Visiting New Orleans

[ISP-FL]

In April we will be camped about 160 miles from New Orleans. We would like to spend a couple afternoons in the city. For those of you that live in that area, or have visited recently, need some advise. Would we be better off just driving the car instead of TG? Any good safe places to park and then catch public transportation, or just drive right down into French quarter? Any other suggestions or "must see" ideas?

 

[2006gold]

In April we will be camped about 160 miles from New Orleans. We would like to spend a couple afternoons in the city. For those of you that live in that area, or have visited recently, need some advise. Would we be better off just driving the car instead of TG? Any good safe places to park and then catch public transportation, or just drive right down into French quarter? Any other suggestions or "must see" ideas?

I wouldn't recommend taking the TG. NOLA is a pretty high crime place. I found parking expensive, and would not leave anything you drive in any unsecure area.

Must admit, though, that I dislike NOLA and it's environs and would not go back unless forced too. Should have abandoned the place after Katrina.

 

[paws]

I sure would not take the trike. Too many “curious” people who don’t understand they should keep their hands off other people’s stuff.

One experience I had in N.O. was walking through the French Quarter with my purse slung over the shoulder opposite my husband. This short little guy kept walking right beside me - on the purse side. Made me pretty nervous - there was no reason for this - the sidewalk was not crowded, he could have gone on and we were walking pretty slow. I moved my purse to the opposite shoulder between me and hubby - POOF! , that little fella disappeared immediately. By the way, Hubby was not carrying his wallet in his hip pocket either, just in case. So...just be aware. Other than that - have fun! It’s an interesting place.

Just to add... I carry the purse cross-slung against one side of the neck and hanging across the opposite hip now if not wearing the waist-pak I usually take, which is my real choice of purse-carrying.

 

[Trent]

Spent a lotta time in N.O. I would not take my Trike there. Nope. Save yourself some worry time and possible downtime from something missing and take a car. Just my humble opinion.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Every time I ride to NO, I stay in nearby hotels with indoor parking so I can just walk to French Quarter. Some of these hotels will have paid parking even if not staying there. My bikes have always been safe. Oh, and wallet on chain moved to side pocket also.

 

[ISP-FL]

Thank for advice! I was leaning towards driving our car anyway so based on advice here I will do that.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I have not been to NO yet

Still want to go some day

 

[Jack Klarich]

I have a friend in Beloxi, he says get there early on a Sunday morning, see the sites and get out before the crazies hit the streets

 

[ISP-FL]

I have not been to NO yet

Still want to go some day

You certainly are within a weekend trip from there. I'm thinking if we go in April it won't be that busy. If we visit the French Quarter and leave by 3pm or so it may not be that crazy either.

 

[ultrafxr]

I have been to NOLA many, many times both in a car and on a bike - two wheeler. Don't know about trikes but parking lots in and around the French Quarter do not allow motorcycles. Reason they state is they can slip through the gate arm and avoid paying. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me but several years ago we had to ride around for quite a while searching for a parking lot. As someone else mentioned you can park in one of the hotel garages. We wound up parking in the Hotel Monteleone garage. Ain't cheap but then nothing is.

I know there is crime in the Quarter but we've been there at all times of the day and night and never had any problem. Just be aware of what's going on around you as you would in any crowded city and have fun. It is a neat place to visit.