ciaony

My wife and I, from NYC, were thinking of going to New Orleans. It seems that there isn't much other than the French Quarter to see. Is the French Quarter really exceptional? Please don't suggest museums or the University there.
I thought I wanted to go there in May, but the more I read about it the less appealing it becomes, i.e. I've read some complaints.
Convince me please.
A little about us; we're early-30's, professionals, foodies, alcohol friendly, like taking photos, like music, like good hotels, not wanting to drive, would be there on 5th anniversary in May.
Thank you.

Brutforce

Well if you like food there are few better cities in the US. The Quarter is interesting as is Magazine St. & the Garden District. Lots of art & music as well. I'm partial to the Famous Door, Storyville, House of Blues & Flaharty's. Take a look on Fodor's & do a search as well as the restaurant issues are debated on here almost daily. In my opinion, the 'famous restaurants' Commanders, Emerils, Galatoires, 2 Sisters...are all over-priced & over-rated. & you won't need a car, you can take the trolley or a cab for any short, in town trips.

ccolor

Let's see, what can you do in New Orleans? Take the St. Charles streetcar ride, a ride on the Steamboat Natchez, a swamp and/or plantation tour and a city tour with a cemetery stop. Visit Jackson Square, the French Market and of course, Bourbon St. (I don't blame you about the museums, etc. - they didn't do anything for me either <grin>.) Try your luck at Harrah's Casino. Then of course there's the fun of having a Bourbon St. balcony room at your hotel and just plain "people-watching". You won't need a car for any of this - there are lots of tours that will pick you up at your hotel and if you stay in the Quarter, everything else is in walking distance or cabs are readily available. Reconsider a trip to the city - it really is packed with things to do and see.

PamSF

Food,alcohol friendly, music and don't like to drive..sounds like New Orleans to me. If you haven't been at least once you should go and decide for yourself about "The Big Sleazy". I think it is worth it to stay in the quarter however I would advise against staying right on Bourbon unless you stay at LaFitte's guest house which if further down and out of the fray. There are some great places to eat. You can tour the cemetaries, the St Charles Street car and check out the galleries on Julia Street. You can listen to great jazz at Snug Harbor. One word of caution...it will be hot in May. Depending on how late in May you go it could be very hot and the humidity is high.

J_Correa

I agree with everything that has been said so far - there are tons of things to do in NO, and if you like to eat, it is the city for you. My husband and I spent a week there last May and fell in love with the city. We didn't even get to everything we wanted to do. The weather was warm, but there were only 2 days that were particularly humid.

suzanne

I'm also an early-30s NYer, and I had a great time in New Orleans last month with my boyfriend! I posted a trip report...look for it.

The French Quarter was fabulous. Walking through it, you'll feel like you're in a different country. Royal Street was my favorite, with its interesting shops and galleries. Bourbon Street was a hoot. The locals we met were super-friendly and suggested areas to visit and things to see. It's kind of like NYC in that it's a good walking city with diverse neighborhoods. You've got to try it once!!

Spike

Do you like jazz? New Orleans is a great city to visit for the music, food, history and beautiful architecture. We had a blast when we went for four days. We avoided the casinos (I live in California and Vegas is close by, not a draw for me), but ate some incredible meals, heard some mind-blowing good jazz, enjoyed shopping in the unique antique stores, and just soaking up the atmosphere. It is a very European town and a car is very unnecessary if you stay in the Quarter. Some must-dos:

1. Jazz at Snug Harbor
2. Cemetery tour
3. Carriage ride
4. Shopping on Royal Street
5. Beignets at Cafe du Monde
6. Soft shell crab po boy
7. Walking around drinking from your "go cup" -- such freedom!

I definitely recommend a trip. You will have a great time.

GatorLadyUSA

Convince you? Go to any of these websites:

1. www.nolalive.com
2. www.citysearch.com
3. www.worldtravelling.com/NewOrleans.htm (just saw this one in another person's message here -- thanks!)
4. www.wdsu.com
5. www.wgno.com
6. www.crawfish.com
7. www.mardigras.com
8. www.neworleans.com
9. www.jazzfest.com
10. www.timespicayune.com

There is an entire world beyond the French Quarter, cher!!!! Don't limit yourself to one neighborhood....