Evening Time on Bourbon Street and The French Quarter

[Heidict]

We will be staying in NOLA for a couple of nights prior to our cruise. We will be there 1.25.07-1.27.07 (a Thursday and Friday night).

 

All I have every really seen of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter consists of partiers, drunks and pickpockets that are rampant during Mardi Gras. Now, I know that this area is normally not like this but the media seems to only show us the extreme.

 

Was wondering, for those in the know, what is it like down there during the time that I am going? Is it going to be insane crowded, with people all over the place? Will it be more subdued and quiet? I'm assuming that Thursday would be a quieter night then Friday, but is Friday crazy?

 

I hear that the police have upped their presence down there and that it is pretty safe. Is this still true? Should my DH and myself be safe walking around in the evening?

 

Thanks for all your help!!

[FirstTimer628]

i have lived in new orleans for 35 years.

 

The dates you are coming to new orleans will indeed be "quieter" times for the Quarter. You are right between the sugar bowl and mardi gras and things die down a bit during those weeks.

 

I would advise you to spend minimal time on Bourbon Street. The Quarter is a very cool neighborhood with lots to see and enjoy, but Bourbon Street is rather on the tacky/gaudy/commericialism side of things. Check out Decatur St., its got bohemian coffee shops, antique shops, tons of small "hole in the wall" dives and eateries, a musuem, neat clothing stores and some cool outdoor type bars and so on.

 

Also, Royal Street and Chartres Street are great for taking in the architecture, buying antiques and seeing street entertainment.

 

If you are looking for some fun in the day time, for the very low price of $1.25 you can get on the St. Charles Street Car (think trolley) and it will take you past 200 year old mansions in the garden district. You can buy a map and get off at any points to see historical attractions or other points of interest. There are also places to have lunch.

[map70065]

We will be staying in NOLA for a couple of nights prior to our cruise. We will be there 1.25.07-1.27.07 (a Thursday and Friday night).

 

All I have every really seen of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter consists of partiers, drunks and pickpockets that are rampant during Mardi Gras. Now, I know that this area is normally not like this but the media seems to only show us the extreme.

 

Was wondering, for those in the know, what is it like down there during the time that I am going? Is it going to be insane crowded, with people all over the place? Will it be more subdued and quiet? I'm assuming that Thursday would be a quieter night then Friday, but is Friday crazy?

 

I hear that the police have upped their presence down there and that it is pretty safe. Is this still true? Should my DH and myself be safe walking around in the evening?

 

Thanks for all your help!!

 

Ah, the Girls Gone Wild or COPS view of New Orleans. Well, you're right, that's the media view of New Orleans, especially at Mardi Gras. It CAN be like that, but usually isn't.

 

As the previous person stated, you will be coming at a relatively quiet time for New Orleans - between New Years and Mardi Gras. And you're right, Thursday will be a bit quieter than Friday - and Friday won't be crazy. It really doesn't get crazy except during football games and Mardi Gras.

 

You will be as safe as you can be in any tourist town. You do have to watch out for yourself, because there are people who will take advantage of you if you let them - but not anymore than any other place. They do watch for drunks and people who are solo and out of their element. So if you stay in active areas (pretty much most of the Quarter), and relatively sober you're ahead of the game. Walking around in the evening depends on where you are. MOST of the French Quarter I'd consider this safe in the evening, but there are some areas I wouldn't do it. And you definitely have to know the area to walk outside of the Quarter.

 

The previous poster recommended the St. Charles Streetcar, which is a wonderful thing to do - unfortunately it's not running to the Garden District right now. By the time you come it should be open to Lee Circle, which means you would be able to get to some of the areas in the CBD easily - but it won't go to the Garden District until some time next year.

 

BTW, my husband and I will be leaving on the NCL Sun on 1/28 - is that the cruise you'll be on?

[Heidict]

Thanks so much for your replies. Yes, I watch COPS. :p I don't think I want to go down during that. Getting to old for it!! :D

 

I hope the streetcar is open by the time we get there. Sounds like a nice thing to do and a great way to see the city.

 

Thanks for all the ideas on place to see in the French Quarter. I was wondering what was down there to see, beside Bourbon street. If you can think of any place else to see or anything to do, let me know. I want to try and make the best use of my 2 days there.

[jgmpuma]

All of the above have been right on target. My wife and I spend just about every Saturday bumming around the French Quarter. We walk down Bourbon Street about once a year, and that is enough for us.

