Fun in NOLA: 3 Days of Culture, Food and History
- Savvy Single Mama
- Oct 14
- 12 min read
Visiting New Orleans, A Rich Three Day Itinerary that Won't Break the Bank
An aged city that comes alive with culture, art, and a Port City that flows of history merging French, Creole, Spanish, and American roots into one delicious pot, New Orleans is an experience to be had and on many bucket lists. This blog shares how to have fun in NOLA planning three days of culture, food and history to come alive for your experience.
I was expecting vampires and voodoo; it is after all one of the few places my mother forbid me to visit. As an onlooker, I caught the remnants of some touristy temptations for the ghosts and tarots of the day, but really nothing popped out as eerily sinister. That may be the vibe of hiding in plain sight, but I must admit in spite of mother's warnings, I had a great time in the Crescent City. I was there for work, but with a coworker friend and a little time to explore, I wanted to take advantage of seeing what makes this city such a phenomenon. And now I get it.
Known as the Crescent City for the shape of the city center, this urban clash of French, African, and Spanish cultures is known for being rich in faith. The Catholic vibe is fierce here. Throw in a mix of voodoo, and a twist of new age to keep it all interesting. As a former Catholic and Vampire lover it's hard not to appreciate the outdated beauty of it all.
You’re planning your New Orleans trip! Yay! This will be fun! This Guide will help you to discover New Orleans and build a great itinerary for using your time well and not missing any of the good stuff. Art, Food, and Shopping Lovers on every corner, it's hard to go wrong. New Orleans is a city where every corner tells a story, every street hums with music, and every meal is a celebration. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the local hot spots—but also want to enjoy free experiences—this will help you create a rich itinerary that won’t break the bank.
Here’s your three-day New Orleans itinerary for visitors who love history, art, food, shopping, and free experiences: Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this three-day itinerary balances must-see attractions with local favorites—and includes plenty of free experiences.
Day 1: The French Quarter & Historic Core
Morning:
Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral: Start your day exploring this historic square. Look for the steeples, St. Louis Cathedral marks the spot. You’ll see the large iron gates and enjoy walking up from the river side to capture the full effect. Go into the Church, take it all in. Stained glass and a painted ceiling pull you into the era of history you’ll be here to learn more about. Dating back to the 1700’s, rebuilt in the 1800's, refurbished and well preserved. Walk the square, sit and breathe and be. Browse the variety of art vendors. Free to explore.
French Quarter Walk & Wander: Wander streets like Royal and Bourbon to admire Creole architecture and hidden courtyards. The Jazz scene here is still home to live music venues and you are sure to see some street performers. The music has become more diverse and many gather to bounce along to the tunes. Royal Street is known for art galleries and antique shops. Residential homes here take on a whole personality. Even if you’re not buying, window shopping is a pleasure. Bourbon Street is known for its black iron working and balconies overlooking busy nightlife below. During the day this is filled with music and bars, but at night it's a whole party!
Café du Monde: Bring cash for your beignets and coffee (small cost, but iconic). This is the one thing you can’t miss. It really is a delicious delicacy and the spot is just right. Sit under the arched covered porch style corner restaurant and enjoy the whole just being there. Bathrooms here are interesting too, prepare to wait in line. Cash only.
Afternoon
French Market: Browse local crafts, antiques, and specialty foods. Sampling is free. There is a flea market that takes up a very large block which features all kinds of goods! If you are looking to shop, look here first.
Historic Cemeteries: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 can only be entered with a tour guide due to vandals in the past. This Garden District Cemetery is the resting place of many to check out New Orleans’ unique above-ground tombs. Mausoleums of intricate design that again, tell a story of a culture and a time. While cemeteries and ghost tours are not really my thing, I couldn’t help but notice how the marble family mausoleums under the live oaks and Spanish moss felt like a dream. Depending on your excitement, consider pairing Lafayette Cemetery No, 1 with the Hop on Hop off Ferry on Day 2 to save time and money.
More centrally located, St. Louis Cemetery No.1 is the oldest in New Orleans and listed on the National Register of Historic places. In the French Quarter, with Burbon Street running through it, back-to-back with Victorian homes and businesses, this is immediately recognizable by it’s wrought iron gates. Tours must be booked prior, and advanced reservations are strongly recommended, depending on when you are visiting times may not be available. Morning visits beat the heat, but later day before or after dinner can be a nice touch as it adds to the allure.
Evening
Frenchmen Street Music: Enjoy free live jazz from street performers, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and window shop nearby art galleries.
Day 2: Garden District, Art, and Shopping
Morning
Garden District Walking Tour: Stroll past historic mansions and beautiful gardens. Self-guided tours are free. Lafayette Cemetery No.1 is in your route today if it’s on your bucket list.
A few notable stops:
*The Buckner Mansion, Walter Grinnan Robinson House will catch some oohs and aahs.
*The Morris-Isreal House is considered a prime example of Italianate architecture.
*The Koch 0Mays Mansion is a Swiss-chalet style home located at 4th and Coliseum, owned by Actress Sandra Bullock.
