"when the saints go marching in" New Orleans by mindcrime

New Orleans Travel Guide: 4,160 reviews and 7,180 photos

New Orleans has something for everyone, you can spend all day (and night) at Bourbon drinking non stop, or you can spend time taking pictures of some great architecture (greek revival etc), or take some unique tours at the swamps or at a Plantation, the city has a great background, three centuries of history, French, Spanish and Americans made a weird unique mix of cultures.

young musicians in front of the cathedral

We spent a week in New Orleans and we loved it, in early autumn it was nice, not packed with tourists yet but of course if you visit the city during the 2 huge festivals (Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest) it will be completely different (book your hotel way in advance then). So, we missed the jazz fest but we heard a lot of jazz every day, there are so many great jazz clubs in New Orleans but you will see jazz musicians everywhere around the city playing at squares, cafes etc

We preferred to stay at French Quarter, it’s ideal to be there although packed with tourists because it’s safe and the public transport will take you anywhere you want with no trouble so we didn’t have to rent a car (parking is rare and expensive anyway). Prices were lower than other big cities in USA, the food good (a bit spicy though), the only problem in New Orleans is the high levels of humidity but carry bottles of water when you walk around and make long stops for recover you’ll be ok too

Things To Do:

New Orleans as seen from the big river...

-listen to some jazz musicians, they are everywhere, streets, squares and traditional clubs are always tuned on dixieland music
-buy an album from the band you like, what better souvenir should you bring back?
-walk around French Quarter, drink at Bourbon street, visit the cathedral at Jackson square,
-walk along the riverfront, take the free ferry to the other side(Algiers) and back
-walk at Garden District for the architecture
-visit a plantation, Oak Alley is beautiful (we did that) although a lot of people suggest Laura as more historical
-take a swamp tour, it’s really interesting to be near these cute creatures (yes, the babe alligators are cute!)
-skip the ghost or the haunted tours in the city, they are boring
-visit a cemetery, better with a group for safety but also because the guide will give you a lot of information
-cruise Mississippi with Natchez steam boat
-stroll around the City Park and visit the Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden

Last visit to New Orleans: Sep 2010
Intro Updated Dec 25, 2010
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Reviews (50)

Natchez Steam Boat Things to Do (22)

Touring the Mississippi river on steam boat! Some may consider it as a tourist trap but we enjoyed and yes we thought it... more travel advice

Sculpture Garden Things to Do (22)

This was a great surprise! After visiting the Museum of Art we noticed this beautiful Sculpture Garden right next to it.... more travel advice

Asian Hall at New Orleans Museum of Art - New Orleans

New Orleans Museum of Art Things to Do (22)

Art Museum has a fascinating collection. It’s located at the City Park which is a must see anyway. They have a big part... more travel advice

City Park Things to Do (22)

We visited the City Park for the Art Museum but we finally spent a lot of time at the park too because it’s a great... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
use common sense
Shopping (7)
See All cheap and expensive souvenirs
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Louisiana Superdome
Restaurants (10)
See All Natchez

Nightlife (6)
See All Natchez steam boat
Transportation (2)
See All how to move around
Hotels (1)
perfect for the location
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Comments (9)

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Nemorino Apr 14, 2013 at 2:53 PM

I enjoyed reading your enthusiastic tips on New Orleans. I have never been there (or anywhere near there, actually) and didn’t realize there was so much to do (besides getting drunk).
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Jefie Apr 3, 2011 at 6:03 AM

We're planning to visit New Orleans for the first time in May, thanks for the very useful tips!
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Aitana Jan 9, 2011 at 3:02 PM

Nice page, very informative tips and good pictures. New Orleans seems a fascinating city! The aligator didnt' seem very friendly though...
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nicolaitan Jan 3, 2011 at 2:35 PM

visited the preservation hall in 1967 - cost $5 for the saints and admission was free, contribution encouraged. the best of new orleans then and now.
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amandajayne81 Dec 30, 2010 at 2:18 AM

Well set out and helpful informative tips. Sounds like an amazing place.
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jumpingnorman Dec 29, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Wonderfully complete New Orleans page!!! Awesome - we did bring our twins to the very last actaul week of Mardi Gras just before hurricane Katrina because I saw on TV a storm might put it underwater...so glad we did go...
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TravellerMel Dec 29, 2010 at 1:47 PM

Good job on the New Orleans pages - boy, you work fast! Will need to update mine after my recent trip there - I love the Big Easy!
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iblatt Dec 28, 2010 at 1:02 PM

Hello K, well done! Your page and tips certainly bring out the best of New Orleans and its special ambience. Reminded me of my own tour of the cemetery, the swamps, the alligators... Good job!! Ilan
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Odinnthor Dec 27, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Wow K, - nice job!! You worked on this for sure. The tips are well done and precise, and amazingly accurate. Great stuff. Glad I could help a bit with the trip, - You seem to have followed some of my suggestions. Thanks!....Erik