- The French Quarter is the historic heart—Bourbon Street is wild, Royal Street is elegant.
- Frenchmen Street is where the locals go for real live jazz (Spotted Cat, d.b.a.).
- Cafe du Monde is mandatory for beignets and chicory coffee (open 24/7).
- Garden District has stunning antebellum mansions and the famous Lafayette Cemetery.
- Mardi Gras is the biggest party, but Jazz Fest is just as good for music lovers.
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When to go: Spring or Fall
February-May is festival season (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest). Weather is perfect.
Summer is hot, humid, and rainy. Hurricane season is June-Nov.
- Best: Feb-May.
- Mardi Gras: Feb/Mar.
- Summer: Steamy.
Getting there: Taxi or Uber
Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) is 20 mins away. Taxis have a flat rate ($36 for 2 people) to the Quarter.
Uber/Lyft is also available. The E1 bus is cheap but slow.
- Taxi: Flat rate.
- Uber: Convenient.
- Bus: Cheap option.
Where to stay: Quarter or Marigny
French Quarter is central but noisy. Marigny/Bywater is hipster and near the music.
Garden District is quiet and romantic. CBD is good for modern hotels.
- Quarter: Action.
- Marigny: Music.
- Garden District: Charm.
What to see: Music and Mansions
Walk the French Quarter. Take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District.
Visit the WWII Museum (it's huge). Listen to jazz at Preservation Hall.
- French Quarter: History.
- Streetcar: Iconic ride.
- WWII Museum: World class.
- Preservation Hall: Jazz.
Food: Gumbo and Po-Boys
Eat Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Crawfish Etouffee. Po-Boys (sandwiches) are lunch staples.
Beignets (fried dough) are for breakfast or late night. Cocktails (Sazerac, Hurricane) are strong.
- Gumbo: Stew.
- Po-Boy: Sandwich.
- Beignet: Donut.
- Crawfish: Boiled (in season).
Getting around: Streetcar and Walk
The Streetcars are fun and cheap ($1.25). Walking is best in the Quarter.
Uber is good at night. Don't rent a car (parking is expensive).
- Streetcar: Historic.
- Walk: Best way.
- Car: Not needed.
Budget: Moderate
Hotels can be expensive during festivals. Food and drink are reasonable.
Music often has a cover charge or tip jar.
- Hotels: High during events.
- Food: Good value.
- Music: Bring cash for tips.
2 Days in NOLA
Day 1: French Quarter. Cafe du Monde. Royal Street antiques. Jackson Square. Preservation Hall jazz.
Day 2: Garden District. Take the streetcar. Walk past mansions. Lunch at Commander's Palace (martini lunch). Evening on Frenchmen Street.
- Day 1: Quarter & Jazz.
- Day 2: Mansions & Music.
- Night: Frenchmen St.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Tourist areas are safe, but crime exists. Stay in groups at night and avoid dark streets.
Can I drink on the street?
Yes! As long as it's in a plastic cup ('Go Cup').
When is Mardi Gras?
It changes every year (47 days before Easter). Usually Feb or early March.