How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in New Orleans

New Orleans is an excellent destination for lovers, friends, singles, new experiences, and my version of an urban Paris. Every time I visit New Orleans, I learn and eat something new and feel like I am exactly where I need to be in life without breaking the bank.

In addition to having something for everyone, New Orleans is a great city to visit year-round. I most recently visited in August to celebrate my birthday.

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy, read more about spending five days there and laissez les bons temps rouler!

Drinks from a night out on Bourbon Street on our 5 days in New Orleans — Drinks from a night out on Bourbon Street on our weekend in New Orleans

Traveling to New Orleans from New York City

The planning made our trip to New Orleans work well. My boyfriend covered all the food and excursions, while I covered the flight and hotel using my Delta and Expedia points. I used 20,000 Delta SkyMiles for two round-trip flights for five days in New Orleans.

At the time, ticket prices were $178/person or $356 total. The flight from NYC to New Orleans is under 3 hours. We used Delta, but JetBlue, United, and most discount airlines go directly if you travel to New Orleans on a budget.

Getting Around New Orleans

Once we landed in New Orleans, I downloaded the Lyft app and received a $25 credit promotion for using my Delta American Express Card. The cab ride to the French Quarter was $26 minus the $25 credit.

You can also ride on the bus or the famous New Orleans streetcars. There are four streetcar lines: the St. Charles Line, the Canal Street Line, the Riverfront Line, and the Rampart Line. Click here to see a map of the streetcar and bus services in the city.

Tips for First-Time Visitors Visiting New Orleans

Plan Ahead: Book tours, restaurants, and hotels early, especially during Mardi Gras or festivals.
Best Time to Visit: While New Orleans is a year-round destination, fall and spring offer the most pleasant weather.
Public Transportation: Use the streetcars, buses, or rideshare apps to get around. New Orleans is also an easy walk city.
Budget Tips: Use loyalty points for flights and hotels.
Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially on Bourbon Street at night.
Dress Code: Pack comfortable clothing for exploring, but bring something nice for dinner at upscale restaurants.
Free Walking Tours: Take advantage of free walking tours to learn about New Orleans’ history and culture.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The Loews New Orleans is listed as one of the best in New Orleans, so it was the perfect place for an extended weekend trip. It is steps away from the French Quarter and Arts District, and some rooms offer great views of the Mississippi River or New Orleans Skyline.

Before our getaway, I requested a complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival to start the celebration. Happily, I received more than ordered.

There was a Chef’s Choice amenity filled with sweets, sparkling wine, 2 complimentary meal cards, and a warm-felt welcome note on their Loews postcard.

If you want to stay in a luxury hotel with great staff and spa service for guests, you won’t be disappointed in Loews New Orleans.

couple's romantic Weekend in New Orleans - Complimentary items from the Loews Hotel New Orleans — Complimentary items from the Loews Hotel New Orleans

Fun Things to Do in New Orleans

We had 5 days in New Orleans to explore so it was more than enough time for excursions. As mentioned, my boyfriend planned all the activities for our New Orleans trip. As someone who usually plans everything for group trips, I give him credit for his first-time planning.

If you’re planning a couple’s trip to New Orleans, I recommend a walking tour around the French Quarter to visit historical sites, going to The Presbytère’s Museum to learn about Hurricane Katrina & Mardi Gras, Jackson Square, seeing the art galleries on Royal Street, going to the French Market, visiting Louis Armstrong Park, Tremé which is the oldest black neighborhood in the US, the floats at Mardi Gras World, taking a Jazz Boat River Cruise, Horse and Carriage ride at night and mixing in some fun with a Ghost or Swamp Tour.

A last-minute excursion for our trip to New Orleans was the Trap NOLA tour. Here are some other things to do in New Orleans for friends or couples that can be added to a weekend in New Orleans itinerary:

Where to Eat in New Orleans

In addition to experiencing the culture and fun in New Orleans as a couple, the food is excellent too! It doesn’t matter if your weekend in New Orleans is short or long; a taste of Creole cuisine is a must!

During our 5 days in New Orleans, we ate at some of the best restaurants in the city. Here are some recommended places to eat in New Orleans.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe
The Gumbo Shop
Neyow’s Creole Cafe
Court of Two Sisters
Landry’s Seafood House
Dragos
Murrow’s
Beignets from Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet
Meauxbar
Po’boys at Parkway Poor Boys
Oysters at Acme Oyster
Oceana Grill

Brunch at Murrow's New Orleans — Catfish platter at Murrow’s New Orleans

How to spend 5 days in New Orleans - Eat Dinner at Neyow's Creole Cafe — Dinner at Neyow’s Creole Cafe

how to spend 5 days in New Orleans - eat Dinner at the Gumbo Shop — Dinner at the Gumbo Shop

Since it was my birthday in New Orleans, it is a tradition to pin a dollar to your clothes for free food, drinks, or treats. This was highly successful, and I received free beignets, cake, and drinks from some restaurants.

New Orleans Nightlife

In addition to eating great food, you can’t visit New Orleans without experiencing the nightlife. We are early sleepers, but we still enjoyed a night on Bourbon Street, one night on Frenchmen Street for live music, and one night at a strip club. Our nights always ended at Caesars New Orleans where we would either win big or lose big.

With both of us working together, our long weekend in New Orleans for my birthday was a success. This was one of our best trips to date and we went home with great memories, more money, and points saved to plan our trip to Kenya.