July 31, 2022

Steal My 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

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As part of our 4 year anniversary celebration, my husband and I spent 5 luxurious nights in New Orleans. It was my husband’s first time visiting New Orleans. But for me, this marked my first return to New Orleans since I was evacuated by Hurricane Katrina 17 years ago.

As you can imagine, I was very excited to return to New Orleans for vacation. There is enough to do to keep you busy for a few weeks. But if you only have 5 days, then steal my 5-day New Orleans itinerary where I share my full review of where to stay, what to do, where to go, and more.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links.

Jump Ahead:

Traveling to New Orleans

Best Time to Go to New Orleans

The best time to visit New Orleans is after the Essence festival in July, when there are fewer tourists. There aren’t as many crowds and long wait times when the busyness dies down.

Flying to New Orleans

Priceline helped us find the most affordable round-trip flight. Our flight to and from New Orleans were with Delta and American Airlines.

I know things have changed with COVID, but I highly recommend wearing a mask on the plane because you don’t want to be seated next to someone who is coughing throughout the flight (this actually happened to me).

Transportation Around New Orleans

Our Uber ride to the hotel took about 30 minutes. Throughout the trip, we took several Ubers to get to places we needed to go to around New Orleans if we were unable to walk there.

Hotel: Four Seasons New Orleans

The Four Seasons New Orleans hotel had been on our wish list for quite some time. In honor of our 4 year anniversary, we decided to go big and stay there. The experience we had at the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel was incredible and we cannot wait to stay there again.

Hotel Location

The Four Seasons New Orleans hotel is located right off Canal Street near The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. The location is ideal because there are tons of shops, places to eat, and Harrah’s Casino within walking distance.

Hotel History

Locals say that the hotel building was previously the World Trade Center of New Orleans, but has recently been converted into the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel. Today, it is a luxury hotel with private residences on the upper floors.

Hotel Amenities

In the hotel, there is a gorgeous chandelier bar in the lobby, several fine dining restaurants, a rooftop pool with private cabanas, a spa, a fitness center, and event rooms. The hotel has the feel of a resort where all the amenities you need are right there, so that you don’t have to leave.

Hotel Room

I was absolutely blown away by the hotel room. The beautiful white shiplap gave it a modern farmhouse look. The room had a beautiful view of the Mississippi River, where you could see people walking along the riverwalk.

Among the many things I loved about the room, the bathroom was my favorite. There was no question that the tub stole the show.

Lastly, the staff took care to provide small details like slippers, robes, a charging pad for phones, an iPad, reading lights, synchronized lighting that can be controlled by one button, and L’Occitane almond shower oil.

5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Day 1:

Arriving at the Hotel (Four Seasons New Orleans)

Our flight landed around 10AM. As soon as we arrived at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, we took an Uber to the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel. Since we weren’t sure if we would be able to check-in early, I booked lunch at one of the hotel’s restaurants, Chemin Ã la Mer, to kill time.

I called the hotel after we landed and asked if we could check in early, and luckily they were able to accommodate us. We were able to quickly change out of our travel clothes before heading to Chemin Ã la Mer for lunch.

Chemin Ã la Mer (In the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel)

When I say Chemin Ã la Mer took care of us, I mean it. It was a 100% stellar experience from start to finish, both in terms of service and food. Our first meal in New Orleans couldn’t have been better. They went above and beyond to make us feel special. I highly recommend that you add Chemin Ã la Mer to your 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary. Even if you aren’t staying in the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel, you can still dine there. Also, reservations are recommended.

We truly enjoyed speaking with the servers and enjoyed their southern hospitality. Our servers knew it was our anniversary, so they provided us with some champagne and dessert on the house and even shared some marriage tips with us.

The drinks were delicious and helped us unwind after our flight. I ordered salmon with mashed potatoes and my husband ordered shrimp with cauliflower casserole.

Chemin Ã la Mer’s food was so delicious that my husband actually suggested we ditch our dinner plans and go back for dinner! We could have eaten there every single day during our stay. PLEASE make Chemin Ã la Mer the first restaurant you try on your 5-Day New Orleans Itinierary, you will thank me.

Exploring The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk

The Riverwalk was nearby so we decided to walk our food down. It was about a 1-2 minute walk over from our hotel.

We browsed through many of the shops at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. I gravitated to the shops with sweets because I’m a foodie. We got beignets from Cafe Du Monde, chocolate fudge and pralines from the Fudgery, and daiquiris from Fat Tuesday.

We also browsed through some clothing stores. My husband bought a New Orleans Pelicans jersey at a sports team store. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk outlet is great for foodies and shoppers alike.

Room sERVICE FOR dINNER

For dinner, we had room service delivered to our room. I ordered filet mignon with asparagus, while my husband ordered chicken breast with mashed potatoes. Room service food at the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel was impressive and just as good as the restaurant food at Chemin Ã la Mer.

