Luxury New Orleans Itinerary
Indulge in New Orleans’ Most Luxurious Experiences
Indulge in the ultimate luxury getaway in New Orleans, where world-class dining, high-end shopping, and unforgettable experiences await. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, explore the best of New Orleans with lavish spa treatments, custom tours, and exclusive dining options that showcase the city's rich culture and sophistication.
TL;DR: Your Luxury New Orleans Itinerary at a Glance
This itinerary covers the best of luxury New Orleans across three neighborhoods. Start in the French Quarter with brunch at Brennan's, antique shopping on Royal Street, and a custom perfume experience at Tijon. Move to the CBD and Warehouse District for Gallery Row art, fine dining at Restaurant August or the Four Seasons' Chemin à la Mer, and cocktails at the Sazerac Bar. Then head Uptown to the Garden District for jazz brunch at Commander's Palace, boutique shopping on Magazine Street, historic home walking tours, and dinner at Dakar NOLA or La Petite Grocery. Round out your trip with spa time at the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, a VIP Behind the Lines tour at the National WWII Museum, and a stroll through the Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.
The French Quarter
Breakfast
Start your day with New Orleans-style brunch. Brennan’s is a New Orleans icon that celebrates traditions like Mardi Gras through its décor and has an old New Orleans feel with velvet seats and white tablecloths. Order their Eggs Hussarde–a Brennan’s original–with a round of Brandy Milk Punch for the ultimate Brennan’s breakfast.
(1) Brennan's New Orleans Dining Room, (2) Eggs Hussarde - Brennan's, (3) M.S. Rau, (4) Shopping on Royal Street
Shopping
Venture over to Royal Street to shop for antiques and art. Keil’s Antiques or M.S. Rau are great for rare antique pieces and estate jewelry, while Rodrigue Studio and Frank Relle Photography offer modern art.
Custom experiences
Visit Tijon in the French Quarter for a custom perfume-making experience. Each guest receives a lab coat, workbook, and detailed instructions, then chooses from over 300 oils making three perfumes and bottling and naming the one they like best. The most difficult task is naming your perfume.
(1) Jewel of the South, (2) Arnaud's French 75 Bar, (3) Grilled Short Rib's - Emeril's, (4) Balcony Dining at Chemin a la Mer, (5) The Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons New Orleans
Drinks
Known for its nightlife, the French Quarter has an abundance of hot spots to get a drink. Fives in Jackson Square offers premium people-watching in an upscale setting, or settle into the cozy banquettes at the French 75 Bar. In the mood for craft cocktails and caviar? Head over to Jewel of the South, the award-winning "upscale tavern" situated in a beautifully renovated Creole cottage from legendary mixologist Chris Hannah.
CBD and Warehouse District
Shopping
Julia Street is a must for art collectors or art lovers. Gallery Row offers a collection of art galleries with more than a dozen galleries featuring local and emerging artists. Shop for paintings, sculptures and photography to add that New Orleans touch to your home in the premier arts district of the city.
Dining
Many award-winning restaurants are located in this popular area. Restaurant August, Emeril’s, and Herbsaint offer upscale dishes and have extensive wine lists. Visit the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans to dine at Miss River, Chemin à la Mer, and the Chandelier Bar.
Drinks
Whiskey drinks have found their match at the Sazerac Bar, while those looking for something more laid-back may enjoy the Polo Club Lounge. For live music, check out Jeremy Davenport at the Davenport Lounge. In the mood for something romantic? The sultry red walls and sophisticated-yet-sexy library aesthetic of Salon Salon is the perfect stop for a pre-or-post-dinner drink.
Uptown/ Garden District
Brunch
Start your day with milk punch and live jazz at Commander’s Palace, where you can dine like royalty in their exclusive wine room. Or if you’re looking for something a little more casual that still feels sophisticated, you can opt for nearby Atchafalaya.
Shopping
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that Uptown is where to find some of the best boutique shopping in the city. Magazine Street has a collection of clothing stores, art galleries, home goods, and high-end furniture finds. Some favorites include Alex Beard Studio, Mac Maison, Villa Vici, Leontine Linens, Pilot/Powell, and SoSusu.
Garden District Tours
Admire the beautiful architecture throughout the Garden District and Uptown area by taking a walking tour. Two great options are New Orleans Architecture Tours and Tours by Judy.
