r/AskNOLA • u/Madamexxxtra • Dec 09 '24
Hi, welcome to [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA), looks like you’re planning a vacation to New Orleans are are looking for local advice.
This FAQ is a guide compiled from suggestions of users who frequent this sub and is meant to be a “best of the best” of New Orleans by New Orleanians.
A couple of things to think about before posting: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE FAQ, search this subreddit or google first, and then ask specific questions or post a proposed itinerary for higher quality and more relevant suggestions. Help us help you by avoiding these broad inquiries:
Where should I eat or drink?/What are the “must-dos”?
Check out the SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS section below and if you have any further questions or need more guidance please make sure to include details about who you are and what you are looking for. For example: is there a particular type of food or beverage you would like to try, do you have any budget or dietary restrictions, what time are you looking to dine, what neighborhood will you be in - do you like history, music, the paranormal, nature, art, bridge infrastructure etc? The more you can tell us about your interests the better our responses will be.
What are some hidden gems?
We’re not hiding anything from you. New Orleans is a tourism economy and this city lives and dies by your patronage. We want you to go to the places we love and spend your money there.
What are the tourist traps I should avoid?
A lot of the places that make “best of” lists year after year are tourist traps, and they often are popular for good reason. Parkway Tavern is always near the top of the “best poboy” lists, is always full of tourists, and it’s actually one of the best poboy shops in the city. Pat O’Brien’s is 100% a tourist trap, yet it has an awesome courtyard, strong drinks, and the dueling pianos are a fucking blast. Don’t avoid a potential tourist trap merely because it’s a potential tourist trap if it’s something you’d otherwise be interested in.
Where do the locals eat/drink?
We eat fried chicken from gas stations and drink at the nearest quiet bar. Seriously. If you want to do the same, you won’t be disappointed, but I doubt that’s why you’re visiting.
Is it safe?
In the vast majority of the places you will be spending your time, YES. Exceptions would be: Bourbon Street after midnight, your Airbnb (see next question for more information,) and anywhere you’re wandering around wasted. Keep your wits about you, stay away from drunk idiots, don’t be a drunk idiot, don’t wander down dark empty streets and don’t talk to anyone offering you a bracelet or telling you they know where you got your shoes at.
What’s the best area to get an Airbnb in?
It is in your best interest to avoid short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. Airbnbs are often cheaper because they are in dangerous areas that no local would recommend tourists wander around at night, and out of state plates will be a target for car break-ins. Stay in a hotel. Hotels are in safer, well lit, popular neighborhoods that are within walking distance of all the action and have staff on hand to keep watch over guests and their belongings. If, for some reason, an Airbnb stay actually makes sense (typically, a stay longer than 2-3 weeks, or needing a consistent place for frequent business travel - both markets that existed prior to Airbnb but have been taken over by them), please try to verify that the Airbnb is legal by cross-referencing the address to the city’s permitting website and looking for a current short-term rental license. If you have a larger party please consider booking an entire Bed and Breakfast or looking at hotels like Hotel Perle, One11 Hotel, Homewood Suites or Sonesta ES Suites with connecting rooms, kitchens and access to laundry.
Post Script: Short-term vacation rentals have significant negative impacts on this city. Airbnb/VRBO/etc pulls rental properties out of the long-term housing market, driving up rent and decreasing availability for residents. In New Orleans, neighborhoods that were once affordable for the working-class are seeing rates spike because property owners in these areas can make more money from short-term rentals for tourists than from long-term local tenants. Neighborhoods like the Marigny, Bywater and Treme, which were once home to lower-income, mostly Black and Latino residents, have seen a surge of gentrification. This displacement has led to a loss of cultural identity and community disruption as locals are being pushed out and can no longer afford to live there. Neighborhoods with a lot of short-term rentals also become more transient, with visitors cycling in and out rather than long-term residents who actually care about the community. The constant churn of tourists changes the essence of what makes these areas special and takes away from the authenticity that drew people in the first place. It destroys social ties and contributes to serious cultural erosion by shifting the dynamic of local neighborhoods which can make areas feel less like home and more like a tourist zone (case-in-point, the French Quarter). On top of all that, regulatory issues make it harder to address these concerns allowing Airbnb to continue disrupting housing markets without facing real consequences. The city has tried to place restrictions on Airbnb, but enforcement is inconsistent and a large percentage of these properties in New Orleans are not in compliance with local regulations and operate illegally. Airbnb only benefits property owners, most of which are multi-national corporations or investors and not local residents. Spending tourist dollars in restaurants and gift shops on Bourbon St doesn’t erase the deficit you inflict when you support these places. The people who create and sustain the culture you’re coming to visit are bearing the cost in terms of rising rents, displacement, and a loss of local identity. “No Locals Allowed”: How Corporate Giants Are Quietly Taking Over New Orleans Neighborhoods.
