New Orleans

Introduction

Float at New Oleans Marde Gras

© donvega

New Orleans, Louisiana, was settled by the French, then blended with countless other European, West African, Native American and West Indies cultures to create a truly unique city. The blend of cultures and languages gives the city amazing food, architecture, music and a one of a kind Mardi Gras. New Orleans is also considered the birth place of jazz!

The city was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company and it grew quickly. The Spanish took control in 1763 until the French took it back in 1801. Many buildings in the French Quarter (Vieux Carré) date from the Spanish period. Napoleon sold the city to the USA in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

During the war of 1812 the famous battle of New Orleans happened between the British and the Americans, which was actually fought after the war was over. As the 19th century progressed the city grew and was spared most of the horrors of the US Civil War because the Union retook the city early in the war.

New Orleans grew during the early 20th century but after the 1950s the economy began to slow down. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina slammed into the city causing the greatest civil engineering disaster in USA history. After the flood walls and levees failed over 80% of the city flooded and over 1,500 people died in the state of Louisiana. This city has slowly started to rebuild itself and is open to tourism again. The most famous events of Mardi Gras and The Jazz and Heritage Festival have never been canceled or relocated.

Neighbourhoods

New Orleans sits on a strip of land between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) from where the Mississippi drains into the Gulf of Mexico, at a point where the Mississippi River bends.

Instead of using compass directions to navigate, most people in New Orleans use the geography of the region to give directions. Lakeside means heading towards Lake Pontchartrain, Riverside means heading towards the Mississippi River. Downtown is with the direction of the river flow, and uptown is heading up river.

French Quarter

Bright Houses, French Quarter

© GregW

The French Quarter is the oldest part of New Orleans, and many of the buildings date back to the early 1800s, after a number of devastating fires in the late 1700s. Bounded by the Mississippi River, Canal Street, Rampart Street and Esplanade Avenue, the French quarter makes up about 90 blocks, and is an excellent place to walk. Along the river is the Moon Walk, a nice stroll along the riverfront. Across the Riverfront streetcar tracks, is the French Market, a market with arts and crafts shops. Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter, anchored by the massive St. Louis Cathedral and Cabildo, sight of the ratification of the Louisiana Purchase. Royal Street and Bourbon Street provide a number of restaurants, bars and clubs to fill any desire, while the various other streets in the quarter provide a quieter refuge with an opportunity to look at the mix of French and Spanish colonial buildings.

Garden District and Uptown

Along the stretch between St. Charles Street and Magazine Street, from Jackson to Louisiana Avenue is the Garden District, an area of historic homes originally settled by Americans after the Louisiana purchase. Walking through its tree lined avenues, you will see Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian mansions. Magazine Street has a number of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in a relaxed atmosphere, providing a break from the somewhat hectic pace of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Tulane University and Layola University are located in this area.

Central Business District

Uptown from the French Quarter across Canal Street, the Central Business District (CBD) has a number of hotels and is the home to Harrah's Casino, the Riverwalk, the Convention Center and the cruise ship port. The Warehouse District, located within the CBD, is an area undergoing a revitalization, with a number of art galleries interspersed with restaurants. The CBD is also home to the Superdome and New Orleans Arena, home to the NFL football New Orleans Saints and NBA basketball Hornets.

Faubourg Marigny

Downriver from the French Quarter across Esplande Avenue, Marigny is home to many artists and other hip, young urbanites, and is the heart of New Orleans' gay and lesbian community. A number of bars provide the opportunity to see young, alternative bands, providing a counterpoint to the blues, country and classic rock of the bars along Bourbon Street.

Sights and Activities

French Quarter,New Orleans

© Reece Sanford

French Quarter

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré in French, is the most popular tourist sight in New Orleans. This area of the city is centered around the original settlement of the city founded in 1718. Bourbon Street, the center for Mardi Gras, runs the length of the quarter and home to amazing buildings, several bars and restaurants. However there is much more to explore in the French Quarter other than bars, jazz clubs and voodoo.

• Jackson Square is a large square and nice green space. St. Louis Cathedral is the church located on Jackson Square, along with the Cabildo, the sight of the ratification of the Louisiana Purchase, now a museum.
• The French Market is a market along the river selling arts, crafts and Creole and Cajun cooking ingredients. The market is anchored by Cafe du Monde, famous for their fried pastry beignets and coffee and chicory.
• Audubon Aquarium of the Americas provides a fun family day, with a massive aquarium, insectarium and IMAX theatre.

Outside the French Quarter

In the Central Business District:

• Harrah's Casino provides gamblers a chance to get their fix. While it is odd to walk through a casino that is "New Orleans' Mardi Gras" themed while standing in the city it is themed on, it is still a nice casino.
• The Superdome, a 27-story-tall stadium seating 76,000, is home to the New Orleans' Saints of the NFL. Games are usually on Sundays with the occasional Saturday, Thursday or Monday game. The team may not be great, though they have an exciting player in Reggie Bush and the fans are very passionate about their team, inexplicably screaming "WHO DAT?" as often as they can.
• The National World War II Museum was the vision of famed writer and historian Stephen Ambrose, and was awarded the designation “America’s National World War II Museum” by the United States Congress in 2003. The museum's exhibits focus on the events leading up to the D-Day invasions in Normandy, and include an exhibit detailing the Higgins boat, the amphibous landing craft that played a crucial role in the beach invasions and was designed and built in New Orleans.
• Towards the lake, in the area called Mid-City, you will find City Park. If the park's attractions, including the http://www.noma.org/New Orleans Museum of Art, a statue garden, a botanical garden and a children's play area don't interest you, at least the park is a nice place for an afternoon stroll.
• Across the river in Algiers, which can be reached by a free ferry at the foot of Canal Street, is Mardi Gras World. Housed in the factories of one of the key producers of Mardi Gras floats, this attraction boasts tours to see the floats being made. If you can't be in New Orleans to see Mardi Gras parades, this might be the next best thing. A bus will pick you up at the Algiers ferry dock and take you to the sight. Admission is $17 for adults.

Cemeteries

Cemetary crying statue

© GregW

Due to the high water table and frequent rains, burying bodies in the ground is not advisable in New Orleans, as they tend to float up to the surface. This is a lesson that early residents of the city found, and so they started burying their dead in crypts above the ground. Today, these above ground cities of the dead are one of the most indelible images of the city.
However, some of the cemeteries are in bad areas of town, and the above ground crypts make it hard to see any potential threats to your safety. Therefore, for many of the cemeteries you will be advised not to travel into without a guide. Luckily, many companies provide tours of the cemeteries. There are a few cemeteries in nicer parts of town that you can visit on your own, independently, however you always travel at your own risk and should keep your wits about you.
Those where visitors should travel with a guide include St. Louis Number 1 and St. Louis Number 2. St. Louis Number 1 is the oldest cemetery in town and has some of the most elaborate crypts. The cemetery is famous for being featured in the movie Easy Rider, as well as being the place where Anne Rice's vampire Louis, from the Vampire Chronicles, is buried. For those more independently minded, St. Louis Number 3 (near City Park) and Lafayette cemetery (in the Garden District) are relatively safe, though be careful when travelling through, and if possible travel in a group.

Out of Town

• Located in St. Bernard Parish, the Chalmette Battlefield is the sight of the historic Battle of New Orleans, where American forces led by Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte routed British troops and secured the city of New Orleans. Sadly for those killed or wounded in the battle, the war of 1812 had come to an end two weeks earlier, but news had not yet reached the front. The battlefield also includes an interpretation centre and a historic plantation house. Admission is free.
• French settlers kicked out of Canada by the British mid-1700s eventually found a home in Louisiana. From an area of Canada they called Acadia, they became known as Cajuns, and settled into a rural lifestyle centered around the town of Lafayette, west of Baton Rouge. Today, Cajun Country provides visitors the chance to experience the food, music and culture of this unique set of Americans.
• Heading along the River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, visitors will find a number of Plantation tours, providing the opportunity to see what life was like on a pre-Civil War plantation. Laura, a Creole Plantation and Oak Alley Plantation are two that get consistent good reviews.