 

Our favorite area is Faubourg Marigny, which is just on the other side of Esplanade, north of the French Quarter. Frenchmen Street has lots of small restaurants and music clubs. It isn't crowded or touristy, and is a lot less expensive than Bourbon Street if you want to have a drink and listen to some good local music.

[BrendaB1]

New Orleans is a wonderful city with lots of history & many things to see & do. I visit there quite often by myself & feel very safe. It's just like any other big city. Crime can happen anywhere so just be aware of your surroundings.

 

I was there right before & I've been there 3 times since Katrina & will be there again in Jan. It's great to see the progress being made & life returning to the city.

 

The French Market is always fun to walk thru. Margaritaville is just across the street. Jax Brewery has some neat shops as does the Riverwalk Mall. Jackson Square, Cafe Du Monde, Harrah's for the gamblers.

 

Have fun. :)

[Cruise Kontrol]

We are going on the NCL Sun on 2/18/07, coming into NOLA around noon on 2/ 17 /07 --- have 2 boys w/ us 15 and 12, how appropriate is the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras parade, etc... for kids. Can you go during the day if the nightis too rowdy, or do we lock them in the hotel room and have fun on our own?:D

[snowman]

I agree with all of the above, Bourbon St. still smells like piss and vomit. So, nothing has changed there. Get off on the side streets and it is a differant game. Enjoy

[map70065]

We are going on the NCL Sun on 2/18/07, coming into NOLA around noon on 2/ 17 /07 --- have 2 boys w/ us 15 and 12, how appropriate is the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras parade, etc... for kids. Can you go during the day if the nightis too rowdy, or do we lock them in the hotel room and have fun on our own?:D

 

All are family friendly except for Bourbon Street - which I would NOT recommend for minors during Carnival season. I would highly recommend including plans to see the Endymion parade that night - it's one of the SuperKrewe's with fiberoptic lights and is one of the best nighttiime parades there is. I'd try to catch it on St. Charles - in the family friendly area. They do have grandstands usually at St. Charles and Poydras and and Lee Circle (although last year they only had them at Poydras and they were very limited) if you want to pay for a good viewing area. If not just pick your place, stroll the Ave. and have a great time.

 

Where are you staying? I would keep in mind that there are several parades that Sat. (2/17) which makes sometimes makes it hard getting from "here to there" (they block off streets and you can't get across them for long periods of time when there is a parade rolling).

[momof4boys]

Our group (13 people ranging in ages 14 to 51) may be the only history nut group but we plan to visit the National D-Day Museum when we go in June. We have heard that it is fantastic. :)

[map70065]

Our group (13 people ranging in ages 14 to 51) may be the only history nut group but we plan to visit the National D-Day Museum when we go in June. We have heard that it is fantastic. :)

 

I like history, but not war history. I was dragged there by a friend - and I LOVED the WW2 Museum (new name and now designated by Congress as the country’s official World War II Museum!!) BTW, if you are interested in Civil War, Memorial Hall, the Confederate Museum in New Orleans is close to the WW2 Museum.

 

Also for history buffs is the Cabildo. They have the death mask of Napolean. The building is also where the final transfer of the Louisiana Purchase took place and where the Plessy v. Ferguson (separate but equal status for blacks) was decided. Plessy and Ferguson are both buried in New Orleans.

[Cruise Kontrol]

All are family friendly except for Bourbon Street - which I would NOT recommend for minors during Carnival season. I would highly recommend including plans to see the Endymion parade that night - it's one of the SuperKrewe's with fiberoptic lights and is one of the best nighttiime parades there is. I'd try to catch it on St. Charles - in the family friendly area. They do have grandstands usually at St. Charles and Poydras and and Lee Circle (although last year they only had them at Poydras and they were very limited) if you want to pay for a good viewing area. If not just pick your place, stroll the Ave. and have a great time.

 

Where are you staying? I would keep in mind that there are several parades that Sat. (2/17) which makes sometimes makes it hard getting from "here to there" (they block off streets and you can't get across them for long periods of time when there is a parade rolling).[/quote We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Select near the convention center, sounds like the parade is fun-- any idea on how much for the grandstands and how to reserve them? is the parade at night or during the day? Any other tips or info on what to do, let me know. I already know about the beignettes at Cafe du Mond (sic) and that is high on my list. What else do I need to try, I will try anything once.:D Thanks for the help.