NewOrleans.com Insider Tips
Garden District Walking Tours: Historic Homes, Routes & What to See
The Garden District is one of the most walkable luxury experiences in New Orleans. A typical walking tour begins near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Prytania Street, winding past iconic landmarks like the Buckner Mansion, the Brevard-Rice House (sometimes called the "Rosegate" house for its distinctive fence), and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Most guided tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours and cover roughly 1.5 miles at a relaxed pace.
For a guided experience, Soul of NOLA Private Tours of New Orleans offers private, customizable walking tours that let you set the pace and focus on the architecture, gardens, and history that interest you most. New Orleans Architecture Tours and Tours by Judy are also excellent options. Before or after your walk, stop into The Garden District Book Shop on Washington Avenue, a beloved independent bookstore with a strong local-interest section. If you prefer to explore on your own, pick up a copy of a Garden District walking guide there and follow Prytania Street south from First Street to enjoy some of the district's grandest Greek Revival and Italianate mansions at your own pace.
Dinner
You can’t go wrong at local favorites such as Clancy’s, Brigtsen’s, or Gautreau’s, each of which are nestled within the Uptown neighborhood off the beaten path. Or you can always try Magazine Street staples like the James Beard Award-winning La Petite Grocery or Lilette. Dakar NOLA in the Riverbend offers one seating per night for their multi-course Senegalese dining experience, and holds the honor of having been named the Best New Restaurant in America at the 2024 James Beard Awards.
(1) Columns Hotel, (2) Chapel Club - Hotel Saint Vincent, (3) Cure, (4) Besthoff Sculpture Garden, (5) Four Seasons Spa - New Orleans
Drinks
This neighborhood has several cozy spots to grab a drink. Whether it’s date night or a night out with friends you can’t go wrong with the James Beard Award-winning Cure or Bouligny Tavern. Both the Chapel Bar and Paradise at the Hotel Saint Vincent also provide exceptionally lush backdrops for sipping signature cocktails. If the weather is nice, enjoy wine on the patio at Delachaise, or craft cocktails on either the rooftop veranda at Hot Tin or the grandiose front porch of The Columns Hotel Bar.
Miscellaneous
Spas
Traveling can be exhausting, but New Orleans has four premier spas in the downtown and French Quarter area to get some R&R. The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers a wide array of treatments, including the "Southern Gentlemen," a therapeutic massage inspired by New Orleans' most famous cocktail, the Sazerac. The Ritz Carlton Spa, Spa at the Windsor Court, and Waldorf Astoria Spa are also great escapes in the downtown and French Quarter area. If you need a break from Magazine Street shopping, book an appointment at Earthsavers.
Museums
Head over to City Park and explore NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden for inspiring exhibits and beautiful gardens.
(1) The National WWII Museum, (2) New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, (3) New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, (4) Tales of the Cocktail
For history buffs, the National WWII Museum is a must. It was voted #2 best museum in the world and offers the Behind the Lines VIP tour, which gets you a behind-the-scenes view of the museum and access to some of the most exclusive artifacts.
Festivals
New Orleans is full of festivals year-round, and many offer VIP experiences. The Jazz and Heritage Festival offers exclusive packages for those wanting a more luxurious experience. Foodies will also love the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and Tales of the Cocktail.
Fine Dining
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Luxury New Orleans FAQs
Your questions, answered.
How many days do you need for a luxury New Orleans itinerary?
Most travelers spend 3 to 4 days to comfortably cover the French Quarter, CBD/Warehouse District, and Uptown/Garden District luxury experiences in this itinerary. Add an extra day if you want unhurried spa time or a VIP festival experience.
What's the best neighborhood for a luxury stay in New Orleans?
Where can I get a custom perfume-making experience in New Orleans?
Tijon in the French Quarter offers a custom perfume-making experience where guests choose from over 300 oils to create and bottle their own signature scent.
What are the best fine-dining restaurants for a splurge in New Orleans?
Top splurge-worthy options include Commander's Palace, Restaurant August, Dakar NOLA, and Four Seasons' Chemin à la Mer.
See our full splurge-worthy restaurant guide for more.
What spas are best for a luxury New Orleans trip?
The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Windsor Court Spa, and Waldorf Astoria Spa are the city's four premier downtown and French Quarter spas.
See More of the Best Spas in New Orleans
Are there private or VIP tours available in New Orleans?
Yes — Soul of NOLA offers private, customizable walking tours of the Garden District, and the National WWII Museum offers a Behind the Lines VIP tour with exclusive artifact access.
See More Bespoke Travel Experiences in New Orleans