New Orleans in 2 Days: The Ideal Itinerary

Two days in New Orleans add the bayou and plantations. This 2-day itinerary covers the Quarter, a swamp tour and a plantation — with the top-rated tours to book.

At a glance

1Day 1: Quarter & river
2Day 2: swamp & plantation
3Ghost tour
4Food & jazz

Day 1: Quarter & river

French Quarter and a jazz cruise.

Day 2: swamp & plantation

A bayou airboat and Oak Alley.

Evenings: ghosts & food

Cemetery tours and Creole feasts.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in New Orleans — prices per person.

New Orleans

Private French Quarter & Garden District Tour: Walk and Drive Combo

Lille gruppe Laura og Whitney Plantation Tour fra New Orleans

4.7(474)·6 timer

fra$159/ person

via Viator

New Orleans in 2 days — FAQ

Is 2 days enough for New Orleans?

Two days lets you explore the French Quarter and the river on day one, and take a swamp tour and plantation visit on day two, with ghost tours and Creole food in between.

What should I not miss in 2 days in New Orleans?

The French Quarter, a swamp airboat tour, a plantation, a steamboat jazz cruise, and a cemetery or ghost tour.

Is a swamp tour worth it in New Orleans?

Yes — venturing into the cypress bayou to spot alligators and wildlife is a memorable contrast to the city and a New Orleans highlight.