FREE THINGS TO DO
Get Jazzed
Stroll along Bourbon or Frenchmen, where Jazz pours out into the street or duck into a few clubs for the full experience.
Dive Deeper into our Musical Heritage
After you’ve soaked up our Jazz music, learn about its roots at the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park on Decatur Street in the French Quarter.
Browse Art Throughout the City
Find art in every corner of New Orleans – the galleries on Julia and Royal Streets, the Mid-City and Bywater art markets, Jackson Square vendors and so much more.
Experience our Parks
Walk among the centuries-old oaks of New Orleans City Park, picnic in picturesque Audubon Park, take in the sights and sounds of Jackson Square or enjoy views of the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park.
Take in a Free Festival
French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo, and Satchmo Summer-fest are just a few of the free famous festivals that take place year round.
Enjoy the Neighborhoods
Explore neighborhoods where tradition and culture meet everyday life. Experience the French Quarter, Garden District, Faubourg Marigny and Bywater. Then take in the Warehouse District, Treme and Mid-City neighborhoods.
Immerse Yourself in New Orleans History
Visit countless museums all around town for a crash course on the city’s history, spanning almost 300 years. Visit The New Orleans Historic Collection.
Stroll Down Royal Street
Enjoy a leisurely walk while shopping for antiques, contemporary clothing and vintage jewelry. Afterwards enjoy legendary cuisine at one of the many unique restaurants and cafes.
Take in a Street Performance
Enjoy a mime, musician or group performance. Local artists contribute to the authentic nature of the New Orleans experience.
See St. Charles Avenue
The historic mansions, renowned universities and local favorite restaurants and shops line The Avenue from downtown to Carrollton.
View French Quarter Architecture
Wrought-iron balconies, the cornstalk fence and hidden courtyards accented with plush greenery are a feast for your eyes.
Experience Nature at Jean Lafitte National Park
Immerse yourself in Louisiana’s rich ecological treasures with swamps, forests and marshlands are just 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
Stroll Magazine Street
A six-mile-long stretch of this Garden District and Uptown thoroughfare features some of the best antique stores, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques in the city.
Take Yourself on a Literary Tour
See where Tennessee Williams (722 Toulouse), William Faulkner (624 Pirate’s Alley) Truman Capote (711 Royal), Thornton Wilder (623 Bourbon), Walker Percy (1820 Milan), and AnnRice (1239 First) lived.
Jam at Wednesdays at the Square
During the spring and summer months, the Young Leadership Council hosts free concerts in Lafayette Square, featuring some of the hottest local acts.
Ride the River Ferry
The free Canal Street Ferry offers some of the best view of the New Orleans skyline and brings you the historic town of Algiers, just across the river from Jackson Square.
Be Moved by our Spectacular Churches
Take a tour of St. Louis Cathedral, St. Augustine and Our Lady of Guadalupe, just a few of the breathtaking churches in New Orleans.
Discover the Sydney amd Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Located amid the beauty of City Park, the Sydney amd Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden features one of the most impressive collections of contemporary sculpture in America.
REASONS TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS
Award-Winning Destination
Cuisine in New Orleans isn't the only thing spicing up the city. Rated in the top 3 of the cities for travel and leisure list, the happiest travel destinations in North America, and in the U.S. city lovers list, New Orleans is the place to be. Indulge your senses, savor New Orleans’ cultural experience and celebrate everything that makes New Orleans America’s most unique, authentic, and enthralling destination.
Cuisine
Time in New Orleans isn't kept in hours or days, but in meals. When dining in New Orleans, experience a culinary adventure that spans a wide array of cuisines. From Cajun and Creole to Soul and Contemporary French, award-winning chefs create food for your taste buds and nourishment for your soul. Start the day with a beignet drenched in powdered sugar and a steaming café au lait, lunch on a shrimp po-boy or mouth-watering muffuletta, and end the day with gumbo, shrimp Creole, and flaming bananas foster. Taste for yourself why Bon Appétit named New Orleans one of America's Top 5 Restaurant Cities.