Events and Festivals

Holidays

• New Year’s Eve - The US celebrates the outgoing of the old year and incoming of the New Year quite dramatically. Every state boasts its own parties to ring in the New Year, but none is more extravagant than New York’s Time Square, which sees people overflowing into the neighboring restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
• St Patrick’s Day - March 17 celebrates the US’s large Irish population. Many cities around the country boast boisterous parades and Irish-themed parties, especially New York and Chicago, where the river is dyed green. Be wary of the drunkenness that dominates as this is definitely a party-day.
• Memorial Day - Memorial Day is an important holiday throughout the United States, but not for crazy festivities. Parades commemorating wartime heroes are often held and the day is also the ‘unofficial’ start of summer. Most visitors follow the crowds to parks and beaches, which are capped off with informal BBQs.
• Independence Day - Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrates the US’s break from the British during the 18th century. Barbecues, street parties, beach trips, and weekend getaways are commonplace to appreciate freedom.
• Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. It is recognized as a federal holiday. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.
• Halloween - Halloween is a fun holiday on October 31 for all generations to dress up in costumes and relive their youth. Children walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating for candy, while adults attend parties. Other seasonal events include haunted houses, pumpkin farms and carving, and corn mazes.
• Thanksgiving - On the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is held in almost every home in the US. Tourists will have a hard time finding anything to do as the country essentially shuts down in observation. A typical Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie commemorating the original Pilgrim’s feast at Plymouth Rock.
• Christmas - On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas as the pinnacle of their calendar by attending church and opening gifts from Santa Claus. Almost everything shuts down to promote family togetherness. The northern regions hope to experience a “white Christmas,” with trees and festive lights blanketed by snow.

Sport

• Super Bowl Sunday - the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the highest grossing TV days of the year, Superbowl Sunday is a spectacular extravaganza. Held the first Sunday in February, the Superbowl is the final playoff game between the NFL’s top two teams. The venue rotates every year around America, yet the local parties seem to remain. Pubs, bars and restaurants are great places to enjoy the Superbowl or locals throw their own parties with different variations of betting.
• The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff, and the winning team is awarded the Commissioner's Trophy. As the series is played during the fall season in North America, it is sometimes referred to as the Fall Classic.

Mardi Gras

When most people think New Orleans they think Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras basically is the celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent. Although it refers to the events of the Carnival celebrations, Mardi Gras itself typically culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Popular festival events are wearing masks and costumes, dancing and parades. The parades are organized by the Krewes and they travel on large floats tossing beads to the crowds. No one knows the exact year this festival started but by 1743 it was in full swing. Mardi Gras is celebrated mainly in South and North America and other famous ones include those in Rio de Janeiro, Barranquilla, Port of Spain, Quebec City and Mazatlán.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, started in 1970, is an annual festival that celebrates every kind of music associated with New Orleans or Louisiana. This includes music like jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, cajun music, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country music and bluegrass. The festival is held during the day from 11:00am to 7:00pm on the Fair Grounds Race Course, a horse racing track, on two consecutive weekends. These are the last weekend of April, from Friday through Sunday and the first Weekend in May, Thursday through Sunday.

Other Events and Festivals

New Orleans has festivals and events year round. A calendar of events can be found at the New Orleans tourism website.

Weather

Located in the southern part of the USA, New Orleans is never really cold. Winter sees temperatures in the 60 °F to 70 °F, climbing throughout the spring until summer, where highs are in the 90 °F to 100 °F range, before falling throughout autumn and into winter. Rain can occur any time during the year, but the summer months (June to September) are the wettest. As witnessed by Hurricane Katrina, the city does get hit by hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June until November.

