Girls Trip to New Orleans: What to See, Eat, and Do in Two Days
Planning a girls’ trip to New Orleans usually starts with one big question. What should we actually see and do without feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or worn out by day two?
New Orleans can feel like a lot on a first visit. The good news is that it’s also incredibly easy to love once you have a plan.
I’ve visited New Orleans several times. I’ve gone on a girls’ trip, taken a road trip through there, and even experienced the city during Halloween.
Each visit felt different, but the magic stayed the same. The food, the music, the history, and the personality never disappoint. After a few trips under my belt, I can confidently say New Orleans is one of the best cities in the U.S. for a girls’ getaway.
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Why New Orleans Is Perfect for a Girls Trip
New Orleans knows how to entertain. The city blends culture, history, food, and nightlife better than almost anywhere else.
Everything is close together, which keeps planning simple. You can dress up, dress down, eat well, and laugh a lot. No one judges. That’s part of the charm.
Girls’ trips work well here because everyone can find something to enjoy. Some moments feel lively. Others feel slow and thoughtful. The balance is what makes it special.
Getting to New Orleans and Getting Around
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is easy to navigate. Uber and Lyft are plentiful and affordable. On our girls’ trip, we took an Uber straight from the airport to the hotel. No car needed.
Once you’re downtown, walking works for most attractions. The French Quarter is compact. For longer distances, rideshares or the historic streetcars are simple and budget-friendly.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in New Orleans
Safety, location, and comfort matter on a girls’ trip. These are hotels I’ve personally stayed at and would book again.
Hotel Recommendations for a Girls’ Trip to New Orleans
Astor Crowne Plaza – New Orleans
739 Canal St. at Bourbon St.
If you want to be within walking distance of all the French Quarter offers and be in the middle of all the action, I highly recommend the Crowne Plaza.
Located at the corner of Canal and Bourbon, this is the place you want to stay. The rooms are spacious, and the location is perfect. The hotel has an entrance right off famous Bourbon Street.
It even has a balcony on the second-floor conference area that overlooks the French Quarter.
Royal Sonesta
Another fantastic hotel in this area is Royal Sonesta. It has spacious courtyards where you can hang out with your friends in the evenings.
The rooms are extra comfy, and the location is perfect.
Located on Bourbon Street, but surprisingly comfortable inside. Great for groups who want nightlife close by without sacrificing style.
Hilton New Orleans – Riverside
2 Poydras St.
Another preferred hotel is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
It is a much bigger hotel, so it may be a better choice if you are traveling with a group.
As the name states, this hotel is on the river and is convenient to most iconic attractions. Perfect for those who want space and river views. It’s connected to the Riverwalk and close to the cruise terminal.
The rooms are spacious and clean, with high ceilings and windows that let in tons of natural light. The beds are super comfy.
Hotel Monteleone
If you have a bit more room in your budget, the Hotel Monteleone is next level.
This hotel is in the perfect location and offers classic New Orleans old-world charm. The Carousel Bar alone makes this stay memorable.
As a bonus, the popular Carousel Bar is located in the lobby.
Day One: French Quarter Classics and River Views
Check In and Start with Beignets
After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time.
A girl’s trip in New Orleans should always start with food. We headed straight to Cafe du Monde for beignets and coffee.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. Go anyway.
Powdered sugar everywhere is part of the experience.
Cafe du Monde in the French Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rarely have we been when there hasn’t been a line. It is that popular!
Luckily, you can savor your delicious beignets as you’re treated to live music and street performers, adding a vibe to your New Orleans experience.
Explore Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
From Café du Monde, walk over to Jackson Square. This is where New Orleans shows off. Street performers, artists, and historic buildings surround you.
You should also stop by St Louis Cathedral while you’re there. Built in 1794, this stunning cathedral sits opposite Jackson Square.
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest Catholic church in the United States. The cathedral has a beautiful interior and some of the most beautiful architecture in New Orleans.
Snap the classic photos. You’ll want them later.
Self-guided tours are available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Shop the French Market
A girls’ trip to New Orleans must include shopping.
As you stroll through New Orleans, there are so many fabulous shops and art galleries to explore, but a large concentration of shops are in the French Market.
From Jackson Square, walk towards the River and head East to the French Market for an afternoon of shopping.
Here, you can find New Orleans specialty shops that sell Creole spices and sweets, handcrafted jewelry, and other fun New Orleans items.
The French Market is five blocks of open-air shops and cafes along the river.
A Farmers Market and Flea Market are set up, selling almost anything. You’ll find souvenirs, local art, and handmade items. It’s an easy place to wander and stay in the shade. Take your time. This isn’t rushed shopping.
If a beignet is not enough for breakfast, there are so many more places to grab something to eat at the French Market.
Vendors sell salty and sweet snacks, New Orleans cuisine, and many other fresh food choices such as oysters or smoothies, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
You will love shopping at the French Market.
I found my favorite souvenir here: a handcrafted, hand-painted spoon rest with a Fleur de Lis imprint made by a local artist.
It reminds me of our trip to New Orleans each time I use it in my kitchen.
Take a Steamship City Tour
One of my favorite experiences was a New Orleans city tour on board a steamship.
Seeing the skyline from the Mississippi River feels calm and scenic. It’s a nice break from walking and a great way to learn some history without sitting in a bus.
You can board one of New Orleans’ iconic steamships right at the French Market District. Cruise down the Mississippi River as you listen to New Orleans’ jazz music for an afternoon of fun.
The City Sightseeing bus tour also picks up in this area. To see all of New Orleans, try the City Sightseeing Hop-on, Hop-Off Tour.
Get a Taste of New Orleans
By now, you have worked up an appetite for a late lunch or early dinner.
There are so many incredible New Orleans restaurants perfect for a girls’ trip.
You must try the traditional Creole flavors at the charming courtyard of Brennan’s, a New Orleans institution renowned for its iconic setting and timeless dishes.
For seafood enthusiasts, a visit to Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a must, where you can enjoy the freshest catch of the day in a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Another favorite is the upscale ambiance at Justine’s, where French-inspired cuisine shines.
Lastly, don’t miss out on Gallier’s for a taste of local flavors and a warm, welcoming environment.
For something a little more casual, try Olde Nola Cookery.
There is often a line to taste local cuisine, including Po-boys, gumbo, or their Taste of New Orleans favorite with crawfish etouffee, red beans, and rice.
The relaxed atmosphere at Olde NOLA Cookery makes it a perfect spot for a bite to eat after a day out and about.
For a complete foodie experience in New Orleans, consider booking a French Quarter Food Tour.
You will get to sample all of New Orleans’ best while getting a tour of the French Quarter!
Bourbon Street and French Quarter Drinks
New Orleans pulsates with energy and is sprinkled with the spice of life.
As evening sets in, head back toward Bourbon Street and the popular Frenchmen Street. The energy changes fast. Music pours out of every doorway. Grab drinks at a French Quarter bar and enjoy the atmosphere.
You don’t need to stay late. One or two stops does the trick.
Vampire Apothecary
For a unique New Orleans’ experience, head to the spookily delightful Vampire Apothecary on Bourbon St. and Saint Peters.
It’s a quirky spot with amazing drinks that change colors, like a little potion right before your eyes.
If you’re daring, Vampire Apothecary serves their tasty sangria in blood bags. It might sound creepy, but it’s all in good fun.
Plus, you get to take the blood bag home as a cool souvenir. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure for the brave souls in us, blending creepy with cool in the heart of the New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The Carousel Bar
Another option is to end your first day in New Orleans at the historic Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar in the heart of the French Quarter.
The Hotel Monteleone is one of the most famous hotels in New Orleans. It was built in 1886 and has been featured in many TV shows and movies over the years.
It’s known for having an incredibly ornate lobby and its Carousel Bar and Lounge.
You can order drinks while sitting at the unique bar, which features 25 seats that rotate around the bar, similar to a merry-go-round.
Vogue Living recently named it one of the Top 20 Bars in the World. The drinks cost about $20 each, but the experience is worth visiting.
Visit a Casino
Find Caesar’s New Orleans, formerly Harrah’s Hotel and Casino down the riverside in New Orleans.
This casino is similar to the popular Las Vegas hotels with slot machines, tables, restaurants, and live music.
See if Lady Luck is on your side at the slot machines, or just enjoy a drink and listen to the music. Either way, Caesar’s is always a fun time!
Day Two: Brunch, History, and Ghost Stories
Brunch in the French Quarter
Start the second day of your girl’s weekend with brunch in the French Quarter at either Court of Two Sisters or Cafe Fleur de Lis.
Café Fleur du Lis is a New Orleans-themed restaurant named after its French Quarter neighborhood.
Specializing in Southern cooking, Cafe Fleur de Lis serves one of New Orleans’s best breakfasts, including creamy grits, eggs benedict, and seafood omelets.
Cafe Fleur de Lis – 307 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Court of Two Sisters
The Court of Two Sisters is a French Quarter classic. Their brunch is known for Southern favorites and a beautiful courtyard. It has the perfect blend of southern charm and live jazz.
Indulge in a lavish spread of Creole cuisine served buffet style. Everything we ate was fantastic! Wear your loose pants.
You can choose to sit in either the beautiful outdoor setting or an elegant tabletop indoors.