Distinctively Different Neighborhoods
Immerse yourself in the eclectic culture of the Arts District, experience the historic architecture of the French Quarter or enjoy the modern luxury and convenience of the Central Business District. All our neighborhoods are easily accessible to convention facilities, world-famous restaurants and attractions.
Music
Jazz, America's only original art form; was born here while rhythm & blues, gospel, Cajun and zydeco all express the rich melting pot that is our heritage. Music is where New Orleans' first settlers found common ground and no other city loves music more. In New Orleans music occurs effortlessly and joyously; let our music move your soul.
Art & Architecture
Countless architectural gems await you in New Orleans. In fact, the city is home to more National Historic Landmarks than any other city in the United States. Venture to the Arts District, a vibrant community of galleries, and experience why it has been called the SoHo of the South. Then visit one of the oldest and most diverse districts in New Orleans, Magazine Street, an area filled with art exhibits, restaurants, shops and more. Finally, submerge yourself in the historic French Quarter by strolling down Royal and other famous French Quarter streets.
Rich History & Culture
New Orleans is a city rich in history with traditions and customs woven into the fabric of everyday life. Take a trip back in time and experience living history by riding on the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar line.Then ride the red car down Canal Street and explore the historic Mid-City cemeteries.
Sports & Outdoor Recreation
The climate allows for plenty of outdoor adventures and activities in and around the Crescent City, an urban resort that offers year-round golf along with memorable swamp tours conducted in local bayous. For the spectator, enjoy a NBA game featuring the New Orleans Pelicans in the centrally located New Orleans Arena or, if you're lucky, score a seat in the Louisiana Superdome to watch the New Orleans Saints.
Central Location
Conveniently situated in the central region of the US, New Orleans is ideal for travelers. The Louis Armstrong International Airport is just 20 minutes from city center.
GETTING AROUND NEW ORLEANS
Taxicab
$2.00 sur charge. Compliments or complaints? Call the Taxicab Bureau at 504-658-7170. Please be sure to remember the cab company and cab number. The airport flat rate is $36.00 for up to 2 people and $15.00 for each additional passenger, not to exceed 5 people.
Airport Shuttle
This is the official transportation company providing shuttle service for the City of New Orleans to and from the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, guests can purchase tickets for $24.00 each way or $44.00 round trip from the airport shuttle information desks. Children (under 6) free. Shuttles run from 5:55 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Call 504-522-3500.
Canal Streetcar
Travels to “Mid City”. At the intersection of Canal St. and Carrollton Ave., the line splits into 2 branches, one going up Canal St. ending at the cemeteries and the other turns onto North Carrollton to finish at City Park: Fare $1.25; Cemetery Branch operates 5:00a.m.- 3:00a.m. The City Park/Museum branch operates 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Exact fare required; transfers to public bus: 25 cents. Schedules are available at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) office: 2817 Canal Street, 504-248-3900.
St. Charles Streetcar
Stops along St. Charles and Carondelet Streets: Fare $1.25; Operates around the clock with less frequent service in the evening and early-morning hours. Exact fare required; transfers to public bus: 25 cents. Schedules are available at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) office: 2817 Canal Street , 504-248-3900.
Riverfront Streetcar
Runs along the Mississippi River, quick and easy access to riverfront activities. Operates 7 days; 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Fare $1.25.
Jazzy Pass
Entitles bearer to unlimited rides on all streetcars, bus lines, and ferries. 1-Day Jazzy Passes can be purchased from the online store, the RTA office, at select retail stores, and at ticket machines. Only cash is accepted at ticket machines. Cost: $3.00 for one day, $8.00 for three days.
Public Bus
Service throughout city. Fare: $1.25. Schedules available at the RTA office: 2817 Canal Street, 504-248-3900.
Pedi Cabs
THE premier pedicab company operating in bicycle-friendly New Orleans. Pedicabs are a new, green form of transportation to recently hit the streets of New Orleans. Eco-friendly, efficient, and fun, a pedicab is a great way to get across the Quarter, go to and from your hotel to dinner and back, avoid traffic and parking frustrations, or just pop across town in style and comfort. Call 504-274-1300 to Ride Now!
