Hello,

I needed your input on something. I will be travelling to New Orleans in May on business and will be taking my wife with me. My question is: will I need to rent a car there or not? Our hotel is downtown (near the conference center) and we really want to do some sightseeing. We have a little child (under 1 yr) as well. My dilemma is whether or not a car is *necessary* to get around.

Thanks!

In New Orleans, with the dirth of parking near the French Quarter, a car is an impediment. Cabs are plentiful and fairly reasonable. To get to the Garden District, the Cable Car is much easier than driving.

Definately don't need a rental.

Nahhh, parking is really at a premium, the streets (at least in the Quarter) are kinda tricky and cabs are plenty. Along with the streetcars, you should be fine. Let us know what hotel you're staying at, and I'm sure some of the people who post here that are really sharp about the city will give you even better information. (Dan, you out there?)

thanks everyone. i'm staying at the Wyndham by the Riverfront.
Thanks again, that was fast!!

I agree! No car. It's not needed if you're staying in the French Quarter area. You can easily take public transit (streetcars, buses, etc.), walk, or hop a cab. Also, parking is expensive in some hotels although I don't know the Wyndham's current rate.

We've traveled to New Orleans many times. Never had a car. On our last trip we decided to go to Biloxi for an overnight, just to 'check it out'. So, we had to rent a car to get back to New Orleans the next day. Of course, we had a make a stop in the Quarter for lunch and to pick up a muffaletta sandwich to take home. Imagine our dismay when the car was towed away. Boy, did we feel stupid. We ALWAYS go home from New Orleans on Monday, except this year when it was Tuesday and the sign said 'no parking on Tuesday'. But since we were heading home, of course, we thought it was Monday...... Fortunately the place where the car had been towed was only a short cab ride from the Quarter, and right by the Interstate, so we will made our plane. But no cars in New Orleans for me again. That or I need to figure out a way to keep track of what day of the week it is....