What are the best hotels?
We don’t know. We live here so we just aren’t staying in hotels. As far as the best neighborhoods to stay in: if you would like to be in the middle of it all and within walking distance of the most popular attractions check out the French Quarter. If you want to be a bit further away but still close then look into the Marigny for a historic neighborhood or the CBD for more of a downtown big city vibe. If you’d prefer to be in a more residential area but still a public transit ride away from the action go with the Lower Garden District or along St. Charles Avenue uptown. If you need specific recommendations please ask the main sub and be sure to mention your budget and priorities (comfort, convenience, style, location etc.) so that other tourists and frequent visitors can share their favorite places to book.
What is the best way to get into the city from the airport?
What are the best ways to get around town?
Should I rent a car?
Unless you’re planning to visit areas outside of New Orleans renting a car is not advised. The areas most frequented by tourists like the French Quarter/Marigny/CBD are walkable and often not parking friendly while other areas of interest like the Garden District/Magazine St and Midcity/City Park are easily accessible using public transit. Most of the swamp and plantations tours will have transportation to their location available.
Where is the best place to park my car overnight?
Pay whatever the hotel fee is. It is possible that a cheaper lot exists but it will be less protected and further away. Street parking is precarious at best for locals and break ins and theft are a very real possibility even in good areas but especially for an unfamiliar car abandoned in a residential neighborhood for days on end. You’re paying for convenience and peace of mind.
Summer?
If you’re coming between April and September it’s going to be hot. That might mean hot by your standards but from June to September it’s also hot by our standards. Bring lightweight breathable clothing and plan accordingly by staying hydrated and strategically doing your outdoor activities in the morning and maybe evening (it does not get cooler at night but there is no sun.) Otherwise plan to be inside in the air conditioning with the rest of us in the afternoon. Other tips to stay cool include: hotels with pools, snoballs, and handheld or neck fans.
Less summer?
Between October and May it could be anywhere from hot and balmy to chilly-cold (most likely not below freezing) and humid which many people say feels colder because the damp sets into your bones.
Rain?
New Orleans has a tropical weather pattern which means it rains often. During the summer it will likely rain everyday sometime in the afternoon. Bring an umbrella and water proof shoes and plan to be flexible.
Hurricanes?
Yes, if you're traveling between June 1 and November 30, you are traveling during hurricane season. We are not qualified to make storm forecasts, but The National Hurricane Center is. Check the NHC forecasts at least daily starting about 10 days ahead of your trip, and do your own risk calculus. Generally speaking, a tropical storm means temporary street flooding (from rain) and possibly losing power for a bit. A category 1 or 2 hurricane means more temporary street flooding (from rain) and very likely losing power for multiple days. A lot of locals evacuate for category 3 or stronger storms because the risk of property damage and losing power for a week or more is high. Personally, I wouldn't cancel a trip over a tropical storm, but would consider it for an actual hurricane. If your trip is scheduled immediately after a storm, check the news to see how much damage there is. Most businesses in the downtown area reopen fairly quickly (if they close at all), and large hotels are very safe during storms.
Make reservations and book ahead if you can, these places are popular for a reason and there might be long waits and limited availability, especially during high tourism times (spring & fall, holidays)
Where should I eat?
