4-Day New Orleans Itinerary for Food and Music Lovers

New Orleans is one of those places that just gets under your skin—in the best way possible.

The moment you arrive, you hear music drifting down the streets, smell something delicious sizzling in a pan, and feel that laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay forever. Whether it’s gumbo, beignets, or jazz that calls your name, this city knows how to throw a party for the senses.

So, if you’ve got four days to spend, let’s make the most of it. This itinerary blends the best of New Orleans food and music—because honestly, what else do you need here?

Day 1: French Quarter Flavors and Bourbon Street Beats

Morning – Beignets & Coffee at Café du Monde

You can’t start a New Orleans trip without powdered sugar all over your shirt. Head to Café du Monde for a plate of hot, fried beignets and a chicory coffee. Yes, it’s touristy, but can you really imagine skipping it?

Midday – French Market Stroll

Walk it off through the French Market. Browse local stalls, grab a praline (or two), and maybe pick up some hot sauce to bring home. The vibe here feels like a mix of history and festival.

Lunch – Classic Creole at Napoleon House

Slide into Napoleon House, where you can try a muffuletta sandwich or shrimp po’ boy. The building itself is over 200 years old—so you’re eating history as much as lunch.

Afternoon – Explore Jackson Square

Musicians set up right by the cathedral, so you’ll already hear brass bands and soulful singers filling the square. It’s the perfect warm-up for your night ahead.

Evening – Dinner & Bourbon Street

Dinner calls for something hearty. Try jambalaya or red beans and rice at a spot like Gumbo Shop. Once you’re full, wander Bourbon Street. Love it or hate it, it’s iconic. Neon lights, cover bands, brass players, daiquiris in hand—it’s sensory overload, but in New Orleans, that’s kind of the point.

Day 2: Garden District Charm & Soulful Jazz

Morning – Brunch at Commander’s Palace

If there’s one restaurant that defines New Orleans fine dining, it’s Commander’s Palace. Their jazz brunch is legendary—think turtle soup, bread pudding soufflé, and live music while you eat. Make a reservation because this spot books fast.

Afternoon – Stroll the Garden District

Walk off brunch with a Garden District tour. The oak-lined streets, grand mansions, and quirky details (hello, Mardi Gras beads in the trees) make it a photographer’s dream.

Coffee Break – Magazine Street

Stop for a cold brew or iced latte at one of the local coffee shops. Magazine Street also has plenty of boutiques if you’re in a shopping mood.

Evening – Dinner at a Neighborhood Gem

Try a casual neighborhood spot like Joey K’s for fried catfish or shrimp and grits. Simple, local, and delicious.

Night – Frenchmen Street Live Music

Bourbon Street is wild, but Frenchmen Street is where you go for the real deal. Jazz clubs like The Spotted Cat or Blue Nile are small, intimate, and packed with talent. Grab a drink and just let the music carry you.

Day 3: Swamp Air, Spicy Eats & Brass Bands

Morning – Swamp Tour or Riverboat Ride

Take a break from the city and head into the Louisiana bayou. You’ll see gators, herons, and cypress trees that look straight out of a movie. Not into swamps? A paddlewheel riverboat ride on the Mississippi is another classic option.

Lunch – Crawfish Boil (Seasonal)

If you’re lucky enough to visit during crawfish season (spring), dive into a crawfish boil. Spicy, messy, and best eaten with your hands—this is as local as it gets. Out of season? Try boiled shrimp or oysters instead.

Afternoon – Streetcar Ride Uptown

Hop on the St. Charles Streetcar, one of the oldest in the country. It’s slow and clunky, but that’s the charm. You’ll pass historic homes, Audubon Park, and oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.

Evening – Dinner at Cochon

Cochon is all about Cajun flavors with a modern twist. Try the pork dishes or wood-fired oysters. It’s a little more upscale, but not pretentious.

Night – Brass Band Parade or Club

If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a second line parade—brass bands leading people through the streets in a joyful, dancing march. If not, check out Preservation Hall. No food, no drinks, no frills—just pure, soul-shaking jazz in a tiny, historic room.

Day 4: Markets, Local Eats & A Farewell Feast

Morning – Breakfast at Willa Jean

This modern bakery has biscuits, breakfast bowls, and praline milk—basically, comfort food with a Southern hug.

Midday – Explore Treme

Treme is the birthplace of brass band traditions. Visit Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, where the roots of jazz run deep. You’ll feel the history in every corner.

Lunch – Po’ Boy Heaven

You can’t leave New Orleans without a proper po’ boy. Go for fried shrimp or roast beef “dressed” (that means lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo). Parkway Bakery is a classic, but honestly, you’ll find good ones all over town.

Afternoon – Free Time

This is your buffer for whatever you didn’t get to. Maybe you still need that praline fix, or you want to shop for records at Louisiana Music Factory. Maybe you just want one last lazy drink at a balcony bar. Do it.

Evening – Farewell Dinner & Music Sendoff

For your final night, splurge a little. Head to GW Fins or Restaurant R’evolution for a seafood feast. Afterward, swing back to Frenchmen Street or catch a show at Tipitina’s—another legendary venue. End your trip dancing, because that’s exactly how New Orleans would want it.

Tips for Your New Orleans Food & Music Trip

Plan around meals. This city revolves around food, so don’t overbook your days.
Music is everywhere. Don’t just stick to clubs—listen to street performers, parks, and even second lines.
Bring stretchy pants. Half-joking, but seriously… portion sizes are no joke here.
Stay flexible. The best moments are often unplanned—like stumbling on a brass band in the middle of the street.

Final Thoughts

Four days in New Orleans flies by, but this itinerary balances the city’s biggest food hits with the soulful music that defines its heartbeat. You’ll leave full, maybe a little sleep-deprived, but grinning from ear to ear. That’s the New Orleans way.

Can you picture it? Beignets in the morning, jazz at night, and a whole lot of flavor in between. What do you think—ready to book that trip?