Morning: Your Crescent City song best begins with beignets (New Orleans-style doughnuts) and café au lait (half chicory-infused coffee, half steamed milk) on the open-air patio at Café Du Monde, where funky street performers clue you in to the city’s rhythm. 

Then it’s time for a formal introduction:

Explore  the  French Quarter’s historic buildings. In this neighborhood, you’ll find some of the city’s best music venues, restaurants, museums, shops and galleries. New Orleans’ French Market is the historically charming open-air market featuring shopping, dining and music.

Afternoon: lunch  at one of our legendary restaurants  in the French Quarter.  Nationally recognized for contemporary Creole dining, award winning chefs and centuries old landmarks dine to classic cuisine in unique surroundings. Then walk to Jackson Square. Catch a horse-and-carriage ride, led by a guide who will show you the heart and soul of the city. Or establish your own tempo with a self-guided walking tour and set out on your own.

Evening: Tonight it’s traditional Creole fare for dinner with live Zydeco music on the side for an evening that’s distinctly Louisiana. When dinner’s done, you know where you’ll be headed: straight for Preservation Hall, the city’s premier jazz music venue. It’s everything you hoped it would be

Morning: The ambiance at Court of Two Sisters is relaxed elegance at an all-you-can-eat jazz brunch featuring everything from mimosas to bread pudding; get a table on the patio to dine near the band. Then head off to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. A downloadable audio walking tour (available at nps.gov/jazz) takes you from the park to 11 other significant musical heritage sites—including Congo Square, where Creole music took its shape.

Afternoon: After the tour, a Muffaleta sandwich from Central Grocery will fuel you up for a visit to Tremé, an historic African-American neighborhood where much of New Orleans’ music has roots. Tremé’s Backstreet Cultural Museum details such traditions as jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians andsecond line parades; special exhibits on Louis Armstrong, Jellyroll Morton, Fats Domino and other local legends will inspire greatness in you.

Evening: The tone is set for dinner and music in the Marigny neighborhood. Options for dinner are abound with a variety of creative dishes from award winning chefs will satisfy your appetite.  Then choose to move to the music at one of the music clubs on Frenchmen Street or see iconic and upcoming local musicians take to the stage. 

Morning: Re-energize with a cup ‘o joe and muffin from a nearby coffee shop, then head over to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World you’ll immerse yourself in sequins and sparkle with a warehouse tour featuring carnival’s outrageous costumes and parade floats.

Afternoon:  Head to the Central Business District which is known for innovative restaurants, award-winning museums, beautiful art galleries, rooftop bars and trendy hotels, grab lunch a local eatery or po’boy shop.  Head to the The National WWII Museum- a can’t miss activity. The museum tells the story of the American experience in “the war that changed the world”—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. The museum’s parking garage is located at 1024 Magazine Street (fees apply).

Evening: Get in tune with Uptown area tonight, starting at Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘N Bowl, an unlikely—but amazing—music venue where the sounds of Kermit Ruffins and other Big Easy stars will accompany your strikes and spares or head out to see who’s playing at the Maple Leaf Bar, Le Bon Temps Roule or Tipitina’s.

Morning:  Grab a coffee or brunch and Experience New Orleans’ first experiential pop-up, JAMNOLA (Joy, Art & Music New Orleans), that takes audiences of all ages on a topsy-turvy stroll through the cultural gems that make the city so special. 

Grab a casual lunch nearby at one of Mid City’s casual restaurants or grab take out for a picnic at Crescent Park, or New Orleans City Park .

Spend your afternoon enjoying the great outdoors at New Orleans City Parks New Orleans’ largest outdoor attraction since 1854 and is one of the oldest parks in the country. With multiple themed gardens, biking and walking paths, an amusement park and the World’s largest grove of mature live oak trees, City Park has something for everyone! 

As the sun sets, board a River Cruise for a jazz dinner and cruise of the Mississippi River. Soak in the views during the two-hour ride, and after disembarking head to the House of Blues. Enjoy a cocktail and (schedule permitting) catch a concert.  Don’t leave early: The rockin’ late-night dance parties start at midnight and feature everything from swing to salsa —but you’ll be singing the blues when it’s time to leave.