New Orleans-where to stay and what to see?
Mar 16th, 2014, 02:37 PM
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New Orleans-where to stay and what to see?
We'll be spending 4 nights in New Orleans in mid November and are wondering which area to stay in.We won't have a car so want somewhere easily accessibly to everything and to public transport if need be.
We prefer B&Bs and small hotels to the big chains. It has been suggested to us that we stay in the French Quarter.We have also looked at hotels in the Marigny district. Is there any area we should avoid?
As to "must see" things-we like just wandering round to get the feel of a place and are interested in history and museums but not too many. I would like to visit a plantation,maybe a swamp tour and a ride on a paddle steamer! All very obvious touristy things I'm afraid but would like some unusual ideas!
Any help much appreciated thanks.
We prefer B&Bs and small hotels to the big chains. It has been suggested to us that we stay in the French Quarter.We have also looked at hotels in the Marigny district. Is there any area we should avoid?
As to "must see" things-we like just wandering round to get the feel of a place and are interested in history and museums but not too many. I would like to visit a plantation,maybe a swamp tour and a ride on a paddle steamer! All very obvious touristy things I'm afraid but would like some unusual ideas!
Any help much appreciated thanks.
Mar 16th, 2014, 03:38 PM
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Some of Our favrites that are in the Quarter:
Dauphine Orleans http://www.dauphineorleans.com/
Monteleone http://hotelmonteleone.com/
le Richelieu http://www.lerichelieuhotel.com/
Dauphine Orleans http://www.dauphineorleans.com/
Monteleone http://hotelmonteleone.com/
le Richelieu http://www.lerichelieuhotel.com/
Mar 16th, 2014, 05:07 PM
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We stayed in FQ last November with no car. We stayed at Omni Royal which was a great location and we got a great rate.
We went to WWII museum; went to City Art Museum and Park, did a couple of Cemetary walking tours, did a Garden district walking tour, went to the Old Mint and saw a free concert there.
We did a FQ walking tour too.
We went to WWII museum; went to City Art Museum and Park, did a couple of Cemetary walking tours, did a Garden district walking tour, went to the Old Mint and saw a free concert there.
We did a FQ walking tour too.
Mar 17th, 2014, 04:11 AM
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Sorry to be a downer but NO is one of the places where you must be really careful where you walk and wander.
There are some very high crime areas that are almost immediately adjacent to major tourist areas and before wandering off you should review with someone at your hotel exactly where you plan on going. (A couple of years ago a colleague of mine turned the wrong way coming out of a major hotel and within a block he was mugged by 2 youths for a gun - and feared for his life. They got his watch and wallet and he was lying on the sidewalk waiting to be shot when a police car turned the corner and the youths fled. The police rescued him - and told him he had NO BUSINESS in that area and should avoid it at all costs - and should only go one direction when leaving his hotel - and preferable go with a group.
There are many cities where just random exploring by foot is a lot of fun - but NO is not one of them. Work carefully with the frnt desk of your hotel.
There are some very high crime areas that are almost immediately adjacent to major tourist areas and before wandering off you should review with someone at your hotel exactly where you plan on going. (A couple of years ago a colleague of mine turned the wrong way coming out of a major hotel and within a block he was mugged by 2 youths for a gun - and feared for his life. They got his watch and wallet and he was lying on the sidewalk waiting to be shot when a police car turned the corner and the youths fled. The police rescued him - and told him he had NO BUSINESS in that area and should avoid it at all costs - and should only go one direction when leaving his hotel - and preferable go with a group.
There are many cities where just random exploring by foot is a lot of fun - but NO is not one of them. Work carefully with the frnt desk of your hotel.
Mar 17th, 2014, 02:47 PM
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On most of our trips to New Orleans, we have stayed in the FQ and haven't had a car. I am going next month and same thing - FQ, no car.
The French Quarter is a pretty safe neighborhood - lots of people out and about at all hours. There is petty crime that occurs fairly regularly (pickpocketing, apple-picking, etc.) but as long as you take a few precautions, you should be fine there. For more serious crime, that does happen occasionally, but as long as you use common sense (no dark alleys, stick to populated areas at night, etc.) you should be fine. My favorite parts of the FQ are between Jackson Square and Esplanade - Place d Arms, Hotel Provincial, Le Richlieu, and Villa Convento are all in that area.
The Central Business District (just across from the FQ) is also fine, but because it is mostly businesses with some hotels mixed in, it does get somewhat deserted at night, so if you choose to stay in the CBD, I'd take a cab back to the hotel at night.
I like the Marigny neighborhood a lot too and wouldn't hesitate to stay there. It is mostly residential and therefore not as busy at night, so again, if you are out late, you might want to take a cab back unless you are very close to Frenchmen St, which is quite busy with bars and restaurants.
What you really want to avoid is the area on the other side of Rampart Street. I suspect this is where nytraveler's friend wandered - there is a notorious housing project over there, although I hear that things are getting better. Lots of neighborhood revitalization going on, so we'll see what that brings.
