New Orleans is one of those cities that feels like stepping into another world — where jazz spills into the streets, historic architecture sits around every corner, and every hidden courtyard, antique shop, and café tells a story. As someone deeply in love with Paris, I love that I can find little pockets of that French-inspired charm right here in the U.S.—it feels like a small slice of Paris without leaving the country.

From the colorful charm of the French Quarter to the dreamy oak-lined streets of the Garden District, there is so much beauty to discover. And it’s so much more than partying and drinking on Bourbon Street. Honestly, I wouldn’t even recommend spending much time there.

This two-day New Orleans itinerary is perfect for a first visit or a slow weekend getaway filled with charming hotels, shopping, and unforgettable meals. I’m sharing where to stay, the best things to do, where to eat, the antique shops you won’t want to miss, and the neighborhoods that make New Orleans such a magical place to visit.

While all opinions and recommendations are my own, my content on this blog post contains affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.

Where to Stay in New Orleans: Hotel Peter & Paul Review

Hotel Peter & Paul was one of those stays that just completely set the tone for the trip. Housed in a beautifully restored historic schoolhouse, the property has so much character and charm, and it feels like you’re staying somewhere with a real story behind it.

My room was a loft and it was absolutely stunning — think 20-foot ceilings, huge windows, and so much natural light pouring in. It had that perfect mix of old-world charm and thoughtful design that makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy being in your space.

The hotel is a little outside the busiest tourist areas, which I actually loved because it felt quieter and more local. But still close enough to easily explore everything. It’s definitely one of those boutique stays that feels intentional in every detail.

I’d highly recommend it for anyone who loves unique, design-forward hotels that feel more like an experience than just a place to sleep. Book your stay here!

Day 1: French Quarter + Shopping + Live Music

Morning: Explore the French Quarter + Antique Shopping

Start your first morning in New Orleans by doing one of my favorite things — wandering the French Quarter with no real agenda. The historic streets, colorful buildings, wrought iron balconies, and little hidden corners make it such a dreamy place to explore on foot. I recommend going in the morning when it’s a little quieter and the light is beautiful for photos. Grab a coffee, put on some comfy shoes, and just let yourself wander.

And obviously, no New Orleans itinerary would be complete without some antique shopping (you know I couldn’t resist). The city has so many incredible shops filled with unique treasures. The Occasional Wife is a must for vintage finds, curated home pieces, and gifts you’ll actually want to bring home. Then stop by French Quarter Vintage for vintage clothing from every decade — it’s the perfect little browse after your morning coffee.

One of my favorite unexpected stops was Fischer-Gambino Lighting. It’s technically a lighting store, but it honestly feels like walking through an art gallery. The historic fixtures and beautiful details make it such a fun stop for anyone who loves design and old-world charm.

Keep exploring with French Antique Shop Inc. for French-inspired antiques and timeless décor. This stop was my favorite of the bunch I spent the most time here. Then finish your antique hunt at Kiels Antiques, where you’ll find so many unique collectibles and historic pieces. It’s basically a dream for anyone who loves a good hidden gem.

Afternoon: Beignets + More Shopping

After a morning of wandering the French Quarter, it’s time for a very important stop: a beignet break. Beignets are such a New Orleans classic, and honestly, there’s nothing better than sitting down with a fresh plate covered in powdered sugar and a coffee.

Café Beignet is always a great option, but a few other spots I loved are Loretta’s Authentic Pralines for their praline-filled beignets and the cozy local feel, or Leonetta for a more modern take on this New Orleans favorite.

Of course, Café du Monde is the most iconic beignet spot in the city. But personally, I’d skip it if you’re short on time. The lines can be long, and I think there are other spots where you can have an equally delicious (and a little more relaxed) beignet experience.

Next, make your way to Hove Parfumerie, a historic little fragrance shop tucked away in the Quarter. I loved this stop because it felt like such a unique way to experience New Orleans. Picking out a signature scent, browsing the beautiful bottles, and finding a little souvenir that actually feels personal.

And of course, I had to make a stop at Faulkner House Books. As a book lover, this was such a dreamy little spot to wander through. This charming independent bookstore has so much history. William Faulkner lived here back in 1925 and wrote his debut novel Soldiers’ Pay. It was opened in 1988 as a bookstore and has remained a beloved shop in the city.

Evening: Dinner + Live Music

For dinner, head to Paladar 511 — a former old bookshop turned into a beautiful industrial-style restaurant. The space alone is worth the visit with its high ceilings, exposed brick, and cozy atmosphere, but the food is what really makes it special. I’d recommend the cacio e pepe and the meatballs… both were absolutely delicious.

After dinner, end your night wandering down Frenchmen Street. This was one of my favorite parts of New Orleans because it feels like there’s live music spilling out into the streets at almost any time of day. Every corner has a different band, a different sound, and that classic New Orleans energy that makes the city so unforgettable.

Day 2: Garden District + Beautiful Homes + Local Favorites

Morning Coffee + Pastry at Ayu Bakehouse

Start your morning at Ayu Bakehouse. While every pastry looked incredible, I tried their chocolate babka knot and it was perfection. It’s the perfect cozy start to the day before heading out to explore.

From there, make your way to Jackson Square. Early in the morning is honestly the best time to go — the streets are quiet, the light is soft and golden and illuminates St. Louis Cathedral, and it feels like you get the whole space to yourself for a bit. Take your time strolling around the cathedral and along the riverfront, just soaking in that classic New Orleans atmosphere.

Afterwards, stop at Fourth Wall for coffee. It’s such an aesthetic little café and the perfect mid-morning break to reset, people watch, and just enjoy a quiet moment before heading into the rest of the day.

Afternoon: Garden District

One of my favorite parts of the whole trip is hopping on the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District. It’s one of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the world, and honestly, it feels like such a dreamy, old-school way to see the city. And the best part is it’s incredibly affordable.

The Garden District is hands down my favorite area in New Orleans. It’s all oak-lined streets, massive historic homes, and that quiet, residential beauty that feels like a completely different side of the city. If you love architecture, this is the neighborhood you’ll want to slow down in and really wander without a plan.

For photos, I’d just walk the main streets in and around St. Charles Avenue and let yourself get a little lost — every block is stunning, you can’t go wrong. You’ll spot some of the most iconic homes in the city just by strolling, and it’s one of those places where there’s really no wrong turn.

I also loved popping into Century Girl Vintage while I was in the area — such a cute stop if you love a good curated vintage moment. And honestly, the best thing to do here is just wander slowly, admire the homes, and take your time soaking it all in. This is definitely not a neighborhood to rush.

Dinner: The Elysian Bar

To end the trip, head back to Hotel Peter & Paul for dinner at The Elysian Bar. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with such a romantic, moody atmosphere that makes it feel like the perfect final night in New Orleans. I’d definitely recommend the short ribs. They were incredible!

And that’s really what New Orleans is to me… a city you could come back to over and over again and still find something new each time. It’s not a place to rush through, but somewhere to really slow down, wander, and let yourself get a little lost in it all. Between the boutique hotel stays, antique treasures, incredible food, live music around every corner, and the historic neighborhoods that feel like stepping back in time, it really is the perfect weekend escape.

Don’t miss more of my USA Travel Guides!

XX,

Courtney