2-Day New Orleans Itinerary: Best Things to Do on a Weekend Trip
If you only have a weekend in New Orleans, you might be wondering how much you can actually see and do. I recently took a short trip and was surprised at how much I could fit into two days—spicy food, historic streets, jazz music, river cruises, and even a swamp adventure with alligators.
This 2-day New Orleans itinerary is based on my personal trip, with tips to help you plan your own 2-day New Orleans getaway.
Day 1 – Arrival and First Impressions in New Orleans
Visit the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island
My first stop was the TABASCO® Brand Factory Tour & Museum, which felt more like a theme park than a factory. The grounds have several buildings and even wildlife around the trails. After paying the entrance fee, I received a little souvenir mini Tabasco bottle and map for the self-guided tour.
Location: Avery Island, Louisiana (2.5 hours from New Orleans)
Cost: $15.5 per person (as of 2025)
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (CST) daily
What’s included: Self-guided tour, mini TABASCO bottle, map
What You’ll See:
- Learning how Tabasco is made and catching the sour peppery aroma.
- A shop filled with Tabasco-themed items.
- A tasting station with many flavors—including the hottest one, which I dared to try (and quickly regretted, but it was fun!).
👉 Tip: This is great for hot sauce lovers and families—Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience
If you enjoyed reading about the Tabasco Factory, you might also love my post:
Fun Factory Tours in the Southern USA: From Bourbon to Space and Aviation
In it, I share other fascinating factory experiences across the South—from Kentucky bourbon distilleries to the Space Center and more aviation history.
Check Into the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Normally, I don’t stay at downtown hotels, but since my trip was short, I booked the Sheraton New Orleans. It turned out to be a fantastic choice:
- Location: Perfect for walking to attractions
- Parking: Valet only, about $52/night (expensive but convenient as of 2025)
- Best Feature: The lounge on a high floor with great city views. Great rooms.
- Cost: Around $200-250/night (varies by season)
My experience:
- Friendly valet service.
- A lounge that offered food and drinks not just in the morning but also in the evening.
- A high-floor view of the city while enjoying dinner.
It quickly became one of my favorite hotel stays in the U.S.
Evening Walk Along Bourbon Street
To end the day, I walked along Bourbon Street. The historic architecture glowed beautifully at night, and the energy of the crowds made it feel festive. It was the perfect first evening in New Orleans.
Day 2 – Exploring the Best of New Orleans in One Day
Ride the Historic Streetcars and Explore the French Quarter
I started my morning on one of New Orleans’ famous red streetcars, which feel both vintage and charming. From there, I explored the French Market, wandered through the French Quarter, admired the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, and stopped by the LaBranche House with its elegant balconies.
French Market
Free to walk around. The French Market is great for souvenirs. You can see many local shops.
Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis
The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis is a beautiful architectural structure. Free to enter.
LaBranche House
Famous for Instagram photos. The balcony was beautiful. Not so many people there in the morning.
Join the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Lunch Cruise on the Mississippi River
Cruising the Mississippi River was a dream of mine, and I made it happen with the Steamboat Natchez daytime jazz cruise.
Cost: About $65 per person for a lunch cruise as of 2025
Duration: 2.5 hours
Booking: Reserve online in advance
What’s Included: Buffet lunch, live jazz music, Mississippi River cruise
What You’ll See:
- A buffet-style lunch (a little saltier than I’m used to, but everything tasted amazing!).
- Slow scenic ride on the river.
- Live jazz music while dining—it doesn’t get more “New Orleans” than this. The live jazz band was incredible.
This experience was unforgettable and one of my highlights of the trip.
Take a Louisiana Swamp Tour and See Alligators
In the afternoon, I joined a swamp tour with the Louisiana Tour Company. This tour was incredible!
Tour Company: Louisiana Tour Company
Cost: Around $40-60 per person (Pick up) $15-35 (Meet at deck)
Duration: About 2 hours
Transportation: They offer pickup service, or you can drive yourself.
My experience:
- Saw plenty of alligators (and some cute raccoons and birds).
- Held a baby alligator—their skin feels hard but not too hot or cold.
- Learned how Hurricane Katrina changed the land, turning some areas into permanent water.
👉 Tip: Bring sunscreen and a camera—you’ll want photos of the wildlife!
Day 3 – Departure and Must-Try Beignets at Café du Monde
We almost missed trying beignets in the city, but luckily for us, there’s a Café Du Monde right in the airport! These famous New Orleans donuts were perfect – not too sweet, super soft, and covered in powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts: How to Spend a Weekend in New Orleans
Even though I only had a weekend, New Orleans gave me so many memories—from spicy Tabasco and lively jazz to peaceful river views and swamp wildlife.
My quick tips for a short trip:
- Stay downtown if you’re short on time—it’s worth it.
- Try Café du Monde early in your trip (so you don’t risk missing it).
- Add a river cruise for classic New Orleans vibes.
- Don’t skip the swamp tour if you want to see Louisiana’s wild side.
New Orleans is a city full of rhythm, flavor, and history. Whether you have two days or two weeks, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
