If you’re wondering whether to get off the ship, trust me, you don’t want to miss the New Orleans cruise port experience.
You’ll be amazed at all the cool things you can do (and eat!) in one day, all within walking distance of the port.
Here’s how to spend a day at the New Orleans cruise port:
Is it Worth Getting off the Ship in New Orleans?
Yes x100000!
And yes, I’m biased.
This is a city full of heart, rhythm, and soul. New Orleans bursts with life in every direction.
It’s truly like nowhere else in the world.
The people are friendly, the food is unforgettable, and it’s one of the easiest places to meet new people.
How Far Is the French Quarter from the Cruise Port?
The French Quarter is only about 1.2 miles from the New Orleans cruise port, which makes it easy to explore without much planning.
Here are the best ways to get there:
- Walk: It takes around 20 minutes and gives you a scenic route along the riverfront.
- Streetcar: Hop on the Riverfront line for an inexpensive and charming ride.
- Taxi or rideshare: Takes less than 10 minutes if you want to save time.
- Bike rental: Several stations nearby make it a quick, active way to explore.
What Is the History of the New Orleans Cruise Port?
The New Orleans cruise port officially opened in 1984 to make the city look nice for the World’s Fair.
Its location on the Mississippi River made it a natural choice for cruise travel, linking the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean and beyond.
Conviently, it sits right beside one of America’s oldest neighborhoods, the French Quarter.
Famous NOLA Pirates
During the early 1800s, New Orleans was loved by outlaws and pirates.
The most famous was Jean Lafitte, a pirate who helped defend New Orleans during the War of 1812.
Today, the pirate’s name is everywhere in NOLA, from streets and parks to a national historic site.
In the Quarter, you can grab a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in America, lit mostly by candlelight, or stop by Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street.
Both bars are former hangouts for Lafitte, where he’d stash money and drugs, and scheme over drinks late into the night.
Best Shore Excursions from the New Orleans Port
There are tons of great excursions that leave directly from the New Orleans cruise port.
Here are five worth checking out:
- Swamp and Bayou Tour: Take an airboat tour through cypress trees and see gators, egrets, and turtles while learning about Cajun culture.
- Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise: A classic and classy ride on the Mississippi River, complete with live jazz and Creole food. Get Steamboat Natchez tickets before you arrive; they almost always sell out.
- Garden District Walking Tour: See the fanciest side of NOLA! Visit mansions, ancient oaks, and film locations while hearing local stories from experts in a Garden District walking tour.
- Haunted History Ghost Tour: Walk the French Quarter after dark and learn about real haunted spots in NOLA, via tour. Or, check out my freeee guide to the 11 most haunted places in New Orleans.
- Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking: Learn to make gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines from locals who know their craft at an affordable price.
Top Things to Do in New Orleans for One Day
If you have just one day in port, theres tons of adventure within walking distance.
Here’s how to maximize your New Orleans cruise port stop:
Visit Jackson Square
Start your day at Jackson Square, the colorful, loudly beating heart of the French Quarter.
This historic plaza buzzes with energy from morning to evening.
You’ll find artists painting live, tarot card readers telling fortunes, and jazz musicians filling the air with music.
Around the square, don’t miss local landmarks like the Cabildo and Presbytère museums.
Read: The Guide to Jackson Square
Hit Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is the life of New Orleans and an absolute must even if you’re only there for a day.
It stretches through the French Quarter, glowing with neon signs, jazz music, and the smell of Cajun food drifting from open doors.
You can drink on the street thanks to the city’s open-container law, which makes the whole street feel like one big (safe) party.
Read: The Bourbon Street Bucket list
Grab Beignets + Coffee at Café du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café du Monde, the city’s most famous coffee stand since 1862.
It’s known for its sugary beignets and strong chicory coffee, and also vampires: Anne Rice described Café du Monde in her books as a hauntingly beautiful corner of New Orleans, and I agree.
It’s haunted me ever since I read the books in high school.
I am very grateful to have traveled to New Orleans so many times; it’s truly the city of my dreams.
Note: Expect to get powdered sugar on everything; it’s part of the charm!
