Howdy.. I'm travelling to New Orleans next week for a business trip.. Where's the best place to stay for a single guys like me? Thanks.
Jackson Square - one of America's great public spaces, 1700s era Café du Monde - really good beignets (French doughnuts) Bourbon Street - no explanation needed here
When a run-down looking local approaches you and says, "I bet I can guess where you got your shoes" make sure no one is behind you. Or if this happens in an isolated area, just keep walking towards other people. I had this done to me 4 times last time I went there. The answer to where you got your shoes is in New Orleans, on Bourbon St, etc. As in, you have your shoes now in NO, standing in them. It is just an attempt to get your attention while they have someone else pickpocket you or swipe your woman's purse. Or, in some instances, if they correctly guess where you "got" your shoes, they will then get aggressive and demand something in return. Other than that, enjoy! Last time I went none of the restaurants had gator. I couldn't believe it. Have a hand grenade. But don't have 3 in a matter of 30 minutes. I made this mistake the first time I visited NO, and spent that night hugging the toilet. Also, Cafe Du Monde is good - not great. You should go just cuz it's a staple of New Orleans, but don't expect to be blown away. Beignets are just beignets.
Bourbon Street is disgusting and dirty. No eye candy whatsoever for the most part. Stick to where the local goes, which is the warehouse district. Food is great in NO. Yelp it.
I've had this exact experience several times in NOLA as well. Weird, you'd think they would come up with something new. NOLA can be fun for a few days, but it is gross. It's not a place I would want to spend more than 2-3 days.
ride the streetcar around town - great way to see the city willie maes scotch house for fried chicken - prepare to wait in line, but its worth it! get a pineapple-cilantro margarita at the gato negro on decatur japanese/british pub food at yuki john - great dive bar that reminded me of places i go to in austin clover grill - 24 diner run by a bunch of gay dudes - great food and fabulous atmosphere (no homo) havent done it, but ive heard those haunted tours are pretty fun. definitely check out the cemeteries - st louis #1 & #2. dont go at night though as the area is pretty sketchy. if you are into museums the new orleans museum of art is really impressive. my friend and his wife got arrested once over absolutely nothing...they had just come out of a restaurant when a dude came up and asked for a cigarette. friend gave him one and was chatting with him when he was surrounded by a bunch of unmarked cop cars...they accused him of buying drugs and searched him...of course, he had nothing on him but the cops asked him if he had anything to drink with dinner and my friend said he had two beers so they arrested him for public intoxication. pretty sure that guy was working w/ the cops to set people up...so basically, if someone asks for a cigarette and you give them one do not linger! TRUST NO ONE YO!!!
If you want to drink hurricanes (New Orleans staple), don't waste your money on getting them anywhere but Pat O'Briens. The cheap ones you buy on the street are so watered down, you may as well just drink Kool Aid. And you probably are. Also, avoid riding the bus at all costs. Especially at night...
This is actually a great thread for ideas. I'll be going to NOLA in August. Staying on Canal street I think walking distance from Harrah's Casino. Anyone ever been there? Anything else worth doing/visting thats walking distance?
Here's my bank statement from my time in NO. It's fairly telling. The only other thing you can do is gamble. Oh, the food is great though, do not stray from seafood dishes.
i agree, if you're not drunk I can't imagine a worst place to be. last time i was there the streets smelt like piss and i felt like i was in a vagrant obstacle course dodging dudes sleeping on the ground every corner. that said, must start drinking ASAP
Asking: "What to do in New Orleans?" is like asking: "What to do at the beach?" Once you get there, you'll figure it out.