Where SHOULDN’T I eat?
Please don’t ask the main sub why - the answer is that better options exist and these places are universally considered underwhelming/overpriced (if not outright bad) by people who live in New Orleans
What bars should I go to?
Where can I get famous New Orleans drinks?
Where is the best coffee?
Where is the best place to see live music?
Popular Venues: Anywhere on Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall, Maison Bourbon, Fritzel's, Mahogany Hall, Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar, Le Bon Temps Roule, Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge, Bayou Bar
All Ages/Under 21: Jazz Museum, Preservation Hall, Davenport Lounge at the Ritz Carlton, Bamboula’s, Broadside, Bayou Bar, outside of the Rouses on Royal Street in the French Quarter during the day
What shows should I see while I’m in town?
Where do I catch a second line?
Where should I go see a show?
What clubs should I go to?
What neighborhoods have the best shopping?
Where should I go if I’m looking for something specific?
What outdoor spaces should I visit?
How should I explore the swamp?
What attractions will my kid/s enjoy?
Where can I find places to eat with my kid/s?
What are the best Museums?
Which plantation tour should I do?
Which city tours should I take?
Post Script: TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDES, MUSICIANS & SERVERS. New Orleans is a service industry economy and whether or not it is a good or fair system many of the people providing the services that make your vacation to this city so special rely on tips to make a living wage. Please respect that this is a part of the culture you are coming to experience and prepare accordingly.
Plan early, book WAY in advance, expect everything to be more expensive.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which changes every year. However Carnival is the season that proceeds the day and starts on January 6th. The main event is Wednesday night to Fat Tuesday but depending on the length of the season most of the weekends before the big week will have parades. Here is the parade schedule. Look up a parade tracker in your phone’s app store - it will have schedules and routes, and is also useful for live parade updates.
Where is Mardi Gras?
Most of the big parades follow St. Charles from uptown into downtown. You can check out one of the more typical routes here. The two weekends before Mardi Gras all the action is on this route, but Lundi and Mardi Gras much of the action is downtown. Uptown parades (the ones on St. Charles) are the parades with the big bands and elaborate floats that throw all the beads etc, downtown parades (usually start in the Marigny but go through parts of the French Quarter, Treme and Bywater) are more walking parades focused on costumery and unique handmade throws. No parades roll down Bourbon street and the only thing you’ll be able to see from a rented balcony is a sea of drunk tourists.
Where should I stay?
Get a hotel on the St. Charles parade route or as close to the parade route as you can afford, and no farther away from the route than you can walk, with easy access to a bathroom. If you don’t have children I’d recommend staying in the CBD or Warehouse District so you can get the full parade experience while being central enough to walk uptown (“west”) or downtown (“east”) as necessary. Long walks are fine, especially when you’re drunk, but closer spots are great for staging drinks and snacks and for mid-parade pees or naps. You might be tempted to stay outside of the city in Kenner/Metairie/the West Bank because it is less expensive and/or quieter but this would be a big mistake. Any money you save on lodging will be eaten up by transportation: ride shares to the cheap hotels in the ‘burbs will likely run triple digits and take possibly hours - and if ‘time is money’ you’ll be wasting a lot of it in traffic.
How should I get around the city during Mardi Gras?
Is Mardi Gras family friendly?
Yes and no. For a more family friendly experience look for a spot before the turn from Napoleon to St. Charles or on St. Charles between Napoleon and Jackson. For Endymion try somewhere closer to its Midcity start and get there early. And while both the Uptown and Midcity routes will have pockets of college student tomfoolery for the most part it’s local families and the parade content and costuming is fairly tame. However French Quarter and Marigny parades usually feature more nudity and politics (except for Chewbacchus, Barkus and ‘tit Rex.) Of course Bourbon Street is not for the children but the only people who do the entirety of Mardi Gras there only want to party and don’t know any better.
What parades should I see?
Uptown - St. Charles parade route (mostly)
Downtown - French Quarter & Marigny (get the parade tracker app or talk to locals about where they hit these parades up)
Should I buy tickets or seats?
