One Day in New Orleans: Exploring the Best of the French Quarter

New Orleans is filled with history, delicious food, charming courtyards, and lively activities that draw me in every time. I love to spend one day in New Orleans whenever we take a road trip through Louisiana. It’s the perfect amount of time to feel the city’s energy.

When we take a road trip from Texas to Louisiana, we stop in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Let me share my favorite stops with you, so the next time you find yourself with one day in New Orleans, you can enjoy the best it has to offer.

Follow my action-packed New Orleans itinerary and savor your time in the French Quarter, the soul of New Orleans.

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Good Morning, New Orleans: Start Your Day on a High Note

Savor a Hearty Breakfast at Court of Two Sisters

Start your day itinerary at the Court of Two Sisters, where you’ll discover more than just a dining experience; it’s a place steeped in history and legends.

This charming restaurant offers a famous jazz brunch daily in a beautiful courtyard.

Get ready for sumptuous Creole and Cajun cuisine, served buffet style. You will find so many options to delight your taste buds.

They have breakfast classics, like eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns, and New Orleans favorites, like red beans and rice and chicken and sausage jambalaya. And the homemade biscuits are the size of your hand – so good!

Don’t forget to touch the Charm Gates as you pass through the entrance. The legend is that the special iron gates were made just for the Court of Two Sisters and blessed by Queen Isabella. According to the legend, all who pass and touch them will also be blessed. I don’t know if it’s true, but I touch them just in case.

The French Quarter and the story of Emma and Bertha, the two sisters who once operated a notions shop at this very spot, inspired the rich atmosphere.

You can dine inside or outside on the patio; both areas have a lovely jazz band playing.

The Court of Two Sisters offers an unforgettable culinary adventure that won’t break the bank.

You will have the perfect blend of delicious food, enchanting ambiance, and great value to start your day in New Orleans.

Take in the Historic Charm of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

After breakfast, you will want to walk off some of those calories. Make your way to the iconic Jackson Square, a few blocks from the restaurant.

As you make your way, enjoy the many art galleries and shops. If you aren’t too full, stop in for a sample of the famous New Orleans pralines from one of the many candy shops.

Pralines are basically sugar and pecans, and they are so sweet!

You’ll know you have arrived in Jackson Square when you see the beautiful cathedral.

This bustling spot in the French Quarter is home to the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America.

You can step inside or marvel at the architectural beauty from the outside.

While in Jackson Square, take a moment to appreciate the buzzing street art scene, the musical talent, and the spectacular street performers.

Indulge in Some Shopping on Magazine Street

The best way to experience the historic charm of New Orleans is by hopping on the St. Charles streetcar.

Head over to Magazine Street from the French Quarter simply by boarding the streetcar at any of its stops near Canal Street, and enjoy the ride along the world’s oldest operating streetcar line.

It’s $1.25 to ride the streetcar. Have your cash ready when you board.

As the streetcar glides past the Central Business District and through the picturesque Garden District, you will cruise under century-old oak trees and be captivated by the stunning architecture of the grand mansions that line St. Charles Avenue.

Hop off at any of the stops near Magazine Street. Explore the many local shops, charming boutiques, the famous New Orleans cemeteries, and excellent restaurants in this bustling area.

Let the driver know where you want to go, or pull the cord above the seat when you want to signal you are ready to hop off.

Many streetcars do not have air conditioning but will open the windows.

How to Spend an Afternoon in New Orleans

Take a Walking Tour of the French Quarter

There is so much to see in New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter, but it can be overwhelming.

Stop at one of the many New Orleans Visitor Centers in the area for a free map and directions. The employees are very friendly and helpful.

Take one of the many tours offered to get the most out of a day in New Orleans. I recommend this New Orleans French Quarter Stroll with an experienced local.

The guide will take you to the city’s landmarks and teach you about its unique culture and past. You can explore charming neighborhoods and boutique shops while visiting places like the French Market and Old Ursuline Convent.

This relaxed-pace small-group tour offers a personal experience and is an excellent introduction to the vibrant city.

Stop by Café du Monde

A day trip to New Orleans would be incomplete without a stop at the iconic Café Du Monde in the French Quarter.

This famous coffee stand serves legendary beignets and café au lait, drawing visitors worldwide.

As you go through the lively French Market, follow the intoxicating aroma of freshly fried dough to this landmark spot.

When you finally bite the warm, pillowy beignet, gently tap off some of the generous powdered sugar. If not, it’s easy to wear it instead of savoring it.