Explore Royal Street for Galleries and Antiques
Royal Street is the French Quarter’s fancy art area, lined with boutiques, galleries, and antiques. You’ll find fine jewelry and historic collectibles, plus tons of local artwork.
If you’re on a budget, buy a print, but otherwise, Royal Street is a pricier shopping trip.
Don’t miss galleries like M.S. Rau Antiques or Mortal Machine.
Read: The Streets of New Orleans
Take a Swamp Tour
If you have a few hours to spare, take a Swamp Tour for a true taste of Louisiana’s wild side. These excursions leave directly from the New Orleans cruise port or nearby pick-up points.
It’s peaceful, adventurous, and unlike anything you’ll find in a port city.
Returning to port afterward, you’ll feel like you’ve explored a completely different world.
Read: How to Take a Swamp Tour in New Orleans
Check Out the French Market for Local Food and Souvenirs
The French Market is a must for anyone who loves locally made stuff.
Stretching over six blocks, this open air market dates started in the 1700s and is filled with food stalls, handmade crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
With plenty of seating and shade, it’s an easy stop for lunch or a shopping break before returning to your ship.
The Market is a short walk from the New Orleans cruise port, right near Café du Monde.
Stop by Preservation Hall for Live Jazz
Nothing says New Orleans like live jazz, and Preservation Hall is the city’s most iconic venue.
Opened in 1961, it remains dedicated to keeping traditional New Orleans jazz alive.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, and worth the trip.
Make sure to arrive early for evening shows, as seating is limited.
Read: How to Visit New Orleans on a Budget
Try a Haunted Walking Tour
If you <3 mystery and history, take a haunted walking tour through the French Quarter.
Guides lead you through narrow streets while telling stories of restless spirits, voodoo queens, and famous murders that shaped the city.
Most tours start just a few blocks from the New Orleans cruise port, making it easy to fit one in before or after dinner.
Sip a Cocktail at the Rotating Carousel Bar
Finish your one-day adventure at the Carousel Bar & Lounge inside Hotel Monteleone, another of the French Quarter’s charming landmarks.
The bar’s rotating carousel slowly turns while you sip craft cocktails in a super cute, vintage setting.
Located about a mile from the New Orleans cruise port, it’s a unique spot to toast your day before heading back to your ship.
Read: My Review of the Carousel Bar
Shop!
Shopping in New Orleans is easy, especially near the port. Here’s where to go:
- French Market: Outdoor stalls selling local food, art, and handmade goods, also some commercial stuff, great for souvenirs.
- Royal Street: Fancy antiques and boutiques.
- Canal Street: Classic brands and easy access on foot.
- Frenchmen Art Market: Local crafts and jewelry.
- Forever New Orleans: Great for stylish souvenirs.
- Trashy Diva Boutique: Vintage-inspired dresses and accessories.
- Garden District Book Shop: Find local authors, plus tons of signed Anne Rice.
Read: Best Souvenirs to Buy from New Orleans
Get Food & Drinks
You cannot visit NOLA without eating your heart out.
These spots are close to the New Orleans cruise port:
- French Market: Great for casual bites and local snacks.
- Café du Monde: Famous for beignets and chicory coffee and vampires.
- Muriel’s Jackson Square: Elegant Creole dishes in a historic building, perfect for daydreaming.
- Brennan’s: This French Quarter classic has been around since the 40s, famous for its dreamy Bananas Foster.
- GW Fins: Fresh seafood and good service.
- Napoleon House: Classic muffuletta (a warm Italian-style sandwich layered with meats, cheese, and olive salad) and Pimm’s Cup (gin-based cocktail with lemon and cucumber).
- Acme Oyster House: A win for oysters and gumbo.
Read: The Food Guide to New Orleans or my Review of Brennan’s
One Day in New Orleans: Cruise Port Itineray
Itinerary 1: All-Day Tour + Food
Morning: Step off the ship and walk straight to Café du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee. Grab a seat facing the street so you can watch brass bands play while you wake up.
Late Morning to Afternoon: Head out for your chosen swamp, haunted or history tour.
