Two days in New Orleans won't show you everything, but a New Orleans weekend getaway is enough to fall in love with the city. This 48-hour New Orleans weekend itinerary balances the classics with slower moments: beignets and brass bands, streetcar rides under the oaks, a long Creole dinner and a sunset on the river. It's built around a stay at The Jung Hotel & Residences on Canal Street, where the streetcar stops at the door and the French Quarter is steps away.
Before You Go
- Best time for a weekend trip: Spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) bring the most comfortable weather and a full calendar of festivals. Summer is hot, but hotel rates and crowds are often lower.
- Getting here: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is roughly a 25 to 30 minute drive from downtown, depending on traffic.
- Getting around: Walk, ride the streetcar, or use rideshare for longer hops. You won't need a car for this itinerary.
Day 1: The French Quarter and Frenchmen Street
Morning: Beignets and Jackson Square
Start with coffee and a pastry from The Daily Grind in the hotel lobby, then walk into the French Quarter. Head to Jackson Square to see St. Louis Cathedral, the artists along the iron fence and the street musicians warming up. Beignets dusted in powdered sugar at a classic café nearby are a rite of passage.
Midday: Royal Street and the Riverfront
Stroll Royal Street for galleries, antique shops and live music on the sidewalks, then make your way to the Mississippi riverfront. Grab a po-boy or a muffuletta for lunch, or settle in for a long lunch at one of the Quarter's historic Creole restaurants.
Afternoon: Rooftop Pool Break
Head back to the hotel for an afternoon break at the rooftop pool with views of the downtown skyline. In summer, the Rooftop Pool Bar serves seasonal cocktails and light bites.
Evening: Dinner and Live Music
Book dinner in the Quarter or the Marigny, then walk to Frenchmen Street, where clubs line the block and live jazz spills onto the sidewalk. It's one of the most romantic nights out in the city, and a perfect first night of a romantic getaway in New Orleans.
Day 2: Streetcars, Oaks and the Garden District
Morning: The St. Charles Streetcar
Ride the historic St. Charles Streetcar through the Garden District, past grand mansions and moss-draped live oaks. Hop off to walk the neighborhood's quiet streets, then browse the boutiques and cafés on Magazine Street.
Midday: Museums or City Park
Choose your pace. History lovers should spend a few hours at The National WWII Museum in the Warehouse District. For something more relaxed, take the Canal Streetcar from outside the hotel to City Park, where you can walk among live oaks, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and the free Sculpture Garden, and enjoy beignets by the lake.
Afternoon: A Cocktail Lesson
The Sazerac House, a short walk from Canal Street, tells the story of New Orleans cocktail culture, with exhibits and tastings. It's a fun pre-dinner stop for couples.
Evening: Sunset, Dinner and a Nightcap
Catch the sunset over the Mississippi from the riverfront, or take an evening cruise aboard a paddlewheeler. Finish with a special-occasion dinner, see our list of the best restaurants in New Orleans, and end the night with a handcrafted cocktail at the hotel's Lobby Bar (Thursday to Sunday).
Have an Extra Morning?
Sleep in, then walk to the Saenger Theatre to see what's playing, or pick up last souvenirs at the French Market. If your trip lines up with a festival, check our New Orleans events and festivals guide.
Why The Jung Hotel Works for a Weekend Trip
- Location: On Canal Street with the streetcar at the door and the French Quarter steps away.
- Room to relax: Modern rooms, suites and residences, plus a rooftop pool and fitness center.
- Easy evenings: The Lobby Bar for a nightcap, and coffee at The Daily Grind each morning.
Whether you're planning weekend trips to New Orleans from across the Gulf South or flying in for a romantic escape, make The Jung Hotel your home base. View current offers and book directly for the best rate.