The Court of Two Sisters – 613 Royal St., New Orleans LA 70130
Take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District
After breakfast, hop on the historic St. Charles Streetcar at Canal St. to visit the Garden District for just $1.25.
In the Garden District, there are so many things to do. The mansions, oak trees, and quiet streets offer a different side of New Orleans. Walking here feels peaceful and elegant. Guided tours are available, but wandering works too.
Here, you will find affluent neighborhoods with antebellum-style homes that have been preserved beautifully.
Some of the residents include Archie and Eli Manning (NFL football), Sandra Bullock, and John Goodman.
Shopping on Magazine Street
Another area in New Orleans you will want to check out is Magazine Street.
Spending the day on the famous Magazine Street is perfect for a girls’ trip to New Orleans. This six-mile-long street is filled with mostly locally-owned shops and restaurants.
No matter what you are looking for, you can find it here, including handmade jewelry, clothing, housewares, food, and wine.
Check out cool stores like Vintage Green Review, a charming store dedicated to zero waste.
Look for the super cute murals on Magazine St. with NOLA artwork, or find delicious bakeries like La Boulangerie New Orleans with excellent salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
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Visit the Lafayette Cemetery
Last but not least, do not leave the Garden District without venturing over to Lafayette Cemetery #1, a National Historic Landmark.
Visiting a cemetery may sound creepy or unusual, but you can’t visit New Orleans without wandering through here.
Another option for seeing the Garden District, cemeteries, and New Orleans landmarks is to book a New Orleans City and Cemetery bus tour. You will appreciate this tour, especially if you visit New Orleans in the summer, as it is a great way to escape the heat but still see the sites.
Jam to Live Jazz Music
A New Orleans trip would not be complete without enjoying live jazz music.
At the heart of New Orleans lies Preservation Hall, a legendary music venue that has preserved the spirit of traditional jazz since 1961. It continues hosting daily jazz concerts, bringing together artists of all ages.
For some of the best jazz music in New Orleans, you must visit Frenchman Street. This once hidden gem is now very popular with tourists. Less raunchy than Bourbon Street, but just as much fun, you will find local musicians playing jazz nightly.
Make your own bar crawl through the area for a night you won’t forget!
Tour Mardi Gras World
No girls’ trip to New Orleans feels complete without Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras World gives you a behind-the-scenes look at parade floats and costumes. It’s colorful, fun, and surprisingly informative.
Make plans to give them a call, so their free shuttle can pick you up.
The tours are self-guided and cost $22 for adults, but check Groupon for discounted tickets.
Nighttime Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Tour
End your girls’ trip with a little mystery. A Ghosts, Vampires & Voodoo tour adds just the drama and storytelling you need.
Did you know that New Orleans is the most haunted city in America? When you take this tour, you’ll definitely see why. I’m going to be honest with you; this tour is spooky.
Beware, this is a fascinating tour, but it is scary.
Wrap up Your Girls’ Trip to New Orleans with a Toast and Dueling Pianos
Finish off the last night of your girls’ trip to New Orleans with a hurricane toast.
A hurricane is a sweet rum cocktail made famous by Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans.
Whether you choose the main bar, the patio bar, or the dueling piano lounge, toast your fun weekend with your girlfriends at Pat O’Brien’s, located in the French Quarter.
Safety Tips for a Girls Trip to New Orleans
New Orleans is friendly, but smart travel habits still apply.
- Stick to well-lit areas at night.
- Walk together, especially after dark.
- Use rideshares when unsure.
- Keep bags zipped and secure.
Staying aware keeps the trip fun and safe.
My Girls’ Trip to New Orleans Weekend Itinerary
Day One Itinerary
- Check into hotel
- Beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde
- Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral for classic New Orleans photos
- Shopping at French Market
- New Orleans City Tour onboard a Steamship
- Bourbon Street and drinks at the French Quarter
Day Two Itinerary
- Brunch in the French Quarter
- Sightseeing at the Garden District and shopping on Magazine Street
- Tour Mardi Gras World
- Nighttime ghosts, vampires, and voodoo tour
Plan Your Girls’ Trip to New Orleans
As your girls trip to New Orleans closes, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories.
The energy of Bourbon Street. The unbelievably great shopping.The intimate jazz concerts at Preservation Hall.
Every sip of the unique local drinks tried, every dance move made to the city’s rhythmic beats.
This historic city will steal your hearts and dancing shoes.
Need a destination that combines history, excitement, music, and camaraderie?
Don’t hesitate. Choose New Orleans.
You won’t regret it.
No matter your reason for visiting New Orleans, use these travel tips to help you make the most of your weekend. I hope the ideas provided help you plan a most enjoyable ladies’ trip with your friends.
