Any tips for a stay in New Orleans?

My husband and I are visiting my home in Memphis in Feb and decided to do a two-day layover in New Orleans on the return journey. We chose this city totally at random and have yet to book a hotel or make any plans for what to do there!

Any tips about great places to stay or things to do would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Carla,

I am from Tupelo, only about 90 minutes away from Memphis.

I've been to New Orleans many times--I went to Uni at the University of Southern Mississippi, so was only an hour and 15 min drive away.

As far as places to stay, I would suggest that you stay in the French Quarter. Staying in this area means that you can walk to most attractions with so much to do on your doorstep. If you use Expedia.com, put in N.O. and then specify the area to the French Quarter, you will get numerous 4 and 5 star hotels to choose from.

I have spent days wandering around the French Quarter. There are loads of shops, restaurants and bars.  Just so much to see and do.

That's what I originally thought, but read that the French Quarter can be dangerous. Was I misinformed?

Well, yes, New Orleans itself is considered a dangerous city. I would take the normal precautions you would when visiting any large city. The French Quarter is very touristy, and is where most of the attractions are. If you stay in a nice hotel, and take taxis at night, you should be fine. If you did not stay there, you would be taking taxis to and from it anyway, so might as well be able to wake up and take nice long strolls w/o the extra expense of taxis.

 

That's what I originally thought, but read that the French Quarter can be dangerous. Was I misinformed?

All of New Orleans is dangerous.  You can certainly be safe in the FQ if you keep your head about you.  You are going to be drunk so carry as little as possible on you.  Don't go off on the side streets, away from the action.  Plenty of natives go into the FQ so try to blend in as much as possible with the locals and not the tourists.  There will be scammers in the streets, so don't talk to them.  Don't walk around with a wide-eyed expression.  Etc.  It is really common sense, just like any other situation.

Depending on if you are planning on drinking and whatnot, I would stay in the FQ.  During the day, you can travel to other places, but at night, you are going to want to be in the FQ.  It is much more dangerous to navigate your way back to a far off hotel, then one in the Quarter, no matter how dangerous you think the Quarter will be.

I have stayed at the Marriott, it is nice.  I know of people that have stayed at the Hilton (on the River) and the Wyndam.  I do know other hotels further out, but I would stick close.

Cowboy Mouth is playing on the 7th in NO.  See them.  Even if you don't know who they are (and hey, you probably don't), SEE THEM.  Their shows are soooooo much fun!     www.cowboymouth.com

Well, I won't be drunk because I don't drink, but thanks for the tips!

I know of people that have stayed at the Hilton (on the River) and the Wyndam

We stayed at the Hilton the last time we were there and loved it. It was fab to open up the curtains each day to look out over the river.

We stayed at a B&B in the Garden District. Near the whole Anne Rice/Cemetary area.  We took the tram back and forth to the French Quarter.  I will pick DH's brain for the name of the restaurant we ate at, where the locals go.  I think it's Manuelle's or something...it was recommended by the fish lady at he local market.   It's a long walk, but a short bus/taxi ride. The food was fab and almost half the price of FQ.  In the FQ we ate at Mr. B's.  Lovely and great especially their BBQ Shrimp which come with a bib and a loaf of fresh baked bread.  If you don't like heads on things you might need to ask them to take them off.  Really good though.

You have to stop for beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde. 

As for safety...we never had any problems.  Use your wits like in any big city.   

i stayed at the ritz there and it was pretty good.....not the best ritz i've stayed in, but it was in a good location and the rooms were nice enough. 

i met my husband in New Orleans....so it holds a special place for me.

The zoo there is suprisingly decent i must say, we took a boat down the river to it. 

And yeah, take heed that New Orleans *is* a dangerous place if you don't keep your wits about you.  You can tell when you're going into a sketchy area!

We go once or twice a year and stay at Maison Dupuy which is in the quarter. It's small,lovely rooms & fabulous staff. www.maisondupuy.com
Bethany

Well, we decided on Prince Conti Hotel. If it's dogdy, let me know. We might be able to change the booking. Maison Dupuy was second in the running. It was sort of a coin toss between the two.

Looks great--it's gotten wonderful reviews on www.tripadvisor.com
Bethany
PS One of the most romantic meals we have ever had was at Bayona in the French Quarter www.bayona.com

I love New Orleans!  Have stayed at the Marriot, and it's very nice,, but I prefer to stay in one of the old Creole houses that have been turned into little hotels. You go to New Orleans for atmosphere really  

There are so many kewl things you can do,,and the French Quarter is like a whole other world

There are walking 'haunted tours' you can go on,, definately do this,, New Orleans is just teeming with mystical and spooky things  

Go visit one of the cemetaries,, loads of interesting history with them.

Go to one of the voodoo shops,, gotta do this for a laugh,,lol

Go to Harrah's casino and play the one armed bandits

Eat at The Court of 2 Sisters,, most romantic restaurent you will ever find.

Take a ride down thru the Garden District on a trolly car.

Have coffee and beignet's at the French Market.

Have lunch at the Cafe Pontablu in Jackson Square.

Eat prailines,, lots of them,, oh god I love those things,,lol

Go to Audubon Zoo. One of the nicest zoos around.

Book an evening ride on one of the Riverboats

Go to the Aquarium.

Bourbon Street,, Preservation Hall, Louis Armstrong's fountain, (watch the kids play in it )

Just enjoy the atmosphere, the music, the oddness that is New Orleans There really is so much to do there.