Neighborhood of New Orleans, United States
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Central Business District (CBD) is the part of New Orleans similar to what many cities call "Downtown" (though in New Orleans this term is often used to refer to a broad portion of the city down river from Canal Street). Just "up" (meaning up the Mississippi River) from the French Quarter is the CBD. Like many other large American cities, this area has skyscrapers and modern office towers housing cooperate and regional offices; however some interesting 19th-century architecture is also preserved. The area also has hotels, residences, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Located here are the Morial Convention center, Lee Circle, Champion Square, and the gigantic Caesars Superdome. The main avenues are Canal Street, Poydras Street, Loyola Ave and St. Charles Ave.
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A fine aquarium at the foot of Canal Street. Take advantage of the combination ticket, which enables access to the Aquarium, the adjoining Entergy IMAX Theatre, and the Audubon Zoo which is uptown (shuttle provided).
Part of the Audubon Aquarium.
An attraction opened in 2008 in the historic old Custom House Building on Canal Street. As it's in a Federal building, you'll pass through a metal detector.
Displays from the American Civil War.
The center of what was the "Old American Quarter" in the early 19th century, with the city's neo-classical city hall and a belle epoch courthouse.
The colorful floats for many of the parades of New Orleans Mardi Gras are made here. Experience a taste of Mardi Gras any time of year.
It was built as the Louisiana Superdome, and is home of the NFL's New Orleans Saints. When no games or events are scheduled, you can take tours.
Located beside the Superdome, the Smoothie King Center (formerly New Orleans Arena) hosts smaller shows & sporting events. Most notably home to the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.
The first part of the city's large convention center complex was built during the 1984 World's Fair and is named after a former mayor.
Formerly the "D-Day Museum". Exhibits on the United States in World War II on the battlefronts and the home front. It has a restaurant, the "Victory Theater" presenting multi-media historical presentation, and the "Stage Door Canteen" featuring live music shows in the style of World War II-era USO shows.
The state's only land-based casino (there are riverboat gambling venues in the suburbs).
They host a good variety of local and visiting acts; definitely get a hold of their schedule in The Gambit, a weekly paper. (If you visited here before Katrina, they are now a block up the street from their former location.)
At Convention Center Boulevard. Cajun music.
Home of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
At Canal Street. The most gorgeous of the city's beautiful old picture palace theaters.
Swanky hotel bar often has good jazz pianists, vocalists, and small combos.
Sells chicory-flavored coffee with New Orleans beignets.
Soups, salad, wraps; breakfast & lunch.
Argentine steak house.
Crepes, quiches, sandwiches, salads.
At Convention Center Boulevard. The other well known Cajun place.
In the Warehouse District.
Contender for best restaurant, but very expensive; in the CBD just down from the Casino. They also serve a fine high-tea.
French Creole, noted for the seafood and duck dishes, and the luscious white chocolate bread pudding.
Renowned chef John Besh's signature restaurant featuring Contemporary French with a focus on local ingredients. Menu balances seafood, fowl and meat. Try either the 5 course tasting or the John Besh "Degustation" menu which changes nightly.
Handcrafted beer brewery and restaurant.
Relaxed. All-you-can-eat crawfish party Sunday evenings.
In the Roosevelt Hotel. Sip signature drinks like the original Sazerac cocktail or the Ramos gin fiz.
Swank upscale bar
HI New Orleans
This hostel offers both shared dorms and ensuite private rooms. Bathrooms for dorm guests are in the hallway, but they are all single-use. Dorms also have security lockers. Free breakfast and free wireless internet available.
Towards the upper end of the CBD, close to the Julia Street art galleries.
3-star Hilton on the banks of the Mississippi River, in storied New Orleans, Louisiana adjacent to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and only three blocks from the French Quarter.
Two blocks from Morial Convention Center.
Across the street from the New Orleans Convention Center. It offers upscale lodging.
Near the Superdome and City Hall.
Luxury hotel on the St. Charles Mardi Gras parade route.
Boutique hotel 2 blocks from the French Quarter.
One of the fanciest hotels in the city with the exception of the Ritz Carlton and Windsor Court. Elegant French and Old South stylings in the lobby. Featuring a Sunday "Jazz Brunch" with live music as well as a rooftop jacuzzi.
Boutique hotel 2 blocks from the French Quarter.
Top notch hotel in what had been the Maison Blanche Department Store building. It's the Windsor Court's rival for finest in town.
One of the city's grand old hotels; reopened in 2009 after a $145-million restoration modernized the rooms, returned the lobby to its historic glory, and reopened the famous Sazerac Bar and the Blue Room dinner & music venue. The lobby is worth a look even if you're not staying here.
A New Orleans hotel registered as a historic landmark.
One of the finer hotels in town, If you want the tops and are willing to pay top dollar for it, this is the place.
Has been selling a wide selection of men's hats here since 1894.
On a pier along the Mississippi Riverfront and connected to the New Orleans Hilton. In addition to a variety of shops, hosts a fine view of the Mississippi River.
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