24 Hours in New Orleans
A Budget-Friendly, Food-Filled Adventure
New Orleans is a city that knows how to eat, drink, and wander, and even on a budget, you can experience some of the best it has to offer. When my friends asked for affordable, food-focused recommendations for their stay, I put together an itinerary that balances classic NOLA flavors, local gems, and a little bit of shopping and sightseeing—without breaking the bank.
Here’s how to spend 24 delicious hours in the Crescent City, eating well, exploring freely, and soaking up that unmistakable New Orleans magic.
Morning: Beignets, Coffee & a Walk Through City Park
I warned them about the long lines at Café du Monde, but my friends insisted—they had to experience the iconic coffee and beignets. If you’re going to do it, do it right: skip the chaos of the French Quarter and head to the Café du Monde outpost in City Park.
Tucked into one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city, this spot serves up the same powdered sugar-drenched, fried-to-perfection beignets and rich, chicory-laced café au lait—without the elbow-to-elbow crowding of the Decatur Street location.
With hands (and probably clothes) covered in powdered sugar, they can walk off breakfast with a stroll through the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, one of my favorite hidden gems. Massive, thought-provoking sculptures sit among winding paths, ancient oaks, and reflecting ponds, making it the perfect slow, beautiful way to ease into the day.
Late Morning: Shopping & Wandering on Magazine Street
Next up: Magazine Street, where you could easily spend an entire day and still not see it all. With local boutiques, funky art galleries, and charming cafés, this stretch of Uptown is the perfect place to wander without an agenda.
I sent my friend Betsy—who loves to shop—on a Saturday morning exploration with a few of my favorite must-visit spots:
Piety and Desire Chocolates for small-batch, handcrafted chocolates that are almost too beautiful to eat. They also serve incredible coffee, making it an ideal little pick-me-up.
Potsalot Pottery for locally made ceramics—sometimes, you can even see the artists at work. They also carry playful wall art and will ship your finds anywhere.
Alex Beard Studio for eye-catching, vibrant artwork that perfectly captures the color and movement of New Orleans.
A stop into any clothing boutique that catches the eye—Magazine is full of options, from high-end fashion to funky vintage finds. Magazine Street runs from Audubon Park all the way to the CBD. Shopping for miles!
Plenty of bars and coffee shops along the way—because in New Orleans, you’re never too far from something to sip.
Lunch: Turkey and the Wolf—Casual, Affordable, and Mind-Blowing
Shopping is hard work, so by early afternoon, it’s time for one of the best (and budget-friendly) meals in the city: Turkey and the Wolf.
This unassuming little sandwich shop in the Lower Garden District is anything but ordinary. I won’t ruin the surprise of the menu, but trust me—do not turn your nose up at the bologna sandwich or the collard green melt. They are legendary for a reason.
I always go for the burger (perfection) or the cabbage salad, which is shockingly addictive. And be warned—this meal may require a nap afterward. Oh, I almost forgot the frozen margarita (not usually my thing, but this is an exception).
Afternoon: A Stroll Through the French Quarter & an Espresso Martini at Fives
After a well-earned rest, a trip to the French Quarter is a must. Even though it’s a little touristy, there’s a reason people flock here—the architecture, the history, the energy, and the music spilling from every street corner make it worth the visit.
If they’re up for a little indulgence, I recommended stopping at Fives (right on Jackson Square) for one of my absolute favorite splurges—the Lavender Espresso Martini. At $22 a glass, it’s not the cheapest cocktail in town, but it’s so smooth, so perfectly balanced, and so worth it.
For oyster lovers, Acme or Felix’s are must-visits for a plate of fresh, ice-cold Gulf oysters. Sit at the bar if you can—the shuckers are always entertaining, and they’ll walk you through the ins and outs of eating oysters. Heads up—they are huge. I mean, as big as your face huge.
Dinner: Uptown Eats—Casual or Fancy, Your Choice
For dinner, I sent my friends back Uptown, where the vibe is local, laid-back, and full of great food. Depending on their mood (and budget), they had a few great options:
Miss Shirley’s for incredible Chinese food in an unpretentious, super popular spot. No reservations, so get there early!
Saba for a splurge-worthy Middle Eastern feast with housemade hummus, pillowy pita, and some of the best people-watching in town.
Atchafalaya for a cozy, classic New Orleans dinner—think shrimp and grits, gumbo, and warm, welcoming vibes.
Clancy’s or Patois if they’re craving a classic Uptown neighborhood bistro experience—not cheap, but always fantastic.
Where to Stay: The Blackbird Hotel
My friends were lucky—they got to stay at my place for free. But if I were recommending a fun, semi-budget-friendly place to stay, The Blackbird Hotel would be my pick.
It’s got a funky, modern vibe, a great pool, and is perfectly located for exploring. If the weather is nice, you can spend an afternoon by the pool before heading out for the evening.
Morning: Brunch at Beggars Banquet & a Scenic Walk
The next morning, brunch is non-negotiable, and Beggars Banquet is my go-to spot.
I always sit in the bar area, where it’s a little quieter but still buzzing with energy. The menu is packed with comfort food done right, from fluffy biscuits and eggs to a luscious steak sandwich or mouth-watering and hearty salad—exactly what you need after a full day of eating and drinking.
To wrap up the weekend, a slow wander down Prytania Street is the perfect way to soak up the beauty of old New Orleans. The grand houses, with their wrought-iron balconies and lush, overgrown gardens, make it easy to imagine the city’s history and dream of antebellum days.
And just like that, their 24 hours in New Orleans comes to a close—well-fed, well-wandered, and already planning their return.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans is a city that pulls you in and never lets go.
Even on a budget, you can eat well, drink well, and experience the best of what makes this city so magical. From beignets in City Park to a walk through Magazine Street, a casual but legendary lunch, a classic Quarter cocktail, and an Uptown dinner to remember, this itinerary is full of the flavors and charm that make New Orleans unforgettable.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.
Sidenote: Where to Find Live Music
No trip to New Orleans is complete without live music. Depending on the vibe you’re looking for, check out Tipitina’s or Maple Leaf Bar for classic local acts, Bacchanal Wine Bar for a relaxed, intimate experience, or Frenchmen Street, where nearly every bar has a live band playing. If you’re in the Quarter, just follow the music—there’s always something happening.
Here are some Addresses to Help You On Your Way
Morning: Beignets, Coffee & a Walk Through City Park
Café du Monde – City Park: 56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Besthoff Sculpture Garden: 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124
Late Morning: Shopping & Wandering on Magazine Street
Piety and Desire Chocolates: 2727 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125
Potsalot Pottery: 3818 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Alex Beard Studio: 3926 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Lunch: Turkey and the Wolf
Turkey and the Wolf: 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Afternoon: A Stroll Through the French Quarter & an Espresso Martini at Fives
Fives (at Jackson Square): 529 St.Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Acme Oyster House: 724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar: 739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dinner: Uptown Eats—Casual or Fancy, Your Choice
Miss Shirley's: 3009 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Saba: 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Atchafalaya: 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Clancy's: 6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Patois: 6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Where to Stay: The Blackbird Hotel
The Blackbird Hotel: 1612 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Morning: Brunch at Beggars Banquet & a Scenic Walk
Beggars Banquet: 1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Sidenote: Where to Find Live Music
Tipitina's: 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Maple Leaf Bar: 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Bacchanal Wine: 600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Frenchmen Street: Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116