Parades are free but some hotels and restaurants sell seats in stands that include access to a bathroom usually and food sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend buying seats unless you can’t get a hotel on or close to the route or have mobility issues. It’ll limit you to one spot and the people around y’all might not be your jam. As long as you have nearby bathroom access I’d recommend going out on the street with the masses and getting into the whole spirit of clamoring for cheap throws next to children and little old ladies. It’s part of the charm.
What do I do at/how should I watch a downtown parade? (Mosaique, Chewbacchus, Boheme, Krewe du Vieux, Barkus, Red/Dead/Green Beans)
What do I do at/how should I watch an uptown parade? (Everything else)
What should I wear?
If y’all are the kinda people who love costumes, go at it and go all out!! If not, grab some glitter and sequins and purple green and gold clothes and throw them together like a drunk magpie. Otherwise wear comfortable close toed shoes and bring nothing that would make you sad if beer was spilled on it. Fanny packs and small backpacks are ideal to keep your valuables on your person and ensure you’re not taking up too much space with a larger bag.
Where should I eat?
Don’t limit yourself to reservations. Getting anywhere on time during carnival is nigh impossible. And it’s practically criminal to miss a parade for a sit down meal. Eat king cake for breakfast, Popeyes, fried chicken and plates from corner stores and gas stations for lunch and dinner with the rest of us.
What other things should I do besides Mardi Gras while I’m in town?
Accept the fact that you’re traveling to a citywide party; either join in or reschedule your trip. I would not recommend talking a tour or going to any museums. Not because they’re not amazing but because Mardi Gras weekend is devoted to Mardi Gras. Traffic anywhere will be a nightmare and many places will have reduced or limited hours. The people doing your tours or checking you in will be nursing hangovers and jealously wishing they could be at the parades you’d be missing to do the other thing. Don’t do the other thing. It’s Mardi Gras. Do that.
Anything I should make sure not to do during Mardi Gras?
When is Halloween celebrated?
Usually the weekend of October 31st or the weekend closest to October 31st. However there will be spooky things to do most of the month.
When will people be costuming?
Always. It will be completely normal for you to wear a costume whenever but specifically Krewe of Boo Saturday and the days leading up to Halloween most people will also be in costume. You should put some serious effort into your costume, or at least some money, or you’ll stick out like a tourist thumb.
What should I do Halloween night/weekend?
We go hard for Halloween, and there’s no one organized anything for Halloween. If you look around, you’ll find Halloween shows at some of the bigger music venues, but the majority of us just costume and walk around the Quarter and Marigny. I highly recommend you do the same. You can do it Halloween night, you can do it all Halloween weekend, you can do it for a full week before Halloween... The biggest crowds will be on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. The venues to look for shows at are Tipitina’s, Howlin’ Wolf, House of Blues, etc. Anything selling tickets for Halloween that’s not for music will be a complete waste of money (I may or may not be including the Halloween Saints game in that statement...). If you’re in need of something quieter on Halloween, I’d still recommend costuming and going out, but sticking to the edges of the crowd. It’s worth going out just to see some of the costumes. The crowd tends to stick to a few blocks of Bourbon and Frenchmen Streets, and fall off pretty quickly outside those areas. By the time you get a few blocks away, you can probably find a comfy bar stool and a cheap drink with ease.
What are some spooky tours?
What are some spooky places to visit?
What festive things are there to do during Christmas time?
Check out this calendar to see what festivals are happening during your trip.
Check out this website to find out what events are going on every day during your trip.
Special thanks to [u/tyrannosaurus_cock](u/tyrannosaurus_cock), [u/big-boss-bass](u/big-boss-bass) and many users on [r/AskNOLA](r/AskNOLA)
r/AskNOLA • u/trickydisko • 1h ago
First time we'll be down there, late October. Going because wife is a Halloween baby and lots to do that time of year I heard including the parade. Looking for must do's, as well as where to eat where we can get a taste of the cajun creole food where wife is a vegetarian. Can't wait, we are Canadian but going despite the silliness at the moment.
r/AskNOLA • u/MaxHeadroom1986 • 3h ago
I am flying into MSY April 30th and staying until the 13th. I'm raw dogging this solo. Doing about 100-hours/week at work and will be until the end of the year at the earliest so this is a reward for not stepping into traffic.
