Girls Trip to New Orleans
New Orleans is one of those cities that really has something for everyone. It is a city full of eclectic culture, lively music, dynamic history, and it’s overall fun. New Orleans offers the famous Bourbon Street, mouthwatering cuisine, and Southern hospitality. Blend them together and you have a perfect setting for a fun girls trip to New Orleans.
Whether you are looking for ideas for a wild, bachelorette party style trip or a classy girls’ weekend, this New Orleans itinerary will give you plenty of ideas for a fun-filled stay.
As an experienced New Orleans enthusiast and frequent visitor, having meticulously planned numerous trips to this Louisiana city, I will expertly guide you to the best spots.
My amazing New Orleans girls weekend itinerary includes recommendations for where to stay and eat, historical places to visit, and classic New Orleans activities.
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Girls Trip to New Orleans Weekend Itinerary
Day One –
- 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 –
- 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
Hotel Recommendations for a Girls’ Trip to New Orleans
Where to Stay for a Weekend in New Orleans
Deciding where to stay during a girls trip to New Orleans can play a huge role in shaping your travel experience. I highly recommend considering accommodations in the iconic French Quarter or the bustling Central Business District.
Staying in the French Quarter provides easy access to historic landmarks, fun art galleries, the best live music, and delectable Creole cuisine.
On the other hand, the Central Business District will situate you near many shopping destinations, upscale dining, and beautiful waterfront views.
Both neighborhoods bring you close to many top attractions, promising a memorable and exciting visit to the Big Easy.
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 when you want to be part of the action but maybe not in the activity.
Royal Sonesta
Another amazing hotel in this area is Royal Sonesta. The hotel has spacious courtyards to hang with your friends in the evenings.
The rooms are extra comfy and the location is perfect.
Hilton New Orleans – Riverside
2 Poydras St.
Another excellent hotel option is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
It is a much bigger hotel, so if you are traveling with a group, it may be a better choice.
As the name states, this hotel is on the river and is convenient to most iconic attractions.
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, another great hotel option in this area is the Hotel Monteleone.
This hotel is in a great location and is a luxurious choice that adds a touch of elegance to your unforgettable girls’ trip in New Orleans.
As a bonus, the popular Carousel Bar is located in the lobby.
What to Do on a Weekend Trip to New Orleans – Day 1
Grab a Beignet and Coffee from Cafe du Monde
No weekend in NOLA would be complete without a visit to Cafe du Monde, an iconic beignet restaurant in the French Market that has been around since 1862.
Beignets are fried pieces of dough in a square shape tossed in white powder sugar while they are still hot.
They are so messy to eat, but they are puffs of sweetness when you eat them.
Pair this with a café au lait, which is black coffee served with hot milk.
Cafe du Monde in the French Market is open 24 hours a days, 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 the lively melodies of live music and street performers, adding a joyful vibe to your New Orleans experience.
Take a Photograph in Jackson Square
After grabbing your coffee and beignets, make your way down to Jackson Square.
Located in the French Quarter, this iconic square stretches out in the middle of the French Quarter with a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback at its center.
One of the most photographed spots in New Orleans, Jackson Square, is a National Historic Landmark located across from the Mississippi River.
The area is surrounded by beautiful buildings and visitors from across the world. You can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you walk through this historic district.
Step into St. Louis Cathedral
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.
Self-guided tours are available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Go Shopping at 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 can imagine, from local produce to artisan creations.
If a beignet is not enough for breakfast, you have many food options at the French Market.
Vendors sell salty and sweet snacks, New Orleans cuisine, and many other fresh food choices like 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.
Catch a City Tour or Steamboat Cruise
For a glimpse of the city from the water, the French Market District is where you can hop on a steamboat cruise in one of New Orleans’ iconic steamships. 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 a diverse range of incredible New Orleans restaurants perfect for a girls’ trip.
You must try the traditional flavors of Creole cuisine amidst 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, adding a memorable dining experience to your New Orleans adventure.
Lastly, don’t miss out on the culinary delights at Gallier’s, offering a taste of local flavors and a warm, welcoming environment that completes your gastronomic journey through New Orleans.
For those times when you need 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 a perfect spot to come in 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’ bests while getting a tour of the French Quarter! Luckily, there are many great food tours from which to choose.
New Orleans Nightlife
New Orleans pulsates with energy and is sprinkled with the spice of life.
As day turns to night, the iconic Bourbon Street and popular Frenchmen Street come alive with glimmering neon lights, calling you into a world of high spirits and endless fun.
Spending a girls’ trip here, expect a dizzying array of experiences. Step into a bustling casino, grab energizing drinks, or let your hair down to the rhythm of the music.
Buckle up, ladies, for an unforgettable time of fun through New Orleans’s intoxicating nightlife.
Visit a Casino
You will find Caesar’s New Orleans, formerly Harrah’s Hotel and Casino down the riverside in New Orleans.
This casino is very 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!
Have Drinks in the French Quarter
There’s no better way to end the day in New Orleans than by having drinks in the heart of the French Quarter.
Laughter fills the air and lively jazz music sets the perfect tone for your unforgettable girls trip to New Orleans. Of course, you’ll find no shortage of places to stop.
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 that adds a dash of magic to your trip! They have these amazing drinks that change colors, like a little potion right before your eyes.
If you’re feeling daring, Vampire Apothecary serves their tasty sangria in blood bags. It might sound a bit 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.
It recently was named by Vogue Living as one of the Top 20 Bars in the World. The drinks will set you back about $20 each, but the experience is worth visiting.
What to do on a Girls Trip to New Orleans – Your Second Day Itinerary
Begin with Brunch in the French Quarter
Cafe Fleur de Lis
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 the French Quarter neighborhood it resides in.
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
For a livelier start to the day, kickstart your day in New Orleans with the perfect blend of southern charm and live jazz at The Court of Two Sisters’ delightful brunch.
Indulge in a lavish spread of Creole cuisine served buffet style amidst a lively musical backdrop. Choose to sit in either the beautiful outdoor setting or an elegant tabletop indoors.
This delicious Creole breakfast is sure to set the tone for a fabulous day of exploration and fun.
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.
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.
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 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!
Mardi Gras Floats
Once back in the French Quarter, make plans to head to Mardi Gras World, a museum showcasing how the famous Mardi Gras floats are made.
Experience the energy and excitement of Mardi Gras from every angle at Mardi Gras World. It’s a place to celebrate the culture of this New Orleans celebration.
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.
Ghosts, Vampires & Voodoo French Quarter Walking Tour
Did you know that New Orleans is the most haunted city in America?
People worldwide visit this eerie city to party, drink, and experience the spooky vibe.
End your second day in New Orleans, back in the French Quarter at the Ghosts, Vampires & Voodoo tour.
I’m going to be honest with you; this one is spooky.
It could have been because we were there on the weekend of Halloween, but the stories are so real. I was looking over my shoulder for vampires.
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.
Good-bye 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.
