Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Sights & Attractions in New Orleans)

Member Name: ukusa

Product:	Sights & Attractions in New Orleans
Date:	30/03/05 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compact City, Good Food, Good Music

Disadvantages: Very Hot and Humid during the summer months!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!-
Let the good times roll!

Located at the mouth of the Mississippi river in the southern state of Louisiana, New Orleans is like a good gumbo..... a little bit of this, a little bit of that and A LOT of Hot Stuff!

History:

Many first time visitors are surprised by the definate European feel of the city. The architecture alone provides days of touring in itself.

The reason for this Continental flavour comes from it's close ties to France and Spain. Louisiana was claimed for French king Louis XIV in 1699 and is the only state that was once a French royal colony. Then, later, it was ruled by Spain for 100 years.It is the only U.S. city where French was the predominant language for more than one century.

New Orleans is often called the "Crescent City" because it was founded on the bend of the Mississippi River. This unusual shape causes locals and visitors to become confused occasionally, as there is no traditional "north, south, east, or west" mode of getting around. Some streets in the city begin at one end parallel, and end up perpendicular.

What to do?

Going to the French Quarter is a MUST! It can easily be toured by foot but why not try it by horse and carriage with a guided tour. A tour cost about $50.

Cemetery Walking Tour: Tour the most haunted cemetery in New Orleans - St. Louis No.1 - and visit the tomb of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau. Cost: $20/adult

Ghost/Spirit tour: When it rains in New Orleans, the locals swear a beautiful voice floats out of the mist. After you hear the story of Pere' Dagobert vs. "Bloody" O'Reilly and the "singing rain," you might hear it, too. Take your own tour and find out more of this fascinating lore. Cost: $22/adult

Shopping: The variety of shops is amazing. There are the Cajun shops, Creole shops, Voodoo shops, antique and art shops, as well as the French market with fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional crafts, jewlery, t-shirts and more! You can sometimes do some bartering. However, the prices are usually very fair.


Resturants: The food in this city is OUTSTANDING! Some good resturants are:

Cajun Bistro- Traditional Cajun Food along with live music and free Cajun dance lessons that create a lively dining experience at this Bourbon Street. Moderate prices.


Cafe Du Monde - A trip to New Orleans wouldnt beA French Quarter local of this New Orleans-founded coffee chain, CCs offers a selection specialty drinks made with Community Brand Coffee, along with assorted teas and pastries. complete without tasting the delectable beignets (hot, square donuts, covered with powdered sugar) and café au lait (Creole coffee and boiling milk) . My favourite is the iced coffee on a hot day! A large portion of beignets cost about $1.50!

Cajun Cabin- Want to try an oyster? This is the place to do a bit of shucking! A platter of fried oysters will cost you about $15.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Perfect place to take the kids. How many ways can you think of eating shrimp? I bet they have you beat!

Night Life:

OH MY! Bourbon street is DEFINATELY the place to be. However, WARNING you can see and WILL see every imaginable life style choice on these streets. This street really does Let the Good Times Roll! While there be sure to try a Hurricane at Pat O'Brian's. It is a real experience!

Jazz Clubs- The birth place of Jazz? That is what they say and if you are a fan this is the place to be.
You can go to Preservation Club which has just a small cover fee but allows to be up close and personal to a wonderful performance. There is no food or drink served and seating is limited but the music is the best!

The Spotted Cat-The Spotted Cat features local, live acts every night. Listen for anything from traditional jazz and brass bands to retro bee-bop, swing and blues. This smaller bar can be crowded – especially on the weekends – but the best view is from the street; the bands always play in the huge bay windows at the front of the club.

Gambling?

New Orleans has its own Harrahs casino. It is a nice size casino with all the glamour and entertainment of a Las Vegas casino. It is well worth a stop.

Other bits and pieces:

Paddle Boat Tours: Take a trip down the river on a REAL PADDLE BOAT. The slow pace allows you to take in the views and you lounge on the deck sipping a drink. Cost: $40/adult

Walk along the River Walk and browse the designer shops along the way at Jackson Brewrey. Don't forget Jackson Square

Aquarium of the Americas: AN OUTSTANDING place and well worth a visit if you have children. Cost: $11/adult

Audobon Zoo: A really good zoo if you like that sort of thing.

There is also the Canal Street Trolley Car that is a real experience and allows you to view beautiful homes in the Garden District.

Hotels: New Orleans is filled with hotels and bed and breakfast. There are some great ones and some not so good ones. Careful research should be done if you intend to book your own rooms.

Airport: The Airport is approximately 11 miles from the Central Business District. There are many ways to get from here to there. Taxicabs, shuttle buses, and public transportation have routes that can get you to the CBD 24-hours a day.
Airport shuttles are $26 per person round trip
Airport Limousine Service is $35 for one or two people and $10.00 per additional passenger for up to 8 passengers.
Bus: $1.60 to CBD

New Orleans is a combination that can't be found any where else in the world. It is a place that a person should experience at least once in a lifetime!

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