Where to go/not go in New Orleans?

Question

I'm going to New Orleans on a business trip. Do you have any suggestions of where to go and where I should avoid? I am staying in the French Quarter the week before Mardi Gras.

Answer 1

I wish this thing allowed us to post maps.

Like the others said, it safe for the most part in the French Quarter. In the Quarter, check out Cafe du Monde, Pat O'Brien's, though just wondering around is interesting. For eating, the Quarter is about the only area of the city that can be hit or miss for food. I'd offer a few favorites but a local may be able to help you when you are there.

In the Quarter, my advice would be to stay on the river-side of Bourbon Street. You also shouldn't cross over Esplanade Avenue as a general rule. Though some people rave about places on the other side of Esplanade, it's too easy for a tourist to end up confused and in a bad, nearby neighborhood.

The Canal Street and Central Business District areas are generally safe, as is the area around the casino. Frankly, I've always thought of the Warehouse District as being safer than the French Quarter. The Warehouse District is the area where Emeril's restaurant is located as well as some really fun night spots.

Uptown New Orleans is my favorite part of town. I'd follow the othe other poster's advice regarding staying close to Magazine and St. Charles Avenue. Generally, the nice areas of uptown are between those two streets. Once you are close to Tulane and Loyola Universities things get a lot safer. That is also the area where the zoo is located.

I think in general that if you feel that you are getting into a bad area, just turn around. If it feels like it's getting worse, it likely is and will continue to get worse if you go straight.

Feel free to contact me for more specific info if needed.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Clam0011... has some pretty good ideas. Please note that the St. Charles streetcar isn't yet running all the way Uptown.

You'll find all kinds of things to do in the Quarter, so you really don't need to go far. Also try one of the carriage rides through the Quarter ($12/ea)--they're chock full of historical info which really helps to give you a sense of the city's past.

If you've got transportation, take a trip Uptown down St. Charles and Prytania to see some really beautiful homes in the area's most affluent neighborhood(Garden District). Walking tours of the area are also available if you'd like to learn more about it.

You'll be quite safe Uptown and in the French Quarter.

There really isn't that much beyond those two areas, although the CBD and Marigny do offer some interesting venues for music.

There also might be guided tours through some of the devastated areas if you were really keen on seeing the aftermath.

You'll find a tourist center on the right as you walk from Cafe du Monde to St. Louis Cathedral.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Some suggestions: Go to NOMA and City Park (New Orleans Museum of Art) which is great, take the St. Charles Streetcar down to the Garden District and then take it to Audobon Park, definately get some chickory coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde. Walk Bourbon Street and the whole French Quarter, do some gambling at Harrah's, take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi, visit some of the above ground cemetaries (one is not far from Commanders Palace in the Garden District). Avoid the Areas directly outside of the French Quarter - it gets a bit sketchy.

Answer 4

Besides the Vieux Carre (French Quarter), you should head upriver into the Garden District. While it's not fully what it was pre-Katrina, it one of the most beautiful areas and is very different in appearance and feel from the Quarter. Others are correct that the St. Charles streetcar is not yet operating (though other cars are), but you can take a bus down St. Charles or Magazine and still see the area. A good destination would be Audubon Park. It's still a lovely park, and the zoo there is one of the best in the world.

Answer 5

If you are truly looking for a fun, fun time..how about the Fisher projects..I hear they are a great place to visit this time of year............

Just turn off at General de Gaulle (off I-10) and sit back and enjoy the fun..dodging bullets always was a favorite pastime of mine...(by the way..all those holes in the concrete divider aren't really from pot shots made at the red light..that's an urban legend)..

Seriously though, wherever you do decide to go..don't breathe too deeply..(NO East especially)..there's still an overwhelming amount of houses sitting there in devastation, still growing mold, from when Katrina roared her way through...

The best advice I could give is pretty much stick to the places that you see other tourists going..i wouldn't be venturing very far out of the quarter. I live about an hour away from the city and I don't even want to visit for Mardi Gras.

Answer 6

I have not been there post-Katrina, but before then this is what I would tell people to see:
You need to go to the French Quarter down by the River-- it's beautiful and full of culture. Anywhere in New Orleans is going to be a bit on the risky side, so always use caution, try not to travel (or appear to) on your own. Cafe Du Mon has the best begnets (sp?) and hot chocolate-- word of advide-- don't breath in a you are eating them-- you will sneeze for sure!!! The River Walk is fun to walk through and watch the ships come in and out.
Ride the street car down st. charles avenue-- the oak trees are gorgeous (this was hit fairly hard by the flooding in Katrina so I have no idea if the natural beauty and charm it had before the hurricane has been affected. I am sure it has somewhat but I don't know to what degree).

Answer 7

Where you are going and staying is the best place to be. Everything you will want or need is at where it is. The French Quarter is New Orleans. Step out of there the fun, glamour,relaxation,food,waterfront,gambling the romance and eligantecy,other than the street cars and old churches there isn,t i guess much left it is to depressing for me to go back.OH Madri Gras too how could i forget.The streets are narrow for easy touring.

Answer 8

althogh im from atlanta, ive been in the new orleans area many times. and ive been living here with my aunt for about a year and a half.

the french quarter and some areas in uptown are nice to visit. if your uptown, visit the garden district. that around St. Charles Ave.

If your in the French Quarter, DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT go anywhere beyond that area. my uncles father stays off of South Claiborne Avenue. that is a place where you do not want to be unless your looking for trouble.

Avoid going to the cemetaries by yourself. do not go at night. if you must venture into the inner city neighborhoods, do so with someone you know who knows the city.

if you follow those rules, you will fall in love with new orleans!

Aaron

Answer 9

I first just want to say that "BlackWhiskeyBlaze" is a total *** for making that comment about the 9th ward! First off, for people who went through Katrina like myself, that is extremely hurtful thing to hear someone say. Sarcasm!
Anyway, the Quarters is the best place to stay and visit. You can go to Metairie where there is a great mall. Outside of there, you will be surprised to see that not much has changed since Katrina thanks to our CRAPPY GOVERNMENT! So, if you don't want to end up sad or depressed, stay in and around the quarters.
You can go on tours, to the zoo, aquarium, museum, shopping, trolley rides, carriage rides, shopping, and delish food too!
Just enjoy!

Answer 10

You should go down on Magazine closer to uptown and the garden district. There are a lot of awesome shops and restaurants owned by locals. Since Katrina business hasn't been as good for the shop-owners. I love the Funky Monkey!