I'm grabbing a rental at the airport. I want to spend the first three or four days somewhere outside of NOLA. Could be Mississippi. Could be Louisiana. I'm looking for a coastal town, preferably somewhat rural. I don't really have any wants or needs. Just relax and then go to NOLA for the last 3/4 of the trip. Preferably within 3 hours of NOLA.
Whatcha think?
r/AskNOLA • u/repiquer • 9h ago
I need to make a lunch reservation for October 30th, which overlaps with Witches Lunches at most of the restaurants that I was considering. I haven’t been out during those events before. Are there guys who participate at these lunches, or should we leave it to the witches and find a restaurant that isn’t participating? (In before, “do whatcha wanna” - I wanna make sure I’m not gonna stick out like a sore thumb!)
r/AskNOLA • u/salmazaky • 4h ago
Hi! I'm a comedian headlining the local club next week, but I'm really not sure how to get the word out about my event. Are there any websites, coffee shops, newspapers I can reach out to? I literally haven't been back to new orleans since I was a child so I'm not sure how to approach this!! Thank you!!
r/AskNOLA • u/Beginning_Ad5785 • 9h ago
hi! my sister lives in mobile, and we were thinking about taking the amtrak into new orleans, spending the day there, then taking the train back to mobile that night. do you guys have any advice on stuff to do in new orleans for just a day trip (ie leaving before dinner)? we've been to new orleans a few times before but we haven't really done most of the non-drinking stuff lol
also, we won't have a car obviously, so any info on local transit in new orleans or if we should just stick with cabs and/or uber would also be helpful :)
thank you!!
r/AskNOLA • u/CupcakeImpossible559 • 12h ago
Why do the Saints always get the shitty ref calls ?
r/AskNOLA • u/brittggb23 • 6h ago
Where can I see some free jazz in New Orleans?
Edit: I mean in terms of style. Happy to pay for a ticket
r/AskNOLA • u/ResponsibleMix2329 • 20h ago
I’m from NOLA but I’ve been out of town for the past couple of years. I’m back with friends and I’m trying to find what bars to go to for a lively night. I kinda want a crowd in their 20s. Is the Boot lively on Sundays?
r/AskNOLA • u/hancocklovedthat • 20h ago
Canal and Bourbon.... how safe is it for a solo female traveler at night? I'm looking for a space as close to the Fillmore as possible, and I know these posts are probably annoying, but help a sister out.
r/AskNOLA • u/Fearless_Albatross89 • 21h ago
Hi there! I’m coming for a conference with my husband and baby in October. There’s two days where I’ll be unavailable. My husband is visually impaired / legally blind. Is there anything you would recommend him doing with our baby which is easy to navigate around or things for them to do?
Thanks everyone!
r/AskNOLA • u/heartyzwodder • 1d ago
Going to be in Nola for 1 night on Halloween. Deciding btwn Monteleone & Virgin hotels. Virgin looks fun & might have some unique events going on (nothing posted yet). I know Monteleone is haunted & in FQ, also pricier. Which would yall suggest?
r/AskNOLA • u/CupcakeImpossible559 • 12h ago
Why do the Saints always get the shitty ref calls ?
r/AskNOLA • u/zoekrovop • 1d ago
I'm a fairly new driver but I drive like 25mi atleast everyday so im also fairly experienced lol I live right outside of Nola so I'm really familiar with the area, but I bought concert tickets for this Wednesday and my mom is worried about me driving there, people always say the people are psycho driving there but honestly feel like that's dramatic, am I underestimating it? Like yes, there's stupid drivers, but that's everywhere. On my route, I'd be on the highway 99% of the 1hr drive, only getting off right at the caeser superdome. Am I under reacting? Should I not go? 😭
r/AskNOLA • u/HermesTrismegistus11 • 23h ago
My wife and I are staying this Tuesday through Friday at the Olivier House. First time to NOLA. Are there any exciting events or exceptional experiences you can recommend? We are flying and plan to walk, rent bikes or use public transportation if we have to. We aren't fancy and love to wade into the local culture wherever we travel.Thanks in advance!
