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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: lil_miss_frugal on May 10, 2016, 10:20:08 AM

Title: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: lil_miss_frugal on May 10, 2016, 10:20:08 AM
Hello all, I have an upcoming first time trip in New Orleans. Is there any recommendations on parking. I've heard parking can be very expensive in the French Quarter area. I'm thinking about just leaving my car at the hotel and just catching an Uber. Any recommendations?
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: dougules on May 10, 2016, 11:12:07 AM
Driving and parking in New Orleans can be painful.  That's actually what makes it a nice place since not being so car-friendly makes it much more pedestrian-friendly. 

What I would do depends on where you're staying and how far you're willing to walk.  You could just walk straight from your hotel or take the street car if you're staying in the Garden District, CBD, or Marigny.  I think you can also find decent street-side parking if you go deep enough into Marigny or Bywater, then walk back into the Quarter. 

If you're not up for the walk or the streetcar, I would take Uber.  Driving and parking in the Quarter completely sucks. 
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: MrsPete on May 10, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
When I visited New Orleans (never again -- it was not a fun place), we were forced to pay an outrageous amount to park at the hotel.  I think it was something like $30/night, and it wasn't safe; some of the cars in the guarded lot were broken into during the night.

If you're staying in the French Quarter, you probably don't need rides; everything's quite close. 
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: dougules on May 10, 2016, 11:38:44 AM
When I visited New Orleans (never again -- it was not a fun place), we were forced to pay an outrageous amount to park at the hotel.  I think it was something like $30/night, and it wasn't safe; some of the cars in the guarded lot were broken into during the night.

If you're staying in the French Quarter, you probably don't need rides; everything's quite close.

The inner parts of New Orleans were not made for cars, so you will pay a lot to park there, or you will have to get creative and walk a long way.  It's an economic disincentive to bringing a car into a real city where it has no place. 

New Orleans is also not for everybody.  If you love places that are clean, orderly, and quiet, you will probably hate New Orleans.  If you always look for the parking space closest to the door, you will probably hate New Orleans.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a place that's got some life to it, that is walkable, that has character, and you don't mind a little grime, then you should definitely go. 

And if you decide to take your car into New Orleans, don't leave stuff visible through the window.  Put everything you leave into the trunk.  It's New Orleans, not Iowa. 
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: dragoncar on May 10, 2016, 12:36:46 PM
Is probably find a cheap secure lot further away and leave it there.  I recently went to NOLA and friend rented a car.  We easily found street parking outside the quarter, but has to move it a few times.  We walked or took transit everywhere, only rented the car because it was cheaper than cabs from the airport (there's a bus but it's slowwwww)
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: lil_miss_frugal on May 10, 2016, 01:53:30 PM
Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm staying in Metairie which is like 8 miles from the French Quarter. I found out my hotel has shuttle service that goes to the downtown area twice a day so this may be an option plus Uber. Don't think I'll be driving now.
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: b_girl on May 10, 2016, 02:20:19 PM
Just take the shuttle and then walk. Or just flag a cab down. Depending on where you are going it may not be worth it as it will be easier and faster to just walk. Just walk and enjoy the scenery.

Don't drive downtown if you have a choice. It's difficult for people that are unfamiliar with the city and the crazy one ways and turns.

If you haven't been warned... Stick with others, don't go down dark allies... don't do stupid stuff. Be safe and have fun.

If you want food recommendations... let me know. The FQ is notorious for sub par tourist food.
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: b_girl on May 10, 2016, 02:53:43 PM
Here are a few of my New Orleans recommendations:

1. For good Jazz... Go to Preservation Music Hall. This is the best atmosphere(small and intimate) to listen to real good Jazz. Get there early to get a seat. It is usually standing room only. Much better than any bar. True Gem.
2. Avoid eating in the FQ unless someone has recommended it. I personally find that most places in the FQ aren't that good for the price.
3. Outside the FQ most places are (in general) fine to eat at. Holes in the wall can have awesome food. Do not let the appearance influence your decision.
4. Take the Canal Street car up to the Walgreens and get off and eat at Juans Flying Burrito(directly across from walgreens on canal). Local place and has awesome Mexican with New Orleans twist. I highly recommend the Redfish Tacos, Western Chicken Burrito or the Pulled Pork and Spicy Slaw Tacos. Great food and cheap! Funky place.
5. Good Creole place is Mandina's right off Canal streetcar. I think they only take cash though they have an atm. MUST GET the crab claws appetizer. Katies is close to here also. Katies was featured on Diners, Dives and Drive Ins.
6. We've taken the Vampire walking tour and it was fun!! I recommend a night tour.
7. Muriel's in the FQ is a nice place to eat. A more expensive night but it has good food and good service.
8. Avoid Poppy's on the riverwalk. Food is HORRIBLE.. unless you are getting seafood bucket. Even the burgers are bad. But it is so tempting because it sits on the river walk overlooking the water.
9. The best Pina Colada's EVER.. is in the French Market (by Cafe Du Monde). OMG.. .so good.... also the Mango Daquirii is awesome! They use real fruit... and real ice cream (no cheap mixes). It's a Daquiri stand - can't remember the name.
10. It's fun to just go thru the French Market and try things at all the food places while browsing. The roasted corn is supposed to be excellent.
11. Port of Call, on the edge the FQ, has great burgers and baked potatoes. Beware.. there is a reason the bar is dark and the bartenders are characters. For local flavor eat at the bar and strike up random convo's with people (which is not hard in NO). The bartender (tall skinny guy) has been there forever and is full of color.
12. HIGHLY recommend Emeril's rest NOLA in quarter. Get the shrimp an grits. I know this doesn't sound good to non Southerners typically - but his are a little different take and are excellent. Also, try the stuffed wings. Different take and incredible. Don't buy the story the waiter tells you about the little old lady that won't share her recipe. She did sell it to Emeril. Seriously... this would be my go to place for a nice place. A fun atmosphere.
13. Oysters... MUST go to Dragos in Hilton for grilled oysters. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait.. but THE BEST.
14. Court of Two Sisters is a good place for their brunch. Beautiful place and you can try a lot of stuff.
15. Cafe Du Monde... Hmmm... it's a must once for sure. The line can be crazy though. I don't wait in the crazy lines. It's friend dough with powered sugar. It's more a 'I went to Cafe Du Monde' type of thing.

