Day One: A Museum Tour of New Orleans 

One of the things that makes New Orleans so unique is the vast history that went into making the city what we know today. Throughout the Big Easy, there are a variety of museums detailing this intriguing history. Drop into the Historic New Orleans Collection in the French Quarter. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the city and is only $5 per person for entry. 

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is one of those hidden gems in the Quarter that you don’t want to miss. An apothecary in the 1800s, this museum now features medicines from the old days and voodoo cures for a variety of ailments. 

For tourists who enjoy NOLA's spookier side, take a trip inside the New Orleans Museum of Death. Not for the faint of heart, this museum features crime scene photos, body bags, and antique mortician tools, to name just a few items on display. 

Of course, you can’t visit New Orleans without stopping by the National World War II Museum. Honestly, you could spend an entire day here exploring, but we recommend watching Beyond All Boundaries in Solomon Victory Theater to experience the film in 4D. 

Day Two: Enjoy Some Food and Music

When in New Orleans, you won’t have a hard time finding good food and fun. Enjoy a breakfast of coffee and beignets at Cafe Beignet, then listen to the music of performers in Jackson Square. 

For lunch, stop by Oceana Grill and try one of its delightful seafood po-boys. If po-boys aren’t your style, make sure to try some of the fantastic seafood Oceana serves. 

For dinner, get ready to splurge at Brennan’s. This Creole restaurant has been a staple of New Orleans since 1946, and rightfully so. Try the turtle soup or the octopus etouffee if you’re feeling adventurous. For dessert, be sure to get some of the famous bananas foster.

After dinner, take a stroll down Frenchmen Street and catch the music wafting out of bars and into the street. Stop into The Spotted Cat or The Maison for a drink and a show.

Day Three: Enjoy the Mississippi River

The Moon Walk is a mile-long walking path along the Mississippi River in New Orleans. It runs alongside all kinds of businesses, landmarks, and beautiful New Orleans scenery. Start your day by gazing at all the sea life inside the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Enjoy the new 13,000-gallon shark and ray touch pool before heading back out to the walk. 

Soak up the sun along the river and stop for a picnic lunch in Woldenberg Park. If you’re lucky, there may be a performance happening featuring local musicians. 

Finally, finish the evening with a jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez. Although on the pricier side, these cruises usually include tasty food and live music while you enjoy the sights of a sunset on the river. 

Day Four: Venture Outside the Quarter

While the French Quarter is on everybody’s list, some of the best spots in New Orleans are a short streetcar ride away. Hop on the streetcar or bus and head down to Magazine St. in the Garden District. A bit less touristy than some places in the Quarter, Magazine St. features many restaurants and shops unique to New Orleans. 

For some pop artwork, stop by the Ashley Longshore Gallery. This artist creates bright, eye-catching artwork featuring pop culture giants and takes on consumerism.

There isn't a shortage of shops on Magazine. Check out Fleurty Girl for some New Orleans-themed goodies or its neighbor Funky Monkey to peruse some vintage clothes. Afterward, cross the street to enjoy Caribbean food and cocktails at Rum House. 

After your NOLA adventures, you can retire for the evening in your plush, elegant hotel room at the St. James Hotel. It marries the quaint charm of New Orleans with all the modern amenities and comforts you would expect.