Take this from somewhere close to Bourbon to the NOMA from - New Orleans Museum of Art. It's only…read more1.25 each way. Exact change only. But also do it just to do it. Not only will you most likely get to see some interesting "characters" on the ride back and forth but also get to a different view from the main tourist center. PS- it's rarely staying on schedule so just go with the flow! Sometimes your driver will just get out at one of the stops if he has to use the facilities!

All I can say is take a ride on a trolley cuz riding in it is an adventure in itself! It's only…read more1.25 each way. And sometimes, without any warning it's free! We too NOMA and the big city park. It was a terrific way to spend half a day.

Oh my word! I am still laughing! We are in town for the Fried Chicken Festival ( my daughter is a…read morejudge) and a local friend of hers ( also a judge) brought us here after oysters and cocktails. So entertaining. They had scores of skeletons with outfits, funny sayings and everything else you could think of. Whoever designed this display is a genius. Don't miss it.

Super fun place just to stop by and visit. This isn't a business, it's someone's residence that…read moredecided to start placing skellies around the yard. The names that are added are fun and playful. There are a lot. There is even a sign of retired names of skeletons. Definitely visit when in town.

Costume jewelry, artwork, brickabrac, t shirts booths, Mardi Gras trinkets and masks, graphic…read moreplaying cards, cute printed colorful or revealing dresses for sale. This past year I've had a thing for purchasing copper jewelry- most bracelets from South Korea, Mexico City, Tijuana and Mt. Charleston. Wondered if anyone ever made copper necklaces. I saw a few vendors that had thick linked chains. I bought the medium $45 length- tax is high in New Orleans. Far cry from dainty but copper is supposed to be good for arthritis and health. Ok let's see.

It's been around since 1791, but the six blocks that make up the French Market don't yield much in…read morelocal historical value. Congested with wandering tourists, most of the vendors sell items that could be found at any flea market in the country. A lot of the souvenirs and clothing fell way short in reflecting authentic New Orleans craftsmanship. I was hoping for a market more along the lines of Barcelona's La Boqueria with bounties of fresh produce and appetizing edibles, but there was just a row of fast food kiosks beyond the beignets at Cafe du Monde. Without a doubt, the highlight of the market was the strolling groups of musicians randomly playing jazz to enraptured tourists. RELATED - Exploring New Orleans? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/IvmEoOrXVB

So beautiful!! For me, this was definitely a must see. It's in lovely City Park, so there's that…read moregoing for it right off the bat. The lights themselves are creative and cool and just fascinatingly gorgeous. I agree that the dragon, fish and pagoda are the big highlights here. Experiencing those alone are worth the admission price, in my opinion. We didn't partake in the food here-so I can't comment on that and for some reason Storyland was closed on a Saturday night unlike Celebration in the Oaks...so that was strange, but all in all I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it.

I am so excited! I enjoyed China Lights so much I went twice in a week!…read more First off, yes it's $18 but it's worth it- there is a lot going on, it's really enjoyable and you can make an evening out of it. There are a few different layers to China Lights, so let me hit them one by one. The lantern lights: This is the main attraction. Gorgeous lit up lanterns of all types that illuminate the Botanical Gardens. It's really hard to pick a favorite, but I loved the panda bears and the penguins. Some of y'all know that penguins have a special place in my heart since I got to cuddle some once at the aquarium. I also loved the big light up ducks that were in a reflecting pool and moving around on a little track. I'm doing a terrible job at describing it, but trust me it's beautiful. It's really hard to describe how amazing the lights are in person and I can only imagine how much work this whole exhibit took to put together from the planning to the execution. It was definitely worth the work! The performances: In the tent where they serve the food they have nightly performances at 6:30 and 8:00. We caught the 8:00 show and the performers are straight from China. This is what they do for a living and it shows. First there were three young ladies who did acrobatics while spinning plates, the next man was a juggler who was only 18 but is an expert at juggling rings, there were contortionists who could do crazy bendy things and there was even a clown. The show lasts about 20 minutes or so and it was fantastic! These people are amazingly talented and I am so glad I got to see something like this in person. The food: I got a burger. It was a burger. Who cares? The star of the food show is the muffaletta egg rolls. Oh yeah, we are talking muffaletta goodies wrapped in a wonton and fried- totally healthy, right? OH MY GAAAAAH. So, I am going to have to go back just to get this egg roll again. It was incredible and I really should have just eaten this and called it a day. Seriously though, is there anywhere in NOLA that makes this so I can like have it on a regular basis? Please advise. All in all, I loved China Lights. It was a lot of fun and the weather is perfect for it right now. I went on both a weeknight and a weekend. I would suggest going on a weeknight because there are way fewer people and the lines to get tickets, food, bathroom, etc. are a lot shorter/non-existent. I will be back before May 1st and I hope that City Park makes this an annual thing.

