New Orleans At a Glance

Best Time to Go
It's no secret that long, hot summers are associated with New Orleans. Like much of the deep South, summer is sweltering. This is a cheap time to visit the Big Easy, if you can stomach the humidity. If you decide to visit between June and November, keep in mind that it's tornado and hurricane season. Plenty of Gulf storms make their way into town during these months, but a torrential downpour often cools the city down. The best time to visit New Orleans is during the winter months. Keep in mind that prices will be higher since this is the time of Mardi Gras, but the weather is perfect for travelers.

Average Weather
December-February: High 62, Low 45
March-May: Highs Mid-High 70s, Low Mid-High 50s
June-September: High Low 90s, Low Low 70s
October-November: High mid/high 70s, Low mid/high 50s

Transportation
If you're staying in the French Quarter, you'll find you're within walking distance to most everything, including downtown New Orleans, the Central Business District (CBD) and the nearby Garden District. If you can avoid driving at all costs, do so. It's a madhouse. You'll never find a parking spot and when you do, you'll pay dearly for it.

Cabs cruise the French Quarter and the CBD, but not beyond. The fare is $1.70 at the flag drop, 20˘ for each additional 1/5-mile, and 50˘ for each additional passenger.

There is also the St. Charles Streetcar, but it's limited in where it goes. Bus and St. Charles Streetcar fare is $1 (exact change); the Riverfront Streetcar ($1.25 exact change) links attractions along the Mississippi. The Vieux Carré Shuttle runs through the French Quarter to the foot of Canal Street. VisiTour passes, good on all RTA buses and streetcars, cost $4 (one day) and $8 (three days).

In-Season Costs
Prices are pretty high during the winter. If you can stand the heat, visit during the off season and you'll cut your rates by half.