Handicap Parking
Those traveling in rented vehicles may obtain a special handicap place card by calling 504-658-8200
Metered Parking
Available throughout the city and is designed for short-term parking. Downtown meters usually cost $3/hour and are effective 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
TRIP IDEAS
A day of music
Morning: Your Crescent City song best begins with beignets and café au lait on the open-air patio at Café Du Monde, where funky street performers clue you into the city’s rhythm. Then it’s time for a formal introduction: Visit New Orleans’ 16 historic neighborhoods on a city tour then make your way over to the New Orleans Jazz Musuem where you can celebrate jazz in the city that it was born. Through interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances, you can explore the music New Orleans made famous in all forms.
Afternoon: After the tour, a Muffaleta sandwich from Central Grocery will fuel you up for a visit to Tremé, an historic African-American neighborhood where much of New Orleans’ music has roots. Tremé’s Backstreet Cultural Museum details such traditions as jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians and
second line parades; special exhibits on Louis Armstrong, Jellyroll Morton, Fats Domino and other local legends will inspire greatness in you.Evening: Get in tune with Uptown tonight, starting at Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘N Bowl, an unlikely—but amazing—music venue where the sounds of Kermit Ruffins and other Big Easy stars will accompany your strikes and spares. Have an order of red beans & rice, then head out to see who’s playing at the Maple Leaf Bar, Le Bon Temps Roule or Tipitina’s.
For Familes
If music, art and handcrafted treasures are what get you going, plan a stop by the historic French Market. As America’s oldest public market, it’s a treat for all the senses and free to explore. Or add another layer of liveliness with a stop at nearby Dutch Alley, home to Jazz National Historic Park, which offers live music and programs for kids.
Keep the creativity flowing with a visit to Jackson Square, and wander the pedestrian mall to watch artists at work – maybe even get a family portrait done on the spot. Magicians, mimes and musicians provide free entertainment nearly every day of the week, and several museums surrounding the square have free admission for children age 12 and under.
No doubt about it: The place to be for endless fun is the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Here, your kids can step inside a giant bubble, climb a rock wall, create a sculpture, explore a cargo ship, and build a Lincoln Log Cajun cottage – just don’t tell them that they’re learning as they play. Since our new Children's Museum is in City Park, take time either before or after visiting the museum to explore. Taking a ride in a swan boat, playing a game of putt putt, and strolling through Storyland are among the many things to enjoy in City Park.
Children big and small will be transfixed by the swamp things they encounter on a tour of the area’s moss-shrouded waterways. Catching a glimpse of a gator, not to mention waterfowl and swamp deer, from an expertly skippered boat is an adventure your kids won’t soon forget.
Speaking of adventure, head down the Mississippi herself to give your family a taste of New Orleanains spirit. A giant paddle wheeler cruises you from one of America’s busiest ports to sites like the Chalmette Battlefield. Disembark and let kids explore the fields where, in 1815, Andrew Jackson’s troops won the Battle of New Orleans.
For Foodies
A Taste of New Orleans - Wining & Dining Your Way through the Crescent City Start your first morning with a New Orleans traditional Jazz Brunch, such as with Court of Two Sisters. Sample some local favorites, such as beignets, eggs benedict, grits & grillades, bananas foster or a traditional New Orleans style bread pudding. And, of course, it wouldn't be a real Jazz Brunch without a live Jazz combo playing Dixieland tunes, accompanied by a cool mimosa to drink.
Now that you have tantalized your taste buds, take the opportunity to get the story behind the food. A New Orleans Culinary History Tour should be next on the day's menu. Stroll through some of the nation's oldest neighborhoods and learn about historic cooking techniques.
For lunch, nothing can be compared to the enjoyment & pleasure of a New Orleans cooking class. Learn how to make some of our most famous Creole and Cajun dishes, such as red beans & rice, chicken & andouille gumbo, or jambalaya.
