Most people that go to New Orleans and have a terrible experience spend their time on Bourbon Street. With a few exceptions, Bourbon Street is full of karaoke/dance bars meant to appeal to whatever sorority or bachelor party rolled into town. For the most part, the food sucks too. • The map I made should give you an idea of where to find some good live music bars, dive bars and great food off of Bourbon Street that better captures the spirit of the city. • Cash is king! Waiters will not split a check. Also, bartenders won’t know you’re a good tipper if you use a credit card. • The best time to hit the bars is early afternoon. Pace yourself though…and don’t forget dinner. • If someone bets that they can tell you where you got your shoes, tell them: on your feet in New Orleans. • Buy some art. They got some great stuff in Jackson Square and in markets around the Quarter. • Go for a Tarot card reading at night in Jackson Square. It’s a surreal experience. • There are 100 different types of sidewalks in New Orleans and all of them are in a different state of repair. Choose your footwear wisely.
• Take an Uber or a Streetcar. • It’s the #1 attraction in New Orleans. Plan on spending six to eight hours. Definitely do the, “Beyond All Boundaries” show.
• You can walk from the hotel. Its on the other side of Canal Street. • This one is great for kids. It’ll take up about an hour. • It has interactive exhibits about the culture and history of New Orleans. You end the tour by going to the top observation deck. Great 360 view of the city. • Enjoy the elevator ride.
• Take an Uber or the St. Charles Streetcar. • The Garden District is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in America. Its where all the old sugar Baron’s lived and its full of mansions and old oak trees. • Magazine Street is worth a walk. Its full of shops, restaurants and great bars. Hit the Irish Channel. • I highly recommend the Two Chicks Walking tour of the area. Make an online reservation a week in advance. Great tour!
• Call for shuttle bus. They’ll pick you up off of Canal Street (504-361-7821). • It’s a behind the scenes peak of how Mardi Gras floats are made. Plan on spending about two hours while you tour a giant warehouse of cool stuff.
• Streetcars are easier to take than you think…and they are cheap. A one-day Jazzy pass Unlimited rides) is $3. • Download the Le Pass app on your phone. • Get on the St Charles line (corner of Canal & Carondelet) and head to the Garden District.
• This is the center of the French Quarter and is a National Park. • There is a constant flow of street performers and bands. • The St. Louis Cathedral is free to tour. • There are two State museums on the Square: The Cabildo and the Presbytere. Both are available to tour at minimal cost.