[shannonh]

Our plane lands in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 17 at about 4:30. I have heard that the Endymion parade is that afternoon (schedule says it starts at 3:30 p.m.). We will be catching a taxi from the airport to get to our hotel, Le Pavillon, on Poydras. Is this hotel location near the parade route and the bigger question....are we ever going to be able to get there? Anybody have any answers or suggestions? This is our first time in New Orleans and we really are anxious to see and experience it, but are hoping that we won't be spending many hours in the back seat of a taxi!

[map70065]

Our plane lands in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 17 at about 4:30. I have heard that the Endymion parade is that afternoon (schedule says it starts at 3:30 p.m.). We will be catching a taxi from the airport to get to our hotel, Le Pavillon, on Poydras. Is this hotel location near the parade route and the bigger question....are we ever going to be able to get there? Anybody have any answers or suggestions? This is our first time in New Orleans and we really are anxious to see and experience it, but are hoping that we won't be spending many hours in the back seat of a taxi!

 

I've seen it scheduled at 3:30, but Arthur Hardy's Guide (pretty much the Bible of MG parades) has it at 4:30. Their website says it's still undecided.

 

You may or may not have trouble getting downtown from the airport - but the cab drivers keep in touch with each other and know the best way to get around from minute to minute. Last year it took me a couple hours to get downtown from Kenner (where the airport is) - but last year Endymion and Bacchus (two of the SuperKrewes) rolled back-to-back (and I decided to take a "short cut", which ended up in a huge traffic jam!!)

 

The good news is that once you get to your hotel you're only about 2 blocks from a great area to see the parade. The parade will be crossing Poydras at St. Charles (so Poydras will be blocked off for it). Depending on when you get to town and how long it takes to get to the hotel you may or may not beat the parade. Start times for parades are generally an estimated time. The parades are pretty slow moving, so I would imagine that it may not get there until a couple hours after start time. So if I were a bettin' person I'd bet on you making it.

 

If you miss the parade there you should be able to walk down Poydras to Tchoupitoulas then walk over to Canal (about 8 blocks total) and catch the parade there as it ends. It won't get there for an hour or two after it crosses Poydras.

[nolaAlive]

Our plane lands in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 17 at about 4:30. I have heard that the Endymion parade is that afternoon (schedule says it starts at 3:30 p.m.). We will be catching a taxi from the airport to get to our hotel, Le Pavillon, on Poydras. Is this hotel location near the parade route and the bigger question....are we ever going to be able to get there? Anybody have any answers or suggestions? This is our first time in New Orleans and we really are anxious to see and experience it, but are hoping that we won't be spending many hours in the back seat of a taxi!

 

Endymion is currently scheduled to start at 4:30pm. Yes, the hotel is close to where the parade will pass, but it should be possible to drive to your hotel. The absolute final route and start time could perhaps change between now and then.

 

Taxis you pick up at the airport are flat rate, so you don't have to worry about the meter running.

 

One suggestion would be United Cabs which is the largest taxi company in the city. I'd call and depending on quoted rate, make a reservation for them to pick you up at the airport.

http://www.unitedcabs.com/

In this case, not sure if it would be meter or flat rate. I'd ask for an estimate.

 

Flat rate fare from the airport for two is normally $29 (28 + 1 fuel surcharge) + tip and they may want more depending on how much luggage you bring. Given the season, I might feel better with a reservation for a taxi.

[map70065]

One suggestion would be United Cabs which is the largest taxi company in the city. I'd call and depending on quoted rate, make a reservation for them to pick you up at the airport.

http://www.unitedcabs.com/

In this case, not sure if it would be meter or flat rate. I'd ask for an estimate.

 

Flat rate fare from the airport for two is normally $29 (28 + 1 fuel surcharge) + tip and they may want more depending on how much luggage you bring. Given the season, I might feel better with a reservation for a taxi.

 

If there are more than 2 of you cabs are $12/pp plus the fuel surcharge. So if there are 4 or more you might be able to find a limo cheaper. This is a busy time for limos, so you may not be able to get them cheaper than a cab, but at times I've been able to get a limo to transport 6 people for $60.

[BrendaB1]

That $29 cab fare from the French Quarter to the airport is for 1 or two people. Rather expensive for a solo traveler.

 

Another option is the Shuttle service that is available at a set rate. Not sure what it is now since I haven't used it since before Katrina. You can book online ahead of time or there is a booth in the airport that will also schedule your return time.

http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/

[nolaAlive]

The shuttle is very much alive. Since it sounds like two or more, I would still call United and ask for a quote.

