A recent rip to New Orleans sparked this series of photo journeys about the city. Read about my experience with the city itself, the entertainment and nightlife, and the food that drives the city. Full disclosure: we landed in New Orleans with the Lonely Planet New Orleans Guidebook in hand, so a lot of these suggestions are curtesy of LP.
This trip happened right when smartphones started becoming a thing. Words on paper were still important, even as it is today, only different. Sure one could do all research on the internet, but there is something authoritative about a guidebook that has been around since the 70's. They spend big bucks to get writers in locations far and wide, so the info should be reputeable and well researched. For this reason, Lonely planet has been my preferred guidebook. I don't live and die by it, since the key word is "Guide", not "The Ye Olde Book of Mandatory Stops".
To fully appreciate this photo, one must understand the work that went into it. This photo required one round trip ferry ride from the river walk to Algiers, followed by a 2 mile walk down one of the "stabbiest" river side promenades I have experienced. While hung over.
Jackson square being the central spot for tourists during the days. Artists, "psychics", and street performers are ready and waiting to collect your money. Fortunately I was able to find the best and most professional Clair-voyant in town.
I am unaware how much this clair-voyant charges, but you can imagine it isn't cheap. Although if he was really that good at seeing the future, wouldn't he have known his handwriting was too large to spell the word "clairvoyant" on one line before he started writing it?
The streets of New Orleans French Quarter are something I have never experienced before. Not since college at least. It has been quite some time since I enjoyed the constant smell of stale booze and man-piss as I stroll down these city streets.
This classy place has Love Acts with men and women. You may have heard of it... it's "World Famous".
You are allowed to take photos of the inside of the Voodoo Museum, but if my legs breaks for no apparent reason, then I will gladly delete it from my photo library.
Don't forget your horse and carriage ride through the french quarter.
The beautiful area of Magazine Street has classic old style houses and a very relaxed feel. Not much else going on here, besides and nice view and laid back vibes.
Taking the ferry over to Algiers is also encouraged if you want to get away from the city smells. Algiers has a ferry going all day long, every half hour. They take people for free as the boat is mainly used for locals who need to cross their vehicles for business or pleasure.
There is an awesome coffee shop and some iconic New Orleans houses. A really cool area to stroll around in.
The cable cars take you anywhere you need to go, and then some. Yes, I am sure there is one named "Desire". They are cheap and a common form of transport for locals, tourists and college students.
You're welcome.
Take the cable cars up to the City Park and find a carousel, sculpture gardens and swans.
Its pretty cool for a sober day out.
If you like parks, then check out Audubon, which has a golf course and walking trails and is right next to Loyola and Tulane University. Take the Magazine Street Bus or the Cable car on St Charles.
Do yourself a favor and check out areas besides the French Quarter while traveling in New Orleans. The city is such an easy place to get around. You can walk everywhere or find the cable cars.
More Mildly entertaining and insightful reads...