4 Days of Southern Charm in Baton Rouge
Discover the charm and hospitality of Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Baton Rouge is a charming southern city in Louisiana, United States, that boasts a rich history and unique cultural heritage. A trip to this city as a tourist would allow you to explore various exciting attractions, including the Louisiana State Capitol, the USS Kidd Museum, and the Baton Rouge Zoo. Additionally, you can indulge in traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine, experience the vibrant local music scene, and take a stroll through the city's stunning botanical gardens.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Check into the charming Hotel Indigo in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge
- Explore the Capital Park Museum and learn about Louisiana’s rich history
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Shaw Center for the Arts
- Indulge in some traditional southern cuisine at the Catfish House
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Coffee Call for their famous beignets
- Rise and shine early for a swamp tour with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours
- Get up close and personal with alligators, snakes and other wildlife
- Take a break from the heat with a visit to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
- Enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ at The Chimes
- Catch a show at the Manship Theatre
- Head to the State Capitol Building for a guided tour
- Take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the top of the Shaw Center
- Wander through the Louisiana Art and Science Museum
- Grab lunch at the beloved grocery store-turned-restaurant, Magpie Café
- Visit the old Louisiana Governor’s Mansion for a glimpse into the state’s past
- Start your day off with some retail therapy at the Mall of Louisiana
- Get pampered at The Retreat Day Spa
- Walk off your lunch with a stroll through the LSU campus and Tiger Stadium
- Pop in to the Brewery for a craft beer or two
- End your trip with a delicious dinner at the upscale Restaurant IPO.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Baton Rouge by plane is to fly to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) which has domestic flights from major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta. From there, take a cab or rent a car to get to your destination.
Car
Driving to Baton Rouge is a great option if you're coming from nearby cities like New Orleans or Lafayette. From New Orleans, take I-10 West, and from Lafayette take I-10 East to get to Baton Rouge. There are several parking options available including metered parking and paid parking lots. Make sure to check traffic reports as traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct train routes to Baton Rouge. However, you can take an Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a bus or cab to Baton Rouge which is about 80 miles away.
Boat
The Mississippi River runs through Baton Rouge, but there are no direct passenger boats available for transportation. However, taking a riverboat tour can be a fun and unique way to experience Baton Rouge and see the city's historical sites from the water.
Bus
Taking a bus from major cities like New Orleans or Houston is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to Baton Rouge. Greyhound and Megabus have daily buses to Baton Rouge from several locations. The Baton Rouge Bus Terminal is located downtown and it is easy to get around from there via cab or public transportation.