Getting There

New Orleans Riverboat

© blytonrtw

By Plane

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is a large international airport serving an average around 10 million passengers a year. It is also the second lowest airport in the world only sitting at 4.5 feet (1.5 metres) above sea level. It is possible to get direct flights to most major USA cities, especially the ones in the south. There are a few international flights, mainly to Central America and Mexico. The main destinations include Mexico City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Houston, New York City, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, Denver, Kansas City, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando, Nashville, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Charlotte.

To/from the airport

• Bus: From the airport, public transit runs to the Central Business District. The E-2 Airport Bus goes to Tulane and Loyola Avenues in downtown New Orleans, which is two blocks from Canal Street. The fare on this bus is $1.60 one-way. The bus is operated by Jefferson Transit, which is not the same operator that runs buses within New Orleans, so transfers to New Orleans services require an additional fare. Schedules can be found at the Jefferson Transit website.
• Car: A taxi to the French Quarter will cost approximately $30. An airport shuttle service runs to the major hotels for $13 per person one-way. Rental cars are available at the airport as well.

By Train

Amtrak provides service into New Orleans, with the station being at 1001 Loyola Ave, near the Superdome in the Central Business District. Trains run from New Orleans to Chicago (City of New Orleans service), New York (Crescent service) and Los Angeles (Sunset service). The station includes a checked baggage service.

By Car

Major highways into New Orleans include the I-10, I-55, US 90 and US 61.

By Bus

Intercity buses arrive at the train station, 1001 Loyola Avenue, near the Superdome in the Central Business District. Greyhound buses serve the city.

By Boat

The cruise ship terminal is located in the Central Business District, at the end of the Riverwalk mall, at the foot of Julia Street, on the Mississippi River.

Getting Around

By Car

Driving in the city can be hard, especially in the French Quarter where streets are narrow, parking is limited and pedestrians are plentiful and often drunk. Cabs are frequent and inexpensive, and many sights are within walking distance, so the need for a car for a tourist is limited.
Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA, or often just RTA) operates streetcars and buses within New Orleans. There are three streetcar routes, one along St. Charles from Canal Street to Carrollton Avenue, one along Canal Street to City Park and the cemeteries, and one along the River from the French Market to Riverview. RTA routes and schedules can be found on their website. Rides cost $1.25, with a transfer costing an additional $0.25. Unlimited one day and three day passes are available for $5 and $12 respectively.

Jefferson Transit also runs some routes that could be of use to travellers in the area, specifically the bus to the airport. Check out the Jefferson Transit website for details on fares, routes and schedules.

By Foot

New Orleans is an excellent city for walking, mostly flat and well-laid out in a grid. The French Quarter, Central Business District, Garden District and Faubourg Marigny are all safe to walk, though caution should always be exercised, especially at night. Most hotels provide maps of these areas.

By Bike

The entire city can easily explored by bicycle, hills are non existent and many different styles of neighborhood architecture can be seen without trouble. The cities two major parks, Audubon Park and City Park, along with the hurrican ravaged lower ninth ward are good destinations for those looking for an adventurous ride. Bicycle Michaels and Confederacy of Cruisers both rent bikes. Confederacy of Cruisers also offers guided bicycle tours of the city.

Eat

For a city on water, it is not surprising that seafood is one of the key dishes in New Orleans. As a port city, many different cultures have come through and put their stamp on the food in the area, so Creole cooking is a hybrid of many cultures, with spices, ingredients and flavours from around the world.

French Quarter

Po' Boy Sandwich

© GregW

A favourite breakfast for those in New Orleans is the beignet, a deep fried pastry covered with powered sugar. Cafe du Monde, on Decatur Street at the end of the French Market by Jackson Square is famous for its beignets, usually served with a cafe au lait made with their signature coffee and chicory blend.

