New Orleans Student Itineraries

New Orleans is home to cultures and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Students visit the city from all over the world to immerse themselves in our unique history, learn about our way of life and have fun along the way. Use this itinerary as a starting point for your student trip to New Orleans! For themed student itineraries around STEM, music, culinary and other specific interests, contact Rachel Funel in the Tourism Department at rfunel@neworleans.com or 504-566-5018. 

Day One 

French Quarter Walking Tour - After you arrive, begin your adventure in New Orleans with a French Quarter walking tour to familiarize your students with this charming and historic neighborhood.  Friends of the Cabildo provides customizable tours with can't miss stops such as Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark nestled in the center of the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in North America and The Cabildo, once the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer and now home to a Louisiana State Museum. 

Dinner - Enjoy dinner at Landry's French Quarter location, which offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square, in addition to delicious seafood, steaks and Creole dishes. 

Day Two 

City Tour - One of the best ways to get an overview of New Orleans is through a city tour.  Local companies like Gray Line offer terrific driving tours that travel through the city’s unique neighborhoods, each with their own personalities.  You’ll also get the chance to stop at City Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks, and one of New Orleans’ famous above-ground cemeteries.  

*If you have your own motor coach, New Orleans & Company can recommend step-on guides.  

Lunch - Grab a muffuletta at Central Grocery, where the Superdome-shaped sandwich, filled with cured meats, cheese and olive dressing, was invented.  Take it to go and eat it from a bench on the bank of the Mississippi River where you can watch ships on the river go by. 

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - Kids of all ages enjoy the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, one of the top five aquariums in the United States.  See more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators. 

Dinner - Take to the river for an exciting dinner!  Climb aboard the Steamboat Natchez, Paddlewheeler Creole Queen or Riverboat City of New Orleans docked near the French Quarter for a dinner jazz cruise.  Enjoy the beauty of the New Orleans skyline as you savor delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine and listen to live music. 

Day Three 

Destrehan Plantation - This gorgeous historic estate is only a short drive from New Orleans.  Learn about the free and enslaved families that once lived on the plantation, view folk-life demonstrations, explore the grounds and play old time games. You’ll also get to see a document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. 

Lunch - On the way to your next destination, stop for lunch along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain at Frenier Landing Restaurant & Oyster Bar (113 Dottie Lane, Laplace, LA 70068).  The restaurant offers a tempting variety of seafood dishes, as well as great salads, steaks and po-boy sandwiches. 

Swamp Tour - No trip to Louisiana is complete without a swamp tour.  When you’re finished with lunch on the lake, it’s only a 5-minute bus ride to Cajun Pride Swamp Tours.  You’ll get to see the flora and fauna that make up New Orleans’ famous swamps firsthand and may even get the chance to feed and touch alligators! 

Dinner - End your day with dinner at Superior Seafood.  Located directly off the St. Charles streetcar route, this local favorite offers beautiful sites and a great meal.  There’s a great oyster bar, fresh seafood options and a vast menu that offers something for every taste. 

Haunted History Tour - Explore the haunted side of New Orleans on a ghost tour through the French Quarter.  Several companies offer paranormal or educational tours, including Unique NOLA Tours. 

Day Four 

The National WWII Museum - Enjoy a can’t miss stop at The National WWII Museum, which is designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States.  The museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world- why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today- so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. 

Lunch - Located in the Central Business District, Mother’s restaurant serves classic New Orleans homestyle cooking, including gumbo, po-boys, fried seafood, jambalaya, and more. Even breakfast all day!

JAMNOLA - Experience New Orleans’ first experiential pop-up, JAMNOLA (Joy, Art & Music New Orleans), that takes audiences of all ages on a topsy-turvy stroll through the cultural gems that make the city so special.  Enjoy 12 exhibits celebrating the iconic art, music, food and theatrics of New Orleans through the eyes of 20 local artists and creative partners. 

The Historic New Orleans Collection - With three campuses throughout the French Quarter, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans.  Engage with thought-provoking exhibitions to understand the multicultural history of the region and discover the stories that make up New Orleans' collective history. 

Dinner - Treat your group to dinner at Tujague’s Restaurant. It has been a favorite for over 160 years, entertaining and satisfying the appetites of French Quarter patrons and lucky visitors.