*The Commander’s Palace restaurant, the Rink, and Louise S. McGehee School will have you fawning over Greek Revival and Victorian Homes.
Such a fun vibe. While Jones Street in Savannah is dubbed the prettiest street in America, I think this road has to be pretty close to the top of the list.
*Author Anne Rice’s Garden District Home in New Orleans 1239 First St.
I couldn’t come all the way here and not go by the originator of my New Orleans fascination. Anne Rice's books so eloquently describe this bustling historic city with a flair that makes you feel like you are there for yourself. I felt like I was returning when visiting for the very first time. Rice’s characters like Lestat the Vampire and Louis the lost soul turned vampire will forever live here in my mind. This trip was not my first time to NOLA but the first time I was there for several days long enough to really explore and get a vibe for the area.
More Cool Stops & Details for your Garden Street Morning:
Saint Alphonsus Art & Cultural Center - previously a church, where Anne Rice attended service as a child. It was abandoned in the 80's and then restored and re-opened by preservationists and community activists. Now it functions as an event/concert space and cultural center, with a small museum in the back and art sprinkled throughout. You can walk up to the altar and stand in the confessionals. This is definitely worth a visit if you're nearby, even if it's just to have a chat with a friendly, knowledgeable local in a beautiful setting.
Trolley Rides – We took the $1.25 option which was a very nice ride. There are Hop on Hop off Trolley’s that provide context, history and some humor which are more bang for your time!
The St. Charles Streetcar running 24 hours a day, this is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world! beginning in the French Quarter on Canal Street and running along St. Charles Avenue. You’ll pass by Loyola and Tulane Universities, Zoo, and Audubon Parks. The RTA gomobile app is where you can find scheduling details and pay your fare with cash or through the app.
Magazine Street: Running parallel to the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Audubon Park, this scenic 6-mile road is historic. Browse boutiques, antique shops, and local stores. Window shopping is free and fun! Six miles of local shops, from quirky souvenirs to high-end fashion. How much or little you do depends on your legs holding up. If you are strolling in combo with the Garden District, you may want to come back at night when the Balcony Bars are inviting with dinner, music, cocktails and the night vibes are turned up,
Lunch - Stop at a local café or po’boy shop along Magazine Street.
Afternoon
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): Located in City Park. Free admission on Wednesdays. Explore classic and contemporary art.
City Park: Walk through one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., enjoy sculpture gardens, and relax by the lagoons.
Evening
*Sunset along the Mississippi Riverfront: Take a leisurely stroll along Woldenberg Park for views of the river and historic architecture.
Day 3: Culinary Delights & Local Culture
Morning
Bywater & Marigny Street Art: Discover colorful murals and public art installations. Free to explore. Take those iconic photos with creative graffiti and bold murals depicting the unique NOLA vibes! Visit the Studio Be, where black art and culture are celebrated. Crescent Park runs along the Mississippi River and offers a scenic walking path with skyline views, gardens, and a "rusty rainbow" pedestrian bridge. Along Marigny Street you'll see those creole cottages and colorful architecture that makes this unique city so inviting.
Local Coffee Shops & Bakeries: Try a unique local breakfast pastry.
Lunch - Venues like the Spotted Cat, Blue Nile and Cafe' Negril are special spots along the way.
French Quarter or Warehouse District: Sample New Orleans’ famous gumbo, jambalaya, or po’boys.
Afternoon
Arts/Warehouse District Galleries: Many galleries are free to enter. Explore local contemporary art and photography. Browse, imagine, design, take the photos, have fun!
Museums: Choose between or hit both the Civil War Museum and the World War ll Museum. Both are across the street from each other and offer a wide variety of relics, art, and perspective. I’ve heard it said that the WW2 Museum is “the best I’ve ever been to” multiple times while visiting and spoke to a few veterans since who have echoed that sentiment. It is moving and interesting, bringing some of the moments in time of the past into view for a closer look. Unfortunately, while we were there, we were not able to make this stop, it's on my wish list for next time!
When planning your dates, look to see if you can catch any of these:
Festivals & Street Events: Check local calendars for free cultural events or street performances.
Second-Line Parade or Live Music: Depending on the season, catch a free parade or head to a local park for outdoor music. Sometimes you’ll just walk up on a parade, or find yourself in the middle of some live music.
Evening Stroll through Royal Street:
Window shop, admire street musicians, and enjoy the magical ambiance of historic New Orleans.
A little voodoo history?
What’s all this religious fascination? Is it folk lore or real?
A city famous for being one of the major centers of the Voodoo faith where there was a fusion of West African beliefs mixed with European Catholicism. While slave owners were required by law to convert their slaves to Christianity, there was a wave of adopting some Catholic elements into their religious practices to get by in society, while maintaining the undercurrent of their own culture and traditions.
