Traveling to New Orleans for the first time next week for 5 days. Any recomendations for restaurants, attractions or tours? Anything to avoid? Thanks.

Take a cruise on the Natchez riverboat, a 1/2 day swamp tour (whole day is too long), a Gray Line city tour that includes a stop at a cemetery, see the French Market and Jackson Square, ride the St. Charles streetcar, eat at Petunia's (off Bourbon St.), try a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's and of course, a Lucky Dog. You'll love the city!

A trip to NO wouldn't be the same for me without at least one meal at Commander's Palace. If you'll be there on the weekend, try and reserve the Garden Room for a jazz brunch. In my opinion, it's New Orleans at its best.

Daphne...New Orleans is a great city and you'll have a great time. If you can, take a Haunted History tour(cheap, cheesy, fun), visit LaFitte's Blacksmith Shop at night for a sing along at the piano bar, go horseback riding at Audobahn Park or just take a long walk through the city. I agree that dinner at Commander's Palace is not to be missed. Also, have lunch at Acme Oyster House and eat a dozen of the Gulf's finest. It's on Iberville just of of Bourbon St.The French Market is a great way to spend a few hours and cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde at 3:00 am is so much fun. Whatever you do have a great time but remember that N.O. is a big city and a little common sense goes a long way. I've been 6 times in the past 2 years and have never had a problem (and I tend to travel alone).Keep me posted when you get back....Kim

I had one of the best meals EVER at the non-touristy "Irene's Cuisine" (often listed as just "Irene's"). They don't take reservations, so it might be best to go on a non-Friday or non-Saturday nite, as they are likely to be less crowded. Dinner for 2 was about $75+tip (2 wines, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, no dessert). If i remember correctly, the Rants and Raves area of this board is what interested me in this restaurant, as it had the highest user rating.

Definitely have a hurricane at Pat O'Briens. Spend time at the French Market - the sounds, the smells, the accents are wonderful. Walk around Jackson Square and the Garden District. If you have time, go online and go over a quick history of the city before you go. It will help you appreciate and admire the city and especially, the French Quarter.

For a city tour skip Grey Line and go with a small tour company. We went on 'Hidden Treasures' a small van with a fantastic guide, a native of NO, she really knows interesting details. Takes you through garden district, cemetary, etc. There are a million postings on restaurants but at least once it's fun to go to Mulate's, but time it so you're there after 7 when the music and dancing starts. You get a little insight into cajun culture. The mardi gras museum at Jackson Square is really nice, lots of displays from mardi gras' history. Agree with previous comments on Cafe du Monde and the French Quarter. Have a great trip!

I forgot to mention the most important thing: Preservation Hall. If you don't do another thing, don't miss it. It has arguably the world's best jazz.

Make a reservation for a plantation tour by Tours By Isabelle. The tour guides are very informative and the service is great.

I must say that seeing these posts really make me cringe. You want to see the REAL New Orleans? Grab an "Offbeat" Magazine and/or "Gambit" and go from there.

For food, go to Franky & Johnny's at the corner of Arabella and Tchoupitoulas, but take a cab to get there. Order onion rings, gumbo and a roast beef po-boy, dressed. After spending time at the New Orleans Museum of Art, go to Liuzza's on Bienville for a Frenchuletta and the coldest beer in town. For dessert, go around the corner to Angelo Bracato's on Carrollton for a spumoni....eat it there! Yeah, Commander's is good, but I find it overrated and overpriced. Most New Orleanians will tell you the same thing. Same with Brennan's (run by the same family as Commander's), Arnaud's, Galatoire's, Antoine's, etc. I can think of better ways to spend $50. If you want casual fine dining, go to offbeat, non-touristy places like Matt and Naddie's in the Riverbend area or Pascal's Manale on Napoleon and St. Charles Avenues. BBQ shrimp is a MUST.

You want jazz? Don't go to Preservation Hall. It's hot, crowded and they don't serve liquids. Try Snug Harbor on Frenchman or The Funky Butt on Rampart Street. The two youngest Marsalis brothers, Delfeayo and Jason, play here regularly with their quintets.

Try out Audubon Zoo. Take a streetcar ride (NOT trolley) from Canal and Carondelet Streets all the way to Claiborne. Take that same streetcar back to Audubon Park. There is a shuttle at the front of the park or get on the walking track and walk to the zoo. After the zoo, go up to the "Fly" and catch the boat up to the Aquarium of the Americas. That will let you off at the foot of Canal Street.

For a true taste of Mardi Gras, go over to the Westbank to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. I believe the ferry can get you there. But call first for directions.

Remember, New Orleans is NOT Cajun. Alot of restaurants in the Quarter advertise as "Cajun". True Cajun is in Lafayette and the surrounding areas. Also, if you see a "southern belle" outside of a restaurant in the quarter, RUN! Those places are hokey and BAD.

Don't go into the cemteries. PERIOD. Yeah, they're "COOL" but very dangerous. As is being in the wrong part of town. Take a cab wherever you go. Just because an area looks o.k., doesn't mean it is.

Have a great time while you're here.

Maximos Italian Grill

Royal Cafe

The restaurant NOLA's is my favorite in New Orleans. Along with I heard some wonderful street performers in Jackson Square who earned a huge audience and great applause for their talent! Lots of fun memories - enjoy your stay there!

Hi Daphne,

Stuff I liked:
Cafe du Monde
Commanders Palace
Drove to Oak Alley? Plantation
Garden District - Look for Anne Rice.
Walking along Rue Royal.
St Charles St car - get off at Camellia's Grill.
Basically everything.

However, never go north of Bourbon after dark and even south of Bourbon, you are safe in a crowd. Walk along the street opposite from where the cars park. In general, if you go anywhere at night, take a taxi.

Forget dire warnings. Be sensible like you would in ANY major city and you'll be fine in New Orleans. I find it somewhat laughable these days when people say never go north of Bourbon. This means don't go to Bayona, Peristyle, the Ritz Carlton, etc. I walk these areas daily and have not once had a problem. After drinking a few cocktails or at 1am, I agree that a cab is a great idea, however.

I have been to New Orleans a few times...always great times...But if you like horse(donkey)buggy rides you have to ask for Leroy and Aretha(the Donkey)
My sister and I had a blast we ended up hiring him to take us back to our hotel after an extended fun tour.
ENJOY!!!!!

NORTH or SOUTH of Bourbon Street? Where would that be? I was born and raised in New Orleans and the only directions we have are Uptown, Downtown, Lakeside, Riverside. As the river twists and turns, directions such as North of Bywater or East of Mid-City become null and void.