I am going to New Orleans in two weeks!

[DAM]

So I need some advice, I've never been to the place, what should I expect? How much money should I take, and carry with me. Must see places, must stay away from places, etc etc.


dam()

 

[ElFenix]

2 weeks? its mardi gras!

 

[hevnsnt]

see my post in the other mardi gras thread.. You will have fun.

 

[squirrel dog]

Stay away from the area around the super dome,and all housing projects.Try to stay in or near the quarter.Relize that 1 in 5 people you see is an under cover cop.Do not carry a knife around unless its really small.

 

[Bignate603]

I go to school there. Where are you staying? Down town or farther out?

The french quarter is where you'll probably want to see. The difference between it at night and during the day is, well, day and night. During the day there's beautifal art galleries and nice little shops to go shopping in. At night it's the biggest party you've ever seen. Here's one word of advice though...

Crowds = safer

Do NOT go wandering someplace at night alone. The city is fine if you use your head, and you can get yourself mugged easily if you don't, or worse.


I would say try and see a show at house of blues if something good is playing. Hit up some parades (this year is my first mardi gras too, w00t!) and just have a good time. You should enjoy the weather, it was mid 60s today and not a cloud in the sky. It does get chilly at night though and rain is always a possibility. Our weather changes quickly, if you don't like it wait a few minutes.


Anyways, for food, try red beans and rice at least once. There's alot of good cajun food but pretty much everybody likes that. There's a good place called "The Gumbo Store" somewhere in the french quarter that I liked alot. Prices aren't too bad, even us poor college students eat there once and a while.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
Stay away from the area around the super dome,and all housing projects.Try to stay in or near the quarter.Relize that 1 in 5 people you see is an under cover cop.Do not carry a knife around unless its really small.

I carry a knife, but if you go to the house of blues leave it at home. They won't let you carry it in.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
Relize that 1 in 5 people you see is an under cover cop.Do not carry a knife around unless its really small.

not during mardi gras they're not!

 

[AgentEL]

go to cafe du monde for beignets... nothing like them in CA.

Also, swamp tours are a waste of money cuz all the cool things are hibernating... unless you like looking at owls and water snakes.

also, go to jauquimmo's (not sure about the spelling). If you can find a local that knows where it is, it's worth it. One of the best restaurants in the area, but it's a little hole in the wall. Really quaint, really popular. we waited about 2 hours (but I was in a group of 8).

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: AgentEL
go to cafe du monde for beignets... nothing like them in CA.

Also, swamp tours are a waste of money cuz all the cool things are hibernating... unless you like looking at owls and water snakes.

also, go to jauquimmo's (not sure about the spelling). If you can find a local that knows where it is, it's worth it. One of the best restaurants in the area, but it's a little hole in the wall. Really quaint, really popular. we waited about 2 hours (but I was in a group of 8).

Jacque-Imo's OWNS ALL.

I'm a native New Orleanian, so if you have any specific questions, ask here or PM me.

I'm moving to NYC Friday, so I'm going to miss Mardi Gras (slight chance I might come down for the weekend though). This is the first Mardi Gras I've missed in 11 years.