Visiting NOLA in May 2011 Needs tips from locals (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: how much, hotel)

[MoItaly]

Hello,
my wife and I are going to visit NOLA in May for the first time. I heard/read so many different opnions about it, especially after Katrina that it's impossible to get an idea. Maybe some of you living there can give some advice.

What are the "must-see" things, beside the French Quarter?
Is it possible to get a good idea of NOLA by walking and using public transportation or is it dangerous?

Any particular area to stay away from for safety reason (I'm travelling with my wife so I am thinking about that also because we tend to go out after diner, we love live music etc... so we are likely to be out late).

I am a huge fan of Jazz. Any advice on what places/clubs are the best or the most genuine without ending in a rough end of town?

And of course anything you can thing about. I am going to do my reseaches, as usual, I plan my trips for months, but as it happens with a trip to Chicago last year, I found out that the best insights/advices often come from locals who have no vested interest in selling a magazine or advertising.

Thank you in advance.

[dal2aus]

I think this topic has been covered pretty well in past threads. For the most part, any information posted after 2008 will likely still be relevant. Tourism is a centuries-old business in New Orleans, so there are lots of credible resources online.

Check out:
New Orleans Convention & Visitor Bureau
Frommer's Online destination guide to New Orleans
neworleansonline.com
TripAdvisor
nola.com

Roads and traffic are terrible here, so you're better off taking public transportation. It's a compact city, so it's easy to get around. However, the French Quarter is more than just Bourbon Street, so depending on how much time you have, you may want to stay around there. The FQ is Royal Street (art galleries), French Market, the RiverWalk, Jackson Square, Chartres Street (shopping), and on and on. For live music, Frenchmen Street is just a skip over, but definitely take a taxi there at night rather than walk, and keep your wits about you.

Take the St. Charles streetcar out of the FQ and visit the historic homes and shops of the Garden District, Uptown, and Carrollton. When you're in uptown, walk a few blocks over to Magazine Street and check out the shops and restaurants.

There aren't too many entertainment venues in "rough" parts of town. The "rough" parts of town are "rough" because they're abandoned by everyone but the criminals. Stay in well populated, well-lit areas, and you'll be fine.

[Tx Z Girl]

Where's the "like" button?!?! LOL Can you tell I've been on facebook too much?

I like everything dal2aus said!

[Speleothem]

If ya can make it for the first weekend in May,
there's the Jazz Fest. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | April 29 - May 8, 2011

[Vorpal]

Preservation Hall on St. Peter is a great place for jazz music on the weekends.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Preservation Hall - New Orleans Jazz

[blair.williams]

Check out Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse on Bourbon street inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel. They have an amazing jazz ensemble lead by award winning Irvin Mayfield. Check out show times at Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans - New Orleans, LA - French Quarter hotel

[wellguy]

I'm glad this new thread is here......my Wife and I want to visit New Orleans in May. We can only be in your City for two days due to the birth of our first Grandchild (Mid June). I'm estimating our trip to be 4 days which would include the to and from driving.
As Resident's of New Orleans(there's no better Folks to ask) can you please suggest to us (as well as the OP) MUST SEE Places?
I have been to your City back in the 80's but it was only a drive through since I was by myself.
One place she would like to see is a Plantation. Please don't get me wrong but are there Plantations with Slave Quarters, Out Buildings, etc. If I recall there are Plantations (I recall seeing signs) before entering your City along, off of IH10 (We are driving for San Antonio)

As the OP THANKED You we do as well.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

There are several large plantations along River Rd. between Baton Rouge and new Orleans. One of the largest is close to BR. Google to see which one you want to visit, all are more or less close to an exit from I-10.