These are nice and extensive fields of flowers, and one of those things that isn't world famous but…read moretourists ought to stop by to appreciate.

Brief and beautiful! I stopped in 2x last weekend since I think they'll mostly be done by next…read more Tulips take a huge amount of work in South Louisiana. You have to chill the bulbs to get them to bloom and cannot leave them in the ground over the summer because the moisture will cause them to rot. Huge thanks to City Park and its gardeners for working to have this short moment of beauty and exuberant spring into our lives.

The French Quarter, also known as the "Vieux Carre" is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. It…read moreis also simply called, "The Quarter." It encompasses the land along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks) and inland to North Rampart Street (seven to nine blocks) and totals 78 square blocks. Everyone should experience the French Quarter at least once! On one trip to New Orleans, I stayed in an historic hotel in the French Quarter, which made that trip very unique and memorable! It's home to Jackson Square which is a 2.5 acre historic landmark park. Preservation Hall, home to the famous Preservation Jazz Band is a must do in the French Quarter. The House of Blues in the French Quarter was the site of a great Billy Idol show my Sorority Sisters and I saw a few years ago. Pat O'Brien's Bar is a fun stop, with a lively courtyard, famous for their hurricanes, and dueling piano entertainment in their piano lounge. I absolutely love the Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter! It's very intimate, rich with history and folklore, built in 1806 and the location of the creation of the Absinthe House Frappe in 1874. It's very interesting to watch the bartenders make Absinthe, which involves a flame and a spoon. Personally, I don't like absinthe; however, I recommend everyone try it (especially here) at least once to decide for yourself! The Dungeon, also in the French Quarter, was a fun destination club to visit. Back then, it opened at midnight (I'm not sure of their hours of operation today) and again, is quite the intimate place and renowned for being the rock n roll hangout for Kiss, Queen, ZZ Top, 38 Special, and more. Cafe Du Monde is another "must do" in the French Quarter! Do try their coffee and beignets! The chicory flavor is unique and the coffee here is very good especially served au lait! The French Quarter is the original Cafe Du Monde New Orleans location which today is over one dozen locations in NOLA. Do not pass up the opportunity to try the original muffuletta sandwich at the world famous Central Grocery! These are giant, delicious sandwiches and seriously, one sandwich feeds two adults easily. There is always a line at Central; however, it moves quickly. Get a jar of their Muffuletta Olive Salad to go! Do visit the French Quarter and laizzez les bons temps rouler!

What can be said about the French Quarter that hasn't already been written a thousand times?…read more Plenty--once you see it the right way. If you've never been, skip the chaos of Mardi Gras and visit during the quieter stretches of mid-spring, preferably during the day. That's when the Quarter reveals itself. The crowds thin just enough to let you move at your own pace, to look up at the wrought-iron balconies, to hear the music before you see the musician, and to take it all in without fighting your way through it. History here isn't something you read about--it surrounds you. Spend time at Jackson Square, anchored by its iconic statue of Andrew Jackson, and framed by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Artists line the square, musicians fill the air, and street performers remind you that this city doesn't separate culture from daily life--it lives it. And then there's the food and music--both deeply rooted, unapologetically bold, and unmistakably New Orleans. Yes, the flavors can lean spicy, but the kitchens here know their audience. Just speak up, and they'll meet you where you are. But here's the truth: no photograph, no movie, no travel piece ever quite captures this place. The French Quarter isn't something you observe--it's something you experience. And once you do, you'll understand why people keep coming back, trying to put into words what is, at its core, impossible to fully explain.

Bayou St. John is hard to review. It's great for paddling or enjoying by sitting on the side. It's…read morenice to walk along and it's even better to stroll along Moss and look at the houses on the way to City Park. I reallllly need to be there for Bayou Bugaloo.