The Sazerac House, located at the intersection of Canal and Magazine Street, is just a few hundred yards from the original 1850 Sazerac Coffee House - the site where the Sazerac Cocktail was first introduced, and the company was born. Cutting-edge, immersive exhibit technology throughout the experience allows guests to dive into the French Quarter in the 1800s, take a seat at a simulation of the original Sazerac House Cafe tables, chat with virtual New Orleans bartenders about their signature drink recipes and learn how to build drinks from the famous Mr. Boston guide, based on their favorite flavor profiles. Later in the afternoon, finish up a day of spirits with a New Orleans Cocktail Tour. Take a walk through the French Quarter's famous bars and restaurants and discover the history of the city's celebrated cocktails. It's history - with a twist! From the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade, you'll enjoy a view of New Orleans through its history of fine dining and drinking.
Students
Afternoon - Make plans to visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Following a tour, you can enjoy an "in your face" entertainment at the Entergy IMAX Theatre, which is just next door or walk on over to the new Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium.
For dinner the group can take in a Dinner Jazz cruise aboard an authentic steamboat or paddle wheeler. See and feel the power and history of the Mississippi River and its influence on New Orleans.
Finish the evening off with a traditional local treat… Beignets at the world famous Café du Monde.
Start your day with a City Sightseeing Tour to include our "cities of the dead". After the tour, your group can shop and dine at the Riverwalk Marketplace's unique shops, push carts and eateries, all while boasting spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
After lunch, you may want to visit one of our many museums.
Dinner this evening can be at Rock 'n Bowl, truly a New Orleans institution.
After breakfast this morning, venture outside of New Orleans where you will travel through the swamps and bayous with a local Cajun guide. Your group will see alligators, egrets, flora, birds, and more.
Later, your group may want to enjoy a New Orleans style po-boy on the way to a visit of one of our plantation homes that line the Mississippi River. You can tour one of these national treasures before heading back into New Orleans.
Evening - Get ready for a foot stompin' and toe tappin' evening when your group takes in one of our Cajun music restaurants. Younger kids and adults alike get out on the dance floor to work off that rich meal with some Cajun and zydeco two-stepping.
GROUP INFORMATION
Group-Friendly Restaurants
| Acme Oyster House 724 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-5973 Fax: 504-524-1595 www.acmeoyster.com |
Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant 841 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504-581-1316 Fax: 504-581-5712 www.deanies.com |
Palace Café 605 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-523-1661 Fax: 504-523-1633 www.palacecafe.com |
| Antoine’s Restaurant 713 St. Louis Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-581-4422 Fax: 504-581-2152 www.antoines.com |
Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-2467 Fax: 504-523-0088 www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com |
Palm Court Jazz Café 1204 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116 504-525-0200 Fax: 504-523-2629 www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com |
| Arnaud’s Restaurant 813 Bienville Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504-523-0611 Fax: 504-355-5730 www.arnauds.com |
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant 3232 N. Arnoult Road Metairie, LA 70002 504-888-9254 Fax: 504-888-9255 www.dragosrestaurant.com |
Pelican Club 312 Exchange Place New Orleans, LA 70130 504-523-1504 Fax: 504-522-2331 www.pelicanclub.com |
| Bourbon House 144 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-0111 Fax: 504-522-0333 www.bourbonhouse.com |
Flamingo-a-Go-Go 869 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-577-2202 N/A www.flamingonola.com |
Pier 424 Seafood Market 424 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-309-1574 Fax: 504-309-1574 www.pier424seafoodmarket.com |
| Brennan’s Restaurant 417 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-525-9713 Fax: 504-525-2302 www.brennansneworleans.com |
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant 200 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-552-2739 Email: Michelle.Muehlbauer@SPBHospitality.com www.GordonBiersch.com |
Pythian Market 234 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 70112 504-481-9599 Email: jackie@pythianmarket.com www.pythianmarket.com |
| Broussard’s Restaurant 819 Conti Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504-581-3866 Fax: 504-581-3873 www.broussards.com |
Hard Rock Café 125 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-529-5617 Fax: 504-581-4960 www.hardrock.com |
Ralph’s on the Park 900 City Park Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504-488-1000 Fax: 504-488-1402 www.ralphsonthepark.com |
| Commander’s Palace 1403 Washington Avenue New Orleans, LA 70130 504-899-8221 Fax: 504-891-3242 www.commanderspalace.com |