 

Taxicabs: A cab ride costs $28.00 from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) for one or two persons and $12.00 (per passenger) for three or more passengers. Pick-up is on the lower level, outside the baggage claim area. There may be an additional charge for extra baggage. $1 fuel surcharge added to total fare.

Airport Shuttle: Shuttle service is available from the airport to the hotels in the CBD for $13.00 (per person, one-way) or $26.00 (per person, round-trip). Three bags per person. Call 1-866-596-2699 or (504) 522-3500 for more details or to make a reservation. Advance reservations are required 48 hours prior to travel for all ADA accessible transfers. Please call well enough in advance for the specially-equipped shuttle to be reserved. For group reservations of 10 or more people please dial 1-866-596-2699. Ticket booths are located on the lower level in the baggage claim area. $2 fuel surcharge added to total fare.

Airport Limousine Service: Non Scheduled walk up limousine and sedan service available from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) and the French Quarter. The rate is $35.00 for one or two people and $10.00 per additional passenger for up to 8 passengers (total vehicle capacity). Limousine information desks are located on the lower level baggage claim areas.

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Taxi Rates (not including the $1 surcharge or possible excess baggage charges:

[shannonh]

Thank you so much for all of this awesome information! It is so helpful. There are two of us. I will definitely think about reserving a cab. Thanks again. I am so excited about being able to see the parade. Hopefully we'll be able to find a bite of dinner somewhere, too! This sounds like a lot of fun! I can't wait!

[Cruise Kontrol]

i've always wanted to try crawfish but someone told me they are seasonal, are they in season in Feb. and where is a good place to go for them. Thanx for all the help!

[nolaAlive]

i've always wanted to try crawfish but someone told me they are seasonal, are they in season in Feb. and where is a good place to go for them. Thanx for all the help!

 

Usually by the end of December you'll start seeing some, but they will be small. February would be a good bet.

 

Frozen crawfish tails are pretty much available year round, but you want to make sure you get the real deal - Louisiana crawfish, and not the imported Chinese variety.

[MLS1227]

Sounds like a lot of NO knowledge here so I'll jump in. We are cruising RCCL (1st timer) and leaving 2/10/07 and getting back early morning 2/17/07. We are traveling by car so will be parked in port paking I guess. Is the port close enough to the parades that we can put our luggage in the car and walk to the parade route. Thought we would spend the day back in NO before heading home. I don't know how far the port is from the downtown area. Thanks for any help.

 

Mike S.

[nolaAlive]

Sounds like a lot of NO knowledge here so I'll jump in. We are cruising RCCL (1st timer) and leaving 2/10/07 and getting back early morning 2/17/07. We are traveling by car so will be parked in port paking I guess. Is the port close enough to the parades that we can put our luggage in the car and walk to the parade route. Thought we would spend the day back in NO before heading home. I don't know how far the port is from the downtown area. Thanks for any help.

 

Mike S.

 

{Times and routes are probably still subject to change}

 

The really big parade doesn't start until 4:30pm Feb 17 (Endymion). Iris does begin at 11am and Tucks at 12:30pm.

 

Iris will end at the Convention Center, so bascially ends at the port. I wouldn't think that would be before mid or late afternoon. Tucks will probably end up right behind Iris.

 

Also don't know about the parking situation - I think you prepay for parking, so not sure how they handle it if you stay longer (or if they can do anything about it).

 

Here is a link that you can check after a while, once plans are more set in concrete:

http://www.nola.com/mardigras/parades/

[curcurt]

i've always wanted to try crawfish but someone told me they are seasonal, are they in season in Feb. and where is a good place to go for them. Thanx for all the help!

 

Never had much luck with getting good boiled crawfish from an restaurant. Most of the time we get together with friends and boiled up two or three sacks. If I do buy them it will be from a seafood marketed that boils them daily. I find a lot of restaurants boil them one day and just keep reheating them as they get an order (blah nasty).

 

As Nolalive stats, make sure if you order a crawfish dish from an restaurant that the crawfish are Louisiana crawfish and not from China. The Chinese crawfish are bland and chewy. I have had a lot of good crawfish dishes and a few bad ones, most of the time it is due to the restaurant using old crawfish. If they are fresh and from Louisiana it will be the best dish or meal you could ever have.

[BeadBabe]

Anything that shouldn't be missed? What is the Quarter like during NYE? Are most of the shops open still on NYD?