new orleans la /first visit

I will be in Biloxi in a few weeks , gonna make a day side trip to new Orleans
I have never been , so what should I do ??
they have a few casinos there .....
there is a cigar store I want to visit , they roll them there
other than that I do not know where to begin or what to do
any suggestions ?

 

When will you be there? We will be there 2/19-22.

 

Suggestions:

1. Make sure you are not just dropping in during Mardis Gras season.

2. Harrah's Casino is the only casino in downtown/French Quarter N.O.

3. There are many one-way streets, and traffic is challenging . Be prepared to pay for parking.

4. There are scores of very good restaurants in N.O. You might go to a website like Yelp & browse.

5. Getting a nicer hotel will be pricey, and probably require a reservation.

6. In the "old days", I always had a map by my side in the car. Then, kept it in my pocket when
walking. Wear comfortable shoes!

7. Check the weather. It rains quite a bit.

8. Although I have been visiting once or twice a year since 1976, I still grab a recently updated guidebook, and browse through it prior to each visit. For instance, the books written prior to
Katrina (2005) can't be trusted.


That's just some thoughts. If you have any specific questions, I will try to follow the thread.

 

I second this very strongly. I hated driving in NO. Find someplace to park near the French Quarter and stick to walking as much as possible. Plus most tourist areas have piped in Jazz music on the streets to give off a fun vibe.

And eat a poboy

 

Two of my favorite subjects rolled into one... vacations and tooting my own horn.

I went to New Orleans two years ago for Mardi Gras. A very detailed trip report (including lots of food comments) is here.

 

New Orleans is an awesome place. You are doing yourself a disservice by only spending a day there.


TFK

 

Ditto. For a single day, I'd almost recommend doing something outside New Orleans and save exploring for when you have at least a long weekend

I love the architecture & the music and will walk around taking photos. Bourbon street is not my thing. Eating good food & listening to good music - yes please

I don't gamble any place other than Vegas (and even there, I don't gamble as much as I used to) We did stop in to Harrahs on our last trip - to see it, grab a chip, and it was on our walk between dinner & our hotel.

 

If you get bored of the 'Frat Boy' feel to Bourbon Street, the Marigny is the next neighborhood over and only a few blocks away. That's where you'll find the best music.

TFK

 

Go to Napoleans for a Pimms cup. Go to Mothers for a po boy. Eat some beignets. Drink some Abita. Those are some good things to do in NOLA.

 

If someone asks "I bet I know where you got dem shoes!" Just smile and walk away.

 

^^ That's some good info right there. Cause they're on you feet. Now give me $10.

 

I second that motion to park and mostly get around by ankle express. Parking can be fairly expensive but if you are willing to gamble for 30 minutes, Harrah's will give you 24 hours of free parking in their garage across the street from their casino. The World War II museum is within walking distance of the casino. It was already great and they just added a whole bunch more to it. If you are into football (especially if you like any of the Manning clan), Manning's is the family restaurant located just down from the Harrah's casino. You can use Total Rewards points to pay for your bill there.

 

I like the idea of free parking at Harrahs
does anyone know how far decateur street is from harrahs ?
the is a cigar store there where they roll them cigars right there , I gotta visit this place !

 

Walk out the front door of Harrahs, walk across Canal Street, turn left, walk up two blocks, turn right onto Decatur.