Over all.... find a local person and ask them opinions. New Orleanians LOVE to talk about food. You will not be disappointed. I could go on and on with recommendations but this is a good.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: lil_miss_frugal on May 10, 2016, 03:20:21 PM
Thanks!

Here are a few of my New Orleans recommendations:

1. For good Jazz... Go to Preservation Music Hall. This is the best atmosphere(small and intimate) to listen to real good Jazz. Get there early to get a seat. It is usually standing room only. Much better than any bar. True Gem.
2. Avoid eating in the FQ unless someone has recommended it. I personally find that most places in the FQ aren't that good for the price.
3. Outside the FQ most places are (in general) fine to eat at. Holes in the wall can have awesome food. Do not let the appearance influence your decision.
4. Take the Canal Street car up to the Walgreens and get off and eat at Juans Flying Burrito(directly across from walgreens on canal). Local place and has awesome Mexican with New Orleans twist. I highly recommend the Redfish Tacos, Western Chicken Burrito or the Pulled Pork and Spicy Slaw Tacos. Great food and cheap! Funky place.
5. Good Creole place is Mandina's right off Canal streetcar. I think they only take cash though they have an atm. MUST GET the crab claws appetizer. Katies is close to here also. Katies was featured on Diners, Dives and Drive Ins.
6. We've taken the Vampire walking tour and it was fun!! I recommend a night tour.
7. Muriel's in the FQ is a nice place to eat. A more expensive night but it has good food and good service.
8. Avoid Poppy's on the riverwalk. Food is HORRIBLE.. unless you are getting seafood bucket. Even the burgers are bad. But it is so tempting because it sits on the river walk overlooking the water.
9. The best Pina Colada's EVER.. is in the French Market (by Cafe Du Monde). OMG.. .so good.... also the Mango Daquirii is awesome! They use real fruit... and real ice cream (no cheap mixes). It's a Daquiri stand - can't remember the name.
10. It's fun to just go thru the French Market and try things at all the food places while browsing. The roasted corn is supposed to be excellent.
11. Port of Call, on the edge the FQ, has great burgers and baked potatoes. Beware.. there is a reason the bar is dark and the bartenders are characters. For local flavor eat at the bar and strike up random convo's with people (which is not hard in NO). The bartender (tall skinny guy) has been there forever and is full of color.
12. HIGHLY recommend Emeril's rest NOLA in quarter. Get the shrimp an grits. I know this doesn't sound good to non Southerners typically - but his are a little different take and are excellent. Also, try the stuffed wings. Different take and incredible. Don't buy the story the waiter tells you about the little old lady that won't share her recipe. She did sell it to Emeril. Seriously... this would be my go to place for a nice place. A fun atmosphere.
13. Oysters... MUST go to Dragos in Hilton for grilled oysters. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait.. but THE BEST.
14. Court of Two Sisters is a good place for their brunch. Beautiful place and you can try a lot of stuff.
15. Cafe Du Monde... Hmmm... it's a must once for sure. The line can be crazy though. I don't wait in the crazy lines. It's friend dough with powered sugar. It's more a 'I went to Cafe Du Monde' type of thing.

Over all.... find a local person and ask them opinions. New Orleanians LOVE to talk about food. You will not be disappointed. I could go on and on with recommendations but this is a good.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: b_girl on May 10, 2016, 04:04:56 PM
In case you do take the street car up Canal... and turn on Carrollton... stop at Pandora's (the snow cone place). New Orleans snow cones are unlike anywhere else. Get half mango/half cherry with ice cream in the middle and on top. Yummy!!!


Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: GuinnessPhish on May 11, 2016, 02:19:47 PM
For the best fried chicken ever:  Willie Mae's Scotch House.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/willie-maes-scotch-house-new-orleans?sort_by=date_desc
Title: Re: Parking in New Orleans
Post by: Bateaux on May 11, 2016, 09:00:14 PM
Get a bike.  I bike in New Orleans all thr time.  Use a quality ULock.  There are fun rides by bike nearly every day.  Just do a google search or facebook.  See NOLA Social ride.  Getupandride  many more open ride groups.  There is also a $5 FOR 10 hours lot beside the visiter center.   Near Armstrong Park.

When you headed down? 

Let me know if i can help.