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail
4/5 · 8 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 176 review
Highlights:
The Museum of Southern Food and Drink focuses on the culinary cultural traditions of the American South. Here, visitors can taste the old-fashioned burnt coffee from Anthony's, antique oystertongs from Maryland, and Treasure Boy's herringbone boxes from Parkway Bakery.
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TOP 5
Jackson Square
Jackson Square
4.3/5 · 45 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 16,393 review
Highlights:
The square is located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the river bank, with a statue of General Andrew Jackson in the middle. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is one of the well-known squares in New Orleans. The small square attracts all kinds of street artists, magic, acrobatics, tarot, painting, and more. There is also St. Louis Catholic Church in the square, and it is also a good choice to see beautiful glass decorative paintings, or to stroll in the small garden.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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New Orleans 1 Day Itinerary