For lunch, a po'boy sandwich can feed a hungry stomach. In 1929, New Orleans’ streetcar drivers went on strike. Sympathetic to their cause, restauranteurs Clovis and Benjamin Martin created an inexpensive sandwich to serve the striking workers. They put roast beef and gravy on a piece of French bread, and served them out the back of the restaurant to the streetcar drivers. When one of them would approach the back door, the kitchen workers would call for a sandwich by saying, "here comes another poor boy!". Soon enough, the sandwiches gained the nickname po’ boys. Many places serve po'boys, but Johnny's Po' Boys at 511 Saint Louis St in the French Quarter gets good reviews.

Another sandwich option is the Muffuletta, a mixed-meat sandwich served on a massive loaf of bread. In 1906 the Central Grocery's Sicilian owner started serving the sandwiches with capicola, salami, mortadella, emmenthal, and provolone on a muffuletta bread, which gave the sandwich its name. The Central Grocery is at 923 Decatur St., about a block from Jackson Square. The full sandwich is massive, so unless you have a big appetite or are sharing, think about getting a half.

Traditional Cajun cuisine can be found in many of the restaurants in New Orleans. The Acme Oyster House, known for its raw and chargrilled Louisiana oysters, also offers gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. The restaurant was established in 1910, and has been at its present location, 744 Iberville Street in the French Quarter, since 1924.

Drink

French Quarter

In the 1830s, Antoine Amadie Peychaud, a New Orleans pharmacist started dispensing a combination of cognac and bitters in an egg cup, known in French as a "coquetier". It is a corruption of that word that gave the world the name cocktail. Many recipes were developed based on that first cocktail, including one at The Sazerac Coffee House, and today these original cocktails are known as Sazeracs. Though the Sazerac bar is still closed post-Katrina, the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street is a nice place for a good cocktail. The bar not only looks like a merry-go-round, it also rotates slowly, doing a full cycle in about 15 minutes.

Pat O’Briens on St. Peter Street is home to the Hurricane. Invented in the 1940s as a way to get rid of surplus rum, the Hurricane has become one of New Orleans' most famous drinks. In an attempt to sell some of those massive stocks of excess rum on hand, Pat O’Brien started experimenting with potential drinks to drive sales. They eventually came across a successful recipe of rum, lime juice and passion fruit syrup that was served over ice in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. The shape of the glass ended up giving the drink its name. The drink contains 4 ounces of alcohol, so take it easy! The drink is $7, and for an additional $3, you can keep the souvenir glass.

Created specifically to compete with the Hurricane on the strength scale, the Hand Grenade comes with 5 ounces of alcohol, making it the “most powerful drink” in New Orleans, as the Hurricane only has 4 ounces of alcohol. The 5 ounces of booze is mixed with a secret mix, and is served at the Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street. The drink is very sweet, and not to everyone's taste.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, at 941 Bourbon Street, is in a building that is believed to be the oldest in the Mississippi value. Jean Lafitte was a pirate during French and Spanish rule. Lafitte opened up a “blacksmith shop” in the French Quarter to trade in plundered and illegal goods, including alcohol. The building is still standing in the French Quarter, one of the few buildings dating back before the fires in late 1700s. Today it is a bar, and fitting with the old building, has little electric light inside, making it a magical place for a drink at night.

