New Orleans in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days in New Orleans cover the Quarter, the bayou and the table. Here is how to spend three perfect days in the Big Easy — with the best-rated tours to book for each.

At a glance

1Day 1: Quarter & river
2Day 2: swamp & plantation
3Day 3: food & Garden District
4Jazz nights

Day 1: Quarter & river

French Quarter and a jazz cruise.

Day 2: swamp & plantation

A bayou airboat and a plantation.

Day 3: food & gardens

A food tour and the Garden District.

New Orleans in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough for New Orleans?

Three days is ideal — the Quarter and river on day one, a swamp and plantation on day two, and food and the Garden District on day three, with jazz each night.

What is the best experience in New Orleans for 3 days?

The French Quarter is the soul, the swamp tour the most adventurous, and a steamboat jazz cruise the most atmospheric; all reward your time.

How do I plan a 3-day New Orleans itinerary?

Spend day one in the Quarter and on the river, day two in the bayou and at a plantation, and day three on food and the Garden District, enjoying live jazz each evening.

Explore more in New Orleans

French Quarter & City Swamp & Airboat Ghost, Voodoo & Cemeteries Steamboat & River Cruises Plantation Tours