My wife and I are going to New Orleans in September. We arrive on a thursday afternoon. How many more full days do you suggest we budget for? Advance thanks to all that we will reply. Btw, we just want to generally hang out in the French Quarter, Garden District, and maybe do a plantation trip visit.

Are you interested in history -- the World War II museum is brilliant, and it could easily take 4 hours to see it all.

I have visited New Orleans twice, once for 4 full days and once for 3 full. Loved both trips!

I think 4 full days is a good visit. This will give you enough time to explore and enjoy the French Quarter and Garden District, plus a day when you can visit the plantation and spend as much time as you'd like there. You could do it in three days for sure, but I think 4 days lets you do what you want without feeling rushed.

In the end, I would just look at some trip reports, decide what you want to see/do/enjoy, and go with your gut. Some people probably spend a week in New Orleans and wish they had more time. I knew a few who spent one day and were eager to go someplace else. I think 3-4 days is a very nice and full visit but, as always, that is based on my own opinion and personal travel preferences.

Have fun! It is a great city!

You'll want to stay more than 3 days. I think Shandy's suggestion of at least 4 days is a good one. Then, on the 4th day you'll wish you had planned to stay another 4! Enjoy your trip. I miss New Orleans daily.

I spent 9 days in NOLA the time I went, and filled it fully with things to do. See the latter posts for what I actually did while there:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...y-184065-2.cfm

4 days is ideal. If you stay longer than 4 days you will never want to leave.

We spent 5 days and that was just about right for us.

hey guys thanks again for all your suggestions.