Who was Marie Laveau? A free woman of color descended from enslaved Africans and French colonists; Marie Laveau is known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. During her lifetime from 1801 – 1881, she was both loved and feared by local New Orleans people. Most characterized Laveau as a well-known woman who was a hairdresser by trade and quite the socialite. She nursed the sick, provided for those in need, ministered to prisoners, and dedicated herself to the Roman Catholic church. Dissenters, however, called her “the prime mover and soul of the indecent orgies of the ignoble Voodoos,” a “procuress,” and an “arrant fraud.” It's Noted here that New Orleans and Haiti differ in their Voodoo practices, and Laveau is credited for creating a more formalized theology with rites, sites, and influence. Her reputation as an evildoer evolved during the twentieth century. Our present understanding enables us to see Marie Laveau as a kind and charitable woman who was both a lifelong Catholic and a Voodoo priestess, if you can imagine this web of overlapping beliefs. African and creole traditions were strongly practiced here by many in the community, and this was a mixing pot of culture and religion, which is still evident today.
According to legend, one of Laveau’s two surviving daughters became her successor, popularly known as “Marie II.” Her elder daughter, Marie Heloïse Euchariste Glapion, died in 1862 and therefore could not have been “Marie II.” Laveau’s other daughter, Marie Philomène Glapion, was her mother’s caregiver during her old age and continued to live with her adult children in the cottage on St. Ann Street until her own death in 1897. It is unlikely that Philomène assumed leadership of the Voodoo community; interviews with those who had known her indicate that she was a rigidly proper Catholic matron who had no association with Voodoo. The identity of “Marie II,” if she existed at all, remains a mystery.
- Excerpt by Carolyn Morrow Long
Vampires are also a big thing here. Perhaps made most famous by the Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles and amplified by the Gothic architecture, mysterious past disappearances, and European Folklore of the undead. Vampire related tourism ensures one thing: it’s no longer a hiding place for those who want to be vampiric in style, it’s almost too trendy and expected to feel authentic. A modern flair of style lives here associated with the walking undead, and it might be considered sexy even to lay claim to any spiritual gifts of such spirits. You will see this and be aware of the whole scene.
But what came first, the vampires or the pop culture? Perhaps because New Orleans was already a well-accepted home of mystical things unfamiliar, it opened the door to other groups less likely to conform to the typical religious practices and beliefs. It celebrated differently. Events/ stories like “the casket girls” who “lived” in the convent sparked Vampire controversy. There is now a tourist industry really highlighting this in the same way that aliens are displayed all over the Area 51. All of the destruction of Louisiane from WW2 to Hurricane Kartina led to severe destruction and the art of revamping the historical history may embellish some of those occult beliefs to attract the crowd. I still picture Lestat walking down the dark alleys seeking his prey despite my own reason, mostly because the books are just that good.
On my flight to New Orleans I was seated next to a Protestant pastor who had previously had a church there for five years, who was recommending fun things to do and places to eat while I was there. I had to ask, “Any truth to the rumors that New Orleans is full of witches, vampires and voodoo priestesses?” To which he replied, “It’s all true”, much to my surprise. He answered so quickly I wondered if he's understood the question.
Tips for Maximizing Your Visit
1. Mix Free & Paid Activities: Plan one major paid attraction each day and fill the rest with free experiences. Balance your schedule with one or two ticketed experiences per day and sprinkle in free experiences for a budget-friendly trip.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Walking is the best way to explore the French Quarter, Garden District, and City Park.
3. Check Local Schedules: Live music, festivals, and markets often change daily.
4. Go Early or Late: Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures during morning or evening strolls.
5. Check Local Event Calendars: Many neighborhoods host free events and pop-up art shows that are worth checking out.
6. Walk When Possible: Many historic and artistic spots are best explored on foot. New Orleans is a city that invites curiosity and exploration. Whether you’re savoring the taste of a fresh beignet, marveling at a street mural, or wandering through a historic square, you’ll leave with memories as rich as the city itself—without needing to spend a fortune.
A Few things to remember when traveling....
~Wherever your travels take you, be sure to keep your presence in the moment.
~Enjoy where you are at. Be a little flexible with people and their navigation of time.
~Let go of things you can't control.
~Remember to put your people above things, and cherish the memories.
~Wear comfortable shoes and listen to your instincts
~A little planning saves a lot of time and usually a lot of money!
I specialize in helping families spend more time enjoying their quality time together and less time having to figure it all out. My four children have been my test subjects of how to plan a great family adventure for many years and now that my youngest is 21, many of my travels are work related, or grandma related! As time has changed, I've evolved but I still LOVE TO TRAVEL, explore, wander, visit, discover, learn and love. If nature is there, I can find my happy place. I use the term single not to emphasize my status but to signify that if I can manage some family fun on a limited teacher's salary with four children, anyone can do it. I am just very intentional in how I spend my time and earnings. I typically seek out budget friendly ways to enjoy my time, but will occasionally splurge for the right reasons :-)
Happy Travels!!
God Bless every road you travel on. xo
Mz. Savvy
A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip. I hope this makes it easier for your planning process.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please share your thoughts and experiences, we are all on this journey to live and love together. I welcome your travel tips & tricks :-)
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