non alcoholic culture or sights near bourbon st (New Orleans, Jackson: hotel, homes)

[stormlight]

Hello, Im going to a wedding and staying directly on bourbon street. Im going to have a few days to myself. I will defiantly taking in the alcohol, but wanted to mix some culture in.

Anyway to get to plantation tours or other cultural,historic,educational tours without a car?

a plantation open top tour or something would be awesome. any other suggestions?


thanks

[hey teach]

there is lots to do without alcohol. The aquarium, ride the river boat, museums, people watch, look at the architecture, shops, Preservation Hall for music, WWII museum, Jackson Square. Just look around, fun stuff will slap you in the face in NOLA>

[Drouzin]

There is also, the Cabildo, the Presbytere, the US Mint, historical homes, tons of bus and walking tours, take the streetcar and get a look at the Garden District, stop at Audubon Park/Zoo or head to the cemeteries and have lunch at Mandina's, head over to City Park or hit Magazine Street. Don't limit yourself to just Bourbon St, the streetcar is relatively cheap and can take you to other spots in the city that many tourists don't bother to see.

Louisiana State Museum Mandina's Restaurant, 3800 Canal St., New Orleans LA 70119 (504) 482-9179 Regional Transit Authority : RTA News
Audubon Nature Institute | Celebrating the Wonders of Nature Come See What's on Magazine | MSMA New Orleans City Park

[stormlight]

"the streetcar is relatively cheap and can take you to other spots in the city that many tourists don't bother to see" perfect. I poorly worded my question. I was worried by lack of transportation. thanks

[Kobber]

Many if not all of the plantation tours and swamp tours will pick you up from your hotel. We booked a swamp tour one time and didn't need to book far ahead of time (IIRC we booked the day before). It's really easy to get around the city without a car when you're mainly doing the sightseeing thing!

[SCGranny]

Definitely do the Haunted New Orleans walking tour at night, and get the backstory of some of the most historic buildings and areas. Also the horse-drawn carriage tours will give you the history of the place; did you know about the Italian influence there as well? Ask questions, locals love their town and love to talk about it. Try a muffeletta, a beignet, and don't miss Court of the Two Sisters' turtle soup or crawdad escoffier! There are a lot of art shops that portray the history and multiculturalism of the area; even the voodoo that was prevalent. See if the bartender will tell you the secret of mixing the perfect Hurricane - they did me, and they were right.

Whaaat? I like eating! Hee hee

[Innotech]

there is a lot to do in New Orleans besides drink. Hell I dont drink at all, social or otherwise and I have a blast when Im there. Just people watching can be fun. Art is everywhere. People with interesting personalities hang out in the quarter and give it flavor. Go sit down and listen to jazz in one of the side alleys next to a restaurant or public space for a few hours. Everybody thinks Louisiana is just about drinking. Its one of the most unique states in the US and there is a ridiculous amount of stuff to do that most people never think is here. Hell Im willing to bet most people dont even know the significance or history behind Mardi Gras, except that "its a big party".
This state is such a special place to live in or visit. I feel fortunate to be born here.

[annie_himself]

If you like art, take a stroll on Julia St and the French Quarter, minus Bourbon, some very fine art.

[thepointykitty]

Royal Street is also full of art galleries and fun shops...

[Bluesmama]

Poke into the Backstreet Cultural Museum on St. Claude. This is a small but fascinating museum about the Mardi Gras Indians, and the owner ~ Sylvester ~ will likely be the one to give you a tour explaining the details. Beautiful, gorgeous costumes!