The French Quarter is a pretty safe neighborhood - lots of people out and about at all hours. There is petty crime that occurs fairly regularly (pickpocketing, apple-picking, etc.) but as long as you take a few precautions, you should be fine there. For more serious crime, that does happen occasionally, but as long as you use common sense (no dark alleys, stick to populated areas at night, etc.) you should be fine. My favorite parts of the FQ are between Jackson Square and Esplanade - Place d Arms, Hotel Provincial, Le Richlieu, and Villa Convento are all in that area.
The Central Business District (just across from the FQ) is also fine, but because it is mostly businesses with some hotels mixed in, it does get somewhat deserted at night, so if you choose to stay in the CBD, I'd take a cab back to the hotel at night.
I like the Marigny neighborhood a lot too and wouldn't hesitate to stay there. It is mostly residential and therefore not as busy at night, so again, if you are out late, you might want to take a cab back unless you are very close to Frenchmen St, which is quite busy with bars and restaurants.
What you really want to avoid is the area on the other side of Rampart Street. I suspect this is where nytraveler's friend wandered - there is a notorious housing project over there, although I hear that things are getting better. Lots of neighborhood revitalization going on, so we'll see what that brings.
Mar 17th, 2014, 03:43 PM
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I applaud any efforts made by the city to resolve these problems, but the simple fact if that NO is, overall, a high crime area and tourists needs to stick to specific tourist areas and avoid the rest of the city.
I am always amazed at potential visitors who are frightened of NYC - the safest large city in the country - but think nothing of going to NO which has a violent crime rate more than 4 times as high as NYC.
I am always amazed at potential visitors who are frightened of NYC - the safest large city in the country - but think nothing of going to NO which has a violent crime rate more than 4 times as high as NYC.
Mar 18th, 2014, 08:31 AM
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In response to nytraveler; As safe as NYC is, there are still areas you know not to venture into. New Orleans is no different in that regard. As for the violent crime rate, according to neighborhoodscout.com, New York is slightly higher (5.64 per thousand, as opposed to 4.32 for NO). So let's stop the unnecessary fear mongering.
With that being said, what gets most people into trouble is letting the excitement of being on vacation cloud their ability to recognize danger. I'd follow november_moon's advice and add that if you do want to venture outside those areas (and you should), you can either just make sure to do so during the daytime or take a cab.
With that being said, what gets most people into trouble is letting the excitement of being on vacation cloud their ability to recognize danger. I'd follow november_moon's advice and add that if you do want to venture outside those areas (and you should), you can either just make sure to do so during the daytime or take a cab.
Mar 18th, 2014, 10:19 AM
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I think that for a first time visitor with only 4 nights who is also planning to take a plantation tour, a swamp tour, and go on a paddlewheeler, that the FQ and Marigny are probably sufficient territory to cover. But yeah - heading over to Treme during the day shouldn't be a problem at all.
A question for NY - when was the last time you were in NO?
A question for NY - when was the last time you were in NO?
Mar 19th, 2014, 07:43 AM
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Thanks everyone for your very helpful replies.I think we'll look for accommodation in the FQ or Marigny and take the tours mentioned.We will follow all the useful advice about safety and be sensible.We have travelled a lot in the USA without a car and thankfully haven't had any problems so far.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Mar 19th, 2014, 09:02 AM
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We did all 4 of their tours. DH didn't care for ghost tour but we really liked the other 3.
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/
They are free and only expect a tip.
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/
They are free and only expect a tip.
Mar 19th, 2014, 12:46 PM
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Neighborhood scout's ratings are nonsense.
New Orleans' violent crime rate is more than 25% higher than NYC's. Its murder rate is TEN TIMES higher.
Stick with the accepted FBI matrix: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_..._by_crime_rate
To the OP: stay in the Quarter or near Canal Street not far from the river.
New Orleans' violent crime rate is more than 25% higher than NYC's. Its murder rate is TEN TIMES higher.
Stick with the accepted FBI matrix: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_..._by_crime_rate
To the OP: stay in the Quarter or near Canal Street not far from the river.
Mar 19th, 2014, 02:42 PM
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ethne, I live in New Orleans and would like to add my two cents worth.
nytraveler is correct in that New Orleans has its less than desirable areas that are often close to areas where it's relatively safe. Because of the lack of land area, we all live in close proximity to one another: rich/poor, black/white, etc. It's also because of this close proximity and the mixing of people that New Orleans culture (the reason to come here and live here) is what it is. In this way, we have to take the good with the bad. The vast majority of tourists and people who live here do not experience violent crime, but you have to be careful as well. Listen to the locals and listen to the hotel folks. It's just not a good idea to be drunk, by yourself, walking near the Iberville Housing project which is adjacent to the Quarter at 2am. Two or three blocks away and you can be drunk by yourself walking around with no problem.
