Mardi Gras Weekend
I actually went there the weekend before the actual Mardi Gras but also they have parades for months if you pick the right days so definitely check out the schedule ahead of time.
You can technically hit most / all the spots in one or two days (maybe except all the restaurants). And it's probably not that rush. I was just lazy and prefer taking my time at each spot.
Feb 19 2023 (Updated: Mar 10 2025)
馃搷 New Orleans, Louisiana, US
Day 1
Cafe Du Monde French Market 路 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Famous place to get Beignet. Either come early or come on weekdays. The line gets really long on the weekend.
Jackson Square 路 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
It's a square with a statue of President Andrew Jackson.
St. Louis Cathedral 路 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
It's a cathedral right beside Jackson Square.
Royal House 路 441 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
It's oyster and they look fresh. I haven't have enough oyster to tell the good from bad from this is decent. I like it.
(Alternatively, my friend recommended Acme Oyster House instead.)
Day 2
Daisy Dukes French Quarter 路 121 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Seems like a local chain (?) that's rather popular. I ordered shrimp & grit (with cheese) and it tasted alright. Not a knock against the place, just maybe grit is not my thing.
Gallier Hall 路 545 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
I picked here to watched (and like catch stuff from) the Mardi Gras parade because of good view and the additional commentary makes it a little more interesting. Realistically, you could pick any spot by the street tbh.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers 路 500 Port of New Orleans Pl FC242, New Orleans, LA 70130
Not a NOLA special. I just miss Raising Cane's so I went to grab lunch there.
Lafayette Square 路 S Maestri St, New Orleans, LA 70130
While you're around Gallier Hall, you can also checkout the Lafayette Square beside. It's just a cool place with some statue and stone tablets.
Bourbon St 路 New Orleans, LA
I didn't get dinner that day. Instead I just spend my time walking around Bourbon St.
Day 3
Ruby Slipper Cafe 路 204 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Had breakfast here. Wouldn't recommend outside seating because it gets a little cold but no complaints about the food.
The National WWII Museum 路 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
It's a pretty interesting museum and might take some time depending on how interested you are with the details. A lot of interactive contents on there too. Overall, I liked the experience.
Willie Mae's Scotch House 路 2401 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119
Famous location for fried chicken and it doesn't disappoint (at least imo).
Canal Street Ferry Terminal 路 New Orleans, LA 70130
Take the ferry here to get across. While you're on it, you'll get a good view of the city. (If you time your return trip right, you can even snap a photo of the city while the sun is setting.)
Jazz Walk of Fame 路 Algiers Ferry Terminal, New Orleans, LA 70114
There's a statue with different names on it honoring significant individuals on Jazz music (?) and a nice walk to stroll on the other side of the Mississippi River.