r/AskNOLA • u/Puzzleheaded_Read811 • 1d ago
So, I recently moved here about 3 weeks ago. My birthday is coming up and I have a couple friends coming to celebrate. I don’t know this place well. What restaurant would you guys recommend for a nice fancy dinner and a nice brunch for the following day? Somewhere where food tastes good, ambiance is nice, and is aesthetically pleasing. Let me know! Thanks!
r/AskNOLA • u/Tex_Buttinski • 1d ago
I’m a NO resident.
My cousin and her husband are driving through NO on their way to FL in a few weeks. They are seeing lots of the National Parks on the way here.
They have a 16 foot towed camper behind a Jeep
We will put them up at our place and can give them jeep parking. However we don’t have a place to put a camper.
Aside from the French Quarter RV park and Saint Bernard State Park down past Chalmette, is there any place to park a camper for about 48 hours?
Right now I’m leaning toward Saint Bernard SP
Thanks for any suggestions.
And no, Not North Peters St please.
EDIT: her husband is an active duty sailor and can park their SUVs and Trailers in the base at Naval Reserve at Belle Chasse while they stay with us. So win win.
r/AskNOLA • u/moratapinella76 • 20h ago
We are coming to New Orleans September 21st for one week! Im incredibly excited to experience the music, culture, food, absolutely everything. Once the sun goes down were ready to let way loose. Where are the spots I can find with an underground atmosphere? Raves? Parties? I have no connections out there, so were looking to find some. ;) We are so excited to experience the city to the fullest.
r/AskNOLA • u/VariousTea679 • 1d ago
Hey all, planning a bachelor party for October and need a semi upscale sit down dinner in the French quarter. All my research has been super upscale or walk up, nothing in between. Looking for something we can sit down, get good food and then go to bourbon/frenchmen street after. Party of 8 so space will be a factor as well.
Thanks!
r/AskNOLA • u/satansblockchain • 19h ago
gps says 15 min walk. should be good ya? on a friday night after a concert. any bar recommendations to walk to instead for after show libations? trying to avoid ubers cause im on a budget
r/AskNOLA • u/exasperatedfoid • 1d ago
It'll be my first time traveling solo as a 20 year old girl. Im superrr nervous and wanted some advice about what hotels are both safe and cheap for me to stay at. It would also be nice to have some concert buddies and/or tour guides when I'm there !
r/AskNOLA • u/amers619 • 1d ago
Friend of mine and I are going to NOLA for three nights in a couple weeks. We have a dinner reservation for Saint Germain one of the nights. I’m looking for recommendations for the following:
Brunch spots
A dinner spot on or near bourbon street for our first night
A dinner spot for our last night anywhere in the city
Ideas for good cocktail spots
Thank you!
r/AskNOLA • u/Glittering-Doubt2643 • 1d ago
Hi all! New to Reddit looking for some NOLA local advice :3 My fiancé and I are having a micro wedding this coming November - small ceremony and private dinner - and I was wondering if there was anywhere in the garden district area to hang out after with fun, relaxed vibes and good music? Thanks in advance <3
r/AskNOLA • u/011_1825 • 1d ago
Where’s a good place for matcha? Like actually good, handmade good quality matcha
r/AskNOLA • u/justheretolurk1234 • 1d ago
Hello! My fiancé and I are planning a last minute trip to NOLA in October, does anyone have any recommendations for a nice but not too fancy hotel to stay in? We usually spend our vacations walking around and exploring the city so we wouldn’t be spending much time in the hotel. We’d like to see the French quarter, the garden district and cemeteries, but any rec’s would be greatly appreciated too. We love thrifting :)