Day 2:

Nespresso Coffee Date (In Hotel Room)

As soon as we woke up in the morning, we jumped into our robes and had a coffee date right in our hotel room. We enjoyed some espresso that I made using the complimentary Nespresso CitiZ&milk coffee machine.

Nespresso is my favorite coffee maker and I make it every morning at home. So having a Nespresso on vacation allowed me to keep up with my daily caffeine fix.

Rooftop Pool (at Four Seasons New Orleans hotel)

We went to the rooftop pool at the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel. There was also a bar on the rooftop with a food menu and private cabanas. The weather was perfect while we were there, so we enjoyed sitting out in the sun, drinking our drinks, and eating our meals. My only wish is that the pool and bar stayed open later, because last call was at 6pm.

The Peacock Room

The Peacock Room was surprisingly a two in one deal. In addition to the restaurant and bar, you’ll also be treated to nightly performances, so check the schedule in advance.

This charming and eccentric restaurant and bar has the cutest interior decor. We were delighted by the gorgeous aesthetics, delicious drinks, and delicious food we ordered. We ordered the Salt, Pepper & Vinegar Shrimp for an appetizer. For drinks we ordered the Flock to Me Cocktail and Amaretto Sours.

We also heard the most beautiful voice from singer, Robin Barnes @neworleanssongbird. I mean, talk about incredible. We were blown away by her soulful voice. For a taste of her style, listen to “You Give Me” on Spotify (Robin Barnes).

My favorite part of her performance was how she interacted with every single person in the audience. An experience like that doesn’t come along very often. Absolutely add the Peacock Room to your 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary and make sure you go when Robin Barnes is there specifically.

Day 3:

Exploring Canal Street

Canal Street was about a 5-10 minute walk from the Four Seasons New Orleans. It is over 4 miles long and is full of hotels, casinos, museums, restaurants, cafes, bars, and stores. There’s a lot you can find on Canal Street without having to walk too far.

Cafe Beignet

In the past, I thought Cafe Du Monde was the best place to get beignets. After eating beignets at Cafe Beignet, I think they beat Cafe Du Monde! The beignets were large, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

There was a long line at Cafe Beignet while we were there. However, I learned a trick from the locals… Skip the line and sit at a table. The servers will come directly to you to take your order, so you won’t have to wait.

If you’ve been told you have to try Cafe Du Monde, try an alternative like Cafe Beignet. You may like them better.

Willie's Chicken Shack

We came across Willie’s Chicken Shack on Canal Street. It was a small restaurant where you could grab and go. Seating is available too, but most people don’t stay long. It’s a fun-looking restaurant with lots of art and bright colors on the walls.

We ordered chicken wings and daiquiris. The chicken wings were the BEST I’ve ever had. The chicken came out extremely hot and juicy. It had just the right amount of crust and flavor.

After eating, we took an Uber, and I asked the driver what she thought about Willie’s Chicken Shack. She said only the tourists eat there. Locals prefer chicken elsewhere like at local gas stations or in the hood.

The mere fact that there is chicken better than Willies blew me away. Apparently what we had wasn’t even close to what was available in New Orleans. I’m eager to go back to try some more!

Vue Orleans

Vue Orleans is a new age museum that gives visitors a taste of New Orleans’ history through its interactive exhibits. Vue Orleans opened early this year in March 2022 and is the perfect place to learn about New Orleans’ culture, music, art, and food.

It takes about an hour to tour the entire museum. All the displays in the museum are touch screens, so everything is interactive. In order to avoid germs, Vue Orleans made their screens so that you hover your hand over them instead of directly touching them.

One of my favorite exhibits was the steamboat game, where you can drive the boat down the Mississippi River. Although it looks easy, it was very challenging, but it was a lot of fun.

You should definitely check out Vue Orleans when you go to New Orleans. It is a perfect indoor activity for hot or rainy weather.

Couples Massage at the Ritz Carlton

We treated ourselves to a couples massages at the Ritz Carlton. We were extremely excited and definitely needed it. We had an unforgettable massage experience filled with hot stones, essential oils, and therapeutic deep pressure.

Each of us had a host who assisted us as we got all checked in and ready for our massages. They also gave us complimentary champagne, which helped us relax.

Our massages were incredible. The massage therapists listened to our goals for the massage and checked in with us frequently to make sure everything was to our liking. Afterwards, they gave us tips on how to improve our posture and how to reduce tension.

Getting a massage is something you should absolutely incorporate into your 5-Day New Orleans itinerary.

Neyow's XL Steakhouse

Originally we had planned to go to Morrow’s but when we got in our Uber, the Uber driver urged us to try a local favorite called “Neyow’s”. We didn’t know that there were two Neyow’s restaurants side by side each other. We ended up going to the Neyow’s XL Steakhouse instead of the Neyow’s Creole Cafe, but nonetheless ended up with a delicious meal.

