Going to be in New Orleans/FQ for a day, Tips, What To Do/Stay Away From? (Parks: taxi)

[Whorehay]

I'm going to be taking a one day trip to New Orleans one of these next few weekends. I've been told to go to Bourbon Street/FQ but have gotten not much more detail than that.

So if you had one full day and night on a weekend, what would you do in the FQ area? Hoping for one or two good eats and a bar or two, but open to other things to do in the area as well.

I actually read somewhere that at night, you should avoid walking around at all and take a taxi even if you are only going a couple of blocks in the FQ. Are comments like that valid? What if I stay on Bourbon Street? I figured there would be a lot of people walking around but what do I know?

I'm pretty much open to any types of touristy tips, things to avoid, mandatory things, etc. Thanks!

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by Whorehay

I'm going to be taking a one day trip to New Orleans one of these next few weekends. I've been told to go to Bourbon Street/FQ but have gotten not much more detail than that.

So if you had one full day and night on a weekend, what would you do in the FQ area? Hoping for one or two good eats and a bar or two, but open to other things to do in the area as well.

I actually read somewhere that at night, you should avoid walking around at all and take a taxi even if you are only going a couple of blocks in the FQ. Are comments like that valid? What if I stay on Bourbon Street? I figured there would be a lot of people walking around but what do I know?

I'm pretty much open to any types of touristy tips, things to avoid, mandatory things, etc. Thanks!

You can ABSOLUTELY walk around the FQ at night. If you are by yourself you should probably take a cab or take extra caution if you're going a long way. A couple blocks really isn't that far in the FQ and is not needed to go a couple blocks.

[rburnett]

Just try and stay between Bourbon St. and the river. Everything you need to see on your first trip is in that area.

[tekboi]

Don't go outside of the french quarter or you'll DIE!

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by tekboi

Don't go outside of the french quarter or you'll DIE!

I hope to god that you're being sarcastic.

[po-boy]

New Orleans is a fantastic city and the French Quarter is fine to walk around in, especially if you stay on the main streets.

I lived there a lllooooonnng time ago, so most of the places I know are pretty touristy.

Food: One of the best things about New Orleans. I'm sure a local could give you some more under the radar suggestions, but I would say to get some beignets at the Cafe do Monde, a muffellata at the Central Grocery, and an oyster po-boy (hence my name) from somewhere like Acme or Felix. Mother's is also good. For something more upscale try Galatoire's or Commander's Palace. I think Brennan's is overrated.

Bars: Tons of them in the Quarter. Go in somewhere with good music coming out. I like the Napoleon House.

Parks/attractions: There are some beautiful parks in New Orleans with stunning oak trees. City Park and Audubon Park are both really nice. The zoo is top shelf and the aquarium is also good. The art museum is pretty nice, though not world class.

If you like art, there are good galleries and shops in the quarter, especially on Royal.

The cemeteries are neat to check out since they are mostly masouleums. Some of them can be unsafe though, so you would probably be best checking them out on a tour.