If case anyone is here....New Orleans questions from a visitor

ktmae55

(also posted on the travel board)

My husband and I are headed to New Orleans next month for my 30th birthday and so far we have done no planning - we don't even have a hotel. So I have a few questions>

1) With 2.5 days, do you think we need to rent a car or can we get by with cabs, public transport and walking?

2) We'll be there mid-Feb. This week the weather wwas high 50's so I was thinking of just bringing jeans, one pair heels, one pair boots, and a few casual dresses that I can wear with boots and tights, plus one of my lighter winter coats, hat, gloves, etc. I'm coming from Chicago so high 50's sounds dwonright warm, but I don't want to over estimate and end up freezing all the time, especially since I get cold eaasily. Think my packing is okay?

3) What are your "must do" activities in the area?

4) Your favorite restaurants and bars? On my actual birthday we want to go somewhere nicer but not crazy expensive (like $100-$150 or so for 2 ppl who generally share an app and dessert, 1-2 entrees, and maybe a bottle of wine), any suggestions? We were considering Herbsait or August. Thoughts or other recs?

Other days, we want to go more casual and eat at local places that show a good cross-section of traditional cuisine in New Orleans. We were looking at Always Smokin and Jacquemo's. Any feedback on either or other suggstions?

For bars, we thought Bulldog and Avenue Pub and Lafittes all sounded cool.

5) Hotel....we usually stay in smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs but really price is the main consideration for this trip. We're just looking for something quiet, clean, and located in a good area, and the further under $100 per night, the better. Any suggestions? Also, what's the best area to stay in if we don't want to have a car, but don't want to be surrounded by partying frat boys?

 Thanks!

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1.  I would say that depends on where you are staying and where you want to visit.  If you don't plan to visit any suburbs then I think you will get by fine with taxis, walking, street cars.  Taxis aren't as readily available as they are in cities like NY tho, so be prepared to call ahead for one.

 

2.  I think that sounds fine.  I am always cold in the Quarter tho - but that's me - I've lived here most of my life so the wind coming off of the River chills me to the bone.  Our winters are a wet cold because of the humidity.  I don't know how Chicago winters are (wet vs dry), but like I said, I hate the wind coming off the River in the winter.  You may luck out tho and it may be a 60-degree week!

 

3.  I'm sure the travel board will answer this really well.  I always think it's best to ask other travelers this question vs. locals.

 

4.  Those sound like good ideas for dinner.  You can always try Emeril's Delmonico on St. Charles, or Muriel's in Jackson Square.  Jacques-Imo's is well-liked around here also.  If you're here during the week (vs. weekend) Cafe Adelaide and Commander's Palace offer 25 cent martinis with lunch.

 

5.  Are you coming after Feb 16th?  Mardi Gras is Feb 16th, so you should be fine as far as not being around partiers.  I personally can't recommend anything under $100 because I haven't stayed in anything under that rate.  When we visit NOLA (we live about 15 minutes outside) I like staying directly in the Quarter.  Try paging Weemo on the travel board (I think that's her name...???) - I remember reading her blog - she visited NOLA and used Priceline and got a great hotel for like $50 a night.  They weren't smack in the middle of the quarter, but they were in a decent location and you can't beat that price.