The service was pristine. The atmosphere gave a luxury fine dining experience. The food portions were XL and shareable. Our favorite dish was the cajun chicken, shrimp, and crab pasta. We also enjoyed chargrilled oysters, crawfish mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.

Day 4:

Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour

A trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without seeing the alligators in the swamp. We took a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters at Honey Island Swamp. It was initially frightening for me to go because I thought we would be too close to the alligators. However, we had a great time and it wasn’t bad at all.

We first met up with our tour group at a designated meeting place. Then a bus came and took us about 45 minutes to the Cajun Encounters facility and back. As we drove past each landmark, the bus driver spoke about all the history of New Orleans. We learned so much from him.

As soon as we arrived at the facility, we were assigned a swamp tour guide. Next, we hopped in our boat and cruised down the swamp with our group and boat guide for two hours. We got the chance to see wildlife up close and personal. We learned all about Louisiana’s bayou and its different types of flora and fauna. Fun Fact: The swamp is only 3 1/2 feet deep.

There were alligators of all sizes in the swamp, ranging in age from 4 years to 60 years. Our boat guide threw treats to the alligators as some of them swam up to the boat. Watching them eat the treats was so cool. Even though it was extremely hot outside, we stayed cool thanks to the breeze from the boat.

No matter how scared you feel, I highly recommend adding a Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour to your 5-Day New Orleans itinerary.

Neyow's Creole Cafe

Neyow’s Creole Cafe was one of the many highly recommend spots to try authentic New Orleans food. Tons of celebrities go here and even have their pictures of their visit on the walls. We heard the lines get long so we made sure that we arrived as soon as they opened.

We asked the waitress for food recommendations and we ended up trying the fried chicken, catfish, shrimp, carrot soufflé, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, crab fingers, gumbo, beans and rice, and a rum punch drink.

We weren’t too impressed by the food as much as everyone was making it seem like. Honestly, the only thing we actually enjoyed was the rum punch drink and the carrot soufflé. Having tried the neighboring Neyow’s XL Steakhouse, we definitely felt that the Neyow’s XL Steakhouse had better food than the Neyow’s Creole Cafe.

The only reason I would recommend going to Neyow’s Creole Cafe is if you want to support a black owned business or because of the history behind the restaurant.

Miss Rivers (in Four Seasons New Orleans hotel)

Before our evening plans, we indulged in drinks and dessert at Miss Rivers restaurant, located in the Four Seasons New Orleans hotel. The beignets and drinks were delicious. We also tried sweet potato bread pudding for the first time and it was fantastic.

Maple Leaf Bar: Corey Henry Treme Funktet

Our trip ended at the Maple Leaf Bar in the 7th ward, where Corey Henry Treme Funket performed. There was a diverse crowd of both local and non-local music lovers at the event. In true band fashion, the band didn’t show up until an hour later.

However, they absolutely blew everyone away. As you might expect from a Treme New Orleans jazz band, the music was spectacular. Treme is a neighborhood that is considered to be the birthplace of jazz.

I 1000% percent highly recommend going to the Maple Leaf Bar to catch one of their performances. It’s a must see.

Day 5:

Leaving New Orleans

I was so sad to leave New Orleans. New Orleans was too good to us and I did not want to leave.

We had booked a 7am return flight, so we had to get up at like 4am to make it to the airport on time. When you’ve been out late the night before, I wouldn’t recommend booking a flight that early. But if you do happen to, I recommend pulling an all nighter in order to catch your early Uber.

We checked out of our hotel around 5am and took an Uber to get to the airport. The drive to the airport took about 30-45 minutes. We arrived at the airport around 5:45 and got checked in for our flight.

Things We Didn't Have Time to Do

There’s literally tons to do in New Orleans. The hardest part of planning a trip to New Orleans is picking out what to do especially when you want to do it ALL! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do ALL that we wanted to do this time, but that’s okay. It gives us another reason to come back.

Here’s a list of some of the things we either didn’t get to do or really want to do on our next visit:

Places to Go:

Restaurants:

Morrows – Serving Classic New Orleans Cuisine and Authentic Korean Dishes
Jack Rose – Mix of New Orleans’ Craveable Italian, French and Spanish Dishes
The Vintage – Beignets, Bubbles, and Bites
Willie Maes Nola – Variety of Entrees, Sides, Salads and Desserts
Lil Dizzys Cafe – Known for Gumbo, Fried Chicken, and Bread Pudding
We Dat Chicken and Shrimp – Home of the Wuzzam Wings
Nice Guys Nola – Daiquiris, Drink Specials, Chargrilled Oysters, Boudin Burgers, Messy Fries

Tours:

Final Thoughts

I hope this 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary helps you plan your next trip to New Orleans. As I write this, I am already planning my next trip back. If you’re planning your next trip to New Orleans, what is your itinerary looking like so far?

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