Can you get on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras if you are 18? Not to drink. But just to go out with friends?
My friends are 21+ and I am going as the designated driver. But do the police baracade the streets like they do on Beale Street in Memphis?
you can walk around basically if you are any age…some bars might not let you in, but they usually let girls in anywhere.
I’m going to New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile shortly. What attractions are left and active after Katrina?
the only thing to view in Biloxi is the distruction. New Orleans.. there is still many things to do.. for Valentines day my boyfriend and i went on a River Boat Cruise with breakfest and a jazz band. In the afternoon i went on a Garden District tour. Viewing the million dollar homes of famous celebrates .. such as john goodman to name one. then at night a hanuted ghost tour. The Garden and the Ghost tours were givin by Rev Zombies Voodoo Shop. It was great and they did a very good job. I’m from New Orleans and been to many other cities.. and new orleans offers many things the no others have. so its a great time to experience the culture of new orleans when down here.
you can go to neworleans.com click on ‘Local Guides’ then ‘Tours’ most of them are running. and theres and endless list of them.
HAVE FUN
and enjoy .. THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS
Outrageous places to visit in New Orleans besides Bourbon Street?
New Orleans
Things To Do In New Orleans
Visiting New Orleans for the first time. Going during the French Quarter Festival……anything we have to do or see besides Bourbon Street? Anything out of the norm we should check out within an hours travel distance from New Orleans?
Things to do in New Orleans:
Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival are world famous events, but New Orleans hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year: www.nola.com/festivals
The Saint Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world and is a “tourist attraction” in its own right. It is part of the public transit system, as are the Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines: www.norta.com
There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music.
Note that music clubs often advertise “No Cover”, meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with “No Cover” often require that customers buy a beverage each for every “set ” of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so KNOW THE PRICE before you sit down. Clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking nothing (clubs only make money from the drinks they sell – not from the music). It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it is delivered so there can’t be any confusion at the end of the evening.
An incomplete guide to bars & clubs: www.neworleanscheapdrinks.com
About certain alcoholic beverages: Realize that some famous drinks are VERY potent compared with regular cocktails that have only 1 to 1 ½ ounces of alcohol. For example, a Hurricane is basically 3 or 4 ounces of rum in something like red Kool-Aid, and a Hand Grenade has at least 4 ½ ounces of Everclear + rum + vodka mixed with melon liquor. They don’t necessarily taste like an alcoholic beverage and it is easy to over-indulge.
Wander around the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street entertainers (do tip), and visit some of the historic buildings that have been turned into museums (go to www.frenchquarter.com and click on Historic Attractions).
Assuming the weather is good, you can collect a sandwich lunch and eat in the riverfront park (watch the shipping) or in Jackson Square (a very nice park).
The Riverwalk shopping center has an air-conditioned food court with dining overlooking the river (www.riverwalkmarketplace.com). The Canal Place shopping center is in the French Quarter and has a cinema and higher-end shopping (Saks 5th Avenue, Brooks Brothers, etc.). Magazine Street is a miles-long shopping district: www.magazinestreet.com
Louisiana is the only US state that offers tax-free shopping for international visitors: http://www.louisianataxfree.com/
The lobby for the Westin Canal Place Hotel is on the 11th floor and overlooks the French Quarter. It is a great place for an afternoon drink/snack:(www.westin.com).
Cafe du Monde is in the French Quarter and you shouldn’t miss having cafe au lait & beignets (www.cafedumonde.com). Another great coffee shop is the Croissant d’Or (at 615 Ursulines Street), which is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and has food in addition to pastry.
The Palm Court restaurant is very nice, has moderate prices, and offers traditional live jazz starting at 8:00pm: 1204 Decatur Street, tel 504-525-0200 (reservations are important and they are not open every day). The Palm Court is closed from about July 25th to about September 25th each year.
Maximo’s Italian Grill has great food and atmosphere: 1117 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, (504) 586-8883.
All of the famous restaurants (Antoine’s, Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, etc.) have reopened. The Pelican Club (on Exchange Alley in the FQ) is not as well known but is the same type experience. Reservations are a good idea, and probably essential on weekends. Tujaques Restaurant (823 Decatur Street) is very traditional and has moderate prices: www.tujaguesrestaurant.com
Cafe Degas is a very French restaurant near City Park at 3127 Esplanade – which is not within walking distance of downtown (5 to 10 minutes by taxi). They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (504-945-5635).
The Napoleon House restaurant is at 500 Chartres Street in the FQ, and has a menu of great local dishes: www.napoleonhouse.com
Preservation Hall has traditional live Jazz, and doesn’t serve alcohol so all ages are welcome: www.preservationhall.com
New Orleans has ballet, opera, a symphony orchestra, and theatre:
www.nobadance.com
www.neworleansopera.org
www.lpomusic.com
www.lepetittheatre.com
There is a free ferry across the Mississippi at the “foot” of Canal Street. It is a short trip but like a harbor cruise w/o a guide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/canal_street_ferry
The Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, and the new Insectarium are world-class attractions (www.auduboninstitute.org) and you should see them if you can. The Zoo is several miles from downtown. You can drive to the Zoo (which has free parking) or take public transit from the French Quarter.
The Louisiana State Museum is in the French Quarter: http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/ New Orleans is also home to a number of other museums, such as the National World War II Museum (www.ddaymuseum.org) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (www.noma.org). Both can be reached by public transit: The WWII museum is in the central business district but a long walk from the French Quarter. NOMA is not within walking distance of downtown but has free parking. Go to www.neworleansmuseums.com for info on more museums.
Harrah’s Casino is in the Central Business District: www.harrahs.com (age 21 required for entry)
New Orleans City Park has a variety of attractions + free parking. (www.neworleanscitypark.com).