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino 4 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-533-6000, 877-277-4263 Fax: 504-533-6920 www.harrahs.com |
Red Fish Grill 115 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-598-1200 Fax: 504-581-9795 www.redfishgrill.com |
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Cornet Restaurant 700 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70116 504-231-8519 Email: sharon@bourbonstreetbalconyrentals.com www.cornetnola.com |
House of Blues 225 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504-310-4999 Email: annasumas@livenation.com www.houseofblues.com/neworleans |
Remoulade 309 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-355-5709 Email: Kaitlin.crabtree@arnauds.com www.remoulade.com |
| Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-7261 Fax: 504-581-5804 www.courtoftwosisters.com |
Landry’s Seafood House 8000 Lakeshore Drive New Orleans, LA 70124 504-283-1010 Fax: 504-524-2762 www.landrysseafood.com |
Rock ‘N Bowl 3016 S. Carrollton Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118 504-861-1700 Fax: 504-861-1800 www.rocknbowl.com |
| Coterie Restaurant and Oyster Bar 135 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-529-8600 Email: coterie@coterienola.com www.coterienola.com |
Lula Restaurant Distillery 1532 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 504-267-7624 Email: erin@lulanola.com www.lulanola.com |
Superior Bar & Grill 3636 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 504-899-4200 Fax: 504-891-1329 www.superiorgrill.com |
| Crescent City Brewhouse 527 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-0571 Fax: 504-522-0577 www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com |
Mother's Restaurant 401 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-523-2917 Email: pizzocharles@gmail.com www.mothersrestaurant.net |
Tommy's Cuisine 746 Tchoupitoulas Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-581-1103 Email: emily.radosta@creolecuisie.com www.tommyscuisine.com |
| Mulate’s Original Cajun Restaurant 201 Julia Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-522-1492, 800-854-9149 Fax: 504-598-3844 www.mulates.com |
Tujague’s Restaurant 823 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116 504-525-8676 Fax: 504-525-8785 www.tujaguesrestaurant.com |
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| Oceana Grill 739 Conti Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-525-6002 Fax: 504-525-5008 www.oceanagrill.com |
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BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
French Quarter / Vieux Carre
General Information
The French Quarter/Vieux Carre District is bounded by Esplanade Avenue, North Rampart Street, Canal Street, and Decatur Street.
Rules and Regulations
Buses less than 31 feet are required to use authorized routes as indicated on the map. “Out of Town” buses longer than 31 feet can enter the French Quarter using authorized routes ONLY on day of arrival and day of departure provided they acquire a permit from the hotel. Buses longer than 31 feet are not allowed to pick up or drop off in the French Quarter any other time. See designated peripheral bus loading and unloading areas on the map. Buses can only make turns at intersections within the French Quarter as noted on the map. Buses are not permitted on routes designated “No Bus Zone”. Please refer to map. Buses must load or unload passengers in loading zones or passenger zones. They may also use freight zones if no other vehicle is waiting to enter. Loading and unloading are limited to fifteen minutes. Buses shall not idle for longer than ten minutes. Buses shall not idle for longer than ten minutes while stopped or parked.
Permits and Maps
Permits are to be obtained in advance by the hotel. The permit must be displayed in the top right hand side of the front windshield.
Penalties
Penalties for violation of the French Quarter/Vieux Carre bus restrictions may be imposed and can include fines.
Garden District
General Information
The Garden District is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Louisiana Avenue, and Magazine Street.
Rules and Regulations
No buses with a seating capacity of more than 20 passengers may travel in the Garden District (see exception below). The Department of Safety & Permits Ground Transportation Bureau may authorize up to 22 buses per month having a capacity of more than 20 passengers to travel on Prytania Street and Washington Avenue within the Garden District for the sole purpose of receiving and discharging passengers from commercial establishments. Buses must have a permit and a copy of the bus route on board. Loading and unloading is authorized only in zones that are marked and bear signs. Tour buses may be parked while pedestrian Garden District tours are in progress at authorized zones in non-residential areas. Buses shall not idle for longer than ten minutes while stopped or parked.
Permits and Maps
To obtain a Garden District permit, contact the Department of Safety & Permits Ground Transportation Bureau at 504-658-7170.
Penalties
Penalties for violation of the Garden District bus restrictions may be imposed and can include fines.