The streetcar named Desire became a bus in the 1948, but the streetcar named St. Charles is rumbling on toward its second century. Since the track and all the cars were rebuilt in the 1990’s, they probably WILL make it to their 100th anniversary.
To avoid crowds, it’s best to board at the corner of Canal and Carondelet, where most inbound riders get off. If time permits, continue past the magnificent homes in the Garden District at least as far as Audubon Park (where the Zoo is). It’s a slow trip out and back but you’re riding an historic vehicle --- on varnished wooden seats --- through a historic neighborhood. Get off at Washington St. for the popular Commander’s Palace restaurant.
If you ride to the end, you can save 20-30 minutes by boarding a Tulane bus at Carollton Ave. and taking it back to Canal St.
They say there are three things every tourist must do at least once in New Orleans: Take a late-evening stroll down Bourbon Street with a Hurricane or ‘Po-Boy’ in hand. Have early-morning beignets at a Decatur St. coffee house. And ride the St. Charles streetcar.