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

I love New Orleans. It’s one of my favorite cities to visit in the United States. Wandering through the French Quarter, the fruity drinks, the courtyards, and the energy make it unforgettable. So, when my husband and I took a road trip from Texas to Florida, we knew we had to carve out one day in New Orleans to get our fix of The Big Easy.

When you find yourself with one day in this iconic city, follow my action-packed New Orleans itinerary and savor your time in the French Quarter, the soul of New Orleans.

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Brunch at Court of Two Sisters

We started our day with a leisurely jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters. This place is pure New Orleans, from the wrought-iron courtyard to the live jazz band playing as you sip your coffee.

Make sure 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.

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

Now, let’s get to the food. It’s an incredible buffet spread perfect to fuel you for your 1 day in New Orleans.

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!

Crawfish étouffée, shrimp and grits, gumbo, andouille sausage—you name it. And let’s be real, you’re in New Orleans, so go ahead and have a mimosa.

Pro Tip: Reservations are recommended because this spot fills up fast, especially on weekends.

Exploring Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

After stuffing ourselves, we needed to walk it off. Jackson Square is just a short stroll away and one of the most iconic spots in New Orleans.

We wandered through the square, checked out local artists selling their work, and stepped inside St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America. Even if you’re not religious, the cathedral is breathtaking. The stained glass and architecture alone make it worth a visit.

Street performers fill the area with jazz, and if you feel like it, you can even get your fortune told.

Shopping, Pralines, and Bourbon Street Stroll

Next, we wandered along Bourbon Street, not for the wild nightlife, but just to take it all in.

During the day, it’s way tamer, and you can grab a drink to-go while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

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).

We also stopped for some New Orleans pralines, a must-try. These sugary, nutty treats are everywhere, but we stopped at Laura’s Candies for a sample. It’s impossible to leave without buying a few.

Streetcar Ride to Magazine Street

We had thought about taking a walking tour of the French Quarter but just missed the start time.

Instead, we hopped on the St. Charles streetcar near Canal Street and rode along the world’s oldest operating streetcar line to Magazine Street. If you’ve never been, it’s packed with cute boutiques, vintage shops, and great coffee spots. It’s a nice break from the high-energy vibe of the French Quarter.

Streetcars are a fun and cheap way to get around.

A single ride costs $1.25, or you can get a day pass for unlimited rides. You can purchase your tickets online, download the Le Pass app, or buy a ticket at one of the ticket machines, which only accept cash.

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 bustling area’s many local shops, charming boutiques, famous New Orleans cemeteries, and excellent restaurants.

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.

Beignets at 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.

You can’t visit New Orleans without stopping at Café du Monde. It’s non-negotiable. These fluffy, powdered sugar-covered beignets are famous for a reason.

Yes, the line can be long. Yes, you will get powdered sugar all over yourself. But it’s worth every bite. Grab a café au lait while you’re at it.

Pro Tip: Bring cash—some Café du Monde locations don’t accept cards.

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

Early Dinner at Olde NOLA Cookery

Before heading out, we needed one last New Orleans meal. We landed at Olde NOLA Cookery, right on Bourbon Street. Crawfish, oysters, jambalaya—every dish screamed Louisiana. If you love seafood, this place is a solid choice.

Safety Tips for Walking Around New Orleans

New Orleans is a fantastic city, but like any tourist destination, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings.

• Stick to well-lit areas at night, especially in the French Quarter.
• Avoid flashing cash or valuables. Pickpockets love tourist-heavy spots.
• Use rideshares or taxis late at night instead of walking alone.
• Keep an eye on your drinks—just basic bar safety rules.

We never felt unsafe, but it’s always smart to be cautious.

Where to Park in the French Quarter

Parking in the French Quarter can be tricky. Here are a few options:

More Options for Your 1 Day in New Orleans

Spending one day in New Orleans is never enough time to taste all of its magic, so trust me, you’ll want to return. Between the food, music, and history, there’s nothing like it.

If you have extra time, consider adding one or more of these things to your New Orleans itinerary:

• a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi
• a visit to the WWII Museum
• a cocktail at the Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone
• a jazz session at Preservation Hall
• wander through the French Market by the river
• try an over the top hot dog at Dat Dog on Frenchmen Street
• take one of the scariest ghosts tours I’ve ever taken – Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo tour

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.

Let’s not forget 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 and so many more experiences to savor.