Late Afternoon: Come back to the port area and browse the French Market for pralines, spices, and souvenirs.
Evening: End the night with dinner at Muriel’s Jackson Square for tasty Creole dishes or Napoleon House for a muffuletta and a cold Pimm’s Cup before strolling back to your ship.
Itinerary 2: Explore By Yourself with No Tour
Morning: Start at French Truck Coffee for a strong latte, then wander over to Jackson Square to see local artists painting and street musicians playing.
Late Morning: Pop into the St. Louis Cathedral, then explore Royal Street for boutique shopping and beautiful antiques. Take pics of the colorful balconies and streets.
Afternoon: Shop your way through the French Market, grab a po’boy from Coop’s Place, and cool off with a frozen daiquiri as you walk toward Bourbon Street.
Evening: Settle in at Preservation Hall for live jazz or head to the Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone for a nightcap.
New Orleans-Specific Travel Tips
How Safe Is New Orleans?
New Orleans’ main tourist areas, especially the French Quarter, are heavily patrolled by cops on horses and monitored by CCTV.
Stick to well-lit streets, and you’ll find the area around the New Orleans cruise port safe and welcoming.
Use common sense like you would in any major city, and you’ll be fine.
Essentials for Your Day Bag
- A strong, oil-free sunscreen for your face, the Louisiana sun is no joke.
- Cash for tips and small purchases
- Small crossbody bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (also useful if you’re cruising anywhere tropical, I use this one, which also has SPF protection).
- Portable phone charger
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel-size wipes (it’s humid AF in NOLA)
Read: 39 Essential Items Needed for Any Tropical Cruise
Hotels Near New Orleans Cruise Port
Here are five great places to stay near the New Orleans cruise port, each with its own pros:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center: 0.3 miles away, has free breakfast and a cruise shuttle.
- Hilton New Orleans Riverside: 0.4 miles, luxury stay right on the river with two pools.
- Le Richelieu Hotel: 1.2 miles away, charming French Quarter stay with a saltwater pool and easy access to the cruise port.
- Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome: 1 mile, budget-friendly and walkable to major attractions.
- Hotel Monteleone: 1.2 miles, historic French Quarter property with the Carousel Bar.
- Loews New Orleans Hotel: 0.5 miles, upscale rooms with great river views and spa access.
Read: My Unbiased Review of Le Richelieu Hotel in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to park for a cruise to New Orleans?
The official New Orleans cruise port parking lot is the most convenient and secure option.
It’s covered, monitored 24 hours a day, and located steps from the terminal.
You can also find nearby off-site lots that usually have shuttle service to and from the port at a lower cost:
- Fulton Place Garage: (901 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130) — About 0.8 miles from the cruise terminal with a free continuous shuttle to the ship.
- Machu Picchu Cruise Ship Parking: (442 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130) — Roughly 5 minutes (by car) from the port, with free shuttle service and secured parking.
Read: Where to Park in the French Quarter
Can you easily explore the French Quarter on foot from the cruise port?
Yes, the French Quarter is only about 1.2 miles away from the New Orleans cruise port, completely walkable.
The route is scenic and lined with cafés, shops, and iconic landmarks. The Riverfront Streetcar is a quick and inexpensive ride straight into the Quarter.
What are the must-see attractions close to the New Orleans cruise port?
Must-see spots include Jackson Square, the French Market, and Café du Monde, all within walking distance.
You can also visit the Audubon Aquarium and the Shops at Canal Place right next to the port.
How to get from the New Orleans cruise port to the airport?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 15 miles away.
The easiest options are taxis or rideshares, which take around 25 minutes.
Some hotels offer shuttles, and you can also pre-book airport transfers through cruise lines for a smooth trip back.
Check in
What do you plan to do for your one day in New Orleans? Comment below and lmk.
Read More
The Truth About The French Quarter in New Orleans
Road Trip from Dallas to New Orleans
13 Iconic Things To Do in NOLA’s Garden District
5 Coolest Cemeteries in New Orleans
What to Wear in New Orleans by the Month
