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Tourist Information

Basin St Station New Orleans Travel Information

Basin St Station New Orleans Welcome Center

The Basin St Station Welcome Center should be your first stop when you arrive in New Orleans. Located just outside the French Quarter at 501 Basin St, the Basin St Station is not just a New Orleans Visitor Center but a Visitor Information and Cultural Center wrapped up in one. Basin St Station presents an authentic introduction to New Orleans for locals and visitors alike. The first floor of this building is filled with travel information, travel guides, attraction brochures, historic New Orleans photos, several exhibits, kiosks, a huge satellite map of the region, a scaled model of the French Quarter, a gift shop with souvenirs, sodas and snacks, and lots of New Orleans history. There are also friendly travel counselors that can help you build a custom itinerary filled with things that you want to see and do while in New Orleans. While you are at the Basin St Station take a short break and watch the video “New Orleans: Cultural Crossroads of America”. It plays continuously throughout the day.

New Orleans Travel Information Visitors Center

Official Louisiana Travel Information Center * Jackson Square

There is an official Louisiana Travel Information Visitors Center located on Jackson Square at 529 St. Anne Street. There is no one there to sell you anything or scam you. Inside you will find helpful Louisiana State Tourist employees eager to answer your questions and ensure you find the attractions you are looking for. Here you will find a room of travel information such as magazines, travel guides, coupons, and brochures. I believe there hours are 9am - 5pm.

New Orleans National Park Visitors Center

National Park Visitors Center * French Quarter

There is a National Park Visitors Center located in the French Quarter at 419 Decatur Street. Here you will find exhibits, tourist information and travel guides on National Park properties in the New Orleans area such as the Chalmette Battlefield, the Jean Lafitte National Park (Barataria Preserve), and the New Orleans Jazz National Park. They also have exhibits, walking tours, films, music performances, folk life and cooking demonstrations, and talks by rangers to help you understand the history and culture of New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta. I believe this visitors center is open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm.

Helpful New Orleans Travel Information

Most drivers in New Orleans DO NOT yield to pedestrians! BE CAREFUL when crossing streets.
If it is hot, humid, and sunny. Walk on the shady side of the street. It makes a big difference.
If you are coming to New Orleans for a special event such as Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival, or the Jazz Festival, I recommend that you plan to arrive early and stay with us an extra day or more. You will avoid the traffic and the check-in rush so your arrival will be more pleasant. Don't worry there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans during your extra day(s).
If you are approached by some one asking “I bet $10 I can tell you where you got your shoes”. DO NOT make the bet but kindly tell them that you got your shoes on your feet on Bourbon Street or the name of what ever street you happen to be on.
The French Quarter offers very limited on street parking however if you drive along Decatur Street you will find several parking lots that offer abundant parking at an hourly rate.
Nothing is better than the taste of a freshly baked praline. So only purchase pralines from a shop that makes their pralines fresh daily.
The Superdome does not give tours any more.
Boiled crawfish are generally available from February until June.
Oysters are safe to eat all year round, but are best during autumn, winter and early spring. Many locals will tell you that during the holiday season oysters are at their peak. Being the perfect size, firm, and tasting like clean ocean water.
Yes, it is legal to drink on the streets of New Orleans, provided your beverage is in a go-cup (plastic container).
New Orleans Travel Information * Louisiana Travel Information Visitors Centers * Where to find travel guides * New Orleans Tourist Information * National Parks Visitors Center * Basin St Station New Orleans Welcome Center
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