Sleep

• Andrew Jackson Hotel, 919 Royal St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 561-5881, toll-free: +1-800-654-0224. Enjoy and relax in one of the rooms and suites overlooking the tropical courtyard. Is also one of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter.
• The Astor Crowne Plaza, 739 Canal St (at Bourbon St), ☎ +1 504 962-0500, toll-free: +1-888-696-4806, fax: +1 504 962-0503. edit
• Bienville House, 320 Decatur St (between Bienville and Conti Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-2345, toll-free: +1-800-535-9603, fax: +1 504 525-6079. Lovely courtyard, pool and balconies.
• Bourbon Orleans, 717 Orleans St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-2222, fax: +1 504 571-4666. Built in 1817 in the heart of the French Quarter.
• Chateau Dupre Hotel, 131 Decatur St (between Canal and Iberville Sts), ☎ +1 504 569-0600, toll-free: +1-888-538-5666. This 80-year-old inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its elegant lobby.
• Cornstalk Hotel, 915 Royal St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-1515, toll-free: +1-800-759-6112, e-mail: [email protected].
• Dauphine Orleans Hotel, 415 Dauphine St (between Conti and St Louis Sts), ☎ +1 504 586-1800, toll-free: +1-800-521-7111, fax: +1 504 586-1409. An unforgettable hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Its historic townhouse walls and a palm-filled courtyard surround you with luxury in a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere.
• Historic French Market Inn, 501 Decatur St (at St Louis St), ☎ +1 504 561-5621, toll-free: +1-888-538-5651. Great location with reasonable rates, it's known for its courtyard atmosphere.
• Iberville Suites, 910 Iberville St (between Burgundy and Dauphine Sts), ☎ +1 504 523-2400, toll-free: +1-866-229-4351, fax: +1 504 524-1321. Caters to business, leisure, family, and is also gay/lesbian friendly. Spacious suites with huge bed, kitchen, large bathroom, living room with fold out, and 2 TVs. Valet parking, free bell-hop, lots of amenities, and free breakfast. They also feature fantastic massages at their spa.
• Inn on Bourbon, 541 Bourbon St (at Toulouse St), ☎ +1 504 524-7611, toll-free: +1-800-535-7891, e-mail: [email protected]. A beautiful historic hotel located on the site of the old French Opera House. Notable for its balconies overlooking Bourbon and Toulouse Streets and a beautiful courtyard with pool.
• Holiday Inn Chateau LeMoyne, 301 Dauphine St (at Bienville St), ☎ +1 504 581-1303, fax: +1 504 523-5709. An historic hotel occupying what were four 19th-century townhomes.
• Lafitte Guest House, 1003 Bourbon St (at St Philip St), ☎ +1 504 581-2678. A boutique hotel in the residential area of Bourbon Street. Visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street as well as a retreat into their own personal French Quarter home.
• Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St (at Iberville St), ☎ +1 504 523-3341, toll-free: +1-866-338-4684, fax: +1 504 528-1019. In an elegant early-20th century sky-scraper (the only one within the confines of the Quarter itself, just constructed just before large new constructions were prohibited here) has long been one of the top upscale Quarter hotels. The hotel includes a rooftop heated pool with views of the skyline and an award-winning restaurant, the Hunt Room Grill. $175-$350.
• Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St Louis St (between Royal and Chartres Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-5333, toll-free: +1-888-444-6664, fax: +1 504 529-7089. The Omni Royal Orleans has been a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award for the past 27 years.
• Royal Barracks Guest House, 717 Barracks St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 529-7269, toll-free: +1-866-630-7781, fax: +1 504 529-7298. Every room features a queen-sized bed, private bath and fireplace, and private entrance to the courtyard.
• The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St (at Bienville St), ☎ +1 504 586-0300, fax: +1 504 586-0335.
• The Saint Louis Hotel, 730 Bienville St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 581-7300, toll-free: +1-800-535-9111. Luxurious furnishings, with a beautiful courtyard.
• Hotel St. Pierre, 911 Burgundy St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 524-4401, toll-free: +1-800-225-4040. Embodies the architecture and ambiance of the 18th-century French Quarter.
• Ursuline Guest House, 708 Ursuline Ave (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 525-8509, toll-free: +1-800-654-2351. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. 13 guest rooms, each with private bath, ceiling fan, air conditioning/heating, cable television and wireless Internet access. $69-$235.
• Maison Dupuy, 1001 Toulouse St (at Burgundy St), ☎ +1 504 586-8000, toll-free: +1-800-535-9177, fax: +1 504 525-5334. This hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a real New Orleans atmosphere; renovated historic homes surround what is now the courtyard with a fountain and pool.
• Hotel Royal, 1006 Royal St (at St Philip St), ☎ +1 504 524-3900, toll-free: +1-888-776-3901, fax: +1 504 558-0566. On the finest shopping street in the French Quarter, this hotel has a European feeling complemented by authentic laced iron balconies, high ceilings with fans, and enclosed courtyards with fountains.
• French Quarter Landmark Hotel (Best Western), 920 N Rampart St (between Dumaine and St Philip Sts), ☎ +1 504 524-3333, fax: +1 504 523-5431. Within walking distance of the hotel, explore the historic, artistic and eclectic charms around you.
• Hotel Le Marais, 717 Conti St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 525-2300, toll-free: +1-800-935-8740. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A heated saltwater courtyard pool and breakfast area.
• Place D'Armes, 625 St Anne St., toll-free: +1-800-366-2743. Beautiful historic hotel in the quarter. They have interior rooms (no windows) that are a great bargain to stay in an incredible space.
• Hotel Maison de Ville, 727 Rue Toulouse (Between Bourbon and Royal Streets), ☎ +1 504-324-4888. One of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there.
• Royal St. Charles Hotel, 135 St. Charles Ave, ☎ +1 504-587-3700, toll-free: +1-855-458-5700. A boutique hotel.
• W New Orleans French Quarter, 316 Chartres Street, 70130, ☎ +1 504 581-1200. Boutique hotel.
• City House Hostel, 129 Burgundy St (between Canal and Iberville Sts), ☎ +1 504 571-9854. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Free wireless internet, 24-hour reception. 14 night maximum stay. Dorms from $20, private rooms from $100.
• IHSP French Quarter House, 914 N Rampart St (between Dumaine and St Phillip Sts), ☎ +1 504 493-0310, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Free wireless internet, free breakfast, 24 hour reception. Dorm rooms only open to students and foreign travelers, and there is a 7 night maximum stay. $18 dorm bed, $55 private.
• Biscuit Palace, 730 Dumaine St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 525-9949. Gay-friendly bed and breakfast in the center of the Quarter.
• French Quarter Guest Houses, toll-free: +1-800-535-7815. Includes the Inn on St. Peter, the Inn on St. Ann, the Inn on Urselines. Meticulously restored suites and rooms in different locations in the gay part of the Quarter. Gay-friendly accommodations and crowd.
• Hotel Masion de Ville, 727 Toulouse St (between Bourbon and Royal Sts), ☎ +1 504 324-4888. One of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there.

Work

Still suffering from a drop in population post-Katrina, there are a number of possibilities for workers in New Orleans, especially in the service industry and construction work.

Learn

There are a number of universities within New Orleans:

• Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans are the city's two major private universities
• The University of New Orleans is a large public research university in the city.
• Dillard University, Southern University at New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana are African-American universities.
• Louisiana State University's Medical School is also located in New Orleans.

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafes can be found throughout the city, especially in the French Quarter and Central Business District. Rates are usually between $2 to $4 per hour. A number of restaurants and cafes offer Wifi.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The general emergency phone number is 911. The USA has a great landline phone system that is easy to use. The country code for the U.S. is +1. The rest of the telephone number consists of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. Any small grocery store or pharmacy has pre paid domestic or international phone cards. These phone cards are very cheap and offer good rates. The once ubiquitous pay phone is now much harder to find. Likely locations include in or near stores and restaurants, and near bus stops. The cellphone network in the states is slowly getting better but is still not as good when compared to other western countries. Cell phones tend to operate using different frequencies (850 MHz and 1900 MHz) from those used elsewhere in the world (2100 MHz). This used to prevent most foreign phones from working in America. Phones must be tri- or quad-band to work in the U.S. Fortunately, technology has meant that most phones should now be able to pick up one of the U.S. networks. Prepaid phones and top-up cards can be purchased at mobile phone boutiques and at many discount, electronics, office supply and convenience stores. A very basic handset with some credit can be had for under $40.

Post

The US Postal Service is a very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. Although some might keep longer hours, most are open at least between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. First-class international airmail postcards and letters (up 28.5 grams) cost $1.10. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS, TNT and DHL, which might be better value sometimes and are generally very quick and reliable too.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Official Tourism Website