Café Du Monde does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait. Your taste buds will thank you.

Don’t have time to wait? Cafe Beignet has many locations in the French Quarter, usually without a line, and also serves fabulous beignets.

Feel the Jazz Vibes at Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter at 726 Saint Peter Street, is an iconic venue showcasing traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961.

For a first-time visitor with just a day in New Orleans, making time to experience the rich musical heritage at Preservation Hall is an absolute must.

As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the intimate atmosphere and the authentic sounds of jazz performed by incredibly talented musicians. This historic musical landmark keeps the city’s musical legacy alive and provides a cultural experience in New Orleans.

Make reservations before heading to Preservation Hall so you don’t miss out on an intimate jazz performance.

An Unforgettable Evening: Embrace the New Orleans Nightlife

Enjoy a Louisiana Feast at Olde NOLA Cookery

A visit to the renowned French Quarter is incomplete without savoring a delicious meal at the historic Olde NOLA Cookery. This iconic restaurant serves authentic and mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

The friendly staff makes the experience at Olde NOLA Cookery truly unforgettable.

You can’t go wrong with the amazing seafood dishes, such as their New Orleans-style crawfish and oysters, famous poboy, or scrumptious smothered crabcakes.

Add one of their signature cocktails to balance some of the heat on these fantastic dishes.

Take a Stroll along Bourbon Street

Step outside Olde NOLA, and you are on Bourbon Street, the Quarter’s liveliest and most famous street, filled with colorful bars, thumping live music, and exhilarating nightlife.

Bourbon Street, the lifeblood of New Orleans, is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and experiences that every visitor should explore.

Known for its raucous atmosphere filled with vibrant music, neon lights, and ornate balconies, strolling down this iconic street is like throwing oneself into a giant, lively party that lasts day and night.

Even though the street’s name comes from a French royal family and not the drink, you’ll still find lots of fun and partying on this popular street.

The famous “go cup” was birthed here, meaning in New Orleans, it’s legal to drink alcohol on the street, and on Bourbon Street, it’s a normal thing to do.

Even if your New Orleans trip lasts only one day, you won’t forget Bourbon Street’s lively atmosphere (or smell).

Discover the Vibrant Soul of New Orleans on Frenchmen Street

Picture a bustling street teeming with authentic jazz tunes and artists at work – that’s Frenchmen Street in New Orleans.

Frenchmen Street is your gateway to the heart and soul of New Orleans.

You can taste local dishes like gumbo or jambalaya or toast with iconic cocktails such as the Sazerac or Hurricane at popular spots like Café Negril or Dat Dog.

The ideal visit starts in the evening when the street truly awakens with music and entertainment. Don’t miss top attractions like The Spotted Cat Music Club, a renowned jazz venue, or Blue Nile with funk and brass bands galore.

End with a Ghost Tour of the French Quarter

Cap your day off with one of the spookiest ghost-walking tours I’ve ever taken.

Discover the dark side of New Orleans with this thrilling Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo tour in the French Quarter.

You’ll hear haunted tales, chilling stories of vampires and voodoo, and eerie legends led by an engaging guide who reveals the French Quarter’s haunting past.

Wrapping Up the Day: Your Perfect One-Day French Quarter Adventure

On this one day in New Orleans, you have tasted, heard, and seen the best the French Quarter has to offer. This is truly the best way to experience the magnetic energy of New Orleans in a short amount of time.

Catch You Next Time, New Orleans!

After an exhilarating day exploring the soulful rhythm of New Orleans, you might feel like we’ve only scratched the surface, and you’d be right! One day is far too brief to unravel everything that is the city of New Orleans.

Perhaps next time, you’ll find yourself wandering through Mardi Gras World, admiring floats and costumes that pulse with the vibrant culture of the city’s iconic festival. Or you might stroll down the quaint streets of the Garden District instead of passing them on a streetcar.

And let’s not forget the Lafayette Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful resting place that whispers tales of New Orleans’ fascinating history. These attractions await your discovery!

Consider extending your stay next time or, even better, returning to this charismatic city. Just imagine the tantalizing Creole cuisine, the live jazz that’ll get your foot tapping, and the warmth of Southern hospitality – all waiting to welcome you back.

While this one day New Orleans itinerary is just the beginning, I hope it has left you with a desire to return. New Orleans has so many more stories to tell you, and so many more experiences for you to savor.