It's so nice to drive along Bayou Saint John! It's pleasant and also the houses around there are…read morenice. You can bring your crawfish & beer, your grill, or even a nice wine and cheese board and have a little picnic. If you're into water activities, there's always lots of people on their kayaks. There's also Bayou Boogaloo once year and so many restaurants close to it - Parkway Bakery, Bayou Beer Garden, Bayou Wine Garden.

Absolutely astounding experience again at Pulcinella! Greeted warmly by the host & seated for our…read morereservation in a cozy private corner we started with delicious well balanced cocktails. We started with the famous meatball & bread service, upscaled with the artisanal Tuscan olive oil. All I can say is WOW! I have never experienced olive oil like this before, I'll never skip it when it's available now! Our party dined on the seafood cannelloni & stuffed shells for mains. Everything was served promptly, hot & rich with flavor. Everything was fresh, great portions, truly perfection. OH and of course the unmatched hospitality from Bella & Andy is the glitter sprinkled on top. They seem to have thought of it all & we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Also don't miss the opportunity to catch a show at the Original Nite Cap upstairs! We were lucky enough to snag tickets to the Blue Velvet Review and OH MY GODDESS what a fantastic show! This dinner & show combo is a date nite MUST!

Warm Southern Italian gem--great vibes, service, menu, and outstanding wines…read more Charming Southern Italian spot with great vibes, stellar service, and superb wines.

*from a non-vegan eater... My friend is vegan, likes to walk…read moreand we thought a mini tour of NOLA would be cool. Let's just say... Mark was GREAT, the food was DELICIOUS, the walk was less than 3000 steps (easy, spaced out and flat), there was cool history bits throughout, and the food. Wow. So. Good. We had so many different flavors, everything was Do yourself a favor and try something that you might not have experienced before, this one is an easy win!!! *would do any of Mark's tours, he's just that good!

Date of tour: December 21, 2024…read more After a wonderful food tour in Prague last year, we wanted to replicate the magic stateside while visiting New Orleans, a city with a rich food history and scene. As requested, I will keep the individual location names secret as to not spoil your potential food tour but also because the stops can change and I don't want to have you disappointed if you don't get the same places on your tour. Ty was a great guide, providing us with local history and culture as we ate our way down Magazine Street. The only complaint I have is that they didn't really interact with us during the food portions, standing or sitting off to the side, or running to the next location to make sure we were all set. To me, the guide should be not only the bridge between the locations and food with us, but also a bridge between the different groups on the tour. Ty told us before the tour started that the other folks joining us were from Michigan, but we found out from them later that they were actually from New York. Had these connections been made earlier, it would have enhanced the tour. On to the food, wonderful that it all was! Please note that I may make some errors in the actual names of the food, while I took pictures, I did not write down the names and there wasn't a post-tour recap to assist me! Stop #1: A local sandwich and a seafood side. Both quite good, especially since I don't like olives! Stop #2: An unusual meat that was shockingly good! Stop #3: Seafood options. I've had a different version of one of these items in Asheville, NC. This wasn't quite as good but still tasty. Stop #4: Southern favorites that were so good! I didn't think I would like these but I did. Stop #5: A peppermint fudge cupcake. Sadly, the weakest stop on the tour. Other that tried the gelato came away disappointed and my cupcake was neither overly fudgey or pepperminty. It looked pretty, though!

My food was absolutely amazing, It was firing on all cylinders. The service was superb, Julie is…read morevery pleasant and warm to everyone. My crawfish etoufee, potato salad, and catfish were all so delicious. The turkey wings were falling off the bone, chef's kiss. They've definitely gained a repeat customer in me.

Stopped here for a late lunch with a friend. You order and pay at the counter and they bring the…read morefood to you when it's done. The service was great! I got the seafood potato which was huge and had a good flavor. My only complaint is the potato itself wasn't hot, it was barely warm. My friend got the creole burger with fries which she enjoyed. I ordered the sweet tea but it tasted more like an Arnold Palmer which I'm not a fan of so I switched it out for the punch which was sweet but good. I would love to see some of the sides sold a la carte as I really wanted to try the potato salad and my friend wanted to try another side but it wasn't an option.