Making the Most of 48 Hours in New Orleans

The Big Easy offers flavorful cuisine, world-class jazz, and amazing architecture. If you're in town for a couple of days for a business trip or weekend getaway, take some time to enjoy a taste of New Orleans' charms. Many of the best spots center around the French Quarter and along the meandering Mississippi River. Read on as we shine the spotlight on some of the key areas.

Jackson Square 

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this oasis of shaded benches and walkways contain alleys overflowing with working artists, impromptu jazz bands, and quaint shops. Named for its prominent statues of Andrew Jackson, who led the city to victory against the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The area features many movies and TV shows. Stroll through St. Louis Cathedral to admire the architecture, ceiling frescoes, and stained glass. Don't leave the square without trying the scrumptious beignets at Café du Monde. 

Café du Monde

This French Quarter institution serves up divine, pillow-like fried fritters known as beignets. Dusted with powdered sugar and served with hot mugs of coffee with chicory and steamed milk (known as café au lait). These delicious treats are a cornerstone of New Orleans street fare. Enjoy them outside on the covered patio, or lounge in air-conditioned comfort inside the café on a steamy day.

French Market

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 365 days a year, the bustling French Market, offers impressive original art and fresh produce. As well as these, there are traditional T-shirts, wallets, and costume jewellery. First established as a market area in 1791, the six-block space features food vendors. You can find the likes of shuck oysters, French bread po' boy sandwiches stuffed with seafood or meat, and sugar and pecan confections called pralines. Why not go along and treat your tastebuds?

Pat O'Brien's

A legendary French Quarter establishment at 718 St. Peter Street since 1942. Enjoy the entertaining "duelling" piano players, grab a seat in the outdoor courtyard for some delightful people watching, or enjoy some rip-roaring sports action on the big screen.

Pat O's, as the locals call it, is famous for its delicious gastronomic delights. Pat O'Brien's offers souvenir T-shirts and signature attire in its gift shop. 

St. Charles Avenue 

Dubbed "The Jewel of America's Grand Avenues" this famous street consists of miles of historic mansions and two esteemed universities, Loyola and Tulane. It is home to the St. Charles Streetcar Line, which has boarding stops every few blocks heading uptown toward Audubon Park and downtown toward the French Quarter. Lined with towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, the avenue takes sightseers on a trip back in time and is the route for many historic Mardi Gras parades.

Live Music

For amazing live jazz, rhythm and blues, Zydeco, or pop, stroll down Bourbon Street to catch an eclectic line-up of bands every night of the year. Check out Preservation Hall for old-fashioned Dixieland jazz or head to the clubs on Frenchmen Street to experience the authentic local scene. Clubs like d.b.a., The Spotted Cat, and Cafe Negril offer plenty of opportunities to get your groove on. If you get hungry, head to Snug Harbor for jazz and an oversized burger.

How do you like to spend your time in New Orleans? Share your favorite spots with us on Facebook and remember to reserve your car rental with Hertz.