Check www.frenchquarter.com and http://www.nola.com/visitor/ for ideas about other things to do.
Hope you have a great time in the city of New Orleans!
New Orleans
“Beads & Bourbon Street” Episode 23 – The Lee Burnette Show
Lee heads to New Orleans and the craziness ensues on Bourbon Street!
Duration : 0:8:37
What is there to do in the french quarter for teens?
i am going on a vacation with my friends to new orleans. what is there to do in the french quarter for 16 year old kids?
Teenagers go down to Bourbon to see and to be seen…
When i was in high school, my friends and i used to just walk up and down the street looking at all the sights and hoping to find guys to talk to us. (In retrospect, this sounds like a terrible idea but at the time, that’s how it was.)
Anyway, i know it sounds lame just walking up and down the street, but trust me it can be an adventure.
Please be careful though. Stick together for one! And while its more than fine to TALK to interesting people you meet- please don’t consider going off anyplace with any of them. Don’t try to get someone to buy you alcohol, don’t expose your body in anyway. And basically just use good old fashioned common sense.
Hope you have fun!
Gallery
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Duration : 2 min 44 sec
Wyndham Avenue Plaza Resort-Celebrate Mardi Gras Stay in New Orleans Hotel near Bourbon Street
BOOK NOW: http://www.avenueplazaresort.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=YouTube_Avenue_Plaza_Resort
Wyndham’s Avenue Plaza Resort hotel keeps you close to all the New Orleans excitement but away from most of the crowds and commotion. Youll stay in a quieter area of the city that’s only minutes from the popular French Quarter. With on-site concierge service available to you, you’ll find an endless playground in “The Big Easy – world-famous for jazz music, great restaurants, fabulous shopping and unique attractions.
Avenue Plaza Resort, located in the picturesque Garden District off St. Charles Avenue, offers studios and one-bedroom beautifully furnished suites with fully-equipped kitchenettes. Experience the outdoor courtyard swimming pool, with jetted soaking tub attached, on the landing to “The Ashley House,” an antebellum home that is owned by the resort. Visit the resorts rooftop sun deck to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. If youre interested in a juicy steak, fresh seafood or gumbo, Mr. Johns restaurant, located in the lobby, really hits the spot.
Duration : 0:0:32
how is new orleans?Current residents or tourists please?
How is post-katrina new orleans? Can anyone tell me about the damage there? My husband and I want to come for mardi gras.Is the whole city under the curfew or just badly damaged parts?the media hasn’t really talked about. What tourism attractions are closed/open and which ones are good to see?
New Orleans is healing, some parts quicker than others. By Mardi-Gras, most of the tourist-y type places should be operational. (The zoo is open, the acquarium won’t be for quite a while, the D-day museum is trying to re-open ASAP, the cable cars are operational.)
The curfew was lifted last month, but there is still a very visual National Guard presence. I actually feel safer in NO than I have in years. The streets are less crowded now than they were last year at this time.
The biggest problem most neighborhoods in NO is having is lack of employees. Most grocery stores are closing around 7 or 8 because they just don’t have anyone to work the late shift. Of course, the french quarter and Bourbon Street are mostly open, and don’t close early. (There are a few bars, restaurants, and shops that haven’t re-opened – maybe 1/4 of them total.)
As far as the heavily damaged areas, they weren’t tourist attractions. They were residential areas, ones that the general public doesn’t have full access to yet.
So come to New Orleans! Our financial success is largely dependent on tourism. Oh, and definately make reservations today. A lot of the hotel/motels are housing insurance adjustors and construction crews. Availability is limited.
Regarding the guy who suggested you go to Opelousas: he’s right in that the Opelousas, Chataignier, Ville Platte Mardi Gras celebrations are more true to the original intent of the holiday. They’re more country, less tourist-y, just as much alcohol, fewer breasts. If that’s what you’re looking for, go on over there. Just don’t expect New Orleans style Mardi Gras. And realize that it’s a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from NO.
driving to new orleans this weekend and would like to stop by Lafayette?
any attractions there? historical places , any other architectural magnificent buildings that can be more interesting
hi there,only a link for you with attractions, and a map for directions..
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lafayette%3Fattractions&sll=40.416702,-86.875287&sspn=0.108738,0.219383&g=Lafayette%3F&ie=UTF8&hq=%3Fattractions&hnear=Lafayette,+IN&t=h&z=11
regards pops..
Flashing for Beads on Bourbon Street
New Orleans and Bourbon Street in particular is known for having an anything goes attitude. This video illustrates of of the “customs” that are allowed during Mardi Gras season, flashing for beads on Bourbon Street.
Is Flashing for Beads In New Orleans Allowed All Over The City?
Who Dat Do Dat Flashing For Beads On Bourbon Street
While it is thought that “flashing for beads” is allowed all over New Orleans all of the time this is incorrect. It is not a custom or a tradition. Flashing for beads is however allowed during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter and mainly on Bourbon Street. Anywhere else in the city, you run the risk of going to jail.
This means that you can enjoy Mardi Gras with your family in other parts of the city without having to worry that your children will see anything that would be inappropriate.
The main reason for this is the number of people. When Mardi Gras and the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras occur there are huge numbers of people crammed into a very small space. This makes it difficult for police to move and operate. This means that things happen that would not normally happen. Police have to pick their battles. So flashing for beads becomes a victimless crime that is not worth prosecuting.
So if you want to see real Mardi Gras traditions stay off of Bourbon Street. There are plenty of things to see that are exciting and suitable for the entire family. If however seeing women flashing for beads is your thing then head down to Bourbon Street.
Flashing for Mardi Gras Beads has become a controversial custom on Bourbon Street.
Duration : 0:1:50
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