Now about where to stay...not knowing the budget is a bit of a problem. There are not many B&B's in New Orleans as one would think as there are several restrictions making a B&B operation difficult. If it's your first time here, then stay in the Quarter, but be sure to venture outside the Quarter. Most of the music these days on Bourbon St. is not indigenous. Many of the real local music venues are concentrated in the Marigny on Frenchmen St. That's only a block from the Quarter, but depending on where you're staying in the Quarter, it might be best to cab it especially if it's late. Realize too that only a small part of the Quarter is an entertainment district. Mostly it's a residential neighborhood home to an eclectic group of people from flamboyant cross dressers to bank CEO's. So it's a perfect place for wandering about in the daytime. Definitely the most European place that I've come across in the US.
I don't agree with nytraveler saying don't venture out of the tourist areas. My God, you'd be missing so much. Don't miss Uptown, the Garden District, Audubon Park (Tulane Area). I guess if those are tourist areas I live in a tourist area, but really I don't. There are great restaurants there and a number of really good music venues as well.
Perhaps the thing to do is to do some research on what places you're thinking about staying in and then people can react or redirect. There are a number of smaller hotels here, especially in the Quarter so if don't rule those out.
New Orleans is street theater and a lot of community time is spent outdoors. The most unusual sights are the ones you just happen upon. Life here is lived in the streets. The best thing about this city are its people. For the most part they are a friendly lot and will talk your ear off if given a chance. (Just tell people you're a Saints fan and you will be much loved.) So don't be afraid of asking someone directions. People are happy to help.
nytraveler is correct in that New Orleans has its less than desirable areas that are often close to areas where it's relatively safe. Because of the lack of land area, we all live in close proximity to one another: rich/poor, black/white, etc. It's also because of this close proximity and the mixing of people that New Orleans culture (the reason to come here and live here) is what it is. In this way, we have to take the good with the bad. The vast majority of tourists and people who live here do not experience violent crime, but you have to be careful as well. Listen to the locals and listen to the hotel folks. It's just not a good idea to be drunk, by yourself, walking near the Iberville Housing project which is adjacent to the Quarter at 2am. Two or three blocks away and you can be drunk by yourself walking around with no problem.
Now about where to stay...not knowing the budget is a bit of a problem. There are not many B&B's in New Orleans as one would think as there are several restrictions making a B&B operation difficult. If it's your first time here, then stay in the Quarter, but be sure to venture outside the Quarter. Most of the music these days on Bourbon St. is not indigenous. Many of the real local music venues are concentrated in the Marigny on Frenchmen St. That's only a block from the Quarter, but depending on where you're staying in the Quarter, it might be best to cab it especially if it's late. Realize too that only a small part of the Quarter is an entertainment district. Mostly it's a residential neighborhood home to an eclectic group of people from flamboyant cross dressers to bank CEO's. So it's a perfect place for wandering about in the daytime. Definitely the most European place that I've come across in the US.
I don't agree with nytraveler saying don't venture out of the tourist areas. My God, you'd be missing so much. Don't miss Uptown, the Garden District, Audubon Park (Tulane Area). I guess if those are tourist areas I live in a tourist area, but really I don't. There are great restaurants there and a number of really good music venues as well.
Perhaps the thing to do is to do some research on what places you're thinking about staying in and then people can react or redirect. There are a number of smaller hotels here, especially in the Quarter so if don't rule those out.
New Orleans is street theater and a lot of community time is spent outdoors. The most unusual sights are the ones you just happen upon. Life here is lived in the streets. The best thing about this city are its people. For the most part they are a friendly lot and will talk your ear off if given a chance. (Just tell people you're a Saints fan and you will be much loved.) So don't be afraid of asking someone directions. People are happy to help.
Mar 22nd, 2014, 05:54 AM
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So many very helpful replies-thank you very much.
We have found a few B&Bs, some in the Marigny district (N Rampart Street)one in Lower Garden District (magazine Street) ones in S Pierce Street, St Philip Street and one in Elysian Fields.
le Richlieu Hotel,mentioned by you, has vacancies,looks well placed and not as expensive as some.
Most of these seem walkable to the main attractions or are served by buses or the Street Car.Prices are fairly similar and cheaper then the hotels we had looked at. Perhaps being near the Trolley would be an advantage as it will take us to other places further out.
So now we just have to make a final decision!
We have found a few B&Bs, some in the Marigny district (N Rampart Street)one in Lower Garden District (magazine Street) ones in S Pierce Street, St Philip Street and one in Elysian Fields.
le Richlieu Hotel,mentioned by you, has vacancies,looks well placed and not as expensive as some.
Most of these seem walkable to the main attractions or are served by buses or the Street Car.Prices are fairly similar and cheaper then the hotels we had looked at. Perhaps being near the Trolley would be an advantage as it will take us to other places further out.
So now we just have to make a final decision!
