How to Have Fun in the New Orleans French Quarter

The French Quarter in New Orleans is like no other place on earth. You can enjoy everything from spicy Cajun food to a night life that goes on 24 hours a day.

Instructions

1. 

   Reserve a room that is in the French Quarter. It is much easier to enjoy your visit when everything you need is within walking distance. For the upscale visit, you can stay at a place like the W Hotel. For a more budgeted stay, the Frenchman Inn on Frenchman street is absolutely wonderful.

2. 

   Begin your day with coffee and beignets. Stroll down the into the French Quarter and take a seat at Cafe du Monde. It's a world famous cafe that serves the best New Orleans pastry around...beignets.

3. 

   Continue walking past Cafe du Monde and do some shopping at the French Market. An open air market that boasts hand made goods, crafts and all other kinds of items, the French Market is the best place to find gifts to take home. Shopping is cheap and all items are negotiable.

4. Spend your day strolling through the French Quarter browsing though shops, art galleries and amazing cafes. Try some of the pralines and be sure that you have a cocktail or two. You might find the Kitchen Witch, a store with an amazing assortment of cookbooks, or you might want to duck into one of the many specialty clothing shops in the quarter.

5. 

   As night falls, the French Quarter comes alive. All good tourists should visit Bourbon Street. Composed of bars, clubs, strip joints and more, Bourbon street has something for every variety of hedonist. Be sure to stop and drink a Hand Grenade. They are available at the many Tropical Isle shops all along the quarter and it only takes one to take effect.

6. Stop in at the historic Pat O'Briens. Have one of their signature hurricanes and don't forget to have a snack. The coconut shrimp are amazing! Get there early and go directly to the Piano Bar. It's a favorite place for visitors and natives, so you may have to stand in line. Sing away your blues as dueling pianists play anything and everything that is requested and the crowd sings along.

7. Don't forget dinner! Visit Mulate's restaurant for some seafood and Cajun music. They have a live Cajun band every night and a dance floor big enough for a large crowd. It's on the edge of the French Quarter though, so you might want to take a taxi.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you begin your journey, print out a map of the French Quarter to use on your trip.

• Be sure to take a cab back to the hotel if you have too much to drink.