What to do in NO

[paradoc1]

We will be leaving out of NO on Feb 1st, we will be staying at the Hilton riverfront for 2 days prior to the cruise, anyone got suggestions of what to do besides Harrahs and Cafe Dumonde, trying to make it special for the wife 20 year anniv thanks in advance:)

[tahoemw]

you can go on the river boat cruise. I would like to know how the hotel is; I am trying to make arrangements for August and that hotel looked good. You got to go to Acme Oyster house for their grilled oysters

[jgmpuma]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=679336

 

An old thread with lots of ideas.

[April-in-NC]

I've heard really good things about the WWII museum there. I've not had a chance to visit the last few times I have been to NO, but coworkers have raved about it.

 

The last time I was there I took a day trip (with a friend who had a car) to visit the plantations north of the city. We went to Oak Alley (absolutely beautiful grounds) and Laura Plantation (good guided tour included in admission price). It was really neat to see the two different styles of plantations in one day.

[freddy penguin]

We stayed at the same Hilton last year prior to our spring break cruise. The service was great and the room was large and comfortable. There was a streetcar stop right next to the hotel. The Riverwalk next door had a lot of shopping and eateries including a Cafe du Monde which allowed us to get a beignet fix every morning.

[SMSACE6]

Oh my gosh, there is so much. If you do go to Cafe Du Monde, the french market is right there, so dont miss it! Jackson Square, and not just Bourbon St, but the french quarter! So much to see, and dont forget to stop at a nice restaurant. The food in this city is sooooo good! So much more, but that is what comes to mind first.:) And if you get a chance to go to Audubon Park, it is really nice, or at least it was when I was there pre hurricane Katrina. Hope it is still as beautiful.

[lives to cruise]

There are lots of terrific places to see and things to do in NOLA. Go to the French Quarter and just walk around. See the shops. Go to the Mardi Gras museum where they store the floats. Eat at a few of the great restaurants.

 

We absolutely love New Orleans. Have a great time!

[Homosassa]

The Bourbon Street area has become even more sleazy since Katrina and the quality of music has gone down hill.

 

For good music, try the clubs on Frenchmen Street. The club called dba has an amazing international selection of beers on tap (if you want something like Bud or Bud Lite, forget dba; they don't carry it).

[LovesCruising]

We stayed 3 nights post cruise and along with beneits (sp?) at cafe de monde we enjoyed the casino at Harrahs. Dinner at Emeralds, drinks at Muriels and Pat Obriens. Acme Oyster House. The Cathedral at Jackson Square. Hours had passed before we knew it just walking and walking.

[jetskier]

Dont forget the Aquarium of the Americas, D-Day Museum, IMAX theater. Take a ride on one of the riverboats, go to the zoo, people watch is always fun.

 

Just the food is an experiance.

Dave

[pe4all]

We spent 4 days pre-cruise in Nola this summer. Did all the "touristy" things - including a 4 hour bus tour which took in all the sites and a cemetery . Did the horse-drawn carriage tour, ate at Mother's, Pat O'briens, walked Bourbon St., Cafe d' Monde, did a voodoo tour, etc. Really enjoyed the city alot, and can't wait to go back!

[imsulin]

I know this sounds bizarre, but one of the best post-cruise excursions I took was the NOLA cemetery tour. There's a lot of history and scientific information to be learned about these hundreds of years old above-ground "tombs". Carnival offered this several years ago.

[rasta]

I would go to the Central Grocery and get a big fat Mufleta sandwich!

[chandoe]

Check out this web site. Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.com . There is a parade in the French Quarter Saturday night. If you have never been to one this is a must. You will have a blast and be sure to check out Bourbon St. If you have young children you might not want to take them to Bourbon St. Have a great time in NO and on your cruise.

[paradoc1]

Thanks everyone, I am looking forward to going there, trying to convince (sp) wife that the parade would be fun and that the quarter is safe to go to at night so I can hear some good jazz but she is sceptical. how do you feel about nighttime in the quarter.

[jgmpuma]

My wife and I spend just about every Saturday in the French Quarter, and have done that for many years without any problems, other than having my pocket picked on Bourbon Street a few years ago. There are lots of people and police around.

 

Stay in the busy areas and you will have no problems.

[petro772]

Pat O'Brien's piano bar. If you don't have a good time in there, you're dead. ;)

[garpmqt]

Depends on how adventurous you are. I love Frenchman Street - Spotted Cat, Apple Barrel, Snug Harbor. Go around the corner to Checkpoint Charlies... If you need a tourist fix there's always Margaritaville and the tire swings. Otherwise, go with the masses to Bourbon Street - but - make sure you hit Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop....