New Orleans 6-Day Trip Itinerary

Acquire Jazzy Pass

Purchase a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides on New Orleans' historic streetcars, buses, and ferries, offering a budget-friendly way to explore the city.

A 3-day pass is USD 8 for 1 person, a 7-day pass is USD 15 for 1 person. Single rides are USD 1.25 (exact change needed for cash).

French Quarter Stroll

Take a relaxed self-guided walk through the historic French Quarter, admiring the unique Creole architecture, colorful balconies, and vibrant street scenes.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and discover hidden courtyards. This is a great free activity.

Friday Evening Parades

Experience the excitement of Mardi Gras by catching the evening parades, including the Krewe of Hermes, Krewe of d'Etat, and Krewe of Morpheus, known for their elaborate floats and 'throws'.

Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. This is a quintessential free Mardi Gras experience. Be ready to 'catch throws' like beads and other souvenirs!

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

Visit iconic Jackson Square, a historic park in the French Quarter, and then step inside the majestic St.

Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in North America. Enjoy street performers and artists around the square.

Admission to the square and cathedral is free. A beautiful spot for photography.

Saturday Daytime Parades

Enjoy the daytime Mardi Gras parades, including the Krewe of Iris, Krewe of Tucks, and Endymion.

Find a good spot to catch 'throws' from the passing floats.

Parades can be long, so bring water and snacks. The routes are accessible via streetcar using your Jazzy Pass.

Frenchmen Street Jazz

Head to Frenchmen Street, known as a local's alternative to Bourbon Street, to experience authentic New Orleans live music.

Stroll along and enjoy the free street performances or pop into one of the many music clubs.

While street performances are free, it's customary to tip musicians. Clubs may have cover charges depending on the band, but often you can hear music from the street.

Garden District Walk

Take the scenic St.

Charles Avenue streetcar (using your Jazzy Pass) to the historic Garden District. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour to admire the stunning 19th-century mansions and lush gardens.

Grab a map or use an app for a self-guided tour pointing out architectural highlights. This is a beautiful free activity.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Explore the historic Lafayette Cemetery No.

1, the oldest of the city-operated cemeteries, known for its unique above-ground tombs. It's located directly across from Commander's Palace restaurant.

This cemetery is free to enter for self-guided tours. Be respectful of the resting place. Many famous figures are buried here.

Sunday Grand Parades

Catch some of the biggest and most popular parades of Mardi Gras Sunday, including the extravagant Krewe of Thoth and the iconic Krewe of Bacchus. These krewes are known for their massive floats and spirited throws.

These are major parades, so expect larger crowds. Public restrooms may be limited, so plan accordingly. Use your Jazzy Pass for easy access to the parade route.

Historic New Orleans Collection

Immerse yourself in New Orleans' rich past at The Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum, research center, and publisher offering free exhibitions on local art, history, and culture.

Explore changing and continuing exhibitions. A great way to learn about the city's heritage for free.

Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Take a leisurely stroll along Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

Enjoy views of the Mississippi River, watch the steamboats, and take in the bustling activity of the port.

The park offers benches and green spaces to relax. It's a peaceful escape with great views, especially at sunset. Continue to Crescent Park for even more views.

Lundi Gras Festivities & Parades

Experience Lundi Gras, the day before Fat Tuesday.

Attend the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival (if confirmed at Woldenberg Park) for free music and local vendors, or catch the evening parades like Krewe of Proteus and Krewe of Orpheus, which are among the most anticipated.

Lundi Gras is a festive prelude to Fat Tuesday. Check local schedules closer to the date for precise event details and parade times. Expect large, enthusiastic crowds.

Zulu & Rex Parades

Start Fat Tuesday early with the iconic Krewe of Zulu parade, famous for its hand-painted coconuts, followed by the majestic Krewe of Rex, the King of Carnival.

These are the main morning parades on Fat Tuesday.

This is the busiest day of Mardi Gras! Find a spot early, especially if you want to catch a 'golden nugget' coconut from Zulu. Be prepared for large crowds and a festive atmosphere.

French Quarter Festivities

After the main parades, head to the French Quarter to experience the vibrant street parties and costumed revelers.

Enjoy the spontaneous music, colorful costumes, and unique atmosphere of Fat Tuesday in the historic heart of New Orleans.

While not a parade route for the major krewes, the French Quarter is a massive street party on Fat Tuesday. Explore Bourbon Street (if you dare!) or quieter streets to soak in the local flavor. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Mardi Gras Night Life

Wind down your Fat Tuesday with a final evening in New Orleans.

Enjoy a casual dinner and reflect on the day's festivities, or find a local bar for some last-minute live music as the city slowly transitions from the day's revelry.

Many places will be winding down, but local bars and restaurants will still be open. It's a great time to enjoy the slightly calmer post-parade atmosphere.

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy a final relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café before starting your day.

Acquire Jazzy Pass

Purchase a 1-day Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides on New Orleans streetcars and buses, providing a budget-friendly way to explore.

Jazzy Passes can be purchased from RTA kiosks or via the Le Pass app. Exact change is required for single cash fares on board ($1.25).

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Take a self-guided tour of Lafayette Cemetery No.

1, a historic, non-denominational cemetery known for its unique above-ground tombs and gothic charm.

This cemetery is free to enter and explore. It's across from Commander's Palace restaurant, making it easy to combine with a Garden District stroll. Be respectful of the grounds.

Garden District Stroll

Wander through the picturesque streets of the Garden District, admiring the grand mansions, lush gardens, and beautiful architecture. This is a perfect post-Mardi Gras activity.

Enjoy the quiet elegance of this neighborhood. You can find self-guided walking tour maps online if you wish to learn more about specific homes.

Scenic St. Charles Streetcar Ride

Utilize your Jazzy Pass for a leisurely and scenic ride on the historic St.

Charles Avenue Streetcar. Enjoy the views of oak-lined streets and historic homes.

This is one of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the world. It offers a great way to see more of the city from a unique perspective.

Last Minute Souvenirs & Departure Prep

Head back towards your hotel, perhaps grab a quick bite, and begin final packing and preparations for your departure.

This is a good time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Travel to Airport

Depart from your hotel and travel to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for your onward journey.