Population:
484,674
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time
Climate:
New Orleans at the height of summertime can be uncomfortably hot and muggy due to the area?s high humidity and temperatures in the 90s. However, frequent afternoon thunderstorms bring a brief respite from the heat. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, when the weather is much cooler. Winter temperatures are typically mild, however it can occasionally fall below freezing, and rain is not unlikely during the winter months. During Mardi Gras time in February and March, temperatures can range from the 40s into the 60s.
Airport:
Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)
900 Airline Drive
Kenner, LA 70062
504-464-0831
Located approximately 15 miles from downtown New Orleans
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-229-9424
Getting Around New Orleans:
New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA)
Street Cars and City Bus
504-827-8300
Taxis:
Checker-Yellow
504-843-2411
Coleman Cab Co.
504-586-0222
White Fleet Cab Co.
504-822-3800
United Cabs Co.
504-522-9771
Yellow-Checker Cabs
504-525-3311
Visitors Information:
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
2020 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
800-672-6124
Dining:
K-Paul?s Louisiana Kitchen
416 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-524-7394
Fans of Chef Paul Prudhomme flock to K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, manned by the world renowned Cajun chef himself. Spicy choices include seven-steak okra gumbo and crawfish étouffée. Top off your meal with bread pudding and sweet potato pecan pie. The elegant decor features patio and balcony seating in addition to the formal dining room.
Semolina Bistro Italia
3236 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-895-4260
Craving carbs? Semolina Bistro Italia puts a spin on the traditional spaghetti and lasagna. Culturally diverse entrees include pad Thai, paella, pasta jambalaya and chicken enchilada pasta. For those less daring, the chicken parmesan, southwest chicken and java pork chops are also tasty.
Nightlife:
Cat?s Meow
701 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
504-523-2788
The Cat's Meow is a popular French Quarter nightspot that features karaoke and dancing. It is located in an 1820s building with balconies overlooking Bourbon Street.
Audubon Club
1225 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-566-1717
Anything goes at the Audubon Club, known for being eclectic and risqué. Neighborhood locals frequent the bar during the day, but at night the clientèle ranges from cross dressers to college kids. Techno, house, rave and hip-hop music is played, and the hours between 2 and 4 a.m. bring the biggest, wildest crowds.