Essential New Orleans Itinerary: Day Two

Dive deeper into your exploration of New Orleans

If you have two days to explore New Orleans, use your second day for getting to know the Garden District and Uptown New Orleans. This part of the city is known for oak-lined streets, centuries-old architecture and a bustling restaurant scene.

Streetcar - Uptown Spring Color - Azaleas - St. Charles Avenue
Streetcar - Uptown Spring Color - Azaleas - St. Charles Avenue

St. Charles Streetcar Ride - Begin your journey Uptown on the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar, complete with mahogany seats and brass fittings. You’ll travel beneath a canopy of oak trees, passing mile after mile of grand mansions, Audubon Park and the university section. For a full day of on/off privileges on streetcars and buses, pick up a Jazzy Pass for $3. All the places here are accessible by the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. See our streetcar itinerary for more ideas.

Brunch – Start your day with Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace, which continues to win top awards every year. No trip to New Orleans is complete without the Commander’s experience.

Garden District Tour –  Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, Georgian, Swiss Chalet, Queen Anne … you’ll see them all on a tour of the Garden District. Wear your walking shoes and enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood. 

Grandmother's Buttons - Merriment on Magazine Street 2016
Grandmother's Buttons - Merriment on Magazine Street 2016

Lunch – With all the walking you did on the tours, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite. Get off the streetcar at The Camellia Grill on Carrollton Avenue. Since 1946, locals and visitors alike have been coming here for the gregarious counter service, cheeseburgers, chocolate freezes (Harry Connick, Jr. loves them) and pecan pie, heated on the grill. If you've already indulged in Commander's, an afternoon freeze is a great option!

Magazine Street – Take the streetcar back to around Napoleon Avenue and then go explore the shops on Magazine Street, five miles of fun. You’ll find antiques, home décor items, clothing boutiques and fun thrift shops galore. Need to caffeinate? There are lots of great coffee shops on the street. Grab a table outside and watch the action.

Commander's Palace
Commander's Palace

Dinner – There are several fabulous options on and around Magazine Street but we love La Petite Grocery, Joey K’s and Coquette. Cap off the night with a great meal on Magazine.