I arrived in New Orleans on July 4th. While many say it is recovering from Katrina, I would say the French Quarter is doing well. While I have nothing to compare it to, being my first trip, many establishments were operating while few smaller businesses remained closed.
Not knowing much about the city, I ended up taking many tours. Check any hotel lobby and you will find an array of companies willing to take your money. Some were better than others.
Service varies as well. One international chain stayed open later but treated customers more like an interruption than an opportunity to rebuild. The people were the greatest part of the trip. Walking down the street, it is not unusual to have strangers walking by greeting you. And many were willing to share stories, not only of Katrina, but of life in New Orleans and pride in a very unique culture.
Most will equate the French Quarter with New Orleans, and Bourbon Street as the heart of it all. While I had to at least walk down the street to witness things more extreme than Las Vegas, I found that to spend 30 minutes of people-watching was plenty.
New Orleans is more than the French Quarter. Take a ferry over the Mississippi to Algiers Point or walk through the many art galleries or antique shops. Walk through the garden district and admire the homes and beautiful architecture. Visit a plantation, ride a streetcar, or walk through the quarter and peek through gates to witness the beautiful courtyards. And don't forget to eat.
New Orleans has survived much in their nearly 300 years of existence. Before Katrina, there were fires wiping out much of the city, diseases reducing their population, and many changes in their ownership of the land. Katrina was devastating, but New Orleans is New Orleans. It rose from the ashes to thrive. I will rise from the floods, and again be the city, not only like we have heard it to be, but also the city with many more layer that make it one of a kind.${QuickSuggestions} Talk to the people while in NOLA. They are friendly and eagar to share not only their stories of Katrina, but of the many things that make their city great.
There are many different tour companies around. Some are better than others, but the Historic New Orleans Tours appeared to be less theatrical and more factual. Take advantage of a FREE city walking tour given by the National Park Services. It is limited to 25 people on a first come basis. Be there at the Jean Lafitte Historical Center on Decatur near St. Louis by 9am to get your spot. Since it is done by the National Park Services, you get a lot of the history as well as a tour along the Mississipi River and through the French Quarter.
While staying in the French Quarter, walking is the best way to get around. Pay $5 for a one-day pass or $12 for a three-day pass. This will give you access to the RTA which includes the buses as well as the streetcars. Regualar fares are $1.25 and you must have exact change.
Dress code tends to be fairly casual, but in the nicer restaurants, be prepared to dress up a bit. Some may require ties and/or jackets for the gentlemen.
Look beyond Bourbon street for all that New Orleans has to offer. Get a good travel book and discover the diversity of this city.${BestWay} While staying in the French Quarter, it is really easy to get around on foot. If traveling outside the area, you can purchase a 3-day RTA pass for $5. This is good for the streetcars and the bus line. Getting to and from the airport is as easy as booking a shuttle or a taxi, which is only a dollar or two less, and you don’t have to deal with multiple stops.
From journal Last-Minute Trip to New Orleans