"Still filled with celebration" New Orleans by Sunshine64

The first time I visited New OrleandsI spent 4 days almost exclusively in the French Quarter, for my friends' wedding.

While Bourbon Street stinks like a month-long frat party, the French Quarter is home to some beautiful and historic places. I love the balconies filled with plants!

Jackson Square

Just got back from the first weekend of Jazz Fest. This was my first visit to New Orleans post-Katrina. I am here to tell you that while there is still some visible devastation from the storm, and the economy is still struggling, and countless people's lives have changed forever, that city STILL has it going on. There is a sense of celebration and goodwill everywhere. People are not mean. Of course there are rude tourists. But the music and the food and the attitude of the city still shine.

• Pros:Music, history, food, cocktails
• Cons:smell